In 2025, relocating internationally without a job offer has become an attainable ambition. As nations confront workforce shortages across various industries, many now extend job seeker visas or comparable initiatives that permit skilled individuals to enter, reside temporarily, and seek employment locally.
These alternatives are increasingly appealing for Nigerians and other global talents, especially as governments allocate resources toward technology, infrastructure, and innovation. Whether your expertise lies in engineering, IT, healthcare, or renewable energy, numerous countries in Europe and beyond are offering opportunities.
Here are seven nations providing job visas devoid of pre-existing job offers.
Germany
Germany continues to be the most coveted destination for job seekers lacking offers, owing to its organized job seeker visa and newly introduced Opportunity Card. These initiatives focus on professionals in high-demand fields such as IT, healthcare, and engineering.
Candidates are required to possess a recognized degree and demonstrate financial stability and health insurance. Upon arrival in Germany, they can remain for six months to participate in interviews and apply for positions. Once employed, transitioning to a residence permit or EU Blue Card is relatively straightforward.
Austria
Austria presents a similar avenue through its Red-White-Red Card Job Seeker Visa. This six-month visa operates on a points-based framework, considering education, experience, language proficiency, and age.
Austria particularly seeks specialists in engineering, scientific research, and health services. If employment is obtained within the allotted period, candidates can convert their visa into a long-term work and residence permit.
Sweden
In Sweden, individuals holding at least a master’s degree can apply for a Job Seeker and Business Visa that permits them to remain for up to nine months while job hunting or establishing a business. Sweden’s innovation-friendly environment and robust social systems make it ideal for those aspiring to excel in fintech, greentech, and digital services.
UAE
The UAE has also broadened its horizons with the Job Exploration Entry Visa. Without requiring sponsorship, professionals can reside for 60 to 120 days in cities such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi while seeking employment.
Applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency, a clean record, and academic qualifications. This visa is designed for individuals in IT, finance, healthcare, and other skilled professions.
Portugal
Portugal has introduced a job seeker visa that permits a 120-day stay with a possible 60-day extension for job searching. While this visa does not provide immediate work rights, it can be upgraded once employment is attained. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to sustain themselves financially, furnish housing details, and submit a clean police record.
Finland
Finland offers a one-year residence permit for job seekers aimed at highly educated professionals, particularly in software development, AI, and engineering. This visa is well-suited for individuals who have graduated from Finnish institutions or possess equivalent degrees. The Finnish government also provides structured assistance to help newcomers integrate and secure employment.
Netherlands
The Netherlands provides the Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar), permitting international graduates and highly skilled experts to reside in the nation for a duration of up to one year to seek employment. There is no sponsorship obligation, and the visa can readily be transformed into a skilled migrant visa once employment is obtained.
With its contemporary work environment and substantial demand for expertise in data science, fintech, and logistics, the Netherlands stands as one of the most approachable European alternatives for professionals lacking job offers.
