Seven countries offering job seeker visas to Pakistanis

For Pakistanis aiming to build an international career, obtaining a job offer from abroad can often seem challenging. However, several countries now provide Job Seeker Visas, allowing individuals to live temporarily in the country while actively searching for employment without needing a sponsor or pre-arranged job offer.

A Job Seeker Visa is a temporary residence permit that enables individuals to stay in a country for a fixed period to find work. Upon securing a job, holders can often transition to a work permit or permanent residency.

Here is a list of seven countries offering Job Seeker Visas in 2025:

Germany

• Visa Type: Germany Job Seeker Visa

• Duration: Up to six months

• Eligibility: Minimum age 18, bachelor’s degree, five years’ relevant work experience, proof of financial means (€5,604 in a blocked account or sponsor letter).

• Documents: Passport, academic certificates, accommodation proof, health insurance, CV.

Austria

• Visa Type: Austria Job Seeker Visa for Very Highly Qualified Workers

• Duration: Up to six months

• Eligibility: At least 70 points under Austria’s 100-point system, based on qualifications, language skills, and research work.

• Documents: Passport, proof of accommodation and financial means, health insurance, academic records.

Sweden

• Visa Type: Residence Permit for Job Seeking or Business Start-Up

• Duration: Three to nine months

• Eligibility: Completion of an advanced degree (Master’s/PhD) and proof of financial support.

• Documents: Passport, degree transcripts, proof of funds, health insurance.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Visa Type: UAE Job Seeker Visa

• Duration: 60, 90, or 120 days

• Eligibility: Skilled professionals or recent graduates from top 500 universities within the past two years.

• Documents: Passport, photographs, degree certificates.

Portugal

• Visa Type: Job Seeker Visa

• Duration: 120 days (extendable by 60 days)

• Eligibility: Requirements vary; consult the official Diplomatic Portal.

• Documents: Visa application, passport, criminal record certificate, travel insurance, proof of funds.

Spain

• Visa Type: Residence Permit for Job Search or Business Start-Up

• Duration: 12 to 24 months

• Eligibility: Higher education completed in Spain, Level 6+ qualification, financial means, and health insurance.

• Documents: Passport, Spanish academic certificates, insurance proof.

Denmark

• Visa Type: Job Seeking Permit

• Duration: Up to six months

• Eligibility: Redundancy-affected employees (apply within two days of dismissal) or students completing higher education in Denmark.

• Documents: Passport, dismissal letter (for employees), biometric data.

Pakistani applicants are encouraged to check official immigration websites for updated requirements. Proper documentation and timely applications can enhance the chances of securing these opportunities abroad.