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Guides5 June 2026· 8 min read
The document checklist for a European work permit
A plain-language checklist of what you actually need to start a work-permit application — and what you don't.
Starting a European work-permit application is simpler than most people expect. Here is the realistic, plain-language checklist of what you actually need.
To get started, you need
- A valid passport (with enough validity remaining).
- A short summary of your work history or skills.
- Openness to a legal, contracted job with a real employer.
That's genuinely enough to begin. Everything else is built from there.
What comes later (we help with all of it)
- Employer & job offer — we match you to a vetted employer.
- Qualification proof — only where the role requires it.
- Permit paperwork — prepared and submitted for you.
- Visa & travel — supported through to arrival.
What you do NOT need up front
- You do not need to send passport scans to anyone unverified.
- You do not need to pay large sums before a clear, written quote.
- You do not need documents translated or notarised before we tell you which ones actually matter for your case.
Want a checklist tailored to your situation? Start a free consultation and we'll send you a personal document list.