Can I work or look for a job while on a tourist Schengen visa?

No — you cannot work or look for employment while you are in Europe on a Schengen tourist visa (Type C). A tourist visa allows you to travel, attend events, and visit family or friends, but not to perform any paid or unpaid work. Here’s what you need to know 👇 🚫 1. Working on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited You are not allowed to: • Take up a job • Do freelance work • Work remotely for a European company • Receive payment from a European employer • Do internships, training, or business activities beyond basic meetings Doing so violates immigration laws and can lead to: • Immediate deportation • Entry bans • Future Schengen visa refusals 🚫 2. Job-seeking is also prohibited You are not allowed to: • Attend job interviews • Submit job applications • Engage in job searches • Sign employment contracts The Schengen tourist visa is not a pathway to employment. ✔️ 3. What you can do legally You may: • Attend business meetings • Go to conferences • Join trade fairs • Network casually (without seeking employment) • Work remotely for your non-European employer (allowed as long as the employer is outside Europe) 🛂 4. If you want to work in Europe legally You must apply for: • A National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) • A Work Visa specific to the country • A Job-Seeker Visa (Germany, Sweden, etc.) if eligible Each European country has different requirements — we can guide you based on where you intend to work. 💡 Outbound Singapore Tip If your long-term goal is to work in Europe, reach out to us. We’ll advise you on the correct visa route, requirements, and eligibility — so you avoid Schengen violations that could impact your future applications.