Europe is one of the top relocation destinations for Filipinos. In 2022, there were 176.844 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in European countries, and if you want to become one of them, you may face plenty of challenges, from finding a job to dealing with visas — this guide will cover everything you need to know about jobs in Europe for Filipinos. Time is money, so let’s jump straight into the topic.
Step 1: Choose your path
Step 2: CV and professional background
Step 3: Search for a job and apply
Step 4: Get the offer and handle the formalities
Step 5: Move abroad and start a new life
Step 1: Choose your path
Deciding on a career can be tough, especially when you're looking for expat jobs in Europe. Here's a list of professions where Filipinos are highly valued:
Engineering
With salaries up to £40,000 per year, European countries like Germany, France, and the UK offer many jobs in Europe for Filipino engineers.
Nursing
Choosing nursing is never a miss. OFWs confirm that hiring in Europe for Filipino healthcare workers is in strong demand. Such professionals can earn around £1300 per month with set 2 days off.
Teaching
Teachers are in high demand. It’s a perfect (dare we say) European job for Filipinos who love sharing their knowledge with kids and adults. A teacher’s salary is around $5000 per month.
Driving
In this field, you get 1+1: earning money and exploring Europe all at once. Driving is a good way to start, especially if you’re looking for jobs in Europe for Filipinos without experience. All you need is an international driving licence and some patience.
Restaurant servers and bartenders
Hey, wine and food guru, this one is for you. Becoming a bartender or a restaurant server is again a great option for those searching for jobs in Europe for Filipinos without experience. However, if you worked as one in the Philippines you’ll have an advantage.
These 5 professions currently are the most valued, but you can find more European jobs for Filipinos in other fields.
Step 2: Prepare your CV and professional background
Tips for those with experience
- Highlight relevant experience.
- Showcase achievements. Instead of just saying, "I wrote blog posts," say, "10/10 blog posts ranked on Google's first page."
- Connect with other OFWs for networking and potential job leads.
Tips for the new entries
- Include university projects that relate to your desired job.
- Start with internships, either in the Philippines or remotely in Europe. Even unpaid internships for 3-6 months can increase your chances. If you get a paid internship and need to send money back home, use Profee for fast and secure transfers from Europe.
- Do your research: find which qualifications European jobs require for Filipinos and work on obtaining them.
General tips for everyone
- Polish your CV. HR professionals notice the effort.
- Stay active on LinkedIn. Share your expertise, connect with others, and mention that you’re open to job opportunities in Europe for Filipinos.
- Pass your CV to friends or professionals and listen to their feedback.
- Learn the language of your destination country — it can make a huge difference.
Step 3: Search for a job and apply
Starting to work in Europe for Filipinos is possible. Period. We gathered some platforms and websites you can visit to make the search for offers easier.
1. Job search websites
- EURES (European Job Mobility Portal) is an excellent resource for Filipinos looking to get a job in Europe. It lists vacancies across European countries and provides information about living and working conditions in those countries.
- LinkedIn: many employers worldwide post job openings, including direct hiring in Europe from the Philippines.
- Indeed Europe: offers listings in various countries across Europe.
- Glassdoor: another site where you can find expat jobs in Europe and company reviews.
2. Direct company websites
Many multinational companies list their job openings directly on their websites. It’s worth checking if you have a specific company in mind, especially for jobs in Europe for Filipinos without experience.
3. Recruitment agencies
You can also contact recruitment agencies that specialise in placing foreign workers in Europe and help with direct hiring from the Philippines.
4. Specialised job boards
Depending on your profession, there are specialised job boards such as:
- TEFL.com for teaching English
- EuroEngineerJobs for engineering jobs
- Hosco for hospitality jobs
5. Resources for Filipinos
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA): Lists approved job orders for Filipinos abroad, including in expat jobs in Europe
- The Pinoy OFW website also provides job opportunities in Europe and tips for Filipinos seeking employment in Europe.
Step 4: Get the offer and handle the formalities
Once you receive a job offer, your employer should guide you through the work visa application process. Visa requirements vary by country, so it’s important to do specific research for your destination.
Step 5: Move abroad and start a new life
Relocating is stressful, but with planning, you can make the process smoother. Consider using budgeting apps to keep track of your finances. Once you receive your first salary, make a transfer to GCash from the European card and send money back home to your family in the Philippines.
Now you’re all set with essential tips for nailing the hiring process and securing work in Europe for Filipinos in 2024. Good luck on your journey!
