You can discover on these pages whether you fall into any of the categories of people covered by the EU Directives. Further information on the basic criteria can also be found on this page. If you already know which category you come under and which Member State you wish to immigrate to, you can directly look for information on the map.
The information on these pages applies in 25 of the 27 EU countries, excluding Ireland and Denmark.
Individuals with a work contract or binding job offer in the EU and proof of higher professional qualifications or at least three years of relevant work experience
Who is a highly-qualified worker under the EU Blue Card Directive?
You are considered a highly-qualified worker if you have a work contract (or a binding job offer) of at least six months, and if you meet the conditions listed below:
- You must prove that you have ‘higher professional qualifications’, either by showing a higher education qualification (such as a university degree) or by having at least three years of relevant professional experience (if such experience is recognised as qualifications in the Member State concerned);
- You must work as a paid employee - the EU Blue Card does not apply to self-employed work or entrepreneurs;
- Your annual gross salary meets the national salary threshold which must be at least 1 to 1.6 times the average national salary, depending on the Member State;
- You must have the necessary travel documents. You must have health insurance for yourself and any relatives who come to the EU with you;
- You must prove that you fulfil the legal requirements to practice your profession, where this profession is regulated.
What is an EU Blue Card?
An EU Blue Card allows highly-qualified workers from outside the EU the right to live and work in an EU Member State, provided they meet qualifications and salary requirements. For more information, click on an EU country on the map and then select 'EU Blue Card'. Member States may also have national schemes for highly qualified workers, which differ from the EU Blue Card in terms of conditions and benefits.
The European Union has taken commitments in trade agreements concerning the temporary entry and stay in its territory of service providers from a number of third countries. The main such commitments are included in bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). In the event of an inconsistency between such international obligations of the EU regarding service providers and a description of national measures for entry and temporary stay as set out elsewhere in the Portal, the former shall prevail.
- "business visitors for establishment purposes" means natural persons working in a senior position within a legal person of a Party, who:
- are responsible for setting up an enterprise of such legal person in the territory of the other Party;
- do not offer or provide services or engage in any economic activity other than that which is required for the purposes of the establishment of that enterprise; and
- do not receive remuneration from a source located within the other Party;
- "contractual service suppliers" means natural persons employed by a legal person of a Party (other than through an agency for placement and supply services of personnel), which is not established in the territory of the other Party and has concluded a bona fide contract, not exceeding 12 months, to supply services to a final consumer in the other Party requiring the temporary presence of its employees who:
- have offered the same type of services as employees of the legal person for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the date of their application for entry and temporary stay;
- possess, on that date, at least three years professional experience, obtained after having reached the age of majority, in the sector of activity that is the object of the contract, a university degree or a qualification demonstrating knowledge of an equivalent level and the professional qualifications legally required to exercise that activity in the other Party1; and
- do not receive remuneration from a source located within the other Party;
- "independent professionals" means natural persons engaged in the supply of a service and established as self-employed in the territory of a Party who:
- have not established in the territory of the other Party;
- have concluded a bona fide contract (other than through an agency for placement and supply services of personnel) for a period not exceeding 12 months to supply services to a final consumer in the other Party, requiring their presence on a temporary basis; and
- possess, on the date of their application for entry and temporary stay, at least six years professional experience in the relevant activity, a university degree or a qualification demonstrating knowledge of an equivalent level and the professional qualifications legally required to exercise that activity in the other Party2;
- "short-term business visitors" means natural persons that:
- are not engaged in selling their goods or supplying services to the general public;
- do not, on their own behalf, receive remuneration from within the Party where they are staying temporarily; and
- are not engaged in the supply of a service in the framework of a contract concluded between a legal person that has not established in the territory of the Party where they are staying temporarily, and a consumer there.
- “investors” means natural persons who establish, develop, or administer the operation of an investment in a capacity that is supervisory or executive, and to which those persons or the enterprise employing those persons has committed, or is in the process of committing, a substantial amount of capital.
1 Where the degree or qualification has not been obtained in the Party where the service is supplied, that Party may evaluate whether this is equivalent to a university degree required in its territory.
2 Where the degree or qualification has not been obtained in the Party where the service is supplied, that Party may evaluate whether this is equivalent to a university degree required in its territory.
Individuals from third-countries with a work contract in a company established outside of the EU who are temporarily transferred to the branch(es) of that company in one or several EU countries (with the exception of Denmark and Ireland).
You may be transferred to work as manager, specialist or trainee employee.
What conditions must I fulfil to enter an EU country as an intra-corporate transferee?
