Visas and work permits made simple

A work permit is a government document that gives someone the legal right to work in a specific country. It usually ties them to a particular job and lasts for a set period.

A work visa is official permission for someone to enter a country and live there while they work for a specific employer. It usually lists the job, the sponsoring company, and how long the person can stay. For example, if your product manager moves from Brazil to Portugal but stays with your company, they may need a work visa to enter and live in Portugal. Columbus handles the paperwork and steps so the move happens without headaches.

A work visa covers entry and the right to stay in a country, while a work permit covers the right to work there legally. Some countries combine them, others keep them separate. For example, someone relocating to Germany might need a visa to enter the country, then a permit to begin their role. Columbus manages both parts so your hire has the correct authorization from day one.

To get a work permit, most people need a job offer first.

After that, the worker fills out the application, gathers documents like a passport and an employment contract, pays the fees, and submits everything to the right government office or online portal. Each country sets its own rules, which can include proof of qualifications, a temporary residence permit, or medical documents. Columbus handles these steps for you, manages the paperwork, and keeps the process moving so your hire can start working legally without the stress.

To get a work visa, most people need a job offer and a sponsoring employer. The worker then fills out the online application, pays the fees, and attends an interview with their passport, photos, and contract.

After the interview, the embassy makes a decision and, if approved, adds the visa to the passport. Columbus manages these steps, prepares the documents, and keeps everything on track so your hire can move without the stress.

Timelines depend on the country and the type of permit, but most approvals arrive within a few weeks. Application prep takes two to five days, we submit the documents as soon as they are ready, and government approval usually takes two to eight weeks.

We keep you updated at each step so you always know where things stand.

We support visa and work permit processing in more than 85 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania (the largest Visa coverage in the EOR industry).

Each country has its own rules, but we handle the full process everywhere we operate, including paperwork, local approvals, and renewals. If you have a specific location in mind, book a call to confirm eligibility.

If a local law changes, we update your hire's documents and walk you through any new steps. Our team keeps an eye on regulations in every country we support, so you stay compliant without the stress.