Visa pathway 03 · National permits

Skilled Worker permits,
for recognised professionals.

Country-specific routes for professionals with recognised training taking up qualified employment, from Germany's §18a to the Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant permit.

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Sponsor
Recognised local employer
Duration
Up to 5 years, renewable
Typical decision time
2 to 12 weeks
Where we handle it
6 countries

Who it’s
for.

If one or more of these sounds like you, this route is worth a closer look.

  • People with vocational training or a degree recognised in the host country
  • Professionals with a job offer in a qualified role
  • Workers in shortage occupations

What you’ll
need.

The typical requirements. Your advisor builds your exact checklist during onboarding.

  • Recognition of your qualifications, where required
  • A job offer from a local employer
  • A salary that meets local rules for your role
  • Language skills, for some roles and countries
  • A valid passport and health insurance

General guide only. Rules change and vary by country and personal situation. Your advisor confirms what applies to you.

How we handle
your application.

Four stages, one advisor, and an update from us at every step.

01
Plan

We confirm this is your best route, check eligibility and give you a timeline and costs.

02
Prepare

We build your document checklist, review every file and prepare your application.

03
Move

We file, book your appointments and track your status until approval.

04
Settle

On Sorted packages, we handle registration, tax number and bank account after you land.

Where we
handle it.

Skilled Worker applications across these countries, with a full city guide for each.

Germany
Berlin Startup capital · Euro Read the city guide →
Netherlands
Amsterdam Business hub · Euro Read the city guide →
Ireland
Dublin Tech hub · Euro Read the city guide →
Sweden
Stockholm Startup capital · Swedish krona Read the city guide →
Austria
Vienna Red-White-Red Card · Euro Read the city guide →
Switzerland
Zurich Finance and pharma · Swiss franc Read the city guide →
And more
DenmarkNot on the list? Ask in your free evaluation.
Free evaluation →

Common
questions.

How long does it take?

In the Netherlands, recognised sponsors get decisions in about 2 weeks. German embassies typically take 4 to 8 weeks, and qualification recognition can add time before you apply.

How long does recognition take?

It varies by country and profession, from a few weeks to several months. We start it early so it doesn't hold up your move.

Can I change jobs?

Often yes, but some permits are tied to your employer at first. We explain the rules for your permit.

Does it lead to permanent residence?

In most countries, yes, after a set number of years of lawful residence.

Other routes
worth comparing.

Not sure this is the one? Your free evaluation checks every route against your situation.

25 EU countries
EU Blue CardUp to 4 years, renewable
Remote work
Digital Nomad1 to 2 years, renewable
Self-employment
Freelancer1 to 3 years, renewable
Startup visas
Founder1 to 4 years, renewable
Family
Family ReunificationMatches sponsor's permit

Land in any of our 10 cities,
with keys in hand.

Fully Sorted includes first-month accommodation and airport pickup, arranged before you travel.

See packages →