Work permit

A work permit is a government-issued authorization that legally allows a non-citizen to work in a specific country for a defined period. Also called a work visa or employment authorization, it enforces immigration and labor rules while ensuring workers receive legal protections like minimum wage and workplace safety.

Who needs a work permit depends on national rules. Most countries require non-nationals to hold one before beginning employment, though exceptions exist for short business visits, free-movement zones, and certain remote-work visas.

What is a work permit?

A work permit is an official government permission that enables a foreign national to perform paid work in a specific country for a defined employer, sector, or time period. Work permits exist to regulate immigration, protect local labor markets, and ensure foreign workers have the same legal protections as domestic employees.

Work permits vary by country and category. Examples include the United States Employment Authorization Document (EAD), the EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers, Singapore's S Pass, and Australia's Temporary Skill Shortage visa. Application requirements commonly include a job offer or employer sponsorship, identity and qualification documents, employer attestations or labor market tests, and government fees.

At Deel, we help companies hire and manage compliance in 100+ countries — handling local permits, contracts, payroll, and immigration support to ensure hires are legally authorized to work.

Who needs a work permit

• Foreign nationals employed abroad: Most countries require a work permit before a non-citizen can start paid employment.
• Employer-sponsored workers: Many permits require a specific employer to sponsor the application. Changing employers may require a new permit or transfer.
• Remote workers in foreign countries: Some countries now offer digital nomad visas, but working remotely from another country without proper authorization can still violate local law.
• Exceptions: EU citizens working within the EU generally do not need a separate work permit due to free movement. Short business visits (conferences, meetings) are often exempt. Some countries offer visa-free work arrangements for specific nationalities.

Country-specific work permits

United States The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is the standard US work permit. Non-citizens apply using Form I-765 through USCIS. Some visa categories (H-1B, L-1, O-1) require separate employer-sponsored petitions. Processing times range from weeks to several months depending on the category and whether premium processing is used.

European Union The EU Blue Card allows highly skilled non-EU workers to live and work in participating member states. Requirements include a job offer meeting a minimum salary threshold and recognized qualifications. Each member state also has national work permit routes with varying rules.

United Kingdom Employers need a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office to hire foreign workers on a Skilled Worker visa. The role must meet minimum salary and skill-level thresholds. Processing typically takes several weeks.

Singapore Common permits include the Employment Pass (for professionals), S Pass (for mid-skilled workers), and Work Permit (for semi-skilled workers). Each has different salary thresholds, qualification requirements, and employer quotas.

Australia The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for occupations on the skilled occupation list. Employers must demonstrate they cannot fill the role locally.

How to get a work permit

1. Confirm eligibility. Check the destination country's immigration requirements for your nationality, job type, and visa category. Use Deel's visa eligibility checker for a quick assessment.
2. Secure a job offer or sponsor. Most work permits require a confirmed job offer and an employer willing to sponsor the application. Some categories allow self-sponsorship or are tied to investment.
3. Gather required documents. Typical requirements include a valid passport, educational credentials, proof of qualifications, employment contract, and sometimes a medical exam or police clearance.
4. Submit the application. File the application with the relevant immigration authority — online, at a consulate, or through an authorized agent. Pay any government filing fees.
5. Attend interviews or biometrics (if required). Some countries require an in-person consular interview or biometrics appointment as part of the process.
6. Wait for processing. Timelines vary widely — from a few weeks (premium processing in the US, some EU fast-track routes) to several months (standard processing for many categories).
7. Receive approval and begin work. Once approved, the worker can legally start employment. Keep the permit documentation accessible and track renewal dates.

Risks of working without a permit

• For workers: Deportation, entry bans, fines, loss of future visa eligibility, and no access to labor protections or benefits.
• For employers: Fines, criminal penalties, reputational damage, and potential loss of the ability to sponsor future workers.
• For both: Working without authorization voids employment contracts in many jurisdictions, leaving both parties without legal recourse in disputes.

Using an Employer of Record for work permits

Companies without a local entity in the destination country can use an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire legally. The EOR acts as the local employer, handling work permits, contracts, payroll, and compliance on behalf of the hiring company.

Deel's EOR service covers 100+ countries, managing the full employment lifecycle — from immigration and visa support to payroll and benefits — so companies can hire internationally without setting up a local entity.

Key facts

• What it is: Government authorization allowing a foreign national to work in a specific country and role.
• Common requirements: Job offer or sponsor, identity documents, qualifications, employer attestations, and government fees.
• US work permit: Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Apply using Form I-765 through USCIS.
• Exceptions: Digital nomad visas, short business visits, and EU free movement for EU citizens.
• EOR option: Companies without a local entity can use an Employer of Record like Deel to hire and manage permits in 100+ countries.

Example

A UK tech company hires a software developer from India. The employer sponsors a Skilled Worker visa and submits the required documents to the Home Office. While the visa is being processed, the worker cannot legally start. Once the permit is approved and stamped, the developer begins work in the UK with full legal authorization and employment protections.

FAQ

What is a work permit? A work permit is government authorization allowing a foreign national to work in a country for a specified employer, role, and time period.

How do I get a work permit? Confirm eligibility, secure a job offer or sponsor, gather identity and qualification documents, submit the application to the relevant immigration authority, and pay any required fees.

How do I get a work permit in the US? Most non-citizens apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) using Form I-765 through USCIS. Some visa categories like H-1B require separate employer-sponsored petitions.

Do I need a work permit for every country? Most countries require authorization, but exceptions include certain short business visits, digital nomad visas, and free-movement agreements such as EU citizens working within the EU.

Can an employer help secure my work permit? Yes. Employers often sponsor permits directly, or you can be hired through an Employer of Record like Deel, which manages permits, contracts, payroll, and compliance on your behalf.