Work Visas Vs Work Permits: What You Need to Know

Whether you’re taking a job offer abroad or planning to freelance in a foreign country, understanding the legal requirements is crucial. 

One common stumbling block is the distinction between work visas and work permits. The confusion often stems from the interchangeable use of these terms, but they are not the same thing. Many individuals face setbacks and delays in their plans because they didn’t fully understand these differences. 

Let us clear the air!

Work Visas Vs Work Permits: The Meaning 

A work visa is an authorization placed in your passport by the consular services of the country you wish to work in. It permits you to enter and stay in that country to work for a specified duration. Obtaining a work visa often requires an employment offer from a company in the host country.

A work permit is an official document that grants you the legal right to work within a specific country. This permit is usually issued by the labor or immigration department of the host country and may require that you already hold a valid visa type compatible with employment.

Comparative Analysis of Work Visas Vs Work Permits

Let us make a one on one comparison of work visas and work permits based on multiple parameters.

1. Issuing Authority

Issued by the embassy or consulate of the host country in your home country. It often necessitates a job offer as part of the application process.

Granted by the labor or immigration department within the host country. Some countries require you to have a work visa before you can even apply for a work permit.

2. Application Process

Application process	Work visa	Work permit
Job Offer	A job offer from a foreign employer.	Often your employer must demonstrate that no local labor is available for this job.
Documentation	Submission of documentation such as a resume, educational certificates, and work experience.	Submission of various documents including proof of employment and academic credentials.
Interview	AN interview at the host country’s embassy or consulate.	Not always required, but some countries may require a personal appointment.
Qualifications	Usually determined by educational and professional background.	Proof of qualifications and job skills.
Fees Processing Time	Can vary and approval is not guaranteed.	Processing times vary and approval can be contingent on meeting additional criteria.
Approval conditions	Often involves visa application fees.	Additional costs for health and security clearance may apply.
Approval conditions	Based on the host country’s employment regulations and needs.	May require health and security clearances.

3. Duration and Renewal

Work visas generally have a fixed duration. Upon expiration, you might need to renew the visa or apply for a different type of visa altogether. Extensions are often allowed if you continue to meet the initial criteria.

Work permits also come with a set validity period and require periodic renewal. Renewing a work permit usually mandates continuing employment and meeting any ongoing eligibility requirements.

4. Scope of Employment

Typically, a work visa ties you to a specific employer or job role. Changing your job or employer can invalidate your visa and necessitate a new application process.

Work permits can offer more flexibility depending on local laws. Some permits allow for job-switching within the same field without requiring a new permit, while others may have stricter conditions.

5. Dependents and Family Members

Many work visas allow for the inclusion of family members under dependent visas. These dependents may or may not have the right to work, based on the regulations of the host country.

While dependents can often stay in the host country while you hold a work permit, their ability to work may depend on obtaining their own work permits or being under specific visa categories.

How Tarmack  Helps With Work Visas and Permits Requirements 

At Tarmack, we make the complex process of securing work visas and permits simple for companies and their global teams. We handle everything from short-term business visas to long-term work permits in over 50 countries. 

Our goal is to ensure that your employees obtain the necessary visas efficiently and can even assist with family immigration support, so your team members can bring their loved ones with ease. 

Whether it’s getting permanent residency, citizenship, or remote work visas for digital nomads, our expert guidance covers it all.

What makes us unique at Tarmack is our holistic approach to global employment. Our Employer of Record (EOR) services enable businesses to hire team members in more than 150 countries without needing to set up local entities, simplifying all legal and administrative tasks. 

Contact us NOW for your global hiring and management needs!