To enter an EU country as an intra-corporate transferee you (or your company) shall:
- Prove that the branches in your home country and the host country belong to the same company;
- Prove that you have been employed by the same company from three to twelve months prior to your transfer (depending on the specific case and EU Member State);
- Present a work contract;
- Prove that you have the professional qualifications and experiences required;
- Present a valid travel document (and a visa if required);
- Prove that you have or will have a sickness insurance.
In addition to a work contract you may be asked to present an assignment letter from the employer with the following information:
- The duration of the transfer;
- The location of host unit or units;
- Confirmation of your position as a manager, specialist or trainee employee;
- The salary and other terms and conditions;
- Evidence that you will be transferred back to the company unit in your home country.
You may also be required to provide your address in the EU country and if you are a trainee employee you may have to present a training agreement.
Additionally, your salary shall not be lower than the salary earned by nationals occupying comparable positions.
For details please check the page related to ICT of each specific Member State and provisions of Directive 2014/66/EU.
I meet the conditions and have the necessary documents. What do I do next?
The application shall be submitted to the competent national authorities of the EU country of destination, while you are still outside the EU. Depending on the EU country, either you or the host organisation needs to submit the application. If you will reside in more than one EU country, the application needs to be submitted to the country where the longest overall stay will take place.
Do I need to pay a fee?
In general, you or your organisation will need to pay a fee for the handling of the application.
Do I need a visa?
You may need a visa. This depends on your nationality and on the rules in the EU country where you plan to work.
For how long is my permit valid?
Your combined residence and work permit is valid for the duration of the transfer, with a maximum of three years if you are a manager or specialist and one year if you are a trainee employee.
Under what circumstances could I have an application rejected or permit withdrawn or non-renewed?
Your application can be rejected or your permit can be withdrawn or non-renewed under certain circumstances, such as if:
- You do not, or no longer, meet the conditions outlined above;
- The documents you submitted were based on false information, falsified or tampered with;
- The employer/host entity does not meet certain legal obligations (e.g., has been sanctioned for undeclared work);
- You do no longer live in the country for the same purpose that you were admitted for;
- You have not fulfilled the rules regarding intra-EU mobility (see below);
- For reasons of public policy, public security or public health.
- When you have reached the maximum duration of a stay in the EU, depending on the country, you may be required to leave and wait for up to six months before being allowed to submitting a new application.
May I argue against a decision to refuse or withdraw my residence permit?
Yes, you will have the right to challenge any decision with the relevant national authorities.
Can I work and live in more than one EU country?
Yes, you can under certain conditions enter, work and live in more than one EU country on the basis of the permit issued in the first EU country, working for different branches of the same transnational company.
If your stay in the second country is 90 days or shorter during a 180-day period, the stay is categorised as short-term mobility. In this case the second country may require a notification from the first country.
If your stay in the second country exceeds 90 days it is categorised as long-term mobility. Depending on the country, long-term mobility can take place according to the procedures regulating short-term mobility and you will be allowed to stay for as long as the permit issued by the first country is valid, or you will have to submit an application to the second country. You may be allowed to work in the second country before a decision has been taken.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, your spouse/partner and minor children (according to the conditions for family reunification) may be authorised to stay and work in the EU during the period of your transfer, subject to prior authorisation.
Will I get similar treatment as citizens of the host EU country?
You will benefit from similar treatment with citizens of the host EU country as regards:
- Certain branches of social security;
- The freedom to join or be associated with organisations representing workers or employers;
- Recognition of diplomas and qualifications;
- Access to and supply of public goods and services.
Individuals who wish to carry out research in an EU country for more than 90 days and who signed a hosting agreement (or a contract) with a research organisation.
For detailed information on a specific EU country, select the migration profile ‘researcher’ and your destination on the map.
What conditions must I fulfil to be admitted to an EU country as a researcher?
First, you must sign a so-called hosting agreement (or a contract) with a research organisation, such as a university, a research institute or a company. This hosting agreement establishes that a valid research project exists and provides some relevant information (dates or duration of the project, area and title, etc.).
You must also have the following documents:
- a valid passport or another travel document,
- proof that you will have enough financial resources to cover your living costs during your stay, as well as your return travel costs,
- health insurance.
Depending on the EU country, you may also be asked to submit the following documents:
- proof that you have paid an application fee for the processing of your application,
- a written promise from the research organisation that it will reimburse any costs to the Member State if you stay longer there than allowed by your permit.
For more details, please check the page related to researchers of each Member State.
I meet these conditions and have the necessary documents. What do I do next?
