The correct order of operations
Most delays and refusals on offer-holder files come from doing things out of order. Work through these in sequence.
Verify the employing entity exists on the national business register and that the contract names a real registered address. The salary must meet the statutory minimum or the relevant shortage-occupation threshold for that country. If the numbers do not clear the threshold, the permit will not be approved no matter how good the offer looks. See our offer verification guide.
This step is legally the employer's. Depending on destination it may be a Polish Voivodeship Type A permit, a Romanian IGI work authorisation, a German employment approval from the Federal Employment Agency, a Croatian HZZ opinion plus MUP permit, or a Maltese Single Permit. Where a labour-market test or quota applies, the employer must clear it. You cannot substitute this step with a payment.
Start this in parallel with step 2 because attestation and clearance are slow. Regulated professions need recognition or licensing; academic records may need an equivalence statement. Everything must be legally attested and translated to mission specification, with names and dates identical across every document. See the master document checklist.
Book at the mission with jurisdiction over your nationality and residence. Attend biometrics, submit originals and translations, and answer consistently. Filing at the wrong post, or with an expired residence permit, is one of the most common causes of a costly restart.
On arrival you normally complete city registration, attend a residence-permit biometrics appointment, obtain a tax identification number and activate health insurance. Missing post-arrival deadlines can invalidate the permit. See the pre-departure checklist.
Route-specific sequence by destination
| Destination | Employer-side step | Your filing step | Pillar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | Voivodeship Type A work permit | National D visa, then Temporary Residence Card | Poland permit |
| Germany | Federal Employment Agency approval / Blue Card | National visa, then residence permit | Germany permit |
| Romania | IGI work authorisation | D/AM long-stay work visa | Romania permit |
| Croatia | HZZ opinion + MUP permit | Work and residence visa | Croatia permit |
| Malta | Single Permit application | National visa then e-Residence | Malta permit |
| Netherlands | Recognised sponsor filing (IND) | Entry visa then residence permit | Netherlands permit |
Rules, thresholds and quota windows change. Treat this as an orientation map and verify current requirements on the official authority and mission pages for your destination.
What we do on an offer-holder file
- Review the offer against the statutory salary, hours and qualification requirements for the route.
- Map the exact employer-side authorisation your employer must obtain, and the sequence they must follow.
- Build a document matrix: what is needed, in what order, from which authority, with realistic lead times.
- Run a consistency audit across passport, certificates, clearances and forms before anything is filed.
- Prepare the consular file and brief you for biometrics and interview questions.
- Handle post-arrival registration obligations so the permit is not lost after issue.
Consultancy and application-preparation support only. Where regulated legal representation is required, appropriately authorised professionals in the relevant jurisdiction are engaged. Final decisions are made by employers, labour authorities, immigration authorities and consulates.
Offer-holder FAQ
I have an offer letter. Can I travel to Europe now?
No. An employer offer is the beginning of the process, not the end. The employer must first obtain a work authorisation (for example a Polish Type A permit, a Romanian IGI approval, or a German employment approval), and you must then obtain a national long-stay work visa from the consulate before you can lawfully work. Starting work on a tourist or visitor status is unlawful and jeopardises future applications.
How long does processing take once I have an offer?
It splits into two clocks. The employer-side authorisation typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on the country, quota and labour-market test. The consular visa step then adds weeks, and appointment availability varies by mission and season. Timelines are set by authorities and employers, not by the consultancy, so any adviser quoting a guaranteed date is not being accurate.
Can you confirm whether my offer letter is genuine?
We can review an offer for the red flags commonly seen in fraudulent offers (mismatched entity names, free email domains, payment requests for "processing", refusal to allow direct employer contact) and advise you how to verify the employer independently through official business registers. We cannot certify an employer for you, and we never ask you to pay an employer or an intermediary for a job.
What documents do I need alongside the offer?
Usually a valid passport with adequate validity, the signed contract, recognised or attested educational records, a police clearance certificate, completed visa forms and photographs, medical or travel insurance where required, and proof of accommodation or address for the permit application. Requirements differ per destination and mission, so always work from the official checklist for your route.
Do I need to return home to file if I am working in the Gulf?
Often you can file at the mission serving your country of residence if your Gulf residence permit is valid with sufficient remaining validity. Some missions require you to file in your country of nationality instead. Jurisdiction is decided by nationality first and residence second, so confirm the specific mission rule before buying flights.
Author: Nexus Point Consultants editorial desk · Reviewer: senior work-permit counsellor · Last updated: 15 September 2026.