What Are the Work Permit Rules in Northwestern Europe in 2025?

Highly operational North-European markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden provide strong infrastructure to foreign company owners looking to expand their businesses in Europe.

This blog will discuss the work permit application process and its duration, in addition to the requirements needed to hire foreign talent in these four European countries. 

Do Non-Europeans Need a Permit to Work in Europe?

Nationals of the EU can work anywhere in the European Union without a visa; however, non-EU citizens must have a work permit to work in Northwestern Europe. 

General Requirements 

While visa requirements differ per country, Northwestern European nations share common factors during work permit applications:

• Financial support data.
• Salary thresholds compliance.
  
• Qualifications proof.
  
• Medical insurance.
• Employment contract.
  

What Is the Work Permit Application Duration in Northwestern Europe?

Table 1. An overview of the work permit application duration from providing a job offer to the employee receiving the work permit in Northwestern Europe.

How About the Work Permit Rules Across Northwestern Europe?

Here is an overview of the work permit process rules across Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden.

Work Permit Process in Germany

In Germany, the work permit application is formally done by the employer; however, the employer can assist with the visa sponsorship by just providing the required documents.

Requirements for Employers

• Employment contract
• Proof of the employee's qualifications
• Salary threshold obligation per industry
• Employee's financial support proof
• Employee health insurance
  
  

Application Process

Germany has a unique work permit process:

1. Apply for a work visa at the German consulate after obtaining a detailed employment contract and fulfilling all requirements.
2. After arrival, the employee must register at the Einwohnermeldeamt (local residence registration office) within 2 weeks.
3. The employee must then apply for health insurance, followed by a residence permit application at the Ausländerbehörde (foreigner's authority).
4. Approval takes roughly one to three months. 
   

Work Permit Process in The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, only recognised sponsors can hire highly skilled migrants. Therefore, non-recognised employers must register with the Dutch IND and pay the applicable fee.

Requirements for Employers

• Employment contract
• Proof of the employee's qualifications
• Employee's health insurance
• Employee's financial support proof
• Employee's non-criminal record from home country
  
  

Application Process

1. Employer submits a visa application to the IND or UWV (depending on type) after securing an employment contract, and the employee has provided the required documents. 
2. Processing takes two to twelve weeks
3. Until approval and after arrival, the employee registers with the local municipality.
4. Employee then obtains BSN (citizen service number).
   

Work Permit Process in Belgium

In Belgium, the work permit process is fully the employer's responsibility.

Requirements for Employers

• Employment contract
• Proof of the employee's qualifications
• Proof of the EU/EEA's candidates' incompetence
  
  

Application Process

1. Employer must obtain work permit authorisation from the Belgian Regional Employment Office.
2. Employer then submits required documents, such as contract, qualifications, labour market results, and other employees' documents (i.e. passport copy, funds, etc.).
3. After approval, the employee applies for a work visa at the Belgian embassy.
4. After arrival, the employee registers with the local municipality and then applies for the residence permit.

Work Permit Process in Sweden

In Sweden, employers must register employment with the Tax Agency.

Requirements for Employers

• Employment contract
• Salary threshold obligation per Swedish rules
• Compliance with the Swedish industry standards
• Employee insurance coverage (health, life, pension, and injury)
  

Application Process

1. Employers must advertise the job in the EU/EEA for 10 days.
2. After offering the employment contract, the employer must obtain the union approval to ensure compliance with industry standards. 
3. The employer then applies to the Swedish Migration Agency.
4. After approval, the employee provides biometric data at the Swedish embassy for the residence permit card.

Final Retake

Depending on industry, country, and other factors, hiring foreign talent in Northwestern Europe can be quite complex. Both the employer and employee(s), must provide significant documentation and meet a lot of standards/requirements if they would like to successfully obtain a work permit. As discussed in the blog, the duration taken to apply for the work permit varies per country and can even exceed the length mentioned in Table 1.

How Does EuroDev Help Foreign Companies Hire in Europe?

EuroDev specialises in helping North American companies expand into Europe, acting as their full partner throughout their business development journey. Whether it is PEO, EOR, or payroll services that you need, EuroDev will take care of the full process. 

Contact us if you would like to know how we can support your European expansion.

Written by Doron Jannink, European HR Consultant at EuroDev.

Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, please note that HR policies and regulations can change frequently. It is recommended that you seek guidance from our HR consultants to ensure that the data presented here is current and accurate.