⁠Work Visas and Work Permits: What's the Difference?

Orange Lightning

Here's a combined overview of work visas and work permits in 7 points.

1

Entry vs Employment

Work visa grants entry, work permit allows legal employment within the country.

2

Issued By

Embassy/consulate abroad  issues work visas, host country's immigration issues work permits.

3

Complexity

Work visa application can be complex, work permit process may be simpler.

4

Validity

Work visa tends to be shorter-term, work permit validity can match employment duration.

5

Re-Entry

An expired work visa may require renewal for re-entry, a valid work permit often allows re-entry with  a work visa.

6

Eligibility

Work visa tied to job/employer, work permit considers qualifications/labor market needs.

7

Combined vs Separate

Some work visas authorize work directly, work permits often require a separate work visa.