Europe Immigration Guide

Ireland Immigration Process

Ireland's immigration procedures depend on nationality and the purpose of stay. Non-EU/EEA/UK nationals staying over 90 days typically require a long-stay 'D' visa, followed by registration and an Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

🔹 Key Steps

1. Check Visa Requirements
   Determine if you need a visa based on your nationality and travel purpose (e.g., work, study, family).
2. Apply for a Visa (if required)
   Submit an application through AVATS, including supporting documents.
3. Obtain Immigration Permission
   Permission is required to stay over 90 days for work, study, or family reasons. This is granted by Immigration Service Delivery (ISD).
4. Register with Authorities
   After receiving permission, register with Irish immigration within 90 days.
5. Get an Irish Residence Permit (IRP)
   Upon registration, you'll receive the IRP, which proves legal residency.

🔹 Common Scenarios

• Work: May require an Employment Permit or Atypical Permission, along with a visa.
• Study: Requires a study visa and IRP registration.
• Family Reunification: Apply for appropriate permission and register upon arrival.
• Naturalization: Requires 5 years' residency, good character, and legal stay.

Working in Ireland: Visa & Employment Permit Overview

Non-EEA, Swiss, or UK nationals typically need both a job offer and an employment permit, with a visa required for nationals of visa-required countries.

🔹 Steps to Work in Ireland

1. Secure a Job Offer
   A valid offer from an Irish employer is required before applying for a permit.
2. Apply for an Employment Permit
   Submit an application through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Key types:
   • Critical Skills Employment Permit: For in-demand, highly skilled roles. Salary thresholds: €44,000--€80,000.
   • General Employment Permit: For other roles. Minimum salary: €30,000 and a 2-year contract.
3. Apply for a Long-Stay (D) Visa
   If applicable, apply after your permit is approved.
4. Register with Immigration
   On arrival, register with Immigration Service Delivery and obtain your Irish Residence Permit (IRP).

Portugal Immigration Process

Portugal offers various pathways for non-EU citizens to reside legally, including work, investment, family reunification, or passive income. The process typically begins with a visa application, followed by a residence permit, and may lead to permanent residency or citizenship.

🔹 Key Steps

1. Choose the Right Visa
   Select based on your purpose:
   • D7 Visa: Passive income (e.g., pensions, dividends)
   • D2 Visa: Entrepreneurs/self-employed
   • Golden Visa: Investment-based
   • Digital Nomad Visa: Remote workers
2. Prepare Required Documents
   Includes:
   • Valid passport
   • Proof of accommodation
   • Proof of income/funds
   • Clean criminal record
   • Health insurance
3. Apply for the Visa
   Submit your application and documents to the Portuguese consulate in your country.
4. Apply for a Residence Permit
   Once in Portugal, apply through AIMA (formerly SEF).
5. Path to Permanent Residency/Citizenship
   After 5 years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency or naturalization.

Working in Portugal -- Key Process Overview

To work in Portugal as a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you'll generally need both a work permit and a long-stay work visa, followed by a residence permit upon arrival.

🔹 Step-by-Step Process:

1. Job Offer: Secure employment with a Portuguese company.
2. Work Permit Application: The employer applies through SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), showing no suitable EU candidate was found.
3. Work Visa Application: Once the permit is approved, apply at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country.
4. Visa Interview: May be required to confirm details.
5. Travel & Entry: After visa approval, travel to Portugal.
6. Residence Permit: Schedule an appointment with SEF upon arrival to obtain your residence card.
7. Social Security Registration: Your employer registers you with the Portuguese Social Security system.

🔹 Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Employment contract
• Proof of qualifications
• Clean criminal record
• Health insurance
• Accommodation proof
• Financial means
• Completed visa application
• Passport photos
• Additional documents (case-specific)

Sweden Work Visa -- Summary Guide

To work in Sweden as a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must secure a job offer before applying for a work permit. The employer initiates the process through the Swedish Migration Agency.

🔹 Step-by-Step Process:

1. Secure a Job Offer
   • The job must meet salary and employment standards under Swedish collective agreements.
   • The position must be advertised in Sweden/EU for at least 10 days.
2. Employer's Role
   • Starts the online application.
   • Provides proof of salary, insurance (health, life, employment, pension), and work conditions.
3. Employee Eligibility
   • Valid passport
   • Job offer that meets collective agreement terms
   • Salary sufficient to support oneself
   • Intention to leave Sweden upon contract expiration
4. Application Process
   • Apply online via the Swedish Migration Agency website
   • Submit required documents and pay the fee
   • Await decision via email
   • If approved, receive a residence permit card

Austria Work Visa

To work in Austria, non-EU/EEA nationals must secure a job offer, obtain a work permit, and then apply for a visa or residence permit at an Austrian embassy.

🔹 Step-by-Step Process:

1. Job Offer & Work Permit
   • Secure a job offer from an Austrian employer.
   • The employer applies for a Red-White-Red Card (work permit) with the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS).
   • AMS may conduct a labour market test to ensure no qualified local candidate is available.
2. Visa Application
   • Once the permit is approved, apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit at the Austrian embassy/consulate in your home country.
   • Required documents include:
     • Valid passport & photos
     • Proof of accommodation
     • Proof of income
     • Health insurance
     • Qualifications (degrees, diplomas)

Malta Work Visa -- Summary Guide

To work in Malta, non-EU nationals must secure a job offer, after which the employer applies for a Single Permit, combining both the employment license and residence permit.

🔹 Step-by-Step Process

1. Job Offer & Employer Application
   • Secure a valid job offer from a Maltese employer.
   • Employer applies for a work license on your behalf via Identity Malta.
2. Document Preparation
   • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
   • Visa application form & cover letter
   • Passport photos (meeting Malta's requirements)
   • Proof of accommodation (e.g., lease agreement)
   • Employment contract (signed by both parties)
   • Medical insurance (Schengen coverage, minimum 91 days)
   • Police clearance, educational certificates, and other relevant documents
3. Application Submission
   • Submit to Identity Malta or through a Maltese consulate abroad.
   • Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.
4. Processing & Approval
   • Standard processing time: 4--6 weeks
   • Additional documentation may be requested during review
   • Approval notification is sent upon decision
5. Residence Permit
   • Once approved, you'll receive a residence card, allowing legal stay and employment in Malta.

Luxembourg Work Visa -- Condensed Guide

To work in Luxembourg as a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must secure a job offer, obtain temporary stay authorization, apply for a Type D visa, and complete post-arrival formalities.

🔹 Step-by-Step Process

1. Job Offer & Employer Role
   • Secure a job from a Luxembourg-based employer.
   • The employer must prove no suitable EU/EEA candidate was available.
2. Apply for Temporary Authorization to Stay
   • Before entering Luxembourg, apply for "autorisation de séjour temporaire" through the Immigration Directorate.
   • This is often submitted by the employer. Applications after arrival are inadmissible.
3. Document Checklist
   • Valid passport
   • Employment contract
   • Proof of qualifications and work experience
   • Financial means to support yourself
   • Health insurance (valid in Luxembourg)
   • Police clearance from India
   • Accommodation proof (e.g., lease, hotel booking)
   • Other supporting documents (e.g., resume, birth certificate)
4. Apply for a Type D Visa
   • Once authorization is granted, apply for a long-stay D visa at the Luxembourg embassy or consulate in your home country.
5. Post-Arrival Requirements
   • Declare arrival within 3 days at the local commune.
   • Complete a medical check.
   • Apply for and collect your residence permit (Titre de Séjour).

Denmark Work Visa -- Streamlined Guide

To work in Denmark, non-EU/EEA nationals must apply through a relevant visa scheme, submit documentation, and provide biometrics. Approval grants the right to live and work in Denmark.

🔹 Step-by-Step Process

1. Select the Right Visa Scheme
   • Choose a scheme based on your profile and job offer:
     • Positive List: For roles in demand.
     • Pay Limit Scheme: For high earners.
     • Fast Track Scheme: For certified employers hiring quickly.
     • Other options: Trainee or Herdsmen/Farm Manager schemes.
2. Create Case Order ID & Pay Fee
   • Register on the SIRI website and create a case order ID.
   • Pay the applicable application fee online.
3. Gather Required Documents
   Typical documents include:
   • Valid passport
   • Job offer/contract
   • Proof of qualifications & experience
   • Police clearance
   • Accommodation details
   • Financial proof
   • Biometrics appointment confirmation
4. Submit Application & Biometrics
   • Submit the application (online or through VFS).
   • Attend a biometric appointment for fingerprints and photo.
5. Wait for a Decision
   • Processing times vary by scheme (Fast Track is quickest).
   • Track status via the Danish Immigration Service.
6. After Approval
   • Upon approval, you may travel to Denmark and commence employment.

Netherlands Work Visa -- Streamlined Process Overview

To work in the Netherlands as a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, you typically need a sponsored work visa. The process involves securing a job, employer sponsorship, submitting documentation, and attending a biometric appointment.

🔹 Key Steps:

1. Identify the Correct Visa Type
   Common categories include:
   • Highly Skilled Migrant
   • Intra-Corporate Transferee
   • Regular Work Permit (GVVA)
2. Secure a Job Offer
   You must have a confirmed job offer from a Dutch employer.
3. Employer Sponsorship
   The employer (preferably a recognized sponsor) applies to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) or UWV.
4. Prepare Required Documents
   Typical documents include:
   • Valid passport
   • Job offer/employment contract
   • Proof of education/experience
   • Health insurance
   • Financial proof
   • Passport photos
   • Police clearance (if needed)
5. Submit Application
   Your employer usually submits the application. You may need to attend a biometric appointment at a Dutch embassy or consulate.
6. Receive Decision & Entry Permit (MVV)
   Upon approval, you receive an MVV (if applicable), allowing entry into the Netherlands, followed by your residence permit.