You or the research organisation (depending on the EU country) need(s) to apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa to the competent national authorities. The immigration services of the host EU country will decide on your application as soon as possible, and within a maximum of 90 days.
For how long is my residence permit or visa valid?
Your residence permit will be valid for at least one year or at least two years if you are covered by a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures, and it is renewable for as long as you continue to meet the necessary conditions. Your long-stay visa will be valid for one year maximum; if your stay is longer (e.g. because you are covered by such programme/agreement), you will have to apply for a residence permit before the expiry of the visa.
If the research project lasts less than one year, your residence permit or visa will cover the duration of the project.
Under what circumstances could I have my application refused or my residence permit or visa withdrawn or not renewed?
Your application for a permit/visa can be refused, the permit/visa withdrawn or not renewed under certain circumstances, for example if:
- you do not, or no longer, meet the conditions outlined above,
- your application was based on falsified documents,
- you represent a threat to public policy, public security or public health,
- the research organisation does not or did not respect the relevant national legislation.
Each EU country may apply different grounds to reject your application or withdraw or not renew your permit/visa. Please check the page related to researchers of the Member State.
If anything like this happens, the national authorities will inform you of their decision.
May I argue against a decision to refuse my application or withdraw my residence permit or visa?
Yes, you will have the right to legally challenge any decision with the relevant national authorities.
Am I allowed to teach?
Yes, you will be allowed to teach but the EU countries may set specific rules, notably a maximum number of hours or days per week.
Can I bring my family with me?
You will be allowed to bring your spouse and minor children with you, generally for the duration of your stay, subject to some specific rules.
Will I get similar treatment as citizens of the host EU country?
You will benefit from similar treatment with citizens of the host EU country as regards:
- working conditions, including rates of pay and terms of dismissal,
- freedom of association,
- education and vocational training,
- recognition of diplomas and qualifications,
- tax benefits,
- advice services provided by employment services,
- certain branches of social security, and
- access to and supply of public goods and services (e.g. transport, museums, etc.).
Depending on the EU country you reside in, there may be some restrictions.
Can I carry out part of my research in another EU country?
Yes. Your residence permit or visa will allow you to carry out part of your research project in another EU country, as long as you meet the relevant conditions. If you go to the other EU country for less than six months, you can do so on the basis of the residence permit or visa issued by the first EU country and you may have to provide some documents. If you go for longer than six months, you may need to submit a specific application.
For details, please check the page related to the mobility of researchers of the Member State in question.
Can I stay in the EU after having completed my research?
Yes, after having finished your research, you are allowed to stay in the EU country where you were a researcher for at least nine months to look for a job or set up a business. You need however to apply for a residence permit for this purpose and fulfil the relevant requirements.
What happens if I stay longer than allowed by my residence permit or visa?
If you stay for a period beyond the validity of your residence permit or visa, you will be in an irregular situation and may be required to leave the country.
Individuals from non-EU countries with a work contract for seasonal employment with a company established in an EU country (with the exception of Denmark and Ireland).
What conditions must I fulfil to enter an EU country as a seasonal worker?
You must present the following documents:
- A contract or binding job offer. It must be a contract or a binding job offer to work as a seasonal worker, with an employer in the EU country where you will stay. The contract or job offer must include information on the type of work you will do, the duration of the contract, the salary you will be paid, the working hours per week or month, the amount of any paid leave, etc.
- A valid passport or another travel document
- Health insurance
- Proof that you will have accommodation during your stay
I have the necessary documents. What do I do next?
You must submit an application for a visa, or work permit or a residence permit (depending on the EU country and the duration of your stay) to the competent national authorities of the EU country where you will work.
The application must be submitted when you are outside of the EU. Depending on the EU country, you or your employer must submit that application.
The immigration services of that EU country will decide on your application as soon as possible, and within a maximum of 90 days.
Do I need to pay a fee?
In general, you or your company will need to pay a fee for the processing of your application.
For how long is my visa or permit valid?
Your visa or permit will be valid for the duration of your seasonal work contract. The maximum duration of seasonal work is set by each EU country but it must be between 5 and 9 months in a period of 12 month.
In what circumstances could I have my application refused or my visa or permit withdrawn?
Your visa or permit can be refused or withdrawn if:
- You do not, or no longer, meet the conditions outlined above
- Your application was based on false information or documents
- You represent a threat to public policy, public security or public health
- The employer does not respect the legislation of the EU country
Each EU country may apply other reasons for refusal or withdrawal, please check the page of the Member State you want to go to.
If anything like this happens, the national authorities will inform you of their decision.
May I argue against a decision to refuse my application or withdraw my visa or permit?
