For many Pakistanis dreaming of an international career, securing a job offer from abroad can be a major hurdle. However, several countries now offer Job Seeker Visas, enabling individuals to live temporarily abroad while actively searching for employment—without the need for a sponsor or pre-arranged offer. These visas provide a structured and legal pathway to explore opportunities abroad and, upon securing a job, often lead to a work permit or even permanent residency.
What Is a Job Seeker Visa?
A Job Seeker Visa is a temporary residence permit allowing individuals to enter and stay in a country for a fixed period to find employment. Once a job is secured, visa holders can usually apply for a long-term work permit or residency. In 2025, seven countries are offering such visas to skilled professionals, graduates, and workers from around the world, including Pakistan.
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Countries Offering Job Seeker Visas in 2025
1. Germany
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Visa Name: Germany Job Seeker Visa
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Stay Duration: Up to six months
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Eligibility:
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Age above 18
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Bachelor’s degree
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Minimum five years of relevant work experience
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Proof of financial means (€5,604 in a blocked account or sponsor letter)
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Documents Required:
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Passport (issued within the last 10 years)
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Passport photos
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Academic certificates
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Proof of accommodation
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Financial proof
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Health insurance
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CV
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Birth certificate or CNIC
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2. Austria
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Visa Name: Austria Job Seeker Visa for Very Highly Qualified Workers
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Stay Duration: Up to six months
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Eligibility:
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Minimum 70 points on Austria’s 100-point evaluation system (based on qualifications, language skills, research, and awards)
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Documents Required:
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Passport
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Photograph
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Proof of accommodation and financial means
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Health insurance
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Academic and qualification documents
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3. Sweden
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Visa Name: Sweden Residence Permit for Job Seeking or Business Start-Up
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Stay Duration: Three to nine months
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Eligibility:
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Master’s or PhD degree
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Proof of sufficient financial support
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Documents Required:
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Passport
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Degree transcripts
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Financial proof
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Health insurance
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Consent for degree verification
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4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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Visa Name: UAE Job Seeker Visa
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Stay Duration: 60, 90, or 120 days
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Eligibility:
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Skilled professionals in managerial, executive, or technical roles
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Recent graduates from top 500 universities (within the past two years)
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Documents Required:
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Passport
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Passport-sized photographs
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Attested degree certificates
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5. Portugal
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Visa Name: Portugal Job Seeker Visa
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Stay Duration: 120 days (extendable by 60 days)
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Eligibility:
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Requirements vary; applicants should consult the official Diplomatic Portal
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Documents Required:
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Visa application form
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Passport and photos
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Criminal record certificate
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Travel insurance
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Proof of sufficient funds
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6. Spain
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Visa Name: Spain Residence Permit for Job Search or Business Start-Up
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Stay Duration: 12 to 24 months
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Eligibility:
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Completion of higher education in Spain
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Level 6 or above qualification (European Qualifications Framework)
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Financial stability and health insurance
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Documents Required:
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Passport
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Health insurance proof
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Spanish academic certificates
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Completed EX01 form
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7. Denmark
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Visa Name: Denmark Job Seeking Permit
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Stay Duration: Up to six months
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Eligibility:
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For employees: Apply within two days after redundancy
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For students: Completion of PhD or higher education in Denmark
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Documents Required:
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Passport
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Visa fee proof
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Termination letter (for employees)
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Biometric data
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Pakistani graduates, skilled workers, and professionals are encouraged to carefully prepare their documents and check the latest requirements on official immigration websites. With proper planning and timely applications, Job Seeker Visas offer an excellent chance to explore career opportunities abroad in 2025.