Unskilled jobs in Europe for foreigners with visa sponsorship in 2024

How can unskilled workers come to work in Europe in 2024?

We'll start our exploration by analyzing how the visa for unskilled labor works, but first, let's take a look at immigration statistics in Europe.

Finding direct statistics on unskilled jobs can be challenging since these positions span across multiple industries. Therefore, we’ll look at broader immigration statistics related to work in Europe, which includes both skilled and unskilled jobs. 

Source: Eurostat

How does visa sponsorship for unskilled workers work?

Unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in Europe refer to job opportunities where the employer sponsors the visa application process. This means that the employer handles most of the paperwork and submits the necessary documents to the relevant government authorities for approval.

To work in Europe in an unskilled job with visa sponsorship, the key is to secure a job offer from a company willing to sponsor your visa. This simplifies the immigration process significantly, as the employer assists with the necessary legal documentation. However, this assistance is not so necessary, it may seem indispensable for someone who does not know how the system works and how to process the visa, but as long as the company is willing to hire you and provide you with an employment contract, the main requirement is already fulfilled.  

Once you have a job offer, applying for a visa on your own is manageable. It involves understanding the specific procedures and requirements of the destination country and following the prescribed steps. The most crucial requirement is securing a job offer. Additional requirements may vary by country but are typically straightforward to fulfill.

Given the diverse personal circumstances and varying conditions across European countries, a detailed compilation of documents and requirements for each scenario would necessitate multiple articles. Instead, we recommend visiting the European Union’s immigration portal. This website allows you to select your destination country and immigration purpose, providing all the relevant information tailored to your situation.

In-demand unskilled jobs in European countries

If you're interested in finding unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in Europe, it's crucial to start by targeting countries with significant labor shortages in your area of interest. We’ll first look at the countries experiencing the greatest worker shortages and then identify the specific unskilled job positions in high demand.

Countries with labor shortages

Based on the EURES 2023 report on labor shortages and surpluses, the countries with the highest number of labor shortages include the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Romania, Slovenia, and Luxembourg. This report provides insights into the vacancy rates and the number of identified deficit occupations in each country, helping us understand the broader landscape of labor needs in Europe.

Source: EURES 2023 report on labor shortages and surpluses

Intuitively, one would expect that the countries that identified the highest number of deficit occupations would be associated with low unemployment rates or high vacancy rates. While this is the case for some of these countries, such as the Netherlands and Norway, it is not the case for all. 

The unemployment rate and the vacancy rate are not the only factors that can explain the number of deficit occupations identified, but there are others, related, for example, to the age structure of the workforce, the specificities of the production and services sectors, the functioning of the labor market systems, etc. 

This shows us the complexity of the analysis of the issue, but it is a first step to understanding the countries with the greatest shortage of workers, the next step would be to identify the occupations with the greatest shortage in Europe.

High-demand unskilled jobs in Europe: shortage of workforce explained

The EURES report also indicates for occupation, the number of countries that have identified the occupation as being in short supply. To determine which unskilled jobs are in high demand, we filtered the EURES report to focus on professions identified as experiencing shortages across multiple countries. 

Below is a list of 10 of these professions, along with a brief description of each. The number of countries in the EU that identified a shortage of workers in this profession is shown in parentheses.

Heavy truck and lorry drivers (19 countries)

Heavy truck and lorry drivers are responsible for transporting goods from one location to another. This role can vary from short local deliveries to long international hauls. In addition to driving, drivers often oversee the loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring its safe transport.

Waiters (17 countries)

Waiters play a crucial role in the hospitality industry. Their responsibilities typically include presenting menus, taking orders, serving food and beverages, clearing tables, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience for customers. They must also handle payments and reset tables for the next guests.

Bus and tram drivers (13 countries)

Bus and tram drivers operate vehicles on predetermined routes to transport passengers. They ensure the safety and comfort of passengers, follow schedules and handle customer interactions. This job often includes driving urban routes, regional lines, corporate shuttles, and school transportation.

Bricklayers and related workers (13 countries)

Bricklayers are essential in the construction industry. They work with materials such as concrete and bricks to construct foundations, walls, and other structures. This job often involves working outdoors and requires physical stamina and precision.

Butchers, fishmongers and food workers (13 countries)

Butchers and fishmongers prepare meat and seafood products for sale. Their tasks include reconditioning raw materials, performing cold and hot preparations, and ensuring adherence to hygiene, quality, and safety standards. They work both manually and with machinery to process foods according to recipes and production orders.

Building construction labourers (12 countries)

Building construction labourers perform various tasks on construction sites, often requiring minimal qualifications. Jobs in this category include formwork carpenters, crane operators, excavator drivers, and scaffolders. These roles involve physical labor and working in diverse conditions.

Painters and related workers (11 countries)

Painters prepare and finish surfaces by applying paint, varnish, and other coatings. They work on interior and exterior walls, ceilings, floors, and other surfaces, ensuring a high-quality finish. Painters must also prepare surfaces, apply primers, and follow specific techniques for different materials.

Floor layers and tile setters (11 countries)

Floor layers specialise in installing various flooring materials, including PVC, tiles, cement, wood, stone, and carpet. Tile setters focus on placing tiles to cover surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens, terraces, and pools. These artisans need precision and skill to cut and place materials accurately.

Cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other (10 Countries)

Cleaning staff work in various settings, including offices, hotels, and industrial sites. They perform cleaning and maintenance tasks, adhering to hygiene and safety regulations. This job often involves working flexible hours and performing tasks such as floor cleaning, window washing, and specialized cleaning operations.

Kitchen Helpers (8 Countries)

Kitchen helpers assist in food preparation and kitchen maintenance. They handle tasks like washing, peeling, and cutting ingredients, monitoring cooking processes, and plating dishes. This role is often an entry point in the culinary field, providing essential support to chefs and learning opportunities for career advancement.

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How to apply for an unskilled position in Europe for a foreigner?

Applying for an unskilled position in Europe as a foreigner involves several key steps, from searching for job opportunities to preparing your application documents and acing the interview. Whether you're looking to work in hospitality, construction, or any other sector with high demand for unskilled labor, it's important to be well-prepared to stand out to potential employers. 

This section will guide you through the essential steps in the job application process, including where to find job listings, how to craft a compelling CV and cover letter, and tips for a successful interview.

Job research online and offline

By utilizing both online job portals and your personal network, you can maximize your chances of finding unskilled jobs in Europe with visa sponsorship. Let’s explore these two options.

Applying for jobs: CV, cover letter and interview

Securing a job in Europe begins with crafting an impressive CV and a compelling cover letter. Let's explore these two aspects to ensure you navigate this stage smoothly. Additionally, we'll review some tips for successfully passing a job interview.

Wages of unskilled workers in Europe in 2024

Analyzing salary ranges for each position isn't practical due to the vast number of professions and the variation in wages across European countries. Instead, we'll provide insight into minimum wages in Europe, as low-skilled jobs generally align with minimum wage levels.

Source: Eurostat

A salary range for all professions would roughly go from 300 euros to a little over 2000. Since low-skilled jobs are generally aligned with the minimum wages, we can use them as a point of observation.