Which countries offer a skilled work visa visa?

VisaPassage tracks 160 countries offering a skilled work visa route — 160 with fully verified government fees, processing times and rights, and 0 more at summary level. Every entry is checked against official sources and describes typical eligibility, never a promise of approval.

Does a skilled work visa visa lead to permanent residency?

In 175 of the tracked skilled work visa routes there is a statutory path to permanent residency — the fastest reaches PR on grant in Australia. These are statutory minimums and may vary by individual circumstances; they are never a guarantee.

Can you work on a skilled work visa visa?

Work rights vary by country: 252 of the tracked skilled work visa routes carry some form of work permission — see the Rights column in the comparison table for each country's specific terms. Confirm against the official source before relying on it.

Visa types · Work & Self-Employment

Skilled Work Visa visa

Employer-sponsored employment, including points-based and shortage-occupation routes like the EU Blue Card or H-1B.

160 countries with verified fees and rights.

						Rights
Albania Albania Unique Permit - Highly Qualified Employee (AL Blue Card)	—	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises highly qualified employment; AL Blue Card facilitates mobility and family reunification. Study: Incidental study permitted. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification available, with facilitated treatment for Blue Card holders.
Albania Albania Unique Permit - Employment	—	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring Albanian employer. Study: Incidental study permitted. Residency after 5 years Family: Family members may join via family reunification once the sponsor holds a 1-year permit.
Algeria Algeria Work Visa	—	—	—	90 days	7 years	Work: Authorises salaried work for the sponsoring employer named in the work authorisation; qualification at least equivalent to a technician is required. Residency after 7 years
Andorra Andorra Residence and Work Authorisation (Employed)	€190.96	60 days	—	—	—	Work: Work for the contracting Andorran employer under the authorisation conditions. Study: Holder may study alongside employment. Residency: Renews 1+2+2+2 then 10-year blocks; counts toward the 20 years for naturalisation. Family: Family join via the separate family-reunification authorisation (B.1).
Angola Angola Work Visa	€235.80	30 days	—	365 days	10 years	Work: Authorises paid work for the sponsoring employer under the contract. Residency after 10 years
Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda Work Permit	—	21 days	—	—	4 years	Work: Work limited to the employer and position named in the permit. Residency after 4 years
Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda CARICOM Skilled National Entry	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Skilled CARICOM nationals may work without a separate work permit. Study: May study while resident under CSME rights. Family: CSME provides for accompanying spouse and dependent children of a skilled national.
Argentina Argentina Work Visa (Contracted Personnel, Art. 23a)	$250	—	—	—	3 years	Work: Employment under contract authorized Study: May study while resident Residency after 3 years Family: Family reunification permitted
Armenia Armenia Work Permit & Temporary Work Residence	AMD 105,000	60 days	—	—	3 years	Work: Employer-sponsored work permit + residence Study: May enroll in study programs Residency after 3 years Family: Spouse and children get temp residence
Armenia Armenia EAEU Worker Registration	AMD 0	—	—	—	3 years	Work: No work permit needed; EAEU Treaty Art.97 Study: May study while employed Residency after 3 years Family: Family also permit-exempt, register online
Australia Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) - Core Skills stream	A$3,210	—	A$6,376.25	—	2 years	Work: Work full-time for sponsoring employer Study: Study permitted, no formal limit Residency after 2 years Family: Family via subsequent entrant
Australia Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) - Points-tested stream	A$4,910	—	—	—	On grant	Work: Work permanently anywhere in Australia Study: Study without restriction Residency: Permanent residence from grant Family: Family included in application
Australia Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)	A$4,910	—	—	—	On grant	Work: Work permanently for nominating employer Study: Study without restriction Residency: Permanent residence from grant Family: Family included in application
Austria EU Blue Card (Austria)	€218	—	€4,639.83	—	5 years	Work: Employer-tied; min salary threshold applies Residency after 5 years Family: Family get RWR Card plus; spouse can work
Austria Red-White-Red Card – Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations	€218	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Employer-tied, full-time in shortage role Residency after 5 years Family: Family get RWR Card plus; spouse can work
Austria Red-White-Red Card – Very Highly Qualified Workers	€218	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Jobseeker visa then employer-tied RWR card Residency after 5 years Family: Family get RWR Card plus; spouse can work
Austria Red-White-Red Card – Other Key Workers	€218	—	€3,465	—	5 years	Work: Employer-tied; self-employment if subsidiary Residency after 5 years Family: Family get RWR Card plus; spouse can work
Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Work Permit and Temporary Residence Permit	—	20 days	—	—	2 years	Work: Authorises paid labour for the specified employer; tied to the valid work permit. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside employment. Residency after 2 years
Bahamas Bahamas Annual Work Permit	$200	—	—	365 days	20 years	Work: Authorises work only for the sponsoring employer and the position specified. Residency after 20 years
Bahrain Bahrain Work Permit (LMRA, employer-sponsored)	BHD 195	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Work permitted only for the sponsoring LMRA employer/role. Study: Permitted alongside work, subject to enrolment rules. Residency after 5 years Family: Can sponsor dependants if monthly income meets the threshold (BHD 400+).
Bangladesh Bangladesh Employment Visa (E) with BIDA Work Permit	$51	15 days	—	—	—	—
Barbados Barbados Long-Term Work Permit	BBD 300	84 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Work for the specific sponsoring employer and role named in the permit. Residency after 5 years
Belgium Belgium EU Blue Card	€152	120 days	€4,748	—	5 years	Work: Full work authorisation; facilitated EU mobility after 12 months. Study: May study alongside work. Residency after 5 years Family: Family admitted with immediate labour-market access.
Belgium Belgium Highly Skilled Worker Single Permit	€152	120 days	€4,444.12	—	5 years	Work: Authorised to work for the sponsoring employer; no labour-market test. Study: May study alongside work. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification available subject to conditions.
Belgium Belgium Single Permit (Combined Work and Residence Permit)	€152	120 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorised to work for the sponsoring employer; A card marked 'labour market'. Study: May study alongside authorised work. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification possible subject to income conditions.
Belgium Belgium Search Year After Higher Studies	—	90 days	—	365 days	5 years	Work: Unrestricted labour-market access during the 12-month search period. Study: May continue studying while job-seeking. Residency after 5 years
Belize Belize Temporary Employment Permit (Professional / Technical)	BZD 3,000	30 days	—	—	1 year	Work: Authorises employment with the specified employer/category for the permit period. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency after 1 year
Belize Belize CSME Skilled National Certificate (CARICOM)	BZD 225	56 days	—	—	1 year	Work: Holder may live and work in Belize without a work permit, indefinitely. Study: Lawful residence permits study. Residency after 1 year Family: Spouse and dependents may relocate with the certificate holder (BZ$50/BZ$100 per dependent under/over 18).
Benin Benin Work Permit (Permis de Travail)	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises salaried employment with the sponsoring employer for 12 months, renewable. Residency: Supports the resident-card path; renewable employment builds toward the ordinary then privileged resident card.
Benin Benin Professional (Long-Stay) Visa	—	—	—	365 days	—	Work: Authorises professional activity once paired with a work permit and (for stays over 3 months) a resident card. Residency: Leads into the resident-card system (temporaire then ordinaire then privilegie).
Bhutan Bhutan Employment Visa	—	5 days	—	365 days	—	—
Bhutan Bhutan Work Permit for Foreign Workers	—	5 days	—	365 days	—	—
Bolivia Bolivia Specific-Purpose Visa - Work	—	15 days	—	30 days	2 years	Work: Authorises the declared paid work once temporary residence is granted by DIGEMIG. Residency after 2 years
Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina Work Permit and Temporary Residence for Employment	BAM 150	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Work for the specific employer and role named in the work permit. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency after 5 years
Botswana Botswana Work Permit	—	14 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer for the occupation approved by the Regional Immigrant Selection Board. Residency after 5 years
Brazil Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V - employment contract)	—	—	—	—	4 years	Work: Employer-tied employment contract Study: Study permitted Residency after 4 years Family: Family reunion allowed
Brunei Brunei Employment Visa and Work Pass	—	—	—	—	—	—
Bulgaria Bulgaria Single Permit for Residence and Work	€100	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Work permitted for the specified employer and position only. Study: Study permitted alongside work; formal enrolment may need status change. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification available to the permit holder.
Bulgaria Bulgaria EU Blue Card	€100	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified work; job changes within the first period need approval. Study: Study permitted alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Facilitated, immediate family reunification with labour-market access for family.
Cabo Verde Cabo Verde Temporary Residence for Subordinate Work	—	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises subordinate employment under the contract presented. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency after 5 years Family: Family members can join via family reunification.
Cambodia Cambodia EG General / Job-Seeking Extension of Stay	—	14 days	—	90 days	—	—
Cambodia Cambodia EB Business / Employment Extension of Stay	—	14 days	—	365 days	—	Work: Work permitted only with a valid MLVT work permit and employment card. Study: Study allowed; dependants studying full-time may instead use ES. Residency: Renewable indefinitely; lawful long-term EB residence supports permanent residence applications. Family: Spouse and children eligible for family-based EB extensions.
Cameroon Cameroon Work Permit (Visa de Travail)	—	75 days	—	—	6 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer per the visaed contract. Residency after 6 years
Canada Canada Express Entry (Skilled Worker Permanent Residence)	CA$1,590	210 days	—	—	On grant	Work: As PR, full work rights Study: As PR, full study access Residency: Grants permanent residence Family: Spouse and dependants included
Chile Chile Temporary Residence for Remunerated Activities (Employment Contract)	—	—	—	—	2 years	Work: Authorised to work for the sponsoring employer / contracted activity. Study: May study alongside work; formal enrolment normally via the student subcategory. Residency after 2 years Family: Dependents may be included under Art. 74 of Law 21.325.
China China Z Work Visa	$140	4 days	—	30 days	4 years	Work: Employment authorised for the sponsoring employer once the work permit and residence permit are issued. Residency after 4 years Family: Family members apply for S1/S2 visas based on the worker's status.
Colombia Colombia V Visitor Visa - Service Provider / Work or Labour	$82	30 days	—	—	—	Work: Restricted to the specific role, entity and activity granted. Family: Dependent spouse/partner and children up to 25 may apply as beneficiaries.
Colombia Colombia M Migrant Visa - Worker	$230	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Work permit tied to the sponsoring employer and role for the visa's duration. Study: Study permitted alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse/partner, children up to 25 and disabled dependent children as beneficiaries.
Congo Republic of the Congo Work-Contract Residence Visa	FCFA 100,000	—	—	—	10 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer under the approved contract and work card. Residency after 10 years
Costa Rica Costa Rica Temporary Residency as a Worker	$50	240 days	—	—	—	Work: Employer-tied; Labor Ministry approval req Study: Study permitted
Côte d'Ivoire Côte d'Ivoire Work Visa (AGEPE-Approved Employment)	—	—	—	90 days	—	Work: Work for the employer named in the AGEPE-approved contract. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency: Held via renewable carte de résident (5-year card); no fixed statutory PR/naturalisation count published here.
Croatia Croatia Stay and Work Permit (Single Permit)	€74.32	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Employer-tied single permit Study: Permitted alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification allowed
Croatia Croatia EU Blue Card	€74.32	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly-qualified employer-tied work Study: Permitted alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification allowed
Cuba Cuba Work Visa D-1 (Foreign Worker)	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Work for the sponsoring Cuban entity under the approved contract. Residency: Holders take a temporary residence permit; permanent residence is generally limited to family-based cases.
Cyprus Cyprus EU Blue Card	€110	90 days	€3,636	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified employment Study: Permitted alongside residence Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification; favourable terms
Cyprus Cyprus Employment Permit – Companies of Foreign Interests (BCS)	€70	30 days	€2,500	—	5 years	Work: Employment at foreign-interest company Study: Permitted alongside residence Residency after 5 years Family: Family included; spouse free labour access
Cyprus Cyprus General Employment Permit (Single Permit – GEN)	€120	120 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Employment with sponsoring employer Study: Permitted alongside residence Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and children under 18 as dependents
Czechia Czech EU Blue Card	CZK 5,000	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly-qualified role-tied employment Study: Study permitted alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Simplified family reunification
Czechia Employee Card (Zaměstnanecká karta)	CZK 5,000	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Employer/position-tied employment Study: Study permitted alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification permitted
Denmark Denmark Post-Study Job-Seeking Residence Permit	—	60 days	—	1,095 days	8 years	Work: Up to 90 hours/month, full-time in June-August during job-seeking. Study: Further study permitted. Residency after 8 years Family: Family who held permits during studies may continue accompanying.
Denmark Denmark Pay Limit Scheme Residence and Work Permit	DKK 6,810	30 days	DKK 55,200,000	—	8 years	Work: Full-time work only for the named employer/job; new permit needed to change job. Study: May study alongside work. Residency after 8 years Family: Accompanying spouse/partner and children under 18 may get permits.
Denmark Denmark Positive List for People with a Higher Education	DKK 6,810	30 days	—	—	8 years	Work: Only for the listed job/company; new permit needed to change job. Study: May study alongside work. Residency after 8 years Family: Spouse/partner and children under 18 may accompany.
Denmark Denmark Supplementary Pay Limit Scheme Residence and Work Permit	DKK 6,810	30 days	DKK 44,600,000	—	8 years	Work: Tied to the specific job; no second job or freelance work without a separate permit. Study: Study allowed alongside employment. Residency after 8 years Family: Spouse/partner and children under 18 may accompany.
Dominica Dominica Work Permit	EC$800	28 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises work for the sponsoring employer and role for which the permit is granted. Residency after 5 years
Dominica Dominica CARICOM Skilled National Free Movement	—	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Free-movement work rights for CARICOM skilled nationals without a separate work permit. Study: Lawful presence permits study. Residency after 5 years Family: CSME free movement extends to the skilled national's spouse and dependent children.
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Temporary Labour Residence (RT-3)	—	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: RT-3 legalises employment with the sponsoring employer. Study: Holders may study alongside work. Residency after 5 years Family: Dependents apply via dependent residence (RT-7).
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Business Visa for Labour Purposes (NM1)	$200	20 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer; in-country residence via RT-3. Residency after 5 years Family: Family travel via the Dependent Multiple (DPM) visa.
DR Congo DR Congo Work Establishment Visa & Foreigner Work Card	$653	—	—	—	—	Work: Salaried work for the sponsoring employer once the work card and establishment visa are issued. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency: Renewable work-establishment residence; no fixed statutory PR clock published. DRC bars dual nationality (Art. 10 Constitution).
DR Congo DR Congo Mining & Oil-Sector Expatriate Work Route	$653	—	—	—	—	Work: Salaried work for the mining/oil employer under the work card and establishment visa. Study: Lawful residence permits study. Residency: Renewable employer-tied residence; congolisation pressures favour replacement by nationals over time.
Ecuador Ecuador Temporary Residence Visa - Professional, Technician, Technologist or Artisan	$450	30 days	$482	—	2 years	Work: Holder may practise their profession/trade once the title is registered with SENESCYT. Study: Residents may enrol in study. Residency after 2 years Family: Dependants under amparo category; +USD 250/month income per dependant.
Ecuador Ecuador Temporary Residence Visa - Work (Employed / Relation of Dependency)	$450	30 days	—	—	2 years	Work: Work permitted with the sponsoring employer under the registered contract. Study: Residents may enrol in study. Residency after 2 years Family: Dependants under amparo category; +USD 250/month income per dependant.
Egypt Egypt Work Permit for Foreign Nationals	—	30 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer only. Residency: Annual work residence; long residence/naturalisation possible after many years (typically 10+). Family: Spouse and dependants may obtain residence tied to the permit holder.
El Salvador Temporary Residence with Work Authorization	—	—	—	730 days	—	Work: Authorises employment for the sponsoring employer/activity named in the permit. Study: Residents may study while holding the permit. Residency: Renewable temporary residence leads to definitive residence after the required period (shorter for Hispanic-American/Spanish-origin applicants). Family: Dependants may apply as accompanying persons (form F-9).
Estonia Estonia Temporary Residence Permit for Employment	€250	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Work for specific employer Study: Study permitted alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and minor children may join
Estonia Estonia Short-Term Employment Registration + D-visa	€120	21 days	—	365 days	—	Work: Work for registered employer
Estonia Estonia EU Blue Card	€250	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified employment Study: Study permitted alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and minor children may join
Eswatini Eswatini Temporary Residence Permit - Employee (Work Permit)	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer named in the permit. Residency: Long, continuous lawful residence can support a later permanent-residence/naturalisation application; no fixed statutory threshold published. Family: Spouse and children apply separately as Dependants on Form 6 against the permit holder's status.
Ethiopia Ethiopia Work Permit (Foreign Business Firm Employment)	$100	10 days	—	—	3 years	Work: Authorises work in the specified position for the specified employer and period. Residency after 3 years
Fiji Fiji Long-Term Work Permit (3 Years)	FJD 650.05	21 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorises work for the sponsoring employer; changing employer requires Immigration Department approval. Residency: Lawful residence counts toward citizenship by naturalisation (8 of the last 10 years from 2026); PR becomes a required stepping stone to citizenship from 2035. Family: Dependants accompany the principal on a co-extensive residence permit.
Finland Finland EU Blue Card	€530	—	€3,937	—	6 years	Work: High-level work; not bound to a single employer; right begins once the card is issued. Study: May study alongside work. Residency after 6 years Family: Family members benefit from faster (2-month) processing of family-tie permits.
Finland Finland Residence Permit for a Specialist	€530	—	€3,937	—	6 years	Work: Bound to the position in the contract; may work up to 90 days without the permit during processing. Study: May study alongside work. Residency after 6 years Family: Family members may apply on the basis of family ties, subject to an income requirement.
Finland Finland Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL)	€750	—	€1,600	—	6 years	Work: Right to work in the specified field/sector; begins only after the permit is granted. Study: May study alongside work. Residency after 6 years Family: Family members may apply on the basis of family ties, subject to an income requirement.
France France EU Blue Card (Talent - Carte bleue europeenne)	€99	90 days	€4,947.75	—	5 years	Work: Full-time highly-qualified role Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Talent-Famille; spouse may work
Gabon Gabon Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail)	—	60 days	—	—	3 years	Work: Authorises employment with the specific sponsoring employer only. Residency after 3 years
Gabon Gabon Temporary Residence Card (Employee)	—	35 days	—	—	3 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer, paired with the autorisation de travail. Study: Lawful residence permits study. Residency after 3 years
Georgia Georgia Work Residence Permit	GEL 300	30 days	GEL 1,500	—	6 years	Work: Employment with Georgian employer Study: May enroll in study programs Residency after 6 years Family: Spouse and minor children included
Germany Germany Visa for Professionally Experienced Workers (incl. IT Specialists without Degree)	€75	—	€3,802.50	—	3 years	Work: Full-time, employer-tied Residency after 3 years Family: Spouse and minor children may join
Germany Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)	€75	—	€1,091	365 days	—	Work: up to 20 h/week Family: No spouse on card; children if funds covered
Germany Germany EU Blue Card	€75	56 days	€4,225	—	—	Work: Full-time, employer-tied first 12 mo Residency: PR in 21 mo with B1 German, else 27 mo Family: Spouse: immediate work, no German req
Germany Germany Skilled Worker Visa	€75	—	—	—	3 years	Work: Full-time, employer-tied Residency after 3 years Family: Spouse no German pre-test; kids included
Ghana Work and Residence Permit (Companies)	—	42 days	—	365 days	7 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring company in the approved role. Residency after 7 years Family: Spouse and children may apply for dependant residence permits.
Greece Greece Tech Visa (Startup Employees)	—	—	—	365 days	5 years	Work: Immediate work auth; Elevate Greece employer-tied Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse & children included
Greece Greece EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Employment, E.1)	—	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Employer-tied highly qualified employment (E.1) Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse & children included; may work
Grenada Grenada Work Permit	EC$5,000	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Employment restricted to the employer and role named in the permit. Residency after 5 years
Grenada Grenada CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement)	—	—	—	—	5 years	Work: May live and work in Grenada without a work permit while within an approved CSME skill category. Study: Lawful presence permits study alongside work. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and dependent children may accompany a Skills Certificate holder.
Guatemala Guatemala Temporary Residence - Migrant Worker (Guatemalan Employer)	$200	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorised to work; a Ministry of Labour work permit must be presented within 3 months and renewed yearly. Study: Residents may carry out lawful activities, including study. Residency after 5 years Family: Dependants admitted under Art. 27 in the same status as the principal.
Guinea Guinea Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail / Contrat Visé)	—	30 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment with the specific employer under the approved contract; foreign-worker contracts capped at four years including renewals. Residency: Linked residence card renewable with the contract; no published statutory permanent-residence timeline. Family: Family members aged over fifteen each hold a residence card not exceeding the worker's contract duration.
Guyana Guyana Work Permit and Employment Visa	—	42 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises work for the sponsoring employer in the approved role only. Residency after 5 years Family: Accompanying family enter on visitor/business visas; no automatic dependent work rights.
Guyana Guyana Permission to Land (Pre-Work-Permit Entry)	—	7 days	—	90 days	—	Work: Permits work for the sponsoring employer while the work permit is processed.
Guyana Guyana CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement of Skills)	—	35 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Holders may work or be self-employed in Guyana without a work permit. Study: Lawful presence permits study alongside work. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and dependants of skilled CARICOM nationals have facilitated entry and stay under CSME.
Haiti Haiti Work Permit (Permis de Travail)	—	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer named in the permit. Study: Lawful residence alongside the permit allows study. Residency after 5 years
Honduras Honduras Residence / Permit for Employed Foreigners	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency: Counts toward permanent immigrant status and the naturalisation residence requirement. Family: Spouse and children may be included as economic dependents or family-link residents.
Hong Kong Hong Kong Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)	HK$600	14 days	—	—	7 years	Work: Recent graduates may take and change any employment freely. Study: Holder and dependants may study. Residency after 7 years Family: Spouse/civil partner and unmarried children under 18 may work and study.
Hong Kong Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) - Professionals	HK$600	28 days	—	—	7 years	Work: Work permitted for the sponsoring employer; changing employer needs approval. Study: Holder and dependants may study without separate permission. Residency after 7 years Family: Spouse/civil partner and unmarried children under 18 may work and study.
Hong Kong Hong Kong Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)	HK$600	28 days	—	—	7 years	Work: Work permitted for the sponsoring employer; change of employer needs approval. Study: Holder and dependants may study without separate permission. Residency after 7 years Family: Spouse/civil partner and unmarried children under 18 may work and study.
Hong Kong Hong Kong Technical Professionals Stream (under GEP and ASMTP)	HK$600	28 days	—	—	7 years	Work: Work limited to the approved trade; changing trade is not permitted. Study: Holder and dependants may study. Residency after 7 years Family: Dependants may work and study; must depart within 2 months if employment ends.
Hungary Hungary EU Blue Card	HUF 39,000	70 days	HUF 1,001,048	—	3 years	Work: Highly-qualified employment Study: Study permitted Residency after 3 years Family: Family reunification allowed
Hungary Hungary Residence Permit for Employment Purposes	HUF 26,000	70 days	—	—	—	Work: Employer-tied work
Iceland Iceland Residence Permit for Work Requiring Expert Knowledge	ISK 80,000	—	—	—	4 years	Work: Employment permitted only for the employer named in the work permit. Study: Study possible alongside the permit; a change of purpose may require a new permit. Residency after 4 years Family: Spouse/partner, children under 18 and parents aged 67+ may apply for reunification.
Iceland Iceland Residence Permit for Work Due to Shortage of Labour	ISK 80,000	—	—	—	4 years	Work: Work only for the employer named in the work permit. Study: Study possible; change of main purpose may need a new permit. Residency after 4 years Family: Spouse/partner, children under 18 and parents 67+ may seek reunification.
India India Employment Visa	—	7 days	$25,000	—	—	Work: Work only for the sponsoring employer/assignment named in the visa. Family: Dependants may obtain an Entry (X) Visa co-terminus with the employment visa.
Indonesia Indonesia Work KITAS (E23)	—	—	—	—	4 years	Work: Employer-sponsored, role-tied employment Residency after 4 years Family: Dependents allowed; family cannot work
Iraq Iraq Work Permit and Residency (Federal)	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer named in the work permit. Residency: Residency permit is renewed annually; Iraq has no published fast-track to permanent residence or naturalisation through employment. Family: Holders with valid residency may sponsor immediate family for dependent residency permits.
Iraq Kurdistan Region Work Permit and Residency	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment in the Kurdistan Region with the sponsoring employer; not valid in federal Iraq. Residency: KRG residency renewed annually; no published permanent-residence track. Family: Holders may sponsor immediate family for KRG residency cards.
Ireland Ireland General Employment Permit (GEP)	€1,000	—	€3,050.42	—	5 years	Work: Full-time, employer-tied Residency after 5 years Family: Reunification after 1 yr; spouse works
Ireland Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP)	€1,000	—	€3,408.67	—	2 years	Work: Full-time, employer-tied initially Residency after 2 years Family: Immediate; spouse can work
Israel Israel B/1 Expert Work Visa	₪1,420	—	₪23,460	—	—	Work: Employer-tied expert work; high salary req Family: Family get B/2; no work without permit
Italy Italy EU Blue Card	€116	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly-qualified employment, employer-tied Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification, simplified
Italy Italy Salaried Work Visa (Decreto Flussi)	€116	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Salaried work, employer-tied (flussi) Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification allowed
Jamaica Jamaica Work Permit Exemption	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Permits work without a work permit for the duration and scope of the granted exemption.
Jamaica CARICOM Skills Certificate (Recognition of Caribbean Community Skilled Person)	JMD 2,000	56 days	—	—	—	Work: Holder may work without a work permit; with a certificate issued by another member state, the right to work applies immediately on entry. Study: Free movement under CSME includes the ability to reside and study. Residency: A Jamaica-issued certificate supports indefinite stay; CARICOM nationals also have a separate permanent-residence route. Family: CSME free movement extends to the skilled national's spouse and dependants, who may accompany and reside.
Jamaica Jamaica Work Permit	JMD 17,250	—	—	365 days	3 years	Work: Authorises employment with the named employer in the approved position only; non-transferable. Residency after 3 years
Japan Japan Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services Visa	¥3,000	60 days	—	—	10 years	Work: Full-time; tied to role/contract Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 10 years Family: Dependent visa for spouse + children
Japan Japan Specified Skilled Worker Visa (SSW i / ii)	¥3,000	60 days	—	—	10 years	Work: Sector-tied skilled work Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 10 years Family: SSW-ii allows family + PR; SSW-i does not
Jordan Jordan Work Permit and Work Residence Permit	JOD 300	30 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorised only for the sponsoring employer and the permitted occupation. Residency: Annual renewals; long legal residence may support discretionary naturalisation, no fixed PR timeline. Family: Dependants admitted on separate follower/family residence permits.
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Work Visa (C3) - Labour Activity	$600	5 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer under the work permit. Residency after 5 years Family: Family members may obtain accompanying visas (often C2/C11).
Kenya Kenya Work Permit Class C (Prescribed Profession)	KES 20,000	—	—	—	7 years	Work: Authorises practice of the named prescribed profession. Residency after 7 years Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes.
Kenya Kenya Work Permit Class D (Specific Employment)	KES 20,000	—	—	—	7 years	Work: Authorises work only in the specified employment with the named employer. Residency after 7 years Family: Spouse and children apply for Dependant Passes linked to the permit holder.
Kosovo Kosovo Temporary Residence Permit – Employment	—	30 days	—	365 days	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring business within the annual quota; the holder may perform only the work for which authorisation was issued. Residency after 5 years Family: Family members may seek temporary residence for family reunification subject to conditions.
Kuwait Kuwait Private-Sector Work Residence (Article 18)	KWD 200	45 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorises work only for the sponsoring employer; transfer of sponsor requires approval. Family: Worker may sponsor spouse and children under Article 22 if earning at least KWD 800/month and meeting conditions.
Kuwait Kuwait Domestic-Worker Residence (Article 20)	KWD 100	45 days	KWD 60	—	—	Work: Authorises domestic work for the sponsoring household only.
Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Work Permit and Employment Visa (Single Permit)	—	—	—	365 days	—	—
Laos Laos Labour / Work Visa (LA-B2)	—	8 days	—	—	—	—
Latvia Latvia EU Blue Card	€100	14 days	€2,723	—	5 years	Work: Highly-qualified employment, role-tied Study: Study permitted alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and minor children included
Latvia Latvia Residence Permit for Employment	€100	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Employer/role-tied employment Study: Study permitted alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and minor children included
Lebanon Lebanon Artist / Entertainment Permit	—	—	—	90 days	—	Work: Limited to the named entertainment engagement at the sponsoring establishment.
Lebanon Lebanon Work Permit and Residence (Categories I-III)	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Work for the sponsoring employer in the permitted category; changing employer requires a new permit. Study: Lawful residence allows study alongside work. Family: Category I permit holders may sponsor residence for spouse and minor children; lower categories face restrictions.
Lebanon Lebanon Domestic Worker Permit and Residence	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Limited to domestic work for the sponsoring household named in the permit.
Lesotho Lesotho Doctors and Nurses Permit	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises medical practice at the named facility; renewable while the contract is valid. Study: Lawful residence permits study. Residency: Renewable two-year permit; an indefinite permit is available for long-term holders.
Lesotho Lesotho Work Permit and Residence Permit	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer; renewable while the contract is valid. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside the employment. Residency: Renewable two-year permits can lead to an indefinite (permanent) permit; no fixed statutory period published.
Lesotho Lesotho Teacher's Permit	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises teaching at the named institution; renewable while the contract is valid. Study: Lawful residence permits study. Residency: Renewable two-year permit; an indefinite teacher's permit is available for long-term holders.
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Cross-Border Commuter Permit G (Third-Country)	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment in Liechtenstein while residing in the neighbouring border zone; daily return required.
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Residence Permit B for Third-Country Workers	—	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Permits employment with the sponsoring employer in a manager/specialist/qualified role. Study: Lawful residents may study alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification possible subject to housing, means and integration conditions; not automatic for third-country nationals.
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Residence Permit B (Employment) by Government Allocation	—	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Permits employment with the sponsoring Liechtenstein employer under a contract over one year or unlimited. Study: Lawful residents may study alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and children (and supported parents) may join at any time.
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Residence Permit B (Employment) via EEA Lottery	CHF 600	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Permits gainful employment with a Liechtenstein employer; the underlying contract must exceed one year or be unlimited. Study: Lawful residents may study alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and children (and parents who are financially supported) may join at any time once the permit holder resides in Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Cross-Border Commuter Permit G (EEA)	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment in Liechtenstein while residing abroad; the holder must return to the foreign residence regularly.
Lithuania Lithuania EU Blue Card	€160	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified employment; change of employer allowed under Blue Card rules. Study: May study alongside the qualifying employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Immediate family reunification with full work access.
Lithuania Lithuania Work-Based Temporary Residence Permit / National Visa	€160	120 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer per the work permit. Study: May study alongside work without a separate permit. Residency after 5 years
Lithuania Lithuania Highly Qualified Worker Temporary Residence Permit	€160	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises highly qualified employment with the sponsoring employer. Study: May study alongside the qualifying employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Family may apply for residence permits immediately, no 2-year wait.
Luxembourg Luxembourg Residence Permit for Third-Country Salaried Workers	€80	120 days	—	—	5 years	Work: First permit limited to one profession and sector; broader from first renewal. Study: Study permitted alongside the authorised employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification available subject to income and housing conditions.
Luxembourg Luxembourg Post-Study Job-Search / Business Start-Up Permit	€80	90 days	—	365 days	5 years	Study: Further study permitted while resident. Residency after 5 years
Luxembourg Luxembourg EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Worker)	€80	90 days	€65,652	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified work; sector/profession change needs prior authorisation. Study: Study permitted alongside the authorised employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Facilitated family reunification for Blue Card holders.
Macao Macao Non-resident Worker's Identification Card (Blue Card)	MOP 100	45 days	—	—	—	—
Madagascar Madagascar Work Visa and Work Permit	—	60 days	—	—	3 years	Work: Authorises employment for the sponsoring employer named in the work permit. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency after 3 years Family: Spouse and minor children may apply for dependent residence permits; work needs a separate application.
Malawi Malawi Temporary Employment Permit (TEP)	$500	22 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment only with the named employer and role. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and minor children may apply for dependant permits linked to the TEP holder.
Malaysia Malaysia Employment Pass (Categories I, II, III)	—	—	MYR 5,000	—	—	Work: Employer/role-tied; Cat I-III Family: Cat I/II dependant pass; spouse+kids
Maldives Maldives Work Permit and Employment Quota	—	—	—	—	—	—
Maldives Maldives Work Visa (Work e-Visa)	—	—	—	365 days	—	—
Malta Malta EU Blue Card	€600	—	€3,219	—	5 years	Work: Highly-qualified role-tied Study: Residents may study Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification derogations apply
Malta Malta Single Permit (work and residence)	€600	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Employer-tied work and residence Study: Residents may study Residency after 5 years Family: Reunification after 12 months
Malta Malta Key Employee Initiative	€600	5 days	€3,750	—	5 years	Work: Employer/role-tied Study: Residents may study Residency after 5 years Family: Family fast-track; 1-yr wait waived
Mauritius Mauritius Occupation Permit — Professional	—	30 days	MUR 30,000	—	5 years	Work: Tied to the sponsoring Mauritian employer Study: Resident; may study Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and children under 24 may obtain dependent permits
Mexico Mexico Work Visa (Temporary Resident with Job Offer)	$56	—	—	—	4 years	Work: Work allowed with INM job-offer permit (NUT) Study: May study while resident Residency after 4 years Family: Spouse and children via family unity
Moldova Moldova IT Specialist Visa and Residence (Type D/IT)	€80	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises IT employment with the IT Park resident employer; standard labour-market work authorisation is streamlined. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside employment. Residency after 5 years
Moldova Moldova Long-Stay Work Visa and Residence (Type D/AM)	€80	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the specific employer and position named in the work authorisation. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside employment. Residency after 5 years
Monaco Monaco Work Permit (Salaried Employee)	€5	—	—	—	10 years	Work: Authorises only the specific job and employer named; any change needs a new permit. Residency after 10 years
Mongolia Mongolia Work Visa & Work Permit (Classification C / HG)	—	10 days	—	365 days	—	—
Montenegro Montenegro Unified Temporary Residence and Work Permit	—	40 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises work for the named employer and position; no separate work permit needed. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency after 5 years
Morocco Morocco Long-Stay Work Visa (foreign employment contract)	—	—	—	—	4 years	Work: Salaried work for the sponsoring employer under the approved CTE. Study: Permitted alongside employment. Residency after 4 years Family: Family may join via family-reunification residence permits.
Mozambique Mozambique Work Visa	—	21 days	—	365 days	10 years	Work: Authorises employment for the specified employer once the DIRE is issued; conditioned on Ministry of Labour authorisation. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency after 10 years Family: Spouse and dependent children may apply via the accompanying/temporary-stay visa.
Myanmar Myanmar Employment Visa and Stay Permit	$50	3 days	—	70 days	—	—
Namibia Namibia Employment Permit (Long-Term Work Permit)	NAD 2,600	70 days	—	—	—	Work: Work for the named employer and role; renewals require continued justification and localisation progress. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside the employment. Residency: Time on an employment permit can support a later permanent residence application decided by the ISB; no fixed statutory minimum is published.
Namibia Namibia Short-Term Employment Permit (Work Visa)	NAD 3,200	—	—	180 days	—	Work: Limited to the specified short-term assignment and employer.
Nepal Nepal Working Visa (Non-Tourist Employment)	$60	15 days	—	—	—	Work: Permits employment strictly with the sponsoring employer named in the labour permit. Family: Dependents get non-tourist dependent visas; spouse cannot work; under-10 children gratis.
Netherlands Netherlands Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons	€254	90 days	—	365 days	5 years	Work: up to 40 h/week Study: Study allowed Residency after 5 years Family: Family included
Netherlands Netherlands EU Blue Card	€423	90 days	€5,942	—	5 years	Work: up to 40 h/week Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Family included
Netherlands Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit	€423	14 days	€5,942	—	5 years	Work: up to 40 h/week Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Family included; free to work
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa	NZ$6,450	—	—	—	On grant	Work: Resident; work unrestricted Study: Resident; study unrestricted Residency: Residence from grant (PRV after ~2 yrs) Family: Partner + dependent children included
New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)	NZ$1,540	49 days	—	—	—	Work: Tied to accredited employer/role Residency: Route to residence (Green List) Family: Partner + children can apply
Nicaragua Nicaragua Work Permit for Foreign Workers	$50	—	—	365 days	4 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer for the permitted period. Residency after 4 years
Nigeria Nigeria Temporary Work Permit (TWP) - R10	—	—	—	30 days	—	Work: Limited to the specialised, project-based task for the inviting company; not general employment.
Nigeria Nigeria Temporary Work Permit (6 Months) - R11	—	—	—	180 days	—	Work: Limited to the specialised assignment for the sponsoring company.
Nigeria Nigeria STR (Subject to Regularization) Employment Visa	—	21 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer once regularised via CERPAC. Residency: Leads to a 2-year renewable CERPAC residence permit; long residence and an investor/skilled track can support permanent residence. Family: Dependants of the expatriate can obtain STR/CERPAC as accompanying family.
Nigeria Nigeria Free Zone Employment Visa	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Work limited to the free-zone enterprise/zone. Residency: Two-year renewable residence documented via CERPAC. Family: Dependants can accompany via dependent residence permits.
North Macedonia North Macedonia Temporary Residence for Work (Type D + Work Permit)	€70	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Work for the specified employer under the work permit and residence permit. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency after 5 years
Norway Norway Residence Permit for Skilled Workers	NOK 6,300	—	NOK 341,373	—	3 years	Work: Full-time work for the specific employer/role stated in the permit; a new permit is needed to change job type. Study: Studies alongside work are generally possible; the permit basis is employment. Residency after 3 years Family: Spouse/cohabitant and children may apply for family immigration, simultaneously if filed together.
Norway Norway Residence Permit to Seek Work as a Skilled Worker	NOK 6,300	—	NOK 341,373	—	—	Work: May take any job (skilled or unskilled) while searching; cannot be self-employed.
Oman Oman Employment Visa (Resident Sponsored)	OMR 20	30 days	—	—	—	Work: up to 45 h/week Family: Family sponsorship subject to salary/housing thresholds
Pakistan Pakistan Work Visa	$100	2 days	—	730 days	—	—
Panama Panama Work Residence Permit (10% Ordinary Personnel)	$250	120 days	—	—	2 years	Work: Work permit via MITRADEL included Study: May study as legal resident Residency after 2 years Family: Dependents included
Panama Panama Professional Foreigner Residence Permit	$250	—	—	—	2 years	Work: Work permit via MITRADEL included Study: May study as legal resident Residency after 2 years Family: Dependents included
Paraguay Paraguay Residence for Employed Work (Ley N° 6984/2022)	PYG 27,875.50	45 days	—	—	2 years	Work: Precarious resident status authorises employment for the residence period. Study: Full access to study. Residency after 2 years Family: Dependent spouse and children may be included.
Peru Peru Resident Worker Migratory Status (Calidad Migratoria Trabajador Residente)	PEN 58.80	30 days	—	—	3 years	Work: Authorised to work for the contracting employer in subordinate or independent form. Study: May study; primary purpose remains work. Residency after 3 years Family: Family members apply separately under Familiar Residente status.
Philippines Philippines 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa	₱10,130	75 days	—	—	—	Work: Employment is restricted to the sponsoring employer and position covered by the AEP. Residency: No automatic PR; holders may later apply for an immigrant (13-series) visa subject to eligibility. Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be included as dependents.
Poland Poland EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Work)	PLN 440	60 days	PLN 13,355.34	—	5 years	Work: Work for the highly qualified role; intra-EU mobility under recast conditions. Study: Study permitted alongside the qualified employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and minor children get residence permits with work rights, processed alongside the main application.
Poland Poland Temporary Residence and Work Permit (Single Permit)	PLN 440	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Work for the specified employer and conditions; no separate work permit needed. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency after 5 years
Portugal Portugal D1 Subordinate Work Visa	€110	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Employer-tied subordinate work Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification included
Portugal Portugal Skilled Job Seeker Visa	—	—	—	180 days	5 years	Work: Enter to seek work, then convert Residency after 5 years
Portugal Portugal D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa / EU Blue Card	€110	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified, employer-tied Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification included
Qatar Qatar Work Visa and Work Residence Permit	QAR 200	30 days	—	—	—	Work: up to 48 h/week Study: Permitted; family children enroll Residency: Renewable residence; no standard PR Family: If salary QAR10,000+ / housing
Romania Romania EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Employment)	€120	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified employment; greater employer mobility after 12 months. Study: Study permitted alongside qualified work. Residency after 5 years Family: Facilitated family reunification with no minimum prior-residence waiting period.
Romania Romania Long-Stay Visa for Employment (D/AM)	€120	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Employment with the sponsoring Romanian employer under the work permit/single permit. Study: Study possible alongside work subject to enrolment rules. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification (D/VF) available once the sponsor holds a 1-year residence permit.
Rwanda Rwanda Job Search Visa (V4)	$50	3 days	—	90 days	—	Residency: Pathway to a work permit and onward to long-term residence once employed.
Rwanda Rwanda Employment Permit (Class H)	—	7 days	—	—	10 years	Work: Work for the named employer and role; tied to the specific employer. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside employment. Residency after 10 years Family: Spouse and children apply for dependant (M-class) permits.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Kitts and Nevis CARICOM Skills Certificate Entry	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Skills Certificate holders work without a work permit. Study: Lawful indefinite stay permits study. Residency: Indefinite stay; naturalisation follows ordinary 14-year residence rules. Family: Spouse and immediate dependent family members may accompany the holder.
Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Kitts and Nevis Work Permit	EC$2,550	42 days	—	365 days	—	Work: Work for the sponsoring employer and role named in the permit. Residency: Continuous legal residence can lead to permanent residence/naturalisation (14 years for citizenship by residence).
Saint Lucia Saint Lucia CARICOM Skilled National (Free Movement)	EC$74	—	—	—	—	Work: Work and self-employment without a work permit anywhere in Saint Lucia once recognised. Study: Lawful presence permits study alongside work. Residency: Recognised Skilled Nationals are entitled to indefinite stay in Saint Lucia. Family: Free movement extends to the holder's spouse and dependants.
Saint Lucia Saint Lucia Work Permit	—	35 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises work for the sponsoring employer and role named in the permit. Residency after 5 years
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Work Permit (Employee)	EC$200	49 days	—	—	7 years	Work: Authorises work for the named employer for the permit period. Residency after 7 years
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines CARICOM Skills Certificate Entry	EC$250	—	—	—	7 years	Work: Exempt from work-permit requirement; may be employed without special approval, indefinitely. Study: May study on near-equal terms as a CARICOM national. Residency after 7 years Family: Spouse and dependent relatives are entitled to move with the skilled national.
Samoa Samoa Temporary Resident Permit for Employment (Work Permit)	WST 600	—	—	—	10 years	Work: Authorises work only for the employer nominated in the application; permit is cancellable if that employment ends. Residency after 10 years Family: Spouse and dependent children may be included (WST 300 each); dependants may separately seek permission to work.
San Marino San Marino Work Stay Permit (Employed Worker)	—	—	—	365 days	—	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring San Marino employer. Study: Lawful stay permits incidental study. Residency: Long, continuous lawful residence can lead to a stable residence category and eventually naturalisation after about 30 years.
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia Employment (Work) Visa and Iqama	SAR 2,000	42 days	—	—	—	Work: Employer/kafeel-tied work permit Study: Permitted; enrollment not restricted Family: Family if salary/category eligible
Senegal Senegal Work Authorization (Approved Employment Contract)	F CFA 15,200	15 days	—	—	—	Work: Work is authorised only for the specific employer and role in the approved contract; changing employer requires a fresh approval.
Serbia Serbia Single Residence and Work Permit	—	15 days	—	—	3 years	Work: Full work authorisation for the registered employer/activity. Study: May study alongside work. Residency after 3 years Family: Family members join via family reunification.
Serbia Serbia Long-Stay Work Visa (Visa D for Employment)	—	30 days	—	180 days	3 years	Work: Authorised to work for the sponsoring employer from arrival. Residency after 3 years Family: Family may join via family reunification once residence is regulated.
Seychelles Seychelles Gainful Occupation Permit (Employee)	SCR 1,000	5 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises the specific gainful occupation stated in the permit. Residency after 5 years Family: Dependants can be endorsed on a standard GOP (not on short-term permits) via a Dependant's Permit.
Singapore Singapore S Pass	SGD 105	14 days	SGD 3,300	—	—	Work: Skilled work, employer-tied Residency: May apply for PR after ~2 yrs Family: Dependant's Pass if salary >= $6,000
Singapore Singapore Employment Pass (EP)	SGD 105	14 days	SGD 5,600	—	—	Work: Professional work, employer-tied Residency: May apply for PR after ~2 yrs Family: Dependant's Pass if salary >= $6,000
Slovakia Slovakia EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Employment)	€250	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified employment; job changes within the first year may need approval. Study: Study allowed alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification with immediate access to the labour market.
Slovakia Slovakia Temporary Residence for Employment (Single Permit)	€170	90 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorised to work for the employer/position stated in the single permit. Study: Study allowed alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Family may join; they may work freely after 12 months.
Slovenia Slovenia Single Residence and Work Permit (Employment)	€102	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Full work authorisation; may change/add employers on notification. Study: Study permitted alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Family reunification possible after one year of residence (or immediately for certain categories).
Slovenia Slovenia EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Employment)	€102	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Highly qualified employment; employer changes need consent only in the first two years. Study: Study permitted alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Facilitated family reunification, including for families already resident in another EU state.
Slovenia Slovenia Residence Permit for Researchers	€102	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Research activity under the hosting agreement; nine-month job-search permit after completion. Study: Study and teaching permitted alongside research. Residency after 5 years Family: Family members may accompany the researcher under separate permits.
South Africa South Africa General Work Visa	—	60 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Tied to the sponsoring employer and role Residency after 5 years Family: Family apply for accompanying visas
South Korea Skilled Worker Points Visa E-7-4 (K-Point)	—	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Skilled work, points-based Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse & children via F-3
South Korea Special Occupation Visa E-7 (Skilled Professional)	—	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Work in designated occupation Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse & children via F-3
Spain Spain EU Blue Card	—	28 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Full-time; highly-qualified role Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Immediate reunification; family may work
Spain Spain Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) Permit	—	28 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Full-time; nationwide, role-tied Study: Study permitted Residency after 5 years Family: Family joins; may work
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Employment Category Residence Visa	$200	—	—	—	—	Work: Employment is the visa purpose, but tied to the sponsoring employer/project (BOI, government project, recommended bank, or sponsoring private company). Family: Dependents are explicitly eligible under all four employment sub-categories (USD 200/year each).
Suriname Suriname Work Permit for Foreign Nationals (Werkvergunning)	—	30 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer only; a separate residence permit is needed for stays over 90 days. Residency after 5 years
Sweden Sweden EU Blue Card	SEK 2,000	30 days	SEK 52,000	—	4 years	Work: Highly qualified employment; favourable EU intra-mobility after a period. Study: May study alongside the qualifying employment. Residency after 4 years Family: Spouse/partner and children under 18 may join and work.
Sweden Sweden Work Permit for Employees	SEK 2,200	120 days	SEK 33,390	—	4 years	Work: Full-time employment with the named employer; tied to the role for the first period. Study: May study alongside work without a separate permit. Residency after 4 years Family: Spouse/partner and children under 21 may apply; adult family and children 16+ may work.
Switzerland Switzerland B Residence Permit - Non-EU/EFTA Skilled Worker	CHF 88	—	—	—	10 years	Work: Full-time work for the sponsoring employer; job change generally needs cantonal authorisation. Study: Study possible alongside residence at cantonal discretion. Residency after 10 years Family: Reunification for spouse and unmarried children under 18, subject to housing and means (Art. 44 FNIA).
Switzerland Switzerland B EU/EFTA Residence Permit (Free Movement)	—	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Full labour-market access nationwide with free job change under the AFMP. Study: Study permitted. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and children under 21 plus dependent relatives may join and work anywhere.
Switzerland Switzerland G Cross-Border Commuter Permit (Grenzgaenger)	—	—	—	—	—	Work: EU/EFTA: work anywhere in Switzerland; non-EU/EFTA: only within the issuing canton's border zone, job change needs permission.
Taiwan Taiwan Resident Visa and Work Permit for Foreign Professionals	$66	8 days	$47,971	—	5 years	Work: Authorised to work for the sponsoring employer in the permitted role; changing employer requires a new permit. Study: May study alongside employment. Residency after 5 years Family: Spouse and minor children obtain dependent ARCs; spouse work may need the sponsor's income to meet a threshold.
Tajikistan Tajikistan Work Permit (Migration Service)	—	30 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorises the named foreign worker to be employed by the sponsoring employer. Residency: Renewable annually; supports a long-term residence-permit application over time.
Tajikistan Tajikistan Work Visa	—	30 days	—	90 days	—	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer once paired with a work permit. Residency: Extendable on the work permit; long-term workers may apply for a residence permit.
Tanzania Tanzania Residence Permit Class B (Specified Employment)	$2,000	60 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorises the specific employment with the named employer; requires a separate Ministry of Labour work permit. Family: Spouse and dependent children may apply for dependant residence permits tied to the employee.
Thailand Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa + Work Permit	THB 2,000	10 days	—	90 days	3 years	Work: Employer-sponsored + work permit Residency after 3 years Family: Family on Non-O dependent
Togo Togo Work Authorisation and Visaed Employment Contract	—	—	—	—	—	Work: Authorises salaried employment for the specified employer; localisation plan may be required for extensions. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency: Paired with a carte de séjour; long residence via ordinary (3yr) then privileged (5/10yr) cards. Family: Dependents may obtain residence cards (spouse as conjoint, children) once the worker is regularised.
Togo Togo Temporary Residence Card (Worker)	F CFA 200,000	37 days	—	—	—	Work: Authorises residence for work under a valid labour authorisation. Study: Lawful residence permits study. Residency: Renewable; pathway to the ordinary (3yr) and privileged (5/10yr) residence cards. Family: Spouse and children may obtain their own residence cards.
Tonga Tonga Employment Visa / Work Permit	$230	30 days	—	—	—	Work: Work only for the named employer and role; changing employer needs a new permit. Residency: Renewable yearly; long-term residents may apply for a Residency Visa. No fixed statutory years-to-PR published. Family: Spouse and minor children may accompany on dependent residence permits.
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Work Permit	TTD 600	—	—	—	5 years	Work: Authorises employment with the named employer for the permit period; tied to the specific job. Residency after 5 years
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement)	—	42 days	—	—	—	Work: Holders work without a work permit anywhere in Trinidad and Tobago within approved categories. Study: Indefinite-stay holders may study; certificate is primarily for skilled work. Residency: Grants indefinite stay; holders may also pursue residence and citizenship through the normal routes. Family: Spouse and dependent relatives may move to Trinidad and Tobago with the skilled national.
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Work Permit Exemption (30 Days)	—	—	—	30 days	—	Work: Permits gainful occupation for one period of up to 30 days in any 12 consecutive months without a work permit.
Tunisia Tunisia Work-Contract Visa and Residence Card	—	77 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Work for the employer and role named in the endorsed contract; change of employer requires a new endorsement. Residency after 5 years
Türkiye Turkey Work Permit (Çalışma İzni)	TRY 12,574.90	30 days	—	—	8 years	Work: Employer-tied; permit doubles as residence Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 8 years Family: Family residence permit for dependents
Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Work Visa and Work Permit (WP)	—	—	—	—	7 years	Work: Employment authorised only for the sponsoring employer named in the permit. Residency after 7 years Family: Spouse and minor children may obtain dependent visas if the worker shows sufficient means; dependents cannot work without their own permits.
Uganda Uganda Entry Permit Class F (Professionals)	$1,500	—	—	—	10 years	Work: Authorises practising the named regulated profession in Uganda. Residency after 10 years Family: Spouse and children under 18 may apply for a dependant pass linked to the permit.
Uganda Uganda Entry Permit Class G2 (Employed Expatriates)	$2,500	—	—	—	10 years	Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring employer named in the permit. Residency after 10 years Family: Spouse and children under 18 may apply for a dependant pass linked to the permit.
Ukraine Ukraine Long-Term Work Visa (Type D-04) and Work Permit	$165	15 days	—	90 days	—	Work: Work permitted for the specific employer named in the employment permit; changing employer requires a new permit. Study: Lawful residence permits study alongside work. Residency: Temporary residence permit renewed with the permit; no automatic time-based PR, but long lawful residence supports an immigration (permanent) permit.
United Arab Emirates UAE Standard Employment Residence Visa	—	21 days	—	—	—	Work: Employer-tied work permit Study: May study while resident Residency: Renewable residence; no PR/citizenship Family: Sponsors family if salary met
United Arab Emirates UAE Green Visa for Skilled Employees	—	—	AED 15,000	—	—	Work: Self-sponsored; skilled employment Study: May study in the UAE Residency: 5-yr renewable Green residence; no PR Family: Sponsors spouse, children, parents
United Kingdom UK Creative Worker Visa (Temporary Work)	£340	21 days	—	365 days	—	Work: Full-time, sponsor-tied Study: Study allowed Family: Dependants allowed
United Kingdom UK Skilled Worker Visa	£819	21 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Full-time, sponsor-tied Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Dependants allowed
United Kingdom UK Health and Care Worker Visa	£324	21 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Full-time, sponsor-tied Study: Study allowed alongside work Residency after 5 years Family: Dependants allowed
United Kingdom UK Scale-up Worker Visa	£937	21 days	—	—	5 years	Work: Free after 6 mo sponsorship Study: Study allowed Residency after 5 years Family: Dependants allowed
United States EB-2 National Interest Waiver Green Card	$715	—	—	—	On grant	Work: Unrestricted work as LPR Study: May study freely as LPR Residency: Immigrant visa to Green Card (permanent) Family: Spouse and children get green cards
United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa	$205	—	—	—	—	Work: Employer-tied (petitioning company) Study: May study while maintaining status Residency: Dual intent; route to green card (EB-2/EB-1) Family: H-4 dependents; some H-4 spouses can work
Uruguay Uruguay Temporary Legal Residence - Worker	UYU 3,539	—	—	—	3 years	Work: Full work authorisation tied to legal residence status. Study: May study while resident. Residency after 3 years Family: Family members apply for their own residence, including via the Uruguayan-link route.
Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Work Visa and Labour Confirmation	$160	—	—	—	—	—
Vanuatu Vanuatu Employment Visa and Work Permit	VUV 51,500	—	—	—	10 years	Work: Work for the sponsoring employer in the approved role; tied to the valid work permit. Residency after 10 years
Vietnam Vietnam Work Visa (LD1/LD2) + Work Permit	—	20 days	—	730 days	—	Work: LD2 needs work permit; LD1 exempt Study: Permitted incidental to residence Family: Spouse+children get dependent TT TRC
Zambia Zambia Employment Permit	ZMW 24,240	—	—	—	10 years	Work: Work only in the activity and for the employer specified in the permit. Residency after 10 years
Zambia Zambia Temporary Employment Permit	ZMW 18,180	—	—	180 days	—	Work: Work limited to the specified engagement for up to 6 months in a 12-month period.
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe Temporary Employment Permit (TEP)	$500	—	—	—	—	Work: Work authorised for the specified employer and position only. Family: Dependents added at USD 300 each with marriage/birth certificates; spouse work needs a separate permit.

Sort by any column. Fees are shown in each program's own currency and are government fees only. Blank cells (—) mean we haven't verified that fact — never that it is zero. “PR in” is a statutory minimum and may vary.