A work permit is an official government-issued document that authorizes an individual to work in a specific country.
The purpose of a work permit is to regulate and control the employment of foreign nationals within a country. While being a citizen generally gives you the right to work in your home country, foreign workers require authorization in the form of a permit.
Work permit vs. work visa
You may have heard “work permit” and “work visa” used interchangeably, but they are distinct, and their definitions can vary depending on the country.
Work permits
Different countries and their immigration policies inform the characteristics of a work permit. But some common characteristics include:
- Issued by a government agency
- Acts as the primary document that explicitly and legally authorizes a foreign national to work in a specific country
- Grants entry into a country for an extended period of time
- Outlines the terms and conditions of employment, such as the type of work allowed, the employer, and the authorization duration
- Required in addition to a visa, especially in countries where the two are separate documents
Work visas
Similarly, the elements of work visas can differ from country to country. Here are some of their shared characteristics:
- Issued by a government agency
- Acts as only part of the entry requirements for a foreign national to legally work in a specific country
- Grants temporary entry into a country
- Outlines the terms and conditions of employment, such as the type of work allowed, the employer, and the authorization duration
- Required for entry into the country and may be accompanied by additional documents, including the work permit
How to obtain a work permit
The process of getting a work permit also differs by country and immigration policies. Here are five general steps to pursuing a work permit:
- Eligibility requirements. Employee eligibility is based on factors such as the job offer, qualifications, and the specific application category.
- Job offer and employment contract. The job offer is often a crucial component of the work permit application. The employment contract includes essential details such as job responsibilities, duration of employment, and salary.
- Application and required documentation. The employer and employee prepare the application, and the employer typically submits it to the relevant government agency responsible for immigration or labor.
- Fees. The employer typically pays the work permit application costs. Fees can vary widely and cover processing costs, administrative expenses, or other charges related to permit issuance.
- Processing and decision. Processing times can vary, and checking the expected timeline for a decision is essential. Some countries may offer expedited processing for specific situations.
Required documentation
Requirements vary, but generally speaking, an application will require:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- Educational qualifications and professional certifications
- Proof of financial means
- Health and medical certificates
- Passport-sized photographs
Employer considerations before obtaining a work permit
Before obtaining an employee’s work permit, employers must carefully consider various factors to ensure compliance with immigration laws and facilitate a smooth and legal hiring process. Here are key considerations:
Establishing legal entities
A consideration for global companies hiring foreign talent is that applicants often require sponsorship from a locally incorporated legal entity.
For example, a company is hiring a foreign national or relocating a current employee to another country, and that employee plans to live and work in that country long-term. The employer must sponsor their work visa and permit, which means the company must also have a legal entity in that country.
Length of stay
How long an employee stays in a particular country also determines whether or not they need to obtain a work visa or work permit.
For example, a company hires an employee with a digital nomad visa who plans to move from one country to another after about 90-180 days. In this case, the employee does not need a work visa or sponsorship from their employer.
However, if the employee stays in another country for longer than six months, the employee will likely need a work visa and permit. This responsibility of sponsoring the employee usually falls on the company, meaning the company will once again be required to have a legal entity in that country.
Complying with global employment laws
We’ve already established that work permit types differ from country to country. Employers must understand the country’s regulations and its work permit’s fee, application process, renewal information, and more. If an employer sponsors work permits and work visas in various countries or hires remote foreign nationals, they must be fluent with all of these different factors.
Work Permit FAQs
Are work permits necessary in every country?
Generally, yes. While the name may vary, some form of work permit is required in almost every country as a legal authorization for foreign nationals to work there.
Read also: How to Stay Compliant When Hiring Internationally
How much does it cost to obtain a work permit?
The cost of getting a work permit varies depending on the type, the applicant’s age, where the applicant currently lives, where they seek to work, and other factors.
For example, acquiring a work permit in the U.S. costs $495: $410 for the filing fee for Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and $85 for a biometric services fee. In contrast, an Israeli work permit can cost as little as $47 annually.
How long do work permits last?
The duration of work permits varies widely worldwide and is influenced by each country’s specific laws and regulations.
For example, the U.S. employment authorization document (EAD) work permit for non-U.S. citizens usually lasts for one year. However, it may be valid for more or less than that based on other visas and licenses.
How long does it take to get a work permit?
The time it takes to get a work permit varies greatly depending on the issuing country. Countries like Germany and the United Kingdom could take a few weeks, while the U.S. and Canada can take several months to a year.
Other factors include the type of visa (permanent or temporary), how thoroughly the application is filled out, and the demand for work permits.
Do all countries require a work permit for foreign employees?
In general, most countries require some type of work authorization (like a work permit or visa) to legally work there. Eligibility and rules vary depending on the issuing country, and some countries may offer exceptions or faster processing if an applicant has specific skills or is of a particular nationality.
Can a company hire foreign talent without a legal entity in that country?
Yes, a company can use an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire foreign talent instead of establishing a local legal entity. Companies can also hire a local HR firm or payroll partner to assist with managing foreign employees.
Partnering with an EOR is common when managing a large, global workforce to ensure compliance with local tax and labor laws and regulatory standards.
How Pebl simplifies work permits
When you’re hiring domestically, work authorization rarely crosses your mind. If someone has the right skills, they can start next Monday. But the moment you expand across borders, everything gets more complicated. Suddenly you’re navigating visa sponsorship, permit applications, and compliance requirements that vary by country—and getting it wrong isn’t an option.
Here’s how Pebl can help:
We handle hiring, visa sponsorship, and work authorization through our Employer of Record (EOR) services, acting as the legal entity in 185+ countries worldwide. Our Global Payroll service gets your people on a single, centralized system, allowing near real-time payroll management from Burundi to Bogota. And our Global Benefits offer country-specific compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Ready to get a work permit for your brilliant new hire? Let’s chat.
This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
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