Schengen Visa: Can I Legally Job Hunt in the EU on a Tourist Permit?

Source: Dev.to

The question of whether you can legally job‑hunt in the EU on a tourist (Schengen C‑type) visa is common among non‑EU engineers. The short answer is “yes, but…”, and it involves significant legal risks.

The “Yes” Part: Can You Interview?

Yes. Attending a business meeting, including a job interview, is a permissible activity on a tourist visa. You are not working or being paid, so you may travel to a Schengen country, attend in‑person interviews, and return home.

The “No” Part: Can You Work?

No. Working—even for a single day or a “paid trial”—on a tourist visa is illegal. It can lead to deportation and a ban on re‑entering the EU for years.

The Big Problem: The “Switch”

If you receive a job offer while on a tourist visa, you cannot convert that visa into a work permit from within the country. The typical process for non‑EU nationals is:

1. Obtain a job offer (contract).
2. Return to your home country or country of residence.
3. Apply for the appropriate national (D‑type) work visa at the German embassy (or relevant embassy).
4. Wait 4–12 weeks for approval.
5. Fly back to Germany, start work, and obtain a residence permit.

The 90‑day tourist stay only secures the offer; you must still leave the country.

The Right Way: The Job Seeker Visa

Many EU countries, notably Germany, offer a Job Seeker Visa:

• Purpose: A long‑term visa (e.g., 6 months) for highly‑skilled professionals to search for employment.
• Benefit: Fully legal and signals seriousness to recruiters.
• Advantage: If you secure a job while on this visa, you can often switch to a work‑based residence permit without leaving the country.

Recommendations

• Avoid relying on the tourist‑visa “trick.”
• In 2025, most first‑round interviews are conducted via video call; a reputable EU staffing agency can arrange multiple video interviews.
• Apply for a German Job Seeker Visa or pursue remote applications. This approach is safer, more cost‑effective, and more professional.

For further details, see our blog post.