Yes, you will have the right to legally challenge any decision with the relevant national authorities.
Can I work and live in more than one EU country?
No, your visa or permit allows you to work and live only in the EU country that issued it.
Can I bring my family with me?
No, as a seasonal worker, you cannot bring your family to live with you in the EU country where you will work.
Will I get similar treatment as citizens of the host EU country?
You will benefit from similar treatment with citizens of the host EU country as regards:
- working conditions, including rates of pay and terms of dismissal;
- freedom of association;
- back payments to be made by the employers;
- recognition of diplomas and qualifications;
- education and vocational training;
- advice services on seasonal work provided by employment offices;
- tax benefits;
- certain branches of social security; and
- access to and supply of public goods and services (e.g. transport, banks, restaurants, etc.).
Depending on the EU country, there may be some restrictions.
Individuals from a third country who have been admitted to a higher education institution to follow a full-time course of studies in an EU country
For detailed information on a specific EU country, select the migration profile ‘student’ and your destination on the map.
What conditions must I fulfil to be admitted to an EU country as a student?
- You must have been accepted by a higher education institution to follow a full-time course of studies leading to a higher education qualification, such as a diploma, certificate or doctoral degree,
- you must have enough financial resources to cover your living and study costs for your stay, as well as your return travel costs.
Depending on the country where you wish to study, you may also have to prove:
- that you have knowledge of the language of the study programme,
- that you have paid the fees charged by the higher education institution.
What documents must I present to apply for a residence permit or long-stay visa?
You must present evidence that you fulfil the conditions above. You must also present the following documents to the authorities in the country where you plan to study:
- a valid travel document,
- parental authorisation, if you are not legally an adult under the national law of the host country – in most EU countries this means that you need proof of your parents' agreement if you are younger than 18,
- health insurance,
- proof that you have paid an application fee for the residence permit/visa, if that is requested by the relevant EU country.
For more details, please check the page related to students of each Member State.
I meet these conditions and have the necessary documents. What happens next?
You need to apply for a residence permit/long-stay visa to the competent national authorities. The immigration services of the host EU country will decide on your application as soon as possible, and within a maximum of 90 days.
For how long is my residence permit/visa valid?
For studies that last longer than a year, you will be issued with a residence permit valid for at least one year. Your residence permit will be valid for at least two years if you are covered by a Union or multilateral programme that comprises mobility measures or an agreement between higher education institutions. Your residence permit is renewable as long as you continue to meet the necessary conditions. Your long-stay visa will be valid for one year maximum; if your stay is longer (e.g. because you are covered by such programme/agreement), you will have to apply for a residence permit before the expiry of the visa.
You may have to pay a renewal fee.
If the period of study is less than one year, your residence permit will cover the study period.
Applications for residence permits/visas must be made to the national authorities of the country where you wish to study.
Under what circumstances could I have my application refused or my residence permit/visa withdrawn or not renewed?
Your application for a permit/visa may be refused or your permit/visa be withdrawn or not renewed under certain circumstances, for example if:
- you do not/no longer meet the admission conditions,
- you do not respect the conditions related to working,
- you do not make acceptable progress with your studies,
- your application was based on falsified documents,
- you represent a threat to public policy, public security or public health.
Each EU country may apply different grounds to reject your application or withdraw or not renew your permit/visa. Please check the page related to students of the Member State concerned.
If anything like this happens, the competent national authorities will inform you of a decision to refuse to issue or withdraw your permit/visa.
May I argue against a decision to refuse my application or withdraw my residence permit/visa?
Yes, you have the right to legally challenge such a decision with the relevant national authorities.
May I work during my studies?
Yes, you are allowed to work in parallel to your studies. Each EU country can set its own limit on the maximum amount of hours you can work but must allow a minimum amount of 15 hours per week.
You or your employer might have to inform the relevant national authorities that you are working.
Will I get similar treatment as citizens of the host EU country?
You will benefit from similar treatment with citizens of the host EU country as regards:
- working conditions,
- freedom of association,
- education and vocational training,
- recognition of diplomas and qualifications,
- tax benefits,
- advice services provided by employment services,
- certain branches of social security, and
- access to and supply of public goods and services (e.g. transport, museums etc.).
Depending on the EU country you reside in, there may be some restrictions.
I have been admitted as a student to an EU country. Can I continue my studies in another EU country?
Yes.
If you are covered by an EU programme or a bilateral agreement between universities, you can study in another EU country on the basis of your residence permit/visa issued in the first country, if you fulfil the relevant conditions. Depending on the EU country concerned, you may have to send some documents to the authorities before being allowed to go there.
