Planning to work in Europe in 2026? Find out which EU countries offer the cheapest work visas, the cost of permits, validity periods, and which professionals each program is best suited for

2026 opens up new opportunities for those who want to work legally in the European Union without spending large sums on paperwork. After increasing visa fees in many countries, some EU countries have left available programs for foreign professionals that allow you to obtain a work permit for a moderate fee.

This material collects nine countries that offer the cheapest work visas for 2026. We compared the cost, duration of validity, requirements for candidates and areas where there is the greatest demand for workers.

Want to quickly and without errors apply for a work visa in the EU? The “Work Guide” from Visit World contains step-by-step instructions for applying for short-term and long-term work visas and work permits, a complete list of required documents, information on visa fees and application processing times.

Get the “Work Guide” today and start your journey to official employment in Europe!

Cheapest EU Work Visas for 2026

Germany

- Option: Skilled Worker Visa / EU Blue Card

- Visa fee: €75

- Validity: 1 year (with possibility of extension)

Germany remains one of the most popular destinations for workers from abroad. Engineers, doctors, IT specialists are highly valued here. The procedure for obtaining a work visa is one of the simplest in Europe, and the EU Blue Card program allows you to quickly obtain a permanent residence permit.

Read about the available types of long-term work visas in Germany, the rules for obtaining permits and ways to find a job here.

Features of finding a job in Germany for English speakers in this article.

Spain

- Option: Digital Nomad Visa

- Visa fee: €80

- Validity: 1 year

Spain is a great choice for those who work remotely. The digital nomad visa allows you to live and work in the country in comfort, enjoying the Mediterranean climate and low cost of living. An ideal option for freelancers and IT workers.

How to rent housing in Spain for a foreigner was described in this article.

We also remind you that any foreigner who has a sufficient level of financial security can move to Spain. Read here what is required to apply for a non-profit visa to Spain.

Luxembourg

- Option: EU Blue Card

- Visa fee: €80

- Validity period: up to 96 months

Luxembourg offers one of the longest visas in Europe - up to 8 years. It is a stable country with high salaries, excellent working conditions and a demand for specialists in the fields of finance, technology and medicine.

Read how to find a job in Luxembourg in this material.

The list of the most popular vacancies for foreigners in Luxembourg is here.

Poland

- Option: National work visa type D

- Visa fee: €135

- Validity period: 1 year

Poland is one of the most popular countries for foreigners looking for legal work in the EU. The type D visa is easy to obtain, and vacancies are available in agriculture, the service sector, tourism and IT. This is a great start for a career abroad.

In this guide, we will tell you how to get an EU Blue Card in Poland.

Read about the features of obtaining a work visa to Poland in this article.

Austria

- Option: Red-white-red card

- Visa fee: €160

- Validity period: 24 months

Austria offers a convenient system of submitting documents and the possibility of extending the permit. The visa is aimed at qualified specialists - especially in engineering and medical professions.

A detailed guide for foreigners on employment in Austria in this article.

Sweden

- Option: General work permit

- Visa fee: €182

- Validity period: 2 years

Sweden attracts with its modern working conditions, equal opportunities and high standard of living. Specialists in IT, R&D and engineering are actively sought here.

Read this article on how to get a Blue Card in Sweden and about the simplification of the document processing procedure.

What an expat needs to find a job in Sweden and which industries are experiencing a shortage of workers.

France

- Option: Talent passport

- Visa fee: €324

- Validity period: up to 4 years

France offers a unique opportunity to work in prestigious industries: finance, creative industries, technology. The visa is suitable for those who seek long-term stay and professional development in Western Europe.

The updated French Tech Visa program remains one of the most convenient ways for talented professionals and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in France. Read about the current rules of the French Tech Visa in 2025 here.

Netherlands

- Option: Visa for highly skilled migrants

- Visa fee: €405

- Validity period: up to 5 years

This program is designed for professionals in technical and engineering fields. The Netherlands offers quick integration into the labor market, a developed English-speaking infrastructure and a stable economy.

The Netherlands is experiencing an acute shortage of highly skilled specialists, the largest number of vacancies in the country are available in the healthcare, finance, industry and IT sectors. Read the link to find out what a foreigner needs to get a job in the Netherlands.

Finland

- Option: Special Permit

- Visa fee: €490

- Validity period: 1-2 years

Finland is famous for its fast processing of applications and excellent conditions for professionals with experience in IT, data science, education and research. Work-life balance and stability are valued here.

Here we tell you what is needed to get a job in Finland and what legislative changes are important for expats to know about before getting a job.

Which country to choose to work abroad?

If you are looking for the cheapest options, you should pay attention to Germany and Spain.

For those who are planning a long-term stable career, Finland, the Netherlands and Luxembourg will be great options.

And if the main thing is ease of registration and a quick start, then Poland and Austria remain the best choices.

Don't know which visa to choose or how to properly prepare a package of documents?

Get professional advice from a Visit World migration lawyer who will help you avoid mistakes, prepare documents and successfully apply for a work visa to your chosen EU country.

Reminder! Working abroad in 2025 is becoming more accessible. We have already told you in which countries it is easiest to get a work visa, what documents are required and how to increase your chances of success.

Photo – Freepik

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