I have a bachelor's degree in computer science and over five years' experience in information technology. I work in India, but would like a new career in Europe. I heard that there's a visa that would allow me to work anywhere in Europe. How can I get one?
You can apply for a visa to work in any country within the European Union, but it's difficult to obtain one because competition is high -- an increasing number of people are leaving poor countries for wealthy ones. As a result, many governments have put limits on the number of people allowed to work in their countries to preserve employment opportunities for their citizens.
It's our understanding that if a person gets a visa to reside or work in any EU country, it will allow them the same privileges in any other EU country. How long one can stay and for what purposes, depends on the type of visa the person holds.
Since you don't mention which country you're targeting, we recommend you contact the embassy or consulate of that country in India to learn about its visa and work-permit requirements. Allow yourself time to meet them. To be doubly sure you're on the right track, consult with an attorney specializing in this area.
Be aware that criteria for obtaining a visa may be different from that of a work permit and most countries require foreigners to have both. However, only employers are qualified to apply for work permits on behalf of their prospective foreign employees. They need to prove that there aren't any suitable candidates for the post within the country’s work force. This factor may be in your favor as there is a predicted shortfall of information-technology workers in Europe over the next several years. It will be easier for an employer to prove the position can't be filled with a local candidate if you demonstrate that your experience is specialized or unique. This way you'll have a much better chance at success.