×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Need work-permit/visa advice asap!

14 years ago
Hello all,
I, a US citizen, am only going to Europe to hopefully work and be able to stay permanently somehow. I think I have a place to stay temporarily but no job yet, and I know I need to get a work-permit before 90 days on a schengen visa or I must leave the EU schengen states for 180 days before returning to try again. I also realize work-permits are supposedly difficult to obtain unless I have a rare specialty or a Masters degree or a ton of money(?).
Can ANYONE PLEASE help me discover how so many uneducated immigrants can obtain a work permit/residency and stay permanently and we middle class people supposedly can not easily? I fear I can't even get a restaurant job (far below my education level) because the employer is supposed to hire a EU national first, thus eliminating(?) my chances at getting a work permit unless I get very, very lucky?
I would really appreciate any kind advice to my fear as I am relocating to Europe very soon and have no other place to move to yet if I fail during my first 90 days? Do you have any strategic ideas? Can a german resident (non-employer) simply 'sponsor' me with an invitation letter? Or, is it much easier than I think to get a work permit? Are there certain 'hidden' jobs that I should pursue (as there are NO current job openings in my line of technical work and my childhood EU languages needs to be re-learned for a while first) PLEASE ADVISE ME! Thank you!

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Austria GuideLiving in Austria Guide

Expats in Austria offer tips for thriving as an expat living in Austria. Learning German will help you meet locals and truly assimilate. It takes time to befriend Austrians, but once you make friends they are friends for life.

Austria Forum Austria Forum
Join our Austria forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Austria.

Contribute to Austria Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Austria.

Best Places to Live in Austria Best Places to Live in Austria

If you're dreaming about living in Austria, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Austria in 2023.

Healthcare in AustriaHealthcare in Austria

Expats in Austria have access to highly respected private and public hospitals, English-speaking doctors and more.

Cost of Living in AustriaCost of Living in Austria

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Austria.

Moving to AustriaMoving to Austria Guide

Our guide to moving to Austria with lots of advice from expats on the ground.

Real Estate in AustriaReal Estate in Austria

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Austria.

Pros Cons of Living in AustriaPros & Cons of Living in Austria

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Austria.

Retiring in AustriaRetiring in Austria

Advice for people retiring in Austria.

10 Tips for Living in Austria10 Tips for Living in Austria

If you've recently arrived in Austria, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Austria.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Austria Network Contribute
Help others in Austria by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Austria.

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides