Working in Europe

Government

The European Union is comprised of 27 countries. This provides a level of political and economic cohesion whilst individual countries retain their sovereignty. The EU member countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The various states form a single European market numbering 500 million citizens run from Brussels in Belgium that permits the free movement within its borders of people, goods and capital.

There are four official candidate countries for EU membership: Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia and Turkey.

Identity Documents in Europe

Passport controls vary across the EU. There are no passport controls between 22 countries which have signed the Schengen agreement. However, it is a legal requirement in many countries in Europe to carry an identity card or passport at all times. It is worth checking the local law before travelling to or living in any European country.

European Currencies

Sixteen member countries share the same currency, the Euro. The eurozone currently consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Interest rates within the Eurozone are set by the European Central Bank.

Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, which are part of the single market through the European Economic area, and Switzerland, which has ties through bilateral treaties, are partially committed to the EU’s economy and regulations although they maintain their own currencies. The European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican use the Euro and have other areas of cooperation with the EU.

Employment Law

EU Nationals:

Generally speaking, EU nationals can work unrestricted in other EU member states, although citizens of some states still face restrictions. Additionally, some professional qualifications may need to be ratified in order to practice.  

EU nationals working temporarily in another European member state may be able to maintain their benefits and pay tax in their home country.

 

Non EU Nationals:

Currently, the rules vary for non-EU citizens by individual country, although in the EU there is a move to centralise the legislation in Brussels.

For non EU nationals who wish to work in the UK, the UK government provides the relevant information here. 

Those wishing to work in other European countries should contact the relevant embassy or consulate in their home country. Care should be taken accessing information from non official bodies or websites.

Working in Switzerland

Switzerland is not part of the EU. Those wishing to work in Switzerland will find that the rules vary depending on whether or not they are EU citizens, and their nationality within the EU. For further information on working in Switzerland, please visit the Swiss Federation Office for Migration website.

When working in Switzerland, Talentmark collaborate with Compandben, a Geneva based International Employment Consultancy

Compandben

5 Rue de l’Orangerie
1202 Geneva
Switzerland