✅ 4. Paid Leave and Right to Rest
Every worker in Europe is entitled to paid leave:
-
Minimum of 4 weeks per year (according to EU directive)
-
Public holidays according to the country
-
Leave for sickness or family events
💶 When leaving the company, unused leave is usually paid as compensation.
💳 5. Right to Fair Wages and Protection Against Abuse
You have the right to receive your salary on time and as agreed in your contract. Any deductions must be justified (e.g., absences, loans, legal deductions).
Your employer does not have the right to:
-
Make you work without a contract
-
Threaten you with expulsion
-
Make you work beyond legal hours without compensation
-
Confiscate your documents (passport, residence permit, etc.)
🚀 If you encounter problems, contact labor inspection or an organization supporting foreign workers.
🌍 6. Freedom of Movement and Changing Employers
With a work permit linked to a contract, you can sometimes change employers under certain conditions. For example:
-
In France: possible after 1 year with a new contract
-
In Germany: with approval from the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde)
Some permits allow work throughout the EU (e.g., EU Blue Card).
🔗 See europeanworkpermit.com/eu-mobility to learn more about your mobility options.
⚡ Risks to Absolutely Avoid
Despite established rights, some dishonest employers or intermediaries take advantage of uninformed workers:
-
Fake contracts without valid visas
-
Promises of regularization with no guarantee
-
Exaggerated or illegal agency fees
-
Abusive working conditions or unfit housing
❌ Never pay large amounts without a clear written contract. Use recognized agencies and avoid vague promises.
✍️ Remedies and Support
If your rights are violated, you can:
-
Contact your country’s consular services
-
Seek help from a local NGO (e.g., Cimade, Caritas)
-
File a complaint with the police or labor ministry
-
Get support from specialized legal advisers (often free of charge)
📄 Contact list available at europeanworkpermit.com/legal-help
📍 Summary
As soon as you arrive in Europe, get informed about your rights, keep your documents safe, and demand that your contract be honored. Legal work is your protection and that of your family. It opens doors to a better future, but only if you are well-informed.
📢 Need personalized advice? Contact our team or check out our practical guides.
European Work Permit — Your Future, Our Commitment.
Working in Europe with a valid permit gives you access to a set of rights and guarantees that are often unknown to candidates. Yet, knowing your rights is essential to live and work with peace of mind. In this comprehensive article, we explain everything you need to know once you set foot on European soil with a job contract in hand.
💼 1. Employment Contract: Your First Line of Defense
A legally established employment contract is the foundation of your legal protection in Europe. It must include:
-
Full identities of both employer and employee
-
Start date of the contract
-
Job title, contract duration, and working hours
-
Gross salary, bonuses, and payment conditions
-
Rights to leave and sick pay
In some countries like France, Germany, or the Netherlands, the contract must be provided in your language or in a language you understand.
🔗 [Useful link]: See a contract sample on europeanworkpermit.com/contract
💊 2. Social Security: Medical Care and Health Coverage
Once declared by your employer, you are automatically registered in the social security system. This gives you access to:
-
Free or reimbursed medical care
-
Coverage in case of a work accident
-
Daily allowances in case of illness
-
The ability to bring your family under certain conditions
Each country has its specifics. In France, the Vitale card gives you access to healthcare. In Germany, you will be covered by public health insurance (Krankenkasse).
ℹ️ Tip: Always keep a copy of your social security card or registration document.
🌆 3. Housing: Your Rights and Employer Responsibilities
In many cases, the employer helps you with accommodation: company housing, temporary residence, or support. This can be stated in the contract or in a separate agreement. But you also have rights:
-
Housing must meet safety standards
-
It cannot be arbitrarily deducted from your salary
-
A rental contract must be signed (in some countries)
🚫 If the provided housing is unsanitary or cramped, you can report it to local authorities.
²
✅ 4. Paid Leave and Right to Rest
Every worker in Europe is entitled to paid leave:
-
Minimum of 4 weeks per year (according to EU directive)
-
Public holidays according to the country
-
Leave for sickness or family events
💶 When leaving the company, unused leave is usually paid as compensation.
💳 5. Right to Fair Wages and Protection Against Abuse
You have the right to receive your salary on time and as agreed in your contract. Any deductions must be justified (e.g., absences, loans, legal deductions).
Your employer does not have the right to:
-
Make you work without a contract
-
Threaten you with expulsion
-
Make you work beyond legal hours without compensation
-
Confiscate your documents (passport, residence permit, etc.)
🚀 If you encounter problems, contact labor inspection or an organization supporting foreign workers.
🌍 6. Freedom of Movement and Changing Employers
With a work permit linked to a contract, you can sometimes change employers under certain conditions. For example:
-
In France: possible after 1 year with a new contract
-
In Germany: with approval from the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde)
Some permits allow work throughout the EU (e.g., EU Blue Card).
🔗 See europeanworkpermit.com/eu-mobility to learn more about your mobility options.
⚡ Risks to Absolutely Avoid
Despite established rights, some dishonest employers or intermediaries take advantage of uninformed workers:
-
Fake contracts without valid visas
-
Promises of regularization with no guarantee
-
Exaggerated or illegal agency fees
-
Abusive working conditions or unfit housing
❌ Never pay large amounts without a clear written contract. Use recognized agencies and avoid vague promises.
✍️ Remedies and Support
If your rights are violated, you can:
-
Contact your country’s consular services
-
Seek help from a local NGO (e.g., Cimade, Caritas)
-
File a complaint with the police or labor ministry
-
Get support from specialized legal advisers (often free of charge)
📄 Contact list available at europeanworkpermit.com/legal-help
📍 Summary
As soon as you arrive in Europe, get informed about your rights, keep your documents safe, and demand that your contract be honored. Legal work is your protection and that of your family. It opens doors to a better future, but only if you are well-informed.
📢 Need personalized advice? Contact our team or check out our practical guides.
European Work Permit — Your Future, Our Commitment.