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How to get a job in Europe from India

Navigating the path to employment in Europe from India can be both exciting and daunting. The requirements, job portals, visa considerations, and diverse cultural aspects can easily overwhelm. So here is our complete guide to employment for Indian nationals in Europe.

Last time updated
25.08.24

Europe is an alluring destination for expatriates, sought after for its rich cultural tapestry, historical significance, and high standard of living. Increasingly, individuals worldwide, including many from India, are setting their sights on the Old Continent for employment opportunities, either to escape economic challenges or to secure a more lucrative salary.

How many Indians come to Europe to work?

Europe stands as a highly attractive destination for employment, drawing an increasing number of individuals each year. In 2022, a notable 86,181 Indians immigrated to Europe for work, showcasing a consistent upward trend over the past decade, with a noteworthy surge nearly doubling from 2021 to 2022. The sole exception to this ascent was in 2020, marked by a reduction in immigration due to the COVID crisis.

Source: ec.europa.eu

While the percentage of Indians arriving in Europe for work might seem relatively small in relation to the overall immigration, as depicted in the following graph, a more revealing perspective emerges when compared to immigration from other countries worldwide. In this context, Indian immigration claims the third spot, surpassed only by Ukraine and Belarus.

86 000 people
from India have immigrated to Europe for work reasons in 2022
45 000 people
from India have immigrated to Europe for work reasons in 2021

Step-by-step process on how to get a job in Europe from India

Having explored the statistics to gain a better understanding of the landscape, it's now time to dive into the practical steps. Let's navigate, step by step, what you need to do to secure a job and migrate to Europe from India.

To simplify your decision-making process, consider these five fundamental aspects:

Professional Opportunities

Assess the job market in potential destinations. Opt for a location with ample job opportunities in your field, ensuring a promising professional landscape.

Labor Conditions

Each country comes with its own set of labor conditions, including weekly working hours, annual holidays, and variations in maternity and paternity leave. Be mindful of these factors when making your choice.

Climate

Transitioning from the climate of India to that of, say, Oslo, can be a significant adjustment. Even cities like Paris, while not as Nordic, may have cooler climates. Choose a place where you can feel comfortable in terms of weather.

Cost of Living and Accommodation

Different countries and cities have varying costs of living. Ensure that the salary potential aligns with the local cost of living. Factor in accommodation costs, as they can vary widely even within the same country.

Quality of Life

Consider the overall development level of the country, as it significantly impacts the quality of life. Choosing a country with a high level of development like Denmark or Luxembourg can contribute to an improved quality of life.

Proximity to Family and Friends

If you have friends or family in Europe, the country they reside in may be a favorable choice. Having a support network nearby can greatly enhance your experience.

Several destinations may align with your preferences and needs. What's crucial is being aware of the specificities of each country. 

If you're seeking employment in a non-English-speaking country, all is not lost. Depending on your industry and the nature of the job, you may find opportunities even without knowing the native language. The key lies in the sector you're involved in and the specific job requirements.

It's essential to consider that while you might secure a job speaking only English, integrating into the country in the long run may require learning the native language. Plan to attend language classes or utilize online resources such as language learning apps and websites to enhance your language skills.

If the language proficiency of the local language is a contractual requirement in your field, your options narrow down. You can either opt for an English-speaking country or commit to learning the language of your destination country. Failing to meet language requirements may significantly limit your job prospects.

Regardless of the chosen design, the purpose of a resume is to highlight the applicant's value to any selection committee. It serves as the applicant's introduction and is the most critical document in any recruitment process.

Essentially, it summarizes academic and professional experiences, achievements, and competencies relevant to the desired position. Your resume should be easy to read and provide a clear explanation of why you are qualified for the position you're applying for.

Making an impact requires presenting a resume that stands out from the competition, but it's essential to adhere to certain standards. In Europe, CVs generally follow a standardized format, offering flexibility but within certain constraints. For instance, the CV of someone just starting their career or with a few years of experience should not exceed one page.

Variations also exist based on your field; a graphic designer's CV may accept certain features that might not be as well-received in an engineer's CV. Given the intricacies, it's advisable to start by exploring the European CV model. There, you can create your CV using interactive tools tailored to European standards. You can also learn how to write a strong CV. See our dedicated resources on this topic.

If the competent authorities in your chosen country identify significant differences between your education and theirs, you may need to undergo an adaptation course or an aptitude test to secure recognition. In some countries, this homologation process can take three to six months, so it's crucial to inquire about it early on to avoid potential issues and delays.

Internet

The most effective way to research job opportunities is through the Internet. Numerous European job portals feature thousands of job listings. These platforms allow you to filter job offers based on your preferred sector, location, educational level, or required work experience.1) Start your search by looking for opportunities on the European Union's job portal. 2) Then, explore job listings on platforms that cater to a European audience, such as eurojobs.com, eurojobsites.com, experteer.com, indeed.com, or page.com.3) Additionally, check out local job portals in the specific country you are interested in for more tailored opportunities. 

Network

Another effective strategy for addressing the challenge of how to find jobs in Europe from India is leveraging your network. Building and utilizing your professional network is one of the most powerful ways to secure employment.Reach out to individuals within your network who are currently working in Europe. This could include friends, former classmates who have traveled to Europe and are now employed there, or even colleagues you've worked with in India who have migrated to Europe, mirroring your aspirations.LinkedIn is a valuable platform to connect with professionals in your industry, even if you haven't met them personally. When reaching out, introduce yourself thoroughly, explaining who you are and why you're contacting them. Some individuals may be willing to offer valuable insights or assistance.Expand your professional network by joining industry organizations or attending events related to your field, fostering new connections that could open doors to job opportunities.

Due to the broad range of circumstances, detailing the documents and requirements for each case would be extensive. Instead, we guide you to the European Union immigration page, where you can easily find all the necessary information. Simply select your destination country and the purpose of your immigration to access tailored information for your case.

It's essential to note that in almost all countries, you'll need to secure a job and obtain a work contract before applying for a work visa. This underscores the significance of the job search and application process as a prerequisite for the visa application.

If you're interested in working in Luxembourg, we recommend checking our article on "How to obtain a visa for Luxembourg for Indian citizens".

Tasks include finding a place to live, organizing the transportation of your belongings, opening bank accounts, setting up utilities, phone services, and much more. Begin planning well in advance, as the list is extensive. Whether you're making a solo move or relocating your entire family, careful planning is key to ensuring a smooth transition from India to Europe.

However, cultural understanding isn't achieved solely through study; it requires interacting with locals once you arrive and building friendships there. Hence, mastering the local language is important. Even if you can communicate in English, establishing friendships and integrating into the culture will likely require proficiency in the native language of the country. Engage with the local community, immerse yourself in their way of life, and cultivate connections for a more enriching experience in your new home.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to decide which is the best European country to work in?

Do I need to learn the native language of the destination country to work?

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We took photos from these sources: Photo by Ketut Subiyanto for Pexels

Authors: Luz
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