JAPA: Seven countries where you can relocate without a job offer
Foreign immigrants aspiring to relocate abroad, a.k.a Japa, without a prior job offer, now have more options, as several countries have introduced or expanded their Job Seeker Visa programmes.
A Job Seeker Visa allows qualified individuals to live in a country temporarily while searching for employment opportunities, without requiring pre-arranged sponsorship. It offers job seekers structured time to secure employment and often paves the way for long-term residence once a job is found.
If you’re considering an international career move, here are seven countries now welcoming foreigners through job seeker visa pathways.
7 Countries welcoming foreigners through a job seeker visa
1. Germany
Germany remains a top choice due to its strong economy, particularly in sectors like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
Visa: Germany Job Seeker Visa
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility: Must be over 18, hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, have five years’ relevant work experience, and show proof of financial stability (minimum €5,604).
Key documents: Passport, recent photos, cover letter, degree certificates, accommodation proof, CV, health insurance, financial proof, and ID like a birth certificate or Aadhaar card.
2. Austria
Austria targets highly qualified workers, assessed through a 100-point system based on education, research, awards, and language skills.
Visa: Austria Job Seeker Visa for Highly Qualified Workers
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility: Minimum of 70 points out of 100.
Key documents: Passport, accommodation proof, health insurance, financial proof, and supporting documents to validate eligibility.
3. Sweden
Sweden’s permit caters to individuals with advanced academic qualifications aiming to seek work or start a business.
Visa: Sweden Residence Permit for Job Seeking or Business Start-Up
Duration: Three to nine months
Eligibility: Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD) and proof of financial stability.
Key documents: Passport, academic transcripts, financial proof, health insurance, and a letter of consent for degree verification.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE offers a flexible visa for professionals and top university graduates.
Visa: UAE Job Seeker Visa
Duration: 60, 90, or 120 days
Eligibility: Professionals in designated fields or graduates from top 500 universities within two years.
Key documents: Passport, photos, attested degree certificates.
5. Portugal
Portugal’s programme offers a way to enter the country and search for work without needing a pre-arranged job.
Visa: Portugal Job Seeker Visa
Duration: 120 days, extendable by 60 days
Eligibility: As outlined by Portugal’s Diplomatic Portal.
Key documents: Visa form, passport, photos, criminal record certificate, travel insurance, and proof of financial means (equivalent to at least three months of minimum wage).
6. Spain
Spain offers a job search permit specifically for graduates of Spanish institutions.
Visa: Spain Residence Permit for Job Search or Business Start-Up
Duration: 12 to 24 months
Eligibility: Graduation from a Spanish university, holding a Level 6 or higher qualification.
Key documents: Passport, health insurance certificate, Spanish academic certificate, and completed EX01 application form.
7. Denmark
Denmark provides job-seeking permits to professionals who recently lost employment and to new graduates.
Visa: Denmark Job Seeking Permit (Post-Study or Post-Employment)
Duration: Up to six months
Eligibility: Employees laid off under certain Danish schemes or graduates with a PhD or equivalent Danish degree.
Key documents: Passport, fee payment proof, dismissal letter (for employees), and biometric data.
For those seeking to broaden their professional horizons, these Job Seeker Visa options open new doors for international career advancement without the need for initial sponsorship.
