What Is a Seasonal Worker Permit in the EU?
The EU Seasonal Workers Directive is complementary to the EU Blue Card in the sense that both permits are issued to foreign nationals entering the EU with the purpose of employment, and they can both be obtained through a single permit procedure.
However, the nature of the two permits is different because the EU Blue Card is issued to highly qualified workers, whereas seasonal workers do not need university qualifications. Non-EU seasonal workers mostly work in the sectors of agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.
Who Is Eligible for a Seasonal Work Permit in the EU?
Individuals belonging to one of the categories below are eligible for a seasonal work permit in the EU:
- Citizens of an EU member state.
- Third-country nationals who keep their residence in a third country and stay legally for a temporary period in the territory of an EU member state for the purpose of carrying out activities dependent on the passing of the seasons based on a contract between them and the employer of the Member State.
What Kind of Seasonal Work Can I Perform in the EU?
With a seasonal work permit, you can choose to work in one of the following options:
- Farm.
- Agriculture.
- Fruit picking.
- Catering.
- Hotel.
- Hospitality.
- Summer camps.
- Ski resorts.
- Babysitting, etc.
What Are the Benefits of a Seasonal Worker Permit in the EU?
During the period of validity, a third-country seasonal worker is entitled to the following benefits:
- The right to enter and stay in the territory of the EU member state that issued the authorization.
- Free access to the territory of the EU member state that issued the authorization in accordance with national law.
- The right to exercise the authorized employment activity in accordance with national law.
- The right to equal treatment with nationals of the host Member State.
- Accommodation to ensure an adequate standard of living.
Can I Apply for a Seasonal Work Permit in the EU Without a Job Offer?
No, you cannot. In order to be eligible for a seasonal work permit in the EU, you first need to have a qualifying job offer in the EU member state you want to work and then apply for a seasonal work permit in the EU.
How to Apply for an EU Permit for Seasonal Workers?
When applying for a seasonal work permit in the EU, it is up to the Member State to decide whether you have to make the application yourself or whether your employer has to apply on your behalf.
The application procedure when applying by yourself for a seasonal work permit in the EU is as follows:
- Find seasonal work in an EU State. Find a job offer in any of the member states of the EU before starting your application.
- Contact the Embassy or Consulate of the EU Member State you want to work in to make an appointment.
- Collect the required documents to support your application.
- Submit the documents and application to the diplomatic missions (embassy/consulate) in your home country.
- Pay the application fee. The fee must be paid by your employer, but in case you pay the fee yourself, you will be entitled to be reimbursed by the employer in accordance with national law. The fees change depending on the country you are applying to.
- Wait for the application to be processed. If approved, you can travel to the EU state to work.
This is just a general guideline on how to apply for a seasonal work permit in the EU, as application procedures may change from country to country.
If your employer has to apply for the seasonal work permit on your behalf, they have to apply at the relevant Immigration/Foreigner’s Center in the EU state. They must apply while you are still abroad.
Remember: When it comes to seasonal workers and EU Blue Cards (highly-skilled workers, researchers), you do not need to apply for a work permit and residence permit separately. You can get them both via the same procedure, known as the Single Permit.
What Are the Requirements for Seasonal Workers in the EU?
When applying for a seasonal work permit in the EU, you have to submit several documents to support your application:
- Seasonal Worker Permit Application Form. A fully completed application form with the required information and data.
- Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure period from the EU. The passport must contain at least two blank pages.
- Photocopies of passport pages. Photocopy your passport pages with your personal information and signature and pages with previous visas.
- Two passport-size pictures. The photos must be recently taken and in accordance with the ICAO standards.
- Work contract or job offer. The document must state the duration of the work contract/offer and your annual salary.
- Proof you have obtained EU health insurance.
- Financial status. Proof you can financially sustain yourself during your stay.
- Letter from your employer. The employer hiring you has to write a letter declaring they are responsible for reimbursing any costs if you overstay and to prove that the position could not have been filled by an EU national.
- Police clearance. A police certificate from the country of residence stating that you do not pose a threat to the public policy, security, or health of the hosting state.
- Proof you have paid the application fee (depending on the country).
- Any other documents that the State’s relevant immigration authorities require.
What Is the Processing Time for a Seasonal Work Permit Application?
The competent authorities of the EU Member State you are applying for will notify you of your application status (approved/rejected) in writing no later than 90 days from the date you have submitted the application.
What Is the Duration of the Seasonal Work Permit in the EU?
The duration of the seasonal work in the EU is regulated by the Member State and changes depending on the type of work you will do. However, the maximum duration of the seasonal work permit is limited to a period of no less than five months and no more than nine months in any 12-year period.
If the seasonal work in the EU expires, you must leave the territory of the EU Member State. But, if it expires during the ongoing procedure for extension or renewal, the EU Member State shall allow you to stay in their territory until a decision is made. This is valid only if you have submitted the application for extension or renewal within the period of validity.
Can I Extend My Seasonal Work Permit for the EU?
You can apply for an extension or renewal of your seasonal work permit while you are in the EU only if you do not surpass the nine months out of a year that you are allowed to. In cases of an extension or renewal, the EU Member State must take the necessary steps to ensure that you will not be obliged to interrupt your employment relationship with the same employer or prevent you from changing employer.
Are Seasonal Workers in the EU Entitled to Holiday Pay?
Yes, social workers in the EU are entitled to equal treatment with the nationals of the EU Member States in terms of working conditions, including pay and dismissal, working hours, leaves, and holidays.
How Many Hours Can I Work With a Seasonal Work Permit in the EU?
You can work for the same working hours as the nationals of the EU Member State you are working in. Usually, you are allowed to work a maximum of 40 to 45 hours per week. However, the maximum working hours can change depending on the branch you work in and the law of labor of the host country, as some EU countries have a longer working time.
Can Foreign Seasonal Workers Apply for Family Reunification?
No, seasonal workers are not allowed to apply for family reunification, despite the fact they will often work in the EU for months at a time.
Can foreign seasonal workers in the EU change employers?
Seasonal workers hired in an EU state can change employers once for the duration that their permit has been issued. That’s because the conditions offered to seasonal workers can be tough at times, and therefore a foreign worker should have the possibility of changing employment if he or she is not satisfied with the conditions provided.
Can Foreign Seasonal Workers in the EU Change Employers?
No, if you have a seasonal work single permit, you are not allowed to travel, work, or move to other states in the EU. You can only work within the state that has issued your permit.
However, the seasonal worker permit is a multiple-entry permit, so you can travel back and forth between your home country and the EU state in which you are working.