Mfcttrf

I failed to get at least a bachelor degree in Computer Science. Not the proudest part of my life. Now I have no finished official education besides my school. But I learned almost everything I know via alternative sources of information like articles, books, courses and working experience. Can I get a work permit if a company is willing to take me without diploma of higher education? Or should I go to some univercity and get it before I apply for working abroad? Do I need a dimploma just to be able to get a working permit? Or should the skills and the experience be enough?

The individual rules vary slightly between the different Schengen-zone countries but I'm not aware of any that specifically require a degree to qualify. That's the good news.

The bad news is that they are an utter pain to get. It's the employer who has to apply for the permit and it's an expensive, excruciating, red tape-leaden nightmare that requires the company to put forward a convincing argument as to why they are hiring a non-European resident for the role rather than a "local" and unless you've got some very unique and desirable skills and experience most simply won't even attempt it. I appreciate that this probably isn't what you wanted to hear.. sorry!

well it may be that you wanted to hear you don't need a degree, but that really is not effectively true, at least in Germany. The work permit requirements are determined by the government, and unless you have many years of work experience in your field, you will need a degree in addition to a job offer to get a work/residence permit.

Check the BAMF website for the different kinds of permits available in Germany, but pay special attention to the section on the Blue card as this is the most liberal and easiest to get if you are a tech worker: http://www.bamf.de/EN/Willkommen/Aufenthalt/WichtigeInformationen/wichtigeinformationen-node.html

Finally, in Germany the employer does not have to file the application on an employee's behalf. If you have a job offer you can apply on your own, though having the company's support can make it easier for you. Even if the employer gets the ball rolling, you would normally have to finish the process yourself at the German consulate in Russia.

One final thing you can try: sometimes a temporary blue card can be issued for job seeking activity (these last 3-6 months usually). Without a degree I really don't think you have any chance of getting one, but this would be the best path forward as you really need to be in the country to attend interviews and that kind of thing.

Hi I’m US citizen with only an Associates degree in Manufacturing Technology and Design. I have worked for 16 years in the engineering field first designing using CAD and now managing engineering teams. The past 7 years I worked for a US location which HQ is in Belgium. I was asked to move to the HQ and work in Belgium and accepted. This required a work permit B which I received without a degree because #1 the company wanted my skills and #2 I had a lot of experience + my associates = highly skilled in the engineering field. Just sharing , I know it’s not the norm but the Ministry of Labor in Belgium recognizes exceptions to the rule and allowed my family to live a great life abroad. I will be ever great full for Belgiums considerations.

I'm currently in the same position. I got an offer from my current employer to move to Belgium after 20 years working with them. I have an associate degree in Project management and completed all the courses required for my bachelor's in industrial engineering. However, I'm still in the process of finishing my thesis to graduate.
Based on your experience. Any advise or documents I can provide to be granted a permit in Belgium?

Thanks