How to find a job in Europe
Jobseekers from European Economic Area (EEA) member states have the right to live, work and study in any other member state without restriction, see Countries in the EEA for list of countries.
European Employment Services, (EURES) in Northern Ireland has developed a network of specially trained advisers to provide information, advice and guidance to jobseekers and employers.
EURES advisers can provide:-
- Information on selected European, Cross-Border and International vacancies.
- Advice and guidance to help you look for a job in another country.
- Advice on the possibilities that exist for finding work in another country.
- Advice on living and working conditions in all member states of the EEA.
Further details on finding a job in Europe can be obtained by contacting the address listed in our Contact Eures page.
Details of vacancies can be found on:
Living and Working in Northern Ireland
For more information, EURES has produced a booklet, Living and Working in Northern Ireland
Copies can be obtained by contacting the address listed in our Contact Eures page.
Importing and exporting your unemployment benefits
You can export your Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), for a maximum of 3 months, while you look for work in another EEA member state. Likewise if you are an EU/EEA national you can import your JSA or equivalent (Form E303) providing you have been claiming JSA for a minimum of 4 weeks in your home country.
For advice and information on Importing /Exporting your unemployment benefits contact your local Jobs & Benefits office / JobCentre.
National Insurance Number (NINO)
If you are an EU/EEA national, from outside Northern Ireland/UK, you will need a National Insurance number (NINO) to allow you to work in Northern Ireland/UK.
Initial contact is by telephone and the office selection will be based on your address:
Portadown:- Tel: 028 3839 7239 (Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) Shaftesbury Square (Belfast):- Tel: 028 9054 5500 (Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) Lisnagelvin (Londonderry):- Tel: 028 7131 9300 (Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)- Telephone interview is conducted at the initial contact stage
- Following the telephone interview; you will be called for a ‘face to face’ interview at your nearest Jobs & Benefits office / JobCentre
- You will be required to provide evidence that you are working or actively seeking work (photocopies of job applications and employer replies are required as evidence)