Long term
- published on 10/1/2024
- 4min
European countries that offer skilled worker visas
Skills shortages are on the rise in Europe, with nearly two-thirds of businesses in EU countries struggling to fill crucial roles. [1] This has led to the introduction of a number of initiatives by European governments, such as skilled worker visas, which aim to attract top talent in an effort to boost their economies.
Table of contents
1. What is a skilled worker visa?
2. Which countries in Europe are offering skilled worker visas?
In this blog, discover the countries that have recently implemented specialist worker permits and other measures for foreign nationals to tackle this prominent issue.
What is a skilled worker visa?
A skilled worker visa allows foreign nationals to work in another country in roles that require specialist knowledge or qualifications. They are used as a tool to encourage top talent to join their workforce and to help meet labour demands.
The application process for this type of visa is often fast-tracked to ensure efficiency and fill role shortages quicker. In recent years, eligibility criteria has been relaxed to appeal to a broader audience, such as reducing minimum salary requirements and increasing the types of jobs classed as specialist.
Which countries in Europe are offering skilled worker visas?
Below we have compiled a list of some of the countries that offer skilled worker visas to give an idea of where expatriate skills and experience are sought after.
Netherlands
One of the ways the Netherlands is seeking to address its skills shortages is with the Skilled Migration visa, which an employer will apply for on behalf of their employee. Some eligibility criteria includes having a valid employment contract and meeting minimum salary requirements (those under 30 need to earn at least €3,909 per month).
They have also brought in a residence permit for highly educated persons, which enables graduates of a degree course in the Netherlands to apply for jobs or start a business in the country. It is valid for a year, with the aim being to find skilled workers who will benefit the Dutch economy.
For foreign nationals who are working in the Netherlands, the “30% ruling” allows them to receive 30% of their salary tax free for up to 5 years. This is a huge incentive to encourage international talent to settle here.
Check out our guide on applying for visas for the Netherlands for further useful information.
Germany
With the introduction of the Skilled Immigration Act in 2020, the German government has been aiming to simplify the process for specialist workers to gain employment in the country.
For example, one of the measures introduced as part of this in 2024 means foreign nationals can remain here for up to 12 months to complete any professional qualifications needed for their job role.
Another perk for those looking for employment in Germany is the fast-track scheme for skilled workers. For an additional fee, employers can submit an application on behalf of their employee, and expect a turnaround time of around four months.
Other solutions implemented by the government consists of refining the set criteria for EU Blue card applicants in Germany. This includes lowering the salary threshold and extending the types of specialisms that are accepted under the scheme.
Take a look at our blog for an overview of the pros and cons of living in Germany for an overview of what life is like for expats here.
Finland
Finland’s skilled worker permit came into force in June 2022, helping foreign nationals with specialist knowledge and qualifications to enter the workforce. Examples of pre-requisites for this permit are having a gross salary of €3,638 per month as well as a valid employment contract.
While waiting for this to be approved, workers can apply for the “D” visa. This allows holders to enter Finland immediately and stay up to 100 days, improving flexibility for prospective employees.
In 2023 the government implemented the Talent Boost Programme, which will run until 2027. The purpose of this is to attract and retain foreign talent to meet the growing demands of its labour market, including recent graduates.
Additionally, a fast track scheme was brought in in June 2022 with the aim of facilitating the application process for certain types of visas in a two-week turnaround. Visas suitable for this incorporate the EU Blue Card, the ICT residence permit and the skilled worker permit.
Portugal
In recent years, Portugal has been experiencing skills gaps in many industries, including in tech, logistics, property and healthcare.
The Portuguese highly skilled worked visa is designed to fill some of these skills shortages, and offers a 30-day approval process for applications. With this visa, the holder has the same rights and freedoms as EU citizens, and can apply for an EU Blue Card once they have ben living in Portugal for a period of eighteen months.
Other efforts to encourage HNWs (High Net Worth Individuals) into Portugal include the Non-Habitual Tax Regime. Under this scheme, foreign residents can benefit from reduced tax rates, such as 10% on overseas pensions and 20% on income earned in Portugal.
The government also introduced a digital nomad visa for non-EU/EEA citizens in October 2022 to encourage remote workers to work here and help drive economic growth. It is valid for one year, but can be renewed. Find out more on the Portuguese government’s website.
Denmark
The Positive List for Skilled Work details the Danish industries that are suffering from a lack of skills, and is updated annually. The purpose of the List is to enable international talent to obtain work permits for Denmark to help address skills shortages.
Similar to other countries on the list, Denmark offers a fast track scheme for non-EU/EEA nationals to attract top talent to the country quickly and more efficiently. With this, highly qualified applicants can submit a visa application and have it approved within 30 days if they have an employment offer from a sponsored company.
Another way the Danish government has been seeking to recruit foreign workers to Denmark is through the Pay Limit Scheme. This allows highly paid workers to apply for a residence permit without needing to meet any specific qualification pre-requisites. However, you must be earning at least DKK 487,000 a year, with the salary paid into a Danish bank account.
