Immigration Law · European Union
Secure the Right Work Permit for Your Job in Europe
A job offer is only half the story — you also need the employment authorisation that lets you legally take it. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted immigration lawyer who handles work permit applications in your target country, so an avoidable paperwork error never costs you the role.
- 14 practice areas, 155+ legal services
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- Matched free — no obligation
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
Non-EU workers with a job offer — and the employers who want to hire them
A work permit is the authorisation that lets a non-EU national legally take up employment in a European country. In most cases it is tied to a specific job and employer, and it is distinct from a work visa: the visa lets you enter, while the permit lets you work once you are there. Across Europe the two are often part of a single, employer-driven process — frequently the employer or the role must be approved first, through a labour-market test, a sponsorship scheme or a recognised category such as a highly skilled worker permit. Salary thresholds, quotas and application channels vary sharply between countries and change often, and the permit usually lapses or must be amended if you change jobs. We match you, free of charge, with a lawyer who handles work permits in your target country, so both your application and your employer’s obligations are managed correctly.
Why job offers fall through
The employer has to do its part too.
Most work permits are a two-sided application.
Labour-market tests, sponsorship duties and strict role conditions mean a work permit can fail on the employer’s side just as easily as yours.
Labour-market requirements
Many countries require proof that no suitable local or EU candidate was available before a permit is granted. Getting this test or its exemption wrong is a frequent cause of refusal.
Tied to one employer
Most work permits are tied to a specific job and employer. Changing roles, salaries or companies often means a new or amended permit, and getting this wrong can leave you working unlawfully.
Salary and role conditions
Thresholds for minimum salary, qualifications and the match between the role and your credentials vary by country and category. Falling short on any one of them blocks the whole application.
What you get
A lawyer who manages both sides of the application
We match you with immigration lawyers who handle work permits for employees and employers in your target country regularly.
The right permit identified
Your lawyer determines which work permit category fits your job and profile — standard, highly skilled, intra-company transfer or seasonal — and confirms the one with the most realistic chance of approval.
Employer obligations covered
Labour-market tests, sponsorship duties and role advertising requirements are prepared and filed correctly on the employer’s side, so a procedural mistake there never delays your start date.
A compliant application
Qualifications, salary evidence and supporting documents are reviewed line by line against current rules before submission, removing the small errors that most often trigger refusal.
Changes handled later
If you switch jobs, employers or locations, your lawyer manages the amendment or new application promptly so you never fall out of valid status between roles.
Coverage
Work permit lawyers across Europe
Work permit rules are set nationally and differ sharply between countries, so the right lawyer is one who works with your target country’s employment and immigration system. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Work permits — common questions
What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa?
A work visa authorises your entry into the country for employment, while a work permit authorises you to actually take up the job. In most European countries the two are linked in one process, but they remain separate legal steps that must both be completed.
Do I need a job offer before applying for a work permit?
In most countries yes — the work permit is typically tied to a specific employer and role, and the employer is often required to sponsor or support the application. A few routes, such as job-seeker or self-employment categories, work differently, and a lawyer can advise on your options.
Can I change jobs with my work permit?
It depends on the country and permit type. Many permits are tied to one employer and require a new or amended permit when you change jobs. A lawyer can confirm the rules for your specific permit and manage the change so you stay in valid status.
Does my employer have obligations in the work permit process?
Yes, in most countries the employer must complete steps such as labour-market tests, sponsorship registration or role approval. If the employer’s side is filed incorrectly, the application can be refused even when your own documents are perfect.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Europe?
Processing times vary by country, permit type and the employer’s obligations, typically from a few weeks to several months. Incomplete documents and backlogs are the main causes of delay, and a lawyer familiar with the local process can often speed things up.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence?
In many countries, yes — years spent on a work permit generally count toward permanent or long-term residence, provided you meet continuity and other conditions. A lawyer can map the full path from your first permit to lasting status.
Free case review
Don’t let paperwork cost you the job
Tell us about your role and target country, and we’ll connect you with a lawyer who handles work permits there — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.