One of the seven factors to check before choosing a country, with a sortable table for the 21 countries.
By AtiveSite · Published 06/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
Check whether your nationality allows you to work freely or whether you need a visa, permit or employer sponsorship. Citizens of the EU/EEA/EFTA area generally have free-movement rights inside that area; everyone else usually needs a national permit. The official authority of each country is linked.
| Country ⇅ | Free-movement area ⇅ | Immigration authority ⇅ | Public jobs portal ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | EEA (not EU) | official | official |
| Switzerland | EFTA (bilateral agreements with the EU) | official | official |
| Denmark | EU | official | official |
| Netherlands | EU | official | – |
| Germany | EU | official | – |
| Australia | Outside EU/EEA/EFTA | official | – |
| Canada | Outside EU/EEA/EFTA | – | official |
| New Zealand | Outside EU/EEA/EFTA | official | official |
| Sweden | EU | official | official |
| Finland | EU | – | official |
| Iceland | EEA (not EU) | official | official |
| Luxembourg | EU | – | official |
| Austria | EU | official | official |
| Ireland | EU | official | official |
| Belgium | EU | official | official |
| Singapore | Outside EU/EEA/EFTA | official | official |
| United Arab Emirates | Outside EU/EEA/EFTA | official | official |
| United Kingdom | Outside EU/EEA/EFTA (sponsorship routes apply) | official | official |
| United States | Outside EU/EEA/EFTA | official | – |
| Japan | Outside EU/EEA/EFTA | official | official |
| France | EU | – | official |
Norway in detail: permits · from your country.
Average salary by profession · Cost of living · Taxes and social contributions · Language requirements · Professional recognition · Family and long-term opportunities
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