European Job Seeker Visa Countries in 2026: Eligibility, Benefits, How to Apply

Looking to work in Europe but don’t have a job offer yet? Well, you’re not alone. Europe is opening doors for skilled professionals like you. Countries such as Germany (Chancenkarte), Portugal, Austria (Red-White-Red Card), and Sweden now let you enter, stay, and look for jobs legally without a prior offer.

With Europe trying to fill talent gaps in Green Energy, IT, and Healthcare, your skills could be exactly what employers are looking for. Europe's job seeker visas enable skilled Indians to relocate, network, and secure employment on-site without upfront offers. The job seeker visa Europe (JSV) for Indians targets high-demand sectors, streamlining entry for professionals from India.

In this guide, you’ll find a list of European countries offering job seeker visas in 2026, along with the latest financial benchmarks and eligibility criteria.

List of European Countries Offering Job Seeker Visas

European countries offering job seeker visas provide skilled Indians a pathway to enter, search for work, and transition to employment legally. The job seeker visa for Indians in Europe varies by nation but typically requires qualifications, funds, and a points system. 

Here are the European countries offering job seeker visa options for Indian professionals in 2026.

Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) 

The Opportunity Card is forever Germany’s most easy-going route, now with updated salary benchmarks.

• Duration: Up to 1 year.

• Eligibility:

• You must score at least 6 points (based on age, language skills, professional experience, and ties to Germany).
• Recognised vocational training (2 years) or a university degree, plus German (A1) or English (B2) proficiency.
• You must demonstrate funds of approximately €1,027 per month (often required in a blocked account).
• Benefit: You can work up to 20 hours per week in any job while searching for qualified employment.
• Best For: Skilled workers who want to test the German market while earning a side income.

Also Read: Germany Opportunity Card

Austria Red-White-Red Card 

In recent years, Austria has digitised its application process to reduce wait times to approximately 8 weeks.

• Duration: 6 months. 

• Eligibility:

• Specifically for those scoring at least 70 out of 100 points.
• Points are heavily assessed toward PhDs, senior management experience, and "shortage occupations" like AI safety specialists and hydrogen technicians.
• Proof of approximately EUR 4,000 - 5,000 in liquid assets to cover the 6-month stay. 
• Key Benefit: Easy transition to a 2-year Red-White-Red Card once a job offer is secured.
• Best for: Top-tier specialists in Engineering, IT, and specialised Research. 

Also Read: Best Cities to Work in Austria for Indians in 2026 

Sweden Job Seeker Visa

Sweden is always a top choice for those with advanced degrees, but the financial requirements have increased for the upcoming years. 

• Duration: 3 to 9 months.
• Eligibility:
• Must hold a Master’s, PhD, or advanced professional degree.
• You must show at least SEK 13,000 (approx. 1,150 euros) per month for the duration of your stay.
• Hoard a private insurance is mandatory.
• Benefit: If you find a job, you can apply for a work permit from within Sweden without having to leave.
• Best For: Tech professionals and researchers focusing on the Scandinavian market. 

Also Read: 7 Golden Benefits of Working in Sweden for Indians

Portugal Job Seeker Visa 

Portugal’s visa is popular for its relatively low entry barriers and path to permanent residency.

• Duration: 120 days (extendable by 60 days).

• Eligibility:

• You must register with the Portuguese Institute for Employment (IEFP) before or during the process.
• Proof of at least three times the Portuguese minimum wage (approx. 2,500 euros).
• Key Benefit: Allows a single entry to search for work; once a contract is signed, you can apply for a 2-year residence permit.
• Best For: Digital nomads and professionals in Tourism, IT, and Renewable Energy. 

Also Read: Portugal Job Seeker Visa from India

Spain Job-Seeking Visa

Spain recently reformed its regulations to better support international graduates and professionals in "Hard-to-Fill" sectors.

• Duration: 12 months (non-renewable).

• Eligibility:

• Must have completed a Master’s or PhD (either in Spain or from a recognised global university) within the last 2 years.
• Those qualified for roles in the "Catalogue of Hard-to-Fill Occupations.
• Evidence of approximately 2,400 euros per month in savings/support.
• Key Benefit: Holders are exempt from the "national employment situation" test, making it much easier for companies to hire you over local candidates.
• Best For: Master’s graduates and STEM professionals.

Also Read: Spain Tourist Visa Requirements 

How to Apply for a Job Seeker Visa in Europe from India?

The European job market is focused on addressing labour shortages in Green, Tech, and healthcare. While the process in countries like Germany has made it easier to enter through points-based systems, the job seeker visa in Europe still follows a structured process. 

Here are the steps to apply for a job seeker visa in Europe: 

Step 1: Choose Your Country 

 Choose a country based on your specific skills being in demand, for instance:

• Germany: Best for tech and engineering roles through obtaining the Opportunity Card.
• Austria: Best for PhD holders and researchers, which requires 70+ points.
• Portugal: Now targets "Highly Qualified Activity" specifically.
• Sweden: Best for Master's/PhD graduates from renowned universities

Step 2: Verify and Meet the Eligibility Criteria 

Most European job seeker visas now use a Points Calculator. So, ideally, you need to prove: 

Your degree (recognised in the target country), Minimum A1 German (for Germany/Austria) or B2 English, financial proofs, and more. 

Step 3: Gather all the Necessary Documents 

Collect all the necessary documents, like: 

• Passport: Valid, with sufficient validity (e.g., 12+ months).
• Application Form: Filled online (e.g., VIDEX for Germany).
• Photos: Passport-sized and recent.
• Proof of Qualifications: Degree certificates and transcripts (apostilled for some nations like Portugal/India).
• CV & Cover Letter: Detailed, formatted for the country.
• Financial Proof: Bank statements, blocked account.
• Health Insurance: Valid for the entire stay.
• Accommodation Proof: Hotel booking or invitation letter. 

Step 4: Digital or Consular Submission

Most applications start online, but a physical interview is still needed: 

Portugal: Requires a mandatory "Expression of Intent" with the IEFP (Employment Service) before the visa is granted.

Germany: Applications are increasingly handled through the Consular Services Portal (digital.diplo.de).

Step 5: Await Decision 

Finally, attend a visa interview if required and track your application online. Processing can take weeks to months.

Ready to Launch Your European Job Search? Let GetGIS Help You 

Compare your eligibility across Germany, Austria, Sweden, Portugal, and Spain today. Book a session with GetGIS experts to kickstart your Job Seeker Visa application.

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