If you are not covered by such a programme or agreement, you can apply for a new residence permit in a different EU country following the same procedure as in the first country.
Can I stay in the EU after having completed my studies?
Yes, after having completed your studies, you are allowed to stay in the EU country where you were a student for at least nine months in order to look for a job or set up a business. You need however to apply for a residence permit for this purpose and fulfil the relevant requirements.
What happens if I stay longer than allowed by my residence permit/visa?
If you stay for a period beyond the validity of your residence permit/visa, you will be in an irregular situation and may be required to leave the country.
For detailed information on a specific EU country, select the migration profile concerned and your destination on the map.
Trainees
What conditions must I fulfil to be admitted to an EU country as a trainee?
You must show that:
- you have signed a training agreement with an enterprise or a training centre in an EU country,
- you have obtained a degree of higher education in the past two years or you are currently studying in a third country to get one.
Depending on the rules in the EU country you wish to go to, you may need to undertake training to ensure you have the language skills needed.
School Pupils
What conditions must I fulfil to be admitted to an EU country as a school pupil?
You must show that:
- you have been accepted by a secondary education centre (i.e. between primary education and tertiary education, typically between 12 and 18 years),
- you are taking part in a pupil exchange programme or an educational project agreed by the EU country,
- the pupil exchange organisation accepts responsibility for all your costs (living, study, return travel, health insurance),
- you will have accommodation in the EU country,
- you are within the age limits set by the host country.
Volunteers
What conditions must I fulfil to do voluntary work in an EU country?
You will have to meet the following conditions:
- be within the age limits set by the host country,
- show that you have an agreement with the host organisation responsible for the voluntary service programme. This agreement would set out your tasks and volunteering hours and any training you may receive, explain how you would be supervised, and describe the funds available to cover the costs of your stay (travel, living, accommodation),
- provide evidence that the voluntary service organisation has subscribed to a third-party insurance policy.
Depending on the rules in the EU country you wish to visit, you may also be required to take part in an introduction to the country’s language, history and political and social structures and/or be required to prove that you will have accommodation during your stay.
Trainees, School Pupils and Volunteers
I meet the necessary conditions for one of these three categories.
What additional documents must I present when applying for a residence permit/long-stay visa?
You will have to present the following documents:
- a valid travel document,
- parental authorisation, if you are not considered an adult under the national legislation of the host country,
- health insurance,
- proof that you will have sufficient financial resources to cover your everyday living costs and return travel costs,
- depending on the country, proof that you have paid the fee for a residence permit/long-stay visa.
I meet these conditions and have the necessary documents. What happens next?
You need to apply for a residence permit or a long-stay visa to the competent national authorities. The immigration services of the host EU country will decide on your application as soon as possible, and within a maximum of 90 days.
For how long is the residence permit/visa valid?
Normally, your residence permit/visa will be valid for the duration of your traineeship, your school pupil exchange programme/project or your voluntary work, with a maximum of 6 months for trainees and 1 year for volunteers and school pupils. It may be valid longer or renewable in some cases.
In what circumstances could my application be refused or my residence permit/visa withdrawn or not renewed?
Your application for a permit/visa can be refused or your permit/visa withdrawn under certain circumstances, for example if:
- you do not or no longer meet the conditions outlined above,
- your application was based on falsified documents,
- you represent a threat to public policy, public security or public health,
- the organisation hosting you does not respect the relevant legislation of the EU country.
Each EU country may apply different grounds to reject your application or withdraw or not renew your permit/visa. Please check the page related to the relevant category of the Member State concerned.
Can I argue against a decision to refuse my application?
Yes, you have the right to challenge a decision to reject your application.
What happens if I stay longer than allowed by my residence permit/visa?
If you stay for a period beyond the validity of your residence permit/visa, you will be in an irregular situation and may be required to leave the country.
Trainees and Volunteers
Will I get similar treatment as citizens of the host EU country?
You will benefit from similar treatment with citizens of the host EU country at least as regards:
- recognition of diplomas and qualifications,
- access to and supply of public goods and services (e.g. transport, museums, etc.).
If you are in an employment relationship in the EU Member State concerned, you will in addition benefit from equal treatment regarding:
- working conditions,
- freedom of association,
- education and vocational training,
- tax benefits,
- advice services provided by employment services, and
- certain branches of social security.
Depending on the EU country you reside in, there may be some restrictions.
What happens if I stay longer than allowed by my residence permit/visa?
If you stay for a period beyond the validity of your residence permit/visa, you will be in an irregular situation and may be required to leave the country.