The shortage of qualified welders in Europe opens real opportunities for international professionals. But mobilizing to Europe without proper paperwork is risky: deportation, employer fines and lost wages are common consequences. This is the legal path.
What you need before leaving
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
- Active ISO 9606 certificate, ideally in more than one process (141 TIG and 111 stick are most requested).
- Occupational-safety training — work at height, confined spaces and risk prevention, under the applicable European regulations.
- Recent medical clearance.
- Employment contract issued by the European employer before travel.
Contract models
There are three common legal paths:
- Direct contract with a European company — requires work visa or CPLP card (Portugal).
- Intra-EU posting (A1 form) — a company in one EU country posts a professional to another EU country.
- Portuguese local contract with subsequent assignment to another EU country.
Typical salary and benefits
ISO 9606 6G welder on a European industrial project: between €2,500 and €4,500 gross/month depending on country, project and complexity. In planned shutdowns (turnarounds), overtime can double the paycheck. Lodging and travel are usually covered by the company.
What to avoid
Verbal promises of "visa on arrival", contracts without formal signature, employers who don't cover housing, and any setup involving undocumented work. If something sounds too fast, it is usually illegal.
How Sparks mobilizes
Sparks has been mobilizing international welders to Europe for over a decade with complete documentation and transparent contracts. Send your CV or visit the careers page.
