Best work visas in 2026
Compare work visa programs across countries — requirements, income thresholds and official sources, kept current.
SwedenSweden Work Permit
Work permit for those with a job offer meeting the salary threshold; path to permanent residence.
from $2,400/mo
AustriaAustria Red-White-Red Card
Points-based work and residence permit for skilled workers and graduates.
from $3,000/mo
FinlandFinland Specialist Permit
Residence permit for specialists and experts with a Finnish employer.
from $3,500/mo
IrelandIreland Critical Skills Employment Permit
Permit for in-demand high-skill roles with a fast route to long-term residency.
from $3,800/mo
GermanyGermany EU Blue Card
Work and residence permit for university-educated professionals with a qualifying salary; fast track to PR.
from $4,000/mo
SingaporeSingapore Employment Pass
Work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives meeting the salary and qualification bar.
from $4,000/mo
United KingdomUK Skilled Worker Visa
Work visa for those with a job offer from a licensed sponsor above the salary threshold; route to settlement after 5 years.
from $4,150/mo
TaiwanTaiwan Employment Gold Card
3-year work + residence permit for qualified professionals across fields.
from $5,300/mo
NetherlandsNetherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
Residence permit for highly skilled workers sponsored by a recognised Dutch employer above the salary threshold.
from $5,700/mo
DenmarkDenmark Pay Limit Scheme
Fast-track work permit for jobs above a high salary threshold.
from $5,800/mo
IndiaIndia Employment Visa
Work visa for skilled professionals employed by an Indian organisation (annual salary threshold applies).
from $25,000/mo
AustraliaAustralia Skills in Demand Visa (482)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa for occupations on the skills list; pathway to PR.
ChinaChina R Talent Visa
Visa for high-level foreign talent and urgently-needed specialists.
ChinaChina Z Work Visa
Employer-sponsored work visa leading to a residence permit.
GermanyGermany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)
Points-based job-seeker visa letting skilled workers enter Germany to look for work.
Hong Kong SAR ChinaHong Kong Top Talent Pass (TTPS)
Fast-track scheme for high earners and graduates of top global universities.
IsraelIsrael B/1 Work Visa
Employer-sponsored work visa for foreign experts and specialists.
JapanJapan Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Points-based visa for highly skilled professionals with fast-tracked permanent residency.
NorwayNorway Skilled Worker Visa
Residence permit for skilled workers with a concrete job offer.
PhilippinesPhilippines 9(g) Work Visa
Pre-arranged employment visa for foreign workers with a local employer.
PolandPoland Work Permit (Type A)
Employer-sponsored work permit with a route to long-term EU residence.
QatarQatar Work Residence Permit
Employer-sponsored work and residence permit for foreign professionals.
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Work Visa
Employer-sponsored work visa tied to an Iqama residence permit.
SingaporeSingapore Tech.Pass
Pass for established tech entrepreneurs, leaders and experts to start and operate ventures in Singapore.
SwitzerlandSwitzerland Work Permit (B)
Employer-sponsored residence permit for qualified workers (quota-limited for non-EU).
United KingdomUK Global Talent Visa
For leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts and digital technology; no job offer needed.
United KingdomUK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
2-year visa for recent graduates of top global universities to live and work in the UK without a job offer.
United StatesUS H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Employer-sponsored work visa for specialty occupations; lottery-capped, up to 6 years, can lead to a green card.
United StatesUS L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
For executives, managers and specialised staff transferred to a US office of the same company.
United StatesUS O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
Work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, business, athletics or film.
VietnamVietnam Work Permit & TRC
Work permit plus a temporary residence card for foreign employees.