Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east. Europe shares the landmass of Eurasia with Asia, and of Afro-Eurasia with both Africa and Asia. Europe is commonly considered to be separated from Asia by the watershed of the Ural Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian Sea, the Greater Caucasus, the Black Sea, and the waterway of the Bosporus Strait

Europe is still an option for foreign workers who have skills that are in demand, as long as they play by strict EU rules. Nonresident workers are required to have a work permit for long-term professional jobs. While thousands work in Europe illegally and some employers may encourage you to work “black” to save them tax money and paperwork, don’t do it. If you are caught, you can be hit with hefty fines or even barred from the country.

Misinformation abounds, and calling the immigration authorities may leave you more confused than before. The best way to get the facts is from a lawyer who specializes in immigration law.

Work permits are generally issued for specific jobs. Technically, you are not allowed to enter a country to look for work, although you can’t help it if someone happens to offer you a position while you’re on vacation.

In Europe, the process usually works this way:

1. An employer agrees to hire you subject to a work permit being approved.

2. The employer applies for a work permit for you; this may be a simple process or very complex, depending on what country the job is in, what country you are from, and what your skills and salary level are.

3. If the permit is approved, you will probably receive a document to take to an official for processing and the payment of a fee.

4. Upon arrival at your place of employment, you may be required to register with the local police and perhaps pay another fee. If you change jobs you must start the process all over again.

Work Permits for Short-Term Jobs
Generally, a European employer who wants to hire a non-European Union citizen must demonstrate that they can’t fill the position with an EU citizen. Those with valuable skills stand a good chance of getting a permit, while those in lower-paid lines of work will not get one, except possibly for seasonal jobs in resort areas.

The employer does not have to prove that there is not a single qualified person in all of the EU, just that they have made a diligent effort to find one. This usually means that they have to advertise the position in a local newspaper for two to four weeks before the job can be offered to a foreigner.

Work Permits for Professionals
Even for those in high-paying professions, the paperwork and hassle involved can be a deal-killer. Fortunately, there are agencies that will handle the whole process for a fee. One good one is Workpermit.com, one of the oldest and largest immigration consultancy firms. They will see you through the whole process and offer specific advice for a reasonable fee. Many employers assume that getting a work permit is tougher than it actually is, so knowing about a service like Workpermit.com beforehand and mentioning it to your prospective employer can improve your prospects. The employer can make a phone call to the agency and get a good assessment of what your chances are.
Work regulations can change often; the above is not the definitive word and certainly not legal advice. You’ll have to research your particular situation to make sure you’re in compliance. If you make a good-faith effort with your employer to comply with the law, you’re unlikely to get in trouble.

Alphabetical list of countries in Europe

A

1. Albania
2. Andorra
3. Armenia
4. Austria
5. Azerbaijan

B

6. Belarus
7. Belgium
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina
9. Bulgaria

C

10. Croatia
11. Cyprus
12. Czech Republic

D

13. Denmark

E

14. Estonia

F

15. Finland
16. France

G

17. Georgia
18. Germany
19. Greece

H

20. Hungary

I

21. Iceland
22. Ireland
23. Italy

K

24. Kazakhstan
25. Kosovo

L

26. Latvia
27. Liechtenstein
28. Lithuania
29. Luxembourg

M

30. Macedonia (FYROM)
31. Malta
32. Moldova
33. Monaco
34. Montenegro

N

35. Netherlands
36. Norway

P

37. Poland
38. Portugal

R

39. Romania
40. Russia

S

41. San Marino
42. Serbia
43. Slovakia
44. Slovenia
45. Spain
46. Sweden
47. Switzerland

T

48. Turkey

U

49. Ukraine
50. United Kingdom (UK)

V

51. Vatican City (Holy See)