A Working Visa allows a foreign national to enter and reside in a country legally for the purpose of employment. It is usually tied to a specific employer and position, and in many countries, the employer must first obtain authorization to hire a foreign worker.

Typical Uses

Full-time or part-time employment with a registered company.

Specialized or skilled jobs requiring professional qualifications.

Temporary assignments or secondments.

Common Requirements

Although each country has its own rules, the following are generally required:

Valid Passport – Typically valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.

Employment Offer/Contract – From a recognized company in the host country.

Work Permit/Authorization – Sometimes issued by the country’s labor or immigration office.

Proof of Qualifications – Diplomas, certificates, or professional experience relevant to the job.

Health Insurance – Covering the duration of stay.

Financial Proof – Evidence that the applicant will be paid according to local laws.

Visa Fee Payment – Varies by country.

Criminal Record Certificate – In some cases.

Validity & Renewal

Validity depends on the employment contract, typically 1–3 years initially.

Renewable if employment continues.

Some countries allow a transition to permanent residence after a certain period of employment.

Special Notes for Your Countries

Germany → Offers “Blue Card EU” for highly skilled workers, allowing residence and eventual permanent residency.

Portugal → Work visa requires a labor contract and is often tied to sectors with labor shortages.

Croatia → Work permit is required before applying for a working visa; certain jobs have quotas for foreign workers.

Malta → Requires an employment license from Jobsplus and a contract with a local employer.

Serbia → Foreign nationals need a temporary residence and work permit before starting employment.

Key Restrictions

Work is usually restricted to the employer specified in the visa.

Unauthorized work can result in fines, deportation, or bans.

Dependents may need separate permits to work.

If you want, I can make a side-by-side comparison table of Working Visa requirements, duration, and special programs for Croatia, Malta, Portugal, Serbia, and Germany. It’s very useful if you’re comparing opportunities.