Travel_abroadUnskilled jobs in Europe for foreigners are one of the most practical ways to live and work abroad without a university degree. From cleaning jobs in Germany to farm work in Spain or warehouse roles in Poland, European employers are hiring—and many provide visa sponsorship, housing, and meals.
This guide covers the top unskilled jobs in Europe, countries that hire, salaries, visa options, requirements for Nigerians, and step-by-step application instructions.
Top Unskilled Jobs in Europe for Foreigners (2026)
Europe’s labour shortages mean these jobs are wide open for foreign workers.
| Job Role | Common Employers | Average Salary (EUR/month) | Countries Hiring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Labourer | Building contractors | €1,400–€1,800 | Poland, Germany, Portugal |
| Cleaner | Hotels, offices, homes | €1,200–€1,600 | Germany, Netherlands, Ireland |
| Housekeeper | Hotels, private households | €1,200–€1,500 | Spain, Greece, Italy |
| Warehouse Worker | Logistics & e-commerce | €1,300–€1,700 | Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania |
| Delivery Driver | Courier & transport firms | €1,300–€1,800 | Germany, France, Netherlands |
| Factory Worker | Manufacturing plants | €1,300–€1,700 | Poland, Hungary, Slovakia |
| Farmworker | Agriculture & fruit farms | €1,000–€1,500 | Spain, Italy, Portugal |
| Medical Assistant (entry-level support) | Clinics, elderly care | €1,200–€1,800 | Germany, Ireland |
| Kitchen Helper | Restaurants, hotels | €1,200–€1,500 | Greece, Spain, Croatia |
| Dishwasher | Hotels, restaurants | €1,000–€1,400 | France, Italy, Portugal |
| Janitor | Schools, offices, malls | €1,200–€1,600 | Germany, Netherlands |
| Landscaping Labourer | Gardening companies | €1,200–€1,600 | Italy, Portugal, Austria |
| Nanny | Families, agencies | €1,000–€1,400 | France, Spain, UK |
| Retail Salesperson | Shops, supermarkets | €1,200–€1,600 | Germany, Poland, Ireland |
What European Salaries Actually Mean for Nigerians
Before you start dreaming about European paychecks, here’s what those euros translate to in real purchasing power:
| European Salary | Nigerian Equivalent | Monthly Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| €1,000/month | ₦1,790,500 | ₦800,000-1,000,000 |
| €1,200/month | ₦2,148,600 | ₦1,000,000-1,300,000 |
| €1,400/month | ₦2,506,700 | ₦1,300,000-1,600,000 |
| €1,600/month | ₦2,864,800 | ₦1,600,000-1,900,000 |
| €1,800/month | ₦3,222,900 | ₦1,900,000-2,200,000 |
Based on current exchange rate (€1 = ₦1,790.50). Savings potential assumes basic living costs of €400-600 in shared accommodation.
Requirements for Nigerians Applying for Unskilled Jobs in Europe
Here’s your pre-departure checklist—treat it as a to-do list, not just requirements.
- Passport: Apply at Nigeria Immigration Service if yours has less than 18 months validity.
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Get it from the Nigeria Police Force CID, Alagbon Close, Lagos (processing takes 2–4 weeks).
- Medical/TB Test: Book only at IOM clinics (Abuja or Lagos) approved by embassies.
- Job Offer Letter: Must include salary, working hours, and accommodation details.
- Language Basics: Learn A1-level German/Spanish/Polish using free apps like Duolingo.
Pro Tip: If you plan to stay long-term, learning basic language (A1/A2) can improve your chances of contract renewal or PR.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in Europe with Visa Sponsorship
Don’t just read about opportunities—this is your exact roadmap from Nigeria to a work contract in Europe.
Step 1: Search Jobs on Official Portals
- Start with trusted sources like the EURES Portal, the official EU job board.
- Filter jobs by “with accommodation” or “visa sponsorship available.”
- For Poland, try Pracuj.pl or Work in Poland.
- For Spain farm jobs, check seasonal openings on SEPE.
Pro Tip: Create job alerts on EURES or LinkedIn so vacancies land in your email before others apply.
Step 2: Apply to Employers Offering Sponsorship
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Target industries that always hire foreigners: farms, factories, hotels, warehouses.
Customize your CV:
Keep it 1 page.
Simple format, no photos, no extras.
Example for farm job: “Harvested 50+ hectares of tomatoes, worked 12-hour shifts during peak season.”
CV Template Structure:
- Personal details (no photo)
- Work experience (any manual labor, retail, or service jobs)
- Skills (physical fitness, willingness to work shifts)
- Languages (English + basic local language learning)
Pro Tip: Use free CV templates from Canva but keep them simple and text-heavy (no graphics).
Step 3: Secure Job Offer & Contract
- A real employer will:
- Send you a signed contract.
- Provide details about salary, accommodation, and visa support.
- Fake employers will ask for “processing fees”—walk away.
Pro Tip: Cross-check employer names on EURES or the country’s Ