Workers

Updated : 12/2012

Work permits

Work permits are never required for self-employed people in the EU.

However, some EU citizens still need a work permit to become an employee in certain EU countries.

Liechtenstein imposes quotas that limit the number of people who can work and live there. This quota system applies to nationals of all EU countries, Norway and Iceland.

If you are planning to look for work in a country that still has restrictions on access to its labour market, it is worth finding out about the procedures for obtaining a work permit.

You are advised to contact the public employment service in the country where you are going.

If you need additional information you can contact a European employment adviser.

Nationals of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia

Since 1 May 2011, you are no longer subject to any restrictions: you have the right to work — as employed or self-employed — without a work permit throughout the EU and in Iceland and Norway.

Switzerland may impose restrictions until 31 May 2014.

Nationals of Romania and Bulgaria

You may work — as employed or self-employed — without a work permit in: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.

Until 31 December 2013 at the latest, your right to work might be restricted in:


Austria	Germany	Netherlands
Belgium	Luxembourg	Spain (only for Romanians)
France	Malta	United Kingdom

To work in these countries, you will need a work permit. Some countries have simplified their procedures or reduced restrictions in some sectors or for some professions.

Switzerland may impose restrictions until 31 May 2019.

Before you try working in a country that still imposes restrictions, you should seek information on the applicable procedures. Contact the public employment service in the country where you wish to work.

If you need further support, contact a European employment adviser.

Sample story

Make sure you get a work permit before moving abroad

Petre from Romania accepts a job offer in Vienna and immediately moves to Austria. But he is unable to get a work permit and has to return to Romania.

If you come from Romania or Bulgaria, it is important to check whether you need a work permit before moving to a new country to take up a job. If so, bear in mind that your application for a work permit might be refused.

Postings abroad

There are no restrictions on posted work — employed or self-employed.

Exception: Germany and Austria apply temporary restrictions on the posting of workers from Romania and Bulgaria by companies in certain sectors but not for self-employed people.

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