Table of Contents
Work in Europe
The most common ways to migrate to Europe are to find a job, be accepted to an academic institution, or open a business. If you decide to move to Europe as a family, of course, you will face the question of securing a steady income for both spouses. This process is not always simple. To help you sort it out, we have compiled the various ways that will enable you to search and find work in Europe.
How to work legally in Europe?
In order to work in Europe, you will need a work permit. This permit grants temporary residency and is provided by the specific workplace for the duration of your employment with the company. To obtain this permit, you must attend a job interview and be accepted by a specific company while still residing in your home country, so that the company can ensure that you can work legally until you arrive. In most European countries, the company will be required to convince local offices that it specifically needs an employee like you and that there are not enough local employees with similar expertise and skills. Once you receive the permit, you can fly with peace of mind and be employed anywhere in Europe.
There are many international companies that are looking for employees with high-level English and Hebrew skills (yes, Hebrew, due to the growth of the high-tech industry in Israel) and good education, especially in the high-tech field, but not only. Thus, the chances for Israelis to find work in Europe are not bad. Of course, you will need to have a resume in English (and if you are looking in a specific country, such as Slovakia, then also in the local language) and a relevant profile on LinkedIn.
In addition, you can contact companies in your country that have partnerships worldwide and relocate with their help. The advantage of this method is that the company in your home country will take care of all the permits for you, and you will not have to deal with it.
Where to search for a job in Europe?
There are several options for searching for a job in Europe, including through international companies that have representatives in Israel or Israeli companies that have branches in Europe. There are many high-tech companies and other companies with branches around the world. It is definitely worth trying to get accepted into one of the company’s branches in Europe if you are interested in relocation. However, remember that this process may take time and requires patience. Most companies are interested in people who already have experience in the field and of course, they require fluent English.
Another option is through public or government bodies. There are many organizations that send thousands of volunteers and emissaries to various European countries every year. For example, the Jewish Agency that sends emissaries involved in education, or the Ministry of Security that sends security and defense workers. If this interests you or you have experience in the field, you can submit your candidacy and join one of these missions.
Social networks are also a good option for job searching. First of all, LinkedIn, but also in Facebook groups of Israelis abroad, there are job postings that may suit you. It is recommended to follow groups of Israelis in the country to which you are planning to immigrate, and you can also present yourself in a post, tell about your professional experience, and check with group members where to look. Find out what the demanded professions are in different countries, perhaps there are advantages to your field in a country other than the one you thought about? Remember that after you have a work permit, it is easier to stay in Europe in another place and switch jobs within the continent.
My significant other found a job in Europe – what can I do there?
If one of the partners has a job, and it is harder for the other to find a suitable place, it may be worthwhile to start studying! Usually, people are torn between local language studies or higher studies in English. Here it is important to remember that local language studies are usually free or subsidized, and this is an important consideration. In most countries, the course for learning the local language is also very cheap, and so you can start with language studies and then advance to free or cheap higher studies. Also, if you are already planning to settle in a certain country, there is a big advantage to one of the partners knowing the language, because the one who works has less free time for studies, of course. On the other hand, if one of you is eligible for a work permit and the other is eligible for a student visa, because he is studying for higher studies in a recognized institution in Europe (even if it is in English), then even if the first one loses his job for some reason, your temporary resident status will be secured by the student partner.
In summary, if your dream is to relocate to Europe, don’t give up on it. Open your mind, be creative, and find the safest and most efficient way to get to where you want to be. Even if it takes time – it is important that you do it legally and not risk working without permits. We at TOGETTHERE can advise you on any aspect of finding a job in Slovakia.
