Are the Procedures of Getting Blue Collar and White Collar Work Permit in Europe Different?

The simple answer to this question is no. The procedure to getting a blue collar and white collar work permit in Europe is not so different. Sure, there are some differences, particularly when it comes to some countries only admitting skilled personnel in their bodies, and some accepting everyone, but that is not a procedural difference, just a requirement based one. There are different types of work permit in Europe that one can apply for, but before that, let us look at the difference between blue collar work and white collar work.

White collar work is a term used for jobs typically performed in an office setting. This involves clerical, administrative as well as manageable duties. The workers in this job are usually highly educated, high payees, work in industries like tech, consulting, and accounting. Since the standard wear in these industries is a white shirt, hence the name. Comparatively, blue collar work is a job that typically involves manual as well as trade-related labor during the undertaken task. The professionals working in blue collar work are highly trained in the craft and are not required to be highly educated. Jobs in retail, manufacturing, construction, etc., are counted among the blue collar work.

Now onto the different types of European work permit that one can apply for.

There are typically three different types of work permits that one can apply for in Europe. Although one should keep in mind that various European countries have different work permits that one can apply for.

1.      General Work permit

A general work permit is one of the most common types of work permits that one can apply for in Europe. One can only apply for this permit once they have been offered a position in a European country and matches the required qualification to fulfill that position.

2.      Highly Skilled Worker Permit

As evident by the name, this work permit is applicable for those who are highly skilled and have considerable experience in the type of work they do. Most of the applicants for this work permit as white collar workers.

3.      Work Permit For Freelancers

Yes, there is also a work permit for freelancers if one wants to work as one in a European country. The only requirement for this permit is that one needs to show prospective clients at the time of the application review.

Procedure to apply for European Work Permit

1.      Apply for Visa at the embassy

Whether you are looking for a blue collar work permit or a white collar work permit, the procedure begins at the country's embassy. The type of work visa that one can apply for depends on whether one is offered a job in the said country or not. If yes, then one has to apply for an employment visa stating that they have already received an offer from a company in that country and would like to enter it to do the job.

If that is not your case, you can apply under the job-seeker Visa. This Visa states that you are a skilled professional looking for a job in the said country. This Visa is usually valid for six months, and if you get a job within those six months, you can apply for an employment visa.

2.      Register your living address in the country

Naturally, once you have gotten the work visa, the next thing you need is to find accommodation and then register it at the local office. You must fill out the registration application and attach copies of your rental agreement, passport, and other necessary documents. You will only then get a residence registration document, which is crucial for the work permit.

3.      Health Insurance

In most European countries, a worker needs to hold health insurance. Now the terms of the health insurance requirement could vary from country to country, but more often than not, you would require health insurance to get a work permit. So, it would be best if you confirm this before applying for a work permit.

4.      Booking an appointment with immigration authorities

Once you have a visa, registered accommodation, and health insurance, only then should you schedule an appointment with immigration authorities for the work permit. It is incredibly crucial that you have fulfilled the above steps meticulously; otherwise, your work permit application would get rejected at the initial stages. You should also ensure that you have all the necessary documents with you at the time of the appointment. It is wise for one to make a couple of copies of all those required documents.

5.      Submit the application for the residency permit

And lastly, you need to submit an application for a residency permit. It is a vital step, especially if you plan to immigrate to the said European country in the near future. Most European countries would require an applicant to reside in the country for at least a period of 5 years, paying taxes, and simply abiding by all the rules and regulations that one needs to follow. So, the sooner you apply for the residency permit, the quicker you will get it.

To Sum Up

There are standard work visa permit procedures. Now, they are obviously subject to change from country to country, something you should keep in mind. If you want to understand the process of getting a blue collar and white collar work permit in Europe individually, then feel free to reach out to immigration experts now.