Regional guide
Working in Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe is often overlooked in international hiring discussions, but Poland in particular has become a significant labour market for both EU and non-EU workers. The region has lower salary floors than the West, fast-growing tech sectors, and permit systems that, while sometimes complex in practice, are well-documented.
- 5
- Countries
- 24
- Total routes
- 5
- EU members
- 5
- Schengen members
Regional guide
Working in Eastern Europe
-
Poland has one of the most active work permit markets in Europe, with high volumes of Ukrainian and non-EU hires and a growing English-speaking tech sector.
-
Hungary and Slovakia have distinct regimes with EU Blue Card availability and specific skilled-worker permits that mirror the EU directive framework.
-
All five countries are EU and Schengen members, giving successful permit holders zone-wide travel rights.
Permit routes
Widely available routes
- EU Blue Card5/5
- Intra-corporate Transfer Permit4/5
- Researcher Permit4/5
Route hubs
Related permit route hubs
EU Blue Card countries
Countries in this guide with a documented EU Blue Card or equivalent highly qualified route.
Open route hub →
Seasonal work permit countries
Countries with a documented seasonal work route for tourism, agriculture, hospitality, or other peak-demand sectors.
Open route hub →
Researcher permit countries
Countries with a documented researcher, hosting-agreement, or scientific-research route.
Open route hub →
Intra-corporate transfer countries
Countries with a documented intra-corporate transfer (ICT) route for managers, specialists, and trainees moving within a multinational group.
Open route hub →