Europe is calling—and this time, you don’t need a job offer in hand to answer it. In a game-changing update for international professionals eyeing a career in Europe, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria have confirmed that foreign nationals can now legally search for jobs while staying on a Schengen Type C visa in 2025.
While the Schengen visa (Type C) is traditionally known as a short-stay permit for tourism or business visits, these four EU countries have opened new doors—quietly but firmly—to job seekers ready to explore on-the-ground opportunities.
So, if you’ve been dreaming of launching a career in the heart of Europe, this may be your most strategic move yet.
What’s New?
Unlike other EU nations that strictly prohibit job-hunting activities under tourist visas, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Austria now tolerate and support job search activities while you’re legally staying on a valid Schengen short-stay visa (90 days max in 180 days).
This means you can:
- ✅ Attend job interviews
- ✅ Participate in career expos and recruitment events
- ✅ Meet potential employers or recruitment agencies
- ✅ Network professionally and explore the job market
- ❌ But NOT begin paid employment or internships
1# Germany: The Quiet Gateway to High-Demand Careers
Germany—facing ongoing skill shortages in tech, engineering, healthcare, and manufacturing—has become a beacon for qualified migrants. While their Job Seeker Visa remains the formal path, German authorities do not prohibit job search-related activities under a Schengen visa.
What you can do: Scout for job offers, attend interviews, connect with employers.
Pro tip: Once hired, apply for a German Work Visa or EU Blue Card from your home country.
Apply: https://uk.diplo.de/uk-en/02/visa/short-stay-schengen-visas-2441840
2# Netherlands: A Startup-Friendly Job Market Welcomes You
The Netherlands’ booming innovation sector and tech hubs like Amsterdam and Eindhoven are now welcoming short-stay visa holders to connect professionally and explore employment opportunities.
What you can do: Interview with Dutch firms, attend talent fairs, or visit coworking hubs.
Pro tip: Already graduated from a Dutch institution? The Orientation Year visa (Zoekjaar) is your golden ticket post-job offer.
Apply: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/types-of-visa
2# Sweden: Scandinavia’s Hidden Opportunity
Sweden, often underestimated in the global job hunt, has emerged as a progressive hotspot for international workers. The Swedish Migration Agency allows job-seeking activities under a Schengen visa—perfect for checking out the market before committing to relocation.
What you can do: Explore job fairs, employer events, and startup networking scenes.
Pro tip: Once an offer is secured, apply for the Swedish Work Permit or Job Seeker Permit from outside the EU.
Apply: https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/visiting-sweden/visiting-sweden-for-up-to-90-days-entry-visa.html
3# Austria: A Quiet Contender for Skilled Workers
Austria’s job market in 2025 is especially open to professionals in IT, construction, and healthcare. While the Red-White-Red Card is the long-term migration route, Austrian authorities permit interviews and employer meetings while on a Schengen visa.
What you can do:
Connect with Austrian employers, attend professional briefings, explore relocation options.
Pro tip: Red-White-Red Card allows permanent work and residence—ideal for long-term movers.
Apply: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/travel-stay/entrance-and-residence-in-austria/visa
4# But Wait—Not All EU Countries Say Yes
While these four forward-thinking nations are paving the way for job-seeking visitors, other Schengen countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Poland still prohibit any job-related activities under a Schengen visa. Entering those countries on a Type C visa with the intention of seeking work could lead to denial of entry or blacklisting.
Who Should Care About This?
- Fresh graduates looking to break into EU job markets
- Mid-career professionals exploring international relocation
- Techies, engineers, and healthcare workers on global skill shortage lists
- Anyone who prefers meeting employers face-to-face rather than job hunting from behind a screen
What Should You Do Next?
If you’re serious about landing a European job in 2025, here’s how to get started:
- Apply for a Schengen Visa Type C to any of the four mentioned countries.
- Prepare a professional CV and portfolio tailored to the local market.
- Book interviews or register for job fairs in advance of your travel.
- Network smartly—attend business meetups, join expat communities, and meet hiring managers.
- Secure a job offer, then return home and apply for the relevant long-term work visa.
