In today’s digital age, many processes have shifted online.
This makes administrative procedures more convenient and accessible.
One question often asked by EU employers is whether it’s possible to obtain a work permit online.
The short answer is, it depends.
Some EU countries accept online work permit applications, while others require in-person submissions.
Let’s explore this topic in more detail.
Applying for a Work Permit Online: What EU Employers Must Know
When applying for a work permit for non-EU workers, procedures may vary from one EU member state to another.
Each country has its own immigration policies and systems.
For instance, certain EU countries, like Belgium, integrate work and residence permits into a single application.
On the other hand, countries like Sweden streamline the process further by combining work permits, residence permits, and work visas into a single application.
In contrast, Germany operates differently. The country does not mandate employers to submit work permit applications. Instead, companies must obtain approval from the relevant authorities to hire foreign workers from abroad.
Once the worker enters Germany using a work visa, they will need to convert it into a residence permit.
That’s why it’s crucial to research and understand the rules of the country you intend to hire in.
Here’s where to apply for work permits in all EU Member States.
Austria
The application for a work and residence permit (Red-White-Red Card) can be submitted by either the employee or the employer. The employee can submit it to the competent Austrian diplomatic mission of their home country. On the other hand, the employer can submit it to the competent residence authority in Austria.
Belgium
The employer can use the digital counter Working in Belgium to submit an application for a work permit.
Bulgaria
The employer must apply for a work permit at the competent Employment Agency.
Croatia
If a labor market test is required for the position, the employer can apply for a work permit via the HZZ (Croatian Employment Service) web platform. If the labor market test is not necessary, they can apply at the relevant police administration or police station.
Cyprus
The employer must apply for an entry and work permit. They can submit the application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department, through the relevant District Aliens and Immigration Branch of the Police.
Czech Republic
Employers must request authorization to hire foreign workers from the competent Labor Authority. Then, workers must obtain a work visa. After entering the Czech Republic, they have to apply for an Employee Card at an office of the Ministry of the Interior (MoI).
Denmark
Both employees and employers can apply for a work permit online via SIRI (Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration).
Estonia
Your employee is responsible for applying for a residence permit for employment. They can submit the application to the competent Estonian Diplomatic Mission in their home country.
Finland
The application for a work and residence permit must be submitted online via Enter Finland. Both the employee and the employer must complete the online application.
France
The employer can apply for a work permit online via the dedicated portal of the Ministry of the Interior and the Overseas.
Germany
After entering the country, workers must apply for a residence permit at the nearest Immigration Office.
Greece
After entering Greece with a work visa, workers must apply for a work and residence permit. This can be done at one of the stop-shops of the Decentralized Administration.
Hungary
Typically, the employee applies for a combined work and residence permit at the competent Hungarian Diplomatic Mission. Under certain circumstances, the employer can submit the application as well. In this case, the employer must apply electronically via Enter Hungary.
Ireland
Both the employee and the employer can complete the application for an employment permit. They can do it online using the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).
Italy
The employer can apply online for a work permit at the competent Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione).
Latvia
The worker can apply for a work and residence permit at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
Lithuania
The employer must apply for a work permit on behalf of the employee at the Public Employment Service.
Luxembourg
Employees must submit a written application for a work permit to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
Malta
The employer must apply for a work and residence permit at Identity Malta.
Netherlands
Depending on the type of work permit requested, the employer or the employee may need to apply for a work permit. The application for a TWV (short-stay work permit) must be submitted online through the UWV. On the other hand, the application for a GVVA must be submitted by post through the IND.
Poland
The employer must apply for a work permit at the competent Voivodeship Office.
Portugal
After the worker applies for a visa for Portugal, there’s a separate process for requesting a residence permit. The employer can submit the application on behalf of the employee at SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Border Service).
Romania
The employer must apply for a work permit at the offices of the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI).
Slovakia
The employer can apply for a work permit on behalf of the employee. They must submit the application in person or by mail at the competent Labor Office.
Slovenia
The application for a single residence and work permit can be submitted by either the employer, at the competent Administrative Unit, or the future employee, at the competent Slovenian Embassy.
Spain
The employer can submit the application for a work permit directly to the local Immigration Office. They also have the option to apply for a work permit online via the platform Mercurio (Plataforma de Extranjería Mercurio Iniciales). For large enterprises with more than 500 employees, the application must be submitted to the Unit for Large Companies and Strategic Groups.
Sweden
Both the employer and the employee must complete the application for a work permit. This can be done online via the portal of the Swedish Migration Agency.
For more information on how to apply for a work permit, head over to our International Recruitment blog section and choose the country-specific guide that matches your hiring needs. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for hiring migrant workers successfully.