7 Work Visas No One Talks About—Now Open for Applications in April 2025

When people think about working abroad, they usually pursue the same big-name visas, such as Canada’s Express Entry, the U.S. H-1B, or Australia’s skilled migration program. But these routes are not just overcrowded; they’re very competitive and often take a long time to process. Meanwhile, silent work visas offer faster approvals, easier eligibility, and a smoother application process, but hardly anyone is talking about them.

Many countries eager to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers have introduced lesser-known visa programs that offer significant benefits such as quick processing times, lower income requirements, and even pathways to residency. Some even let you bring your family, access healthcare, and settle long-term without the stress of traditional visa routes.

So, if you’re looking for a way to work legally abroad without waiting years for approvals, these seven underrated work visas could be exactly what you need. They’re open for applications in April 2025, and now is the best time to take advantage before they get overcrowded.

1. Spain’s Highly Skilled Professional Visa: A Smooth Path to Work and Live in Spain

Spain is often seen as a great place to retire or vacation, but it also has a work visa designed specifically for highly skilled professionals. The Highly Skilled Professional Visa is ideal for engineers, IT specialists, healthcare workers, and executives who want to work for a Spanish company.

Why This Visa Stands Out

• Visa approval is faster than other Spanish work permits, so you can start working sooner.
• It allows you to work and live in Spain legally, with the option of permanent residency.
• Your spouse and kids can come along and enjoy full access to healthcare and education.
• Open to tech, finance, engineering, healthcare, and management professionals.
• Enjoy a lower cost of living than many other Western European countries.

Spain’s growing job market and demand for skilled professionals make it one of the easiest places to secure a work visa.

Apply: https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu.

2. Portugal D2 Visa: A Smart Way to Move to Europe

People often assume that moving to Europe requires a high-paying corporate job or a massive investment. That’s not entirely true. Portugal’s D2 Visa is designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners who want to live and work in the EU without a job offer.

Why This Visa Stands Out

• You can start a small business, freelance, or even open a branch of your existing company in Portugal.
• It comes with a clear pathway to permanent residency and EU citizenship.
• With full access to Portugal’s healthcare and education systems, your spouse and children can join you.
• You don’t need to invest millions; you need a comprehensive business plan and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.

Portugal is one of the easiest places to live and work in Europe, thanks to its low cost of living, warm weather, and booming economy. This visa is a great opportunity for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want to build a life in Europe without breaking the bank.

Apply: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/type-of-visa#work-and-investigation.

3. Mauritius Premium Visa: Work Remotely from a Tropical Island

Mauritius isn’t just a vacation destination; it’s also one of the easiest places to live and work remotely without complicated visa requirements. The Premium Visa allows freelancers, remote workers, and even retirees to stay in Mauritius for up to a year, with the option to renew.

Why This Visa is a Great Choice

• It’s valid for 12 months and can be renewed for longer stays.
• There are no local taxes on foreign income, making it financially attractive for remote workers.
• It’s open to freelancers, digital nomads, remote employees, and retirees.
• Family members can join you.
• Reliable internet and modern infrastructure make working from anywhere on the island easy.
• Mauritius is strategically located between Africa, Europe, and Asia, making travel convenient.

Mauritius offers the perfect balance of work and island life. Its cost of living is affordable, the quality of life is great, and the visa process is easy to navigate.

Apply: https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=595.

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4. Lithuania’s National Long-Term Work Visa (D Visa): An Easy Way to Start Your Career in Europe

While most people focus on Germany and France, Lithuania has provided one of the simplest and fastest routes to working in the EU. With its National Long-Term Work Visa (D Visa), skilled professionals can secure jobs with less competition and fewer headaches, making it an easier path to European work and residency.

Why This Visa is Worth Considering

• It’s valid for up to 12 months, and you can seamlessly convert it into a residence permit.
• It requires a job offer, but the process is faster and less complicated than in Western Europe.
• Your family can come with you.
• There are plenty of job opportunities for skilled IT, construction, logistics, and manufacturing workers.
• Many employers often assist with paperwork for a smoother process.

With its affordable cost of living and growing job market, Lithuania offers skilled professionals an easy and stress-free way to move to Europe.

Apply: https://eg.mfa.lt/en/coming-to-lithuania/visas/national-d-visas/125.

5. Malta’s Key Employee Initiative (KEI): The Fastest Work Visa Process Available

Most European work visas take months to process. Malta’s Key Employee Initiative (KEI) Visa cuts that to 5 to 10 working days, making it one of the fastest options for skilled professionals.

Why This Visa is Worth Considering

• Get approved in under two weeks; no frustrating delays.
• It is open to highly skilled IT, fintech, AI, blockchain, healthcare, and finance professionals.
• A minimum salary of €30,000/year is lower than similar visas in other countries.
• You can bring your family along.
• Enjoy low taxes, an English-speaking environment, and a booming economy.

Malta’s booming economy and fast visa processing make it one of the best places to relocate. Unlike other countries with long wait times and complex paperwork, Malta provides a simple, hassle-free path for professionals who want to build their careers.

Apply: https://identita.gov.mt/expatriates-unit-key-employee-initiative-who-is-eligible/.

6. Czech Republic Employee Card: A Stable Path to Working and Living Abroad

The Czech Republic may not be the first place that comes to mind if you want to relocate and work abroad. Meanwhile, it has one of the most accessible work visa programs in Europe. The Employee Card allows skilled professionals to live and work in the country for up to two years, with the option to renew and eventually apply for permanent residency.

Why This Visa is Worth Considering

• It’s valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed.
• Allows for permanent residency after 5 years.
• You can easily change jobs after the first 6 months without restarting the visa process.
• It covers various professions, including IT, engineering, healthcare, and STEM.
• Family members can join you and gain access to the country’s healthcare and education systems.

The Czech Republic has a strong economy, lower living costs than many Western European countries, and a growing demand for skilled workers. This visa is a solid choice if you’re looking for a stable, long-term work opportunity in Europe.

Apply: https://mv.gov.cz/mvcren/article/employee-card-682810.aspx.

7. South Korea E-7 Visa: A Smart Choice for Skilled Professionals

South Korea is one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, actively welcoming foreign professionals through its E-7 Visa. This specific visa type is designed for skilled workers in high-demand fields, such as engineering, IT, shipbuilding, biotechnology, and education.

Why This Visa is Worth Considering

• It is issued for up to 3 years and is renewable.
• It covers various professions, from tech and healthcare to hospitality and manufacturing.
• No age restrictions, making it accessible to professionals at different career stages.
• Employers often assist with sponsorship and documentation.
• It comes with a pathway to permanent residency for long-term workers.
• South Korea offers high salaries.

South Korea’s fast-growing economy and tech-driven industries make it an excellent place for skilled professionals seeking long-term career opportunities. The E-7 Visa opens doors to high-demand jobs, offering a stable path to work and grow in Asia.

Apply: https://gbr.mofa.go.kr

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In a Nutshell

Moving abroad for work doesn’t have to be a long, complicated process. These seven work visas provide a smooth path with less competition, faster approvals, and opportunities to build a new life. So, whether you’re looking to grow your career, get better pay, or relocate, there’s an option for you.

The world is opening up in ways most people don’t realize. Your next big opportunity could be just an application away.