How To Find a Job in Europe as a Non-EU Citizen
Discover insider tips and a step-by-step guide for non-EU citizens to successfully navigate the European job market and secure employment abroad.
Finding a job in Europe as someone from outside the European Union (EU) is not easy. It can be really tough and frustrating at times. But here's the good news - it is still possible to make it happen.
You just need to have the right plan and mindset going in. It also helps to know what to expect. For most people, it usually takes about 12-16 months to land a job in Europe from start to finish. That’s based on data I’ve gathered from job seekers who successfully made the move. That includes time for things like applying for work visas.
How long it takes you personally will depend on the specific kind of job you're looking for too. Some fields, like software engineering, tend to have more openings than others. So you might be able to find a position a bit faster in an in-demand field.
In general, it’s better to keep your expectations realistic when it comes to finding a job quickly—like within a few weeks or even months—especially if you’re looking for admin roles or similar types of jobs.
Getting hired in Europe as a non-EU citizen takes a good amount of patience and persistence. Just remember, lots of people have done it before - and you can too!
Understanding the European Job Market
Before you start applying to jobs in Europe, it's important to know what you're getting into. The job market there is different in a few key ways, especially if you're used to how things work in your home country.
For one thing, the competition for jobs has gotten a lot tougher in Europe over the last several years. There are more people than ever trying to get hired. That means openings tend to fill up faster, and employers can be pickier about who they choose.
Because of this, most companies hiring in Europe today would prefer to hire local candidates who already have the legal right to work there. Choosing someone from outside the EU can mean extra time (sometimes 2-6 months or even more) and costs for the company.
They may have to sponsor your work visa and pay to help you relocate, but a lot of businesses just aren't willing to do that, especially for entry-level roles.
So what does this mean for you? When you're job searching from abroad, you need to look for positions that are harder for companies to fill locally. You also need to be really competitive compared to EU candidates in your field. One big way to do that is by speaking the local language or having the niche skills that companies are looking for.
In most European countries, English alone often isn't enough anymore. If you're applying somewhere that speaks French, German, Spanish, or another language - your chances of getting hired go way up if you can speak it too. Companies prefer candidates who can communicate easily with local clients and coworkers.
If you do not speak the local language, you will need to target international corporations like Amazon, where the internal language is English. Of course, even in these companies, some jobs will still need you to speak the local language.
So at this point, you might be thinking - wow, getting a European job sounds impossible! But don't lose hope. Even though it's not easy, people from all over the world get hired in the EU every year. The key is being realistic about what it takes and making yourself the strongest candidate possible.
Best Practices for Your European Job Search
1. Determining your target role and ideal European location
The first step in your job search is figuring out what kind of job you want and where in Europe you'd like to work. Think about your skills, experience, and career goals. What types of roles are you qualified for and excited about? Consider factors like language requirements, industry hubs, and living preferences when choosing your ideal European country or city. Doing this self-reflection and research upfront will help you focus your efforts and increase your chances of success.
If you're picking a location, I'd suggest starting with the capital city and the next biggest one since they usually have more companies that hire foreigners.
2. Researching work visa requirements and application process
Before diving into your job search, it's crucial to understand the visa requirements and application steps for your target countries. Each European country has its own rules and processes for work visas. Some may have special visas for high-demand fields or quotas for certain nationalities.
Look up the specific requirements for your situation on government websites or through expat forums. Make a note of any language or skill prerequisites, application fees, and estimated processing timelines. Having a clear understanding of the visa process will help you plan your job search timeline and communicate confidently with potential employers.
3. Building a network of European industry contacts
Networking is a powerful tool for finding job opportunities and getting your foot in the door with European employers. Start by reaching out to professional contacts who have experience working in Europe or in your target industry.
Join online forums, social media groups, and expat communities related to your field and location of interest. Attend virtual or in-person networking events, conferences, or webinars to connect with professionals based in Europe. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself, ask for advice, and express your interest in working in Europe. Building relationships with people who can provide insights, referrals, or job leads will be invaluable in your search.
4. Identifying companies that sponsor work visas
While some European companies may be hesitant to hire non-EU citizens due to the extra time and costs involved in sponsoring visas, others are more open to it for the right candidates. Research companies in your target industry and location that have a history of hiring international talent or sponsoring work visas. I wrote an article on “How to find a job with visa sponsorship” that you might want to check out.
Look for information on their careers pages, social media accounts, or by searching online forums and expat blogs. You can also reach out to recruiters who specialize in international placements or contact companies directly to inquire about their policies on hiring non-EU citizens. Focusing your search on these global-minded companies can lead to more promising opportunities.
5. Highlight relevant skills like language abilities
On your resume and LinkedIn profile, make sure to showcase any skills that will help you stand out to European employers. One of the biggest ones is language skills. If you speak any European languages, even at a basic level, be sure to mention it!
Other good skills to highlight include:
International work or study experience
Familiarity with European business practices/culture
Technical skills that are in-demand in your target country
Soft skills like adaptability, communication, and collaboration
6. Tailoring applications and preparing for international interviews
When applying to jobs in Europe, it's essential to tailor your application materials to the specific company, role, and cultural context. In addition to adapting your resume and cover letter, research the company's values, mission, and recent projects. Incorporate this knowledge into your applications to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
If you land an interview, prepare to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the role and how you would navigate cultural differences in the workplace. Practice common interview questions and consider how to best showcase your language abilities, adaptability, and international mindset. Being well-prepared and confident in your ability to thrive in a European work environment will set you apart from other candidates.
Best Job Search Sites in Europe
While LinkedIn is a popular platform for job searching worldwide, it's crucial to also utilize job search websites specific to your target European countries. Many companies in Europe prefer to post openings on local job boards rather than global sites like LinkedIn. This means you could be missing out on great opportunities by limiting your search to just one platform.
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Job Search Sites in Europe
Albania: Duapune (www.duapune.com)
Austria: Karriere.at (www.karriere.at)
Belgium: VDAB (www.vdab.be)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: MojPosao (www.mojposao.ba)
Bulgaria: Jobs.bg (www.jobs.bg)
Croatia: Moj Posao (www.moj-posao.net)
Cyprus: Cyprus Jobs (www.cyprusjobs.com)
Czech Republic: Jobs.cz (www.jobs.cz), Prace.cz (prace.cz)
Denmark: Jobindex (www.jobindex.dk)
Estonia: CV.ee (www.cv.ee), CVKeskus (cvkeskus.ee)
Finland: TE-palvelut (www.te-palvelut.fi)
France: Pôle Emploi (www.pole-emploi.fr)
Germany: Stepstone (www.stepstone.de)
Greece: Kariera.gr (www.kariera.gr)
Hungary: Profession.hu (www.profession.hu)
Iceland: Alfred.is (www.alfred.is)
Ireland: Jobs.ie (www.jobs.ie)
Italy: InfoJobs (www.infojobs.it)
Kosovo: KosovaJob (www.kosovajob.com)
Latvia: CV.lv (www.cv.lv)
Lithuania: CVbankas (www.cvbankas.lt)
Luxembourg: Jobs.lu (www.jobs.lu)
Malta: Keepmeposted (www.keepmeposted.com.mt)
Montenegro: Zaposli.me (www.zaposli.me)
North Macedonia: Vrabotuvanje.com.mk (www.vrabotuvanje.com.mk)
Norway: Finn (www.finn.no)
Poland: Pracuj.pl (www.pracuj.pl), RocketJobs (rocketjobs.pl)
Portugal: Net-Empregos (www.net-empregos.com), SAPO Emprego (emprego.sapo.pt)
Romania: eJobs (www.ejobs.ro)
Serbia: Infostud (www.infostud.com)
Slovakia: Profesia.sk (www.profesia.sk)
Slovenia: Moje Delo (www.mojedelo.com)
Spain: InfoJobs Spain (www.infojobs.net)
Sweden: Arbetsförmedlingen (www.arbetsformedlingen.se)
Switzerland: Jobs.ch (www.jobs.ch)
The Netherlands: Nationale Vacaturebank (www.nationalevacaturebank.nl)
Ukraine: Robota (www.robota.ua), Work.ua (work.ua), Djinni (djinni.co)
United Kingdom: Reed.co.uk (www.reed.co.uk)
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European Job Boards
EU Remote Jobs (www.euremotejobs.com)
JobTeaser (www.jobteaser.com)
EuroJobs (www.eurojobs.com)
No Fluff Jobs (www.nofluffjobs.com)
JobsInNetwork (www.jobsinnetwork.com)
EURES (eures.europa.eu) Indeed (www.indeed.com)
LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com)
Tips for using job boards to find expat-friendly employers
When using these job search sites, keep an eye out for certain clues that an employer may be more open to international candidates. Look for job descriptions written in English (or multiple languages), mentions of visa sponsorship, or phrasing like "open to candidates from all nationalities."
Pay attention to companies with "global," "international," or "worldwide" in their names, as they may be more likely to hire expats. Filter your searches by keywords like "visa sponsorship," "relocation support," or "multicultural teams."
You can also research forums, blogs, or reviews specific to job searching as a foreign candidate in Europe for first-hand accounts of which employers are known for international hiring. By using targeted strategies on these job boards, you'll be able to surface roles and companies that are a strong match for your background and visa needs.
How To Find a Job in a European Country
We've covered a lot of ground, from understanding the unique challenges of the European job market to networking strategically and preparing for the visa process. Looking back, a few key themes emerged:
Getting a job in Europe from outside the EU is hard, but definitely possible with the right approach.
Focusing your search on a few target countries and connecting with people in your field there is key.
The more you can do to make yourself a strong, well-rounded candidate, like learning the local language and highlighting relevant skills, the better.
The job search process takes serious patience - often a year or more. Embracing that from the start and staying positive is a must!
Looking for jobs on local websites can help you find opportunities that aren’t listed on LinkedIn.
The best thing you can do now is to start taking action on what you've learned. Pick one of the steps we discussed and begin there. Whether it's polishing your LinkedIn profile, signing up for a language class, or reaching out to a European contact for advice - every small step brings you closer to your goal.
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7 Key Steps for Non-EU Citizens to Find Jobs in Europe
Finding a job in Europe isn’t easy, but here are my top 7 tips that I always share with the people I coach. These tips have helped dozens of people land their new job and cut down the time it takes to find one: