Working in Europe?
October 9, 2008 2:07 PM Subscribe
Is it possible for me - as a Canadian - to obtain a work visa for a European country without returning home?
To clarify - I'm already on a 1yr. visa in Germany, but I'd like to stay over here for longer when this expires. I'm not expecting to stay in this country (I'm already aware of what I'd need to do in that case) but have been thinking of several countries (mainly Greece, Czech or Spain) for next year. I have heard that I might have to return to Canada and submit a new application if it's within the E.U., but this just doesn't seem like the bottom line since I hear of so many other people hopping from country to country for years at a time.
To clarify - I'm already on a 1yr. visa in Germany, but I'd like to stay over here for longer when this expires. I'm not expecting to stay in this country (I'm already aware of what I'd need to do in that case) but have been thinking of several countries (mainly Greece, Czech or Spain) for next year. I have heard that I might have to return to Canada and submit a new application if it's within the E.U., but this just doesn't seem like the bottom line since I hear of so many other people hopping from country to country for years at a time.
I'm an American on a Schengen "D" visa in Poland, which sounds like what you might have. I've been told by other non-EU citizens I work with, including a Canadian and a New Zealander who have been here for over a decade, that staying in Poland for an additional year only requires me to get the place I'd be working for the next year to inform the authorities at least 45 days in advance of the expiration of my visa and do some paperwork; my passport would be out of my possession for a week or so around that time, but it would just be down the street at the provincial immigration office, which I'm fine with, and overall not much of a risky proposition.
However, my visa is limited to Poland only; it doesn't permit me to work in other Schengen countries. That's pretty much all I know - I haven't decided to stay for an additional year yet! - but yes, it is possible to renew a Polish visa without leaving Poland/the Schengen zone.
posted by mdonley at 4:54 PM on October 9, 2008
However, my visa is limited to Poland only; it doesn't permit me to work in other Schengen countries. That's pretty much all I know - I haven't decided to stay for an additional year yet! - but yes, it is possible to renew a Polish visa without leaving Poland/the Schengen zone.
posted by mdonley at 4:54 PM on October 9, 2008
It depends on the country. Each European country has its own regulations and quotas concerning work permits/work visas. It will also depend on the kind of work you will be doing. Some countries have simplified procedures for people with job offers in high-demand/highly-skilled fields like IT; if you have a firm job offer in one of these fields you might be able to apply directly in the country without having to go back to Canada.
Although the UK isn't on your list, as a Commonwealth citizen (under 30?), you can live in the UK for up to two years as a working holidaymaker.
Check out the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of each of the countries you're interested in; they usually have guides to living and working in the country or point you towards other resources containing the info.
posted by juva at 1:37 AM on October 10, 2008
Although the UK isn't on your list, as a Commonwealth citizen (under 30?), you can live in the UK for up to two years as a working holidaymaker.
Check out the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of each of the countries you're interested in; they usually have guides to living and working in the country or point you towards other resources containing the info.
posted by juva at 1:37 AM on October 10, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
Good luck!
posted by birdlips at 2:31 PM on October 9, 2008