Which work visa fits you? Five countries, one answer.

How the routes compare in 2026

• 🇩🇪 Germany: EU Blue Card at €50,700, or €45,934.20 for IT, engineering, health and science roles and recent graduates; skilled-worker permits for recognised degrees or vocational training at any customary salary (from age 45, at least €55,770 or proof of pension provision); the Opportunity Card to search for a job for up to a year.
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands: highly skilled migrant permit from €5,942 gross a month (30+) or €4,357 (under 30), excluding holiday allowance, through an IND-recognised sponsor and without a degree requirement; EU Blue Card from €5,942 (€4,754 for recent graduates); the orientation year for graduates of top-200 universities.
• 🇦🇹 Austria: EU Blue Card at €55,678 a year; Red-White-Red Card for key workers from €3,465 a month plus special payments with 55 points; very highly qualified people with 70 points can come for 6 months to look for work.
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland: only managers, specialists and qualified workers, within a quota of 4,500 B and 4,000 L permits for all non-EU nationals, after the employer shows no Swiss or EU candidate was found.
• 🇮🇪 Ireland: Critical Skills Employment Permit from €40,904 for listed occupations with a relevant degree or €68,911 for most other roles; General Employment Permit from €36,605 after a labour market test.

This tool gives a first orientation. Points systems, recognition of your degree and how strictly offices apply the rules decide the outcome. Check the official source of the country before you apply.

Sources: Germany: Make it in Germany (Blue Card, skilled workers, Opportunity Card) · §18g Residence Act (EU Blue Card) · §20a Residence Act (Opportunity Card) · Netherlands: IND required amounts 2026 · Netherlands: orientation year (IND) · Austria: Red-White-Red Card (migration.gv.at) · Austria: 2026 salary minimums (EY) · Switzerland: 2026 quotas (Federal Council) · Ireland: employment permit minimum pay from March 2026.