Costs for attending an interview – will the employer pay your travel?

Sometimes, but do not count on it. Whether an employer pays your travel to an interview depends on the company and on national rules – there is no common EU practice. Ask before you book anything, and remember that many first interviews for jobs abroad are held online anyway.

The general rule

• Ask, don’t assume – if the invitation does not mention costs, ask politely who pays and what (train, flight, hotel) and how you will be reimbursed. Get the answer in writing, for example by email.
• Keep every receipt – tickets, boarding passes and invoices. Without them a refund is usually impossible.
• Suggest an online interview first – for a candidate from another country this is normal. EURES says that just like a face-to-face interview, you should show up 10 minutes early and dress as you would in person.

EU support: the EURES Targeted Mobility Scheme

If the employer will not pay, look at the EURES Targeted Mobility Scheme (TMS). It is run as projects by national employment services and can give jobseekers financial support, including a contribution to the costs of travelling to a job interview in another country and of moving there.

• Who – jobseekers aged 18 and over who are nationals of an EU country, Norway or Iceland, or legally resident there, whatever their qualifications.
• Which jobs – a job or apprenticeship of at least 6 months or a traineeship of at least 3 months, with a written contract in an EU country, Iceland or Norway.
• How – support comes through the current TMS projects listed on the EURES website. Contact the project or a EURES adviser before you travel and ask about the conditions.

Practical tips

• If you combine several interviews in one trip, tell each employer – it may make them more willing to help.
• Book refundable tickets until the date is confirmed.
• Check how far the workplace is from where you would live – our country guides help you compare regions.

Read more

To prepare for both formats, read The job interview: online and face to face. For EURES and other places to search, see Where to look for a job in Europe and the contacts of national public employment services.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

• Tips for job applications in Europe
• Format CV in Europe
• Contact by phone
• Diplomas, references and proof of good conduct in job applications in Europe
• Time between the job advert and the start of the job in Europe
• Preparing for the interview in Europe
• Typical interview structure in Europe
• Negotiating your pay and benefits in Europe
• Trial period and probation in Europe
• The result of a job interview
• Dress-code tips for a job interview in Europe

Sources

• EURES – EURES Targeted Mobility Scheme (TMS)
• European Commission – ESF+ call for proposals EURES Targeted Mobility Scheme (2024)
• EURES – How to stand out in an online job interview

Updated: October 2026