Work permit

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa?

A visa lets someone enter and remain in a country. A work permit lets them be employed there. Many countries require both, though some combine the two into a single document or application process. The key check is whether your employee has permission to work, not just to be present.

Can an employer of record sponsor a work permit?

Usually not. In most countries, immigration rules require the entity that actually directs and manages the worker day-to-day to be the sponsor. An employer of record is a third party, so it typically does not qualify. Some specialist immigration firms operate separately from EOR services and can assist, but this varies by country.

What happens if a work permit expires or is missing?

Employing someone without a valid work permit exposes the employer to significant fines, bans on hiring overseas workers, and in some jurisdictions criminal liability. The employee may also face deportation. Tracking permit expiry dates is a compliance responsibility that sits with the employing entity.

When do you need a work permit vs when do you not?

Citizens working in their home country never need one. Within treaty areas such as the European Union, citizens of member states can work across borders without a permit. Everyone else, including UK nationals working in EU countries post-Brexit, typically needs local work authorisation before starting employment.

Frequently asked questions

• Can a remote worker on a tourist visa do their job legally?+

  Generally no. A tourist visa does not grant the right to work, even remotely for a foreign employer. Many countries are introducing specific digital nomad visas to address this, but without one, working on a tourist visa puts both the individual and any employing entity at legal risk.
• Who pays for and applies for a work permit?+

  The sponsoring employer usually submits the application and pays the associated government fees, though costs and processes vary significantly by country. Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months, so planning well ahead is important.
• Does an employer of record handle work permit applications?+

  Most do not. An employment-on-record arrangement covers payroll, contracts, and statutory benefits in countries where you have no legal entity. Work permit sponsorship is an immigration matter that requires a different type of legal standing, usually your own entity or a licensed immigration specialist.
• What if my employee's work permit is tied to a previous employer?+

  If a permit is employer-specific, it typically becomes invalid when the employment relationship ends. The employee will need a new permit application before they can legally start with a new employer. Always check whether the permit transfers or lapses on job change.

Related terms

• Employer of Record (EOR)
• Legal entity
• Entity establishment
• Permanent establishment (PE) risk
• Worker misclassification
• Employment contract