2. Your rights: working in another EU country

No work permit for EU citizens

If you are a citizen of an EU country, you can work for an employer or as self-employed in any other EU country without a work permit. The same applies in Iceland and Norway (EEA). Two exceptions:

• Switzerland – free movement applies under the EU–Switzerland agreement, but you need a Swiss residence permit for work longer than 3 months;
• Liechtenstein – applies quotas to workers from EU countries, Norway and Iceland.

Equal treatment

Once you work in another EU country, you have the same rights as local workers: pay, working conditions, access to training, tax benefits, trade union membership and social benefits. An employer cannot ask for a language level that the job does not really need, and cannot reserve jobs for nationals – except some posts in the public sector that involve state authority.

Looking for a job on the spot

• You can stay in another EU country for up to 3 months with just your ID card or passport.
• As a jobseeker you then usually have about 6 months to find work; after that you may have to show that you are still actively looking and have a real chance of being hired.
• Unemployed at home? If you are entitled to unemployment benefit and have been registered as unemployed for at least 4 weeks, ask for the U2 form – you can keep your benefit for 3 months (up to 6) while looking for work abroad. Register with the employment service there within 7 days.

When you get the job

After 3 months you must register your residence with the local authorities. You need your ID card or passport and a confirmation of employment from your employer. After 5 years of legal residence you get the right of permanent residence. What to arrange in the first weeks: contract, tax and insurance »

Sources: Your Europe – work permits · Your Europe – residence rights of jobseekers · Your Europe – residence rights of workers · Your Europe – transferring unemployment benefits Checked: 3 October 2026.