Markets
Four countries to begin with
Germany, France, the Netherlands and Spain each have their own route for skilled workers from outside the European Union. Here is how each one works, in outline.
These pages are for orientation, not legal advice.
Rules change, and every case depends on the occupation, the qualification, the salary and the contract. We check each requirement against the official sources of the destination country before anything is filed.
Germany
Skilled workers come under the Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) and the Residence Act.
- Permit
Residence permit for skilled workers
Under sections 18a and 18b of the Residence Act, for people with a recognised vocational qualification or degree.
- Recognition
Recognition of the qualification
The foreign qualification is assessed against its German equivalent (Anerkennung) by the competent body.
- Approval
Federal Employment Agency
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit approves the employment; the employer can ask for its approval in advance.
- Speed
Accelerated procedure
The employer can start the accelerated skilled-worker procedure (section 81a) with the local immigration office, followed by a national visa (D) at the German mission in India.
Our part: the candidate's documents, translations and recognition file, prepared in India; help with your application if you want it.
France
Employment of non-EU workers comes under the Code de l'entrée et du séjour des étrangers et du droit d'asile (CESEDA).
- Permit
Work authorisation
The employer applies for the autorisation de travail online, through the ANEF platform.
- Labour market
Shortage occupations
Roles on the list of métiers en tension for the region are exempt from showing that no local candidate could be found.
- Visa
Long-stay visa
Once authorised, the worker applies for a long-stay visa equivalent to a residence permit (VLS-TS) at the French consulate in India.
- Arrival
OFII
The visa is validated online after arrival, and the worker is received by the Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration.
Our part: the candidate's documents, translations and recognition file, prepared in India; help with your application if you want it.
The Netherlands
Employment of non-EU workers comes under the Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Wet arbeid vreemdelingen) and the rules of the IND.
- Permit
Single permit (GVVA)
For work of more than 90 days, a combined residence and work permit, applied for at the IND.
- Short stays
Work permit (TWV)
For work of up to 90 days, a work permit issued by UWV.
- Labour market
UWV assessment
UWV checks whether the vacancy could be filled from within the Netherlands or the EU, unless an exemption applies.
- Sponsor
Recognised sponsor
An employer recognised by the IND (erkend referent) goes through a faster procedure; the entry visa (MVV) is collected in India where required.
Our part: the candidate's documents, translations and recognition file, prepared in India; help with your application if you want it.
Spain
Employment of non-EU workers comes under the Reglamento de Extranjería approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024.
- Permit
Residence and work authorisation
The employer applies for the initial residence and work authorisation for employees (cuenta ajena) at the Oficina de Extranjería.
- Labour market
Hard-to-fill occupations
Roles in the Catálogo de ocupaciones de difícil cobertura avoid the labour-market check; others need to show that no suitable candidate was found locally.
- Visa
Consular work visa
Once authorised, the worker applies for the work visa at the Spanish consulate in India.
- Arrival
Registration and TIE
After arrival, social security registration and the foreigner's identity card (TIE).
Our part: the candidate's documents, translations and recognition file, prepared in India; help with your application if you want it.
Another country, or a role you are unsure of?
Tell us about it. We will tell you whether a route exists before anything else.