Skilled professionals are seeking new job opportunities abroad in today's globalized world. Europe remains the most sought-after destination for many, with attractive immigration options available in countries like Sweden and Portugal.
Both countries provide Job Seeker Visas that allow foreign nationals to enter the country and search for employment.
These two visa programs do share some similarities, but their differences are enormous and may lead to which is the best one for you.
To guide you, we will compare the Sweden Job Seeker Visa with the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, covering everything from the requirements and benefits to application processes and the job market.
Overview of Job Seeker Visa
Sweden and Portugal have implemented Job Seeker Visa programs for highly qualified individuals wishing to work in the country. These visas generally enable people to enter a country and stay there for a few months while finding job opportunities in their specific fields of interest.
What is Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
The Sweden job seeker visa is designed for non-EU citizens who plan to stay in the country for a specific period to improve their career prospects.
The Swedish government designed this visa program for highly skilled professionals who fulfill the required educational and professional criteria. After getting a job-seeking visa, experienced professionals can apply for work permits for long-term employment.
What is a Portugal Job Seeker Visa?
Portugal also recently opened a Job Seeker Visa to non-EU citizens looking for employment there. This visa is focused on high-qualification holders with experience in fields known to have a shortage of qualified workers.
The Job Seeker Visa Portugal, like Sweden's, enables the holder to seek employment in that country, and upon gaining one, they can switch to a work permit.
Sweden Job Seeker vs Job Seeker Visa Portugal
Now that we know the basics about both visa programs, let's get a bit deeper into key differences so that you can figure out which might best fit you.
Eligibility Requirements
- Sweden Job Seeker Visa: The applicant should have a recognized higher education qualification and sufficient financial resources.The minimum salary is not specified, but you should prove that you can sustain yourself in Sweden for your stay.
- Portugal Job Seeker Visa: The requirements for the Job Seeker Visa in Portugal are the same but a bit more lenient. Applicants must have a higher education degree or five years of relevant professional experience.Portugal's visa is also more open regarding professional experience, which may be an advantage for people with specialized skills or those who do not have a formal university degree.
Visa Duration and Extension
- Sweden: The Sweden Job Seeker Visa is for a maximum period of six months, which would be sufficient time to seek a job. In some cases, it can be extended, but the ideal thing is that within this period, the applicant would have found an offer to shift to a work permit.
- Portugal: The Job Seeker Visa Portugal allows a stay of up to 120 days, which is about four months, and this can also be extended in specific situations. Though shorter, it is sufficient to wait for a potential job offer in a field with a chronic shortage of skilled labor.
Pathway to Work Permit
- Sweden: If a job offer is already secured, the work permit process in Sweden is not that complicated. The Swedish government caters to different sectors, offering various work permits. Sweden has the EU Blue Card for the highly skilled. The work permit allows one to stay and work in Sweden for quite a period and allows one to apply for permanent residence after several years.
- Portugal: Similarly, if a job offer were received, it would allow a pathway to a work permit for Portugal. So once a work permit has been obtained, a foreign worker can live and work long-term in Portugal. In Portugal, for the most part, obtaining the work permit process has streamlined applications, although, like Sweden, applicants have the requirement to fulfill specific income and contract requirements.
Financial Needs
- Sweden: Sweden Job Seeker Visa applicants have to prove they have enough money to support themselves during their visit. The required amount varies; however, one must provide evidence of savings or income to live on.
- Portugal: The applicants for the Job Seeker Visa Portugal also have to demonstrate their financial resources while in the country. The requirement is usually much lower than in Sweden, and this may make Portugal a better option for applicants with fewer economic resources upfront.
Cost of Living
- Sweden: The living costs in Sweden are significantly higher, especially in urban cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg, but salaries tend to be on the higher end, which helps to balance out the cost of living.Public services, such as healthcare and education, are among Sweden's great public services.
- Portugal: This country is relatively less expensive in terms of living. It is more affordable in cities like Lisbon and Porto than in Sweden. Comparatively, rent prices, prices for food, and other regular living costs are relatively cheap.
Which one is Better?
Sweden and Portugal have attractive job opportunities, but the better one depends on personal preferences, qualifications, and long-term career goals. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which job seeker visa is better for you:
- Sweden should be the first choice if higher wages and booming tech sectors interest you due to its strong wages, increasing demand for professionals, and outstanding work-life balance.
- If you want a lower cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle, then Portugal is an attractive option with a lower cost of living, good job prospects in tech and other industries, and a vibrant, welcoming culture.
On the whole, each of the two countries provides great opportunities for specialized professionals, and it is solely up to circumstances, the job market, and lifestyle conditions.
For more such information, contact Province Immigration at +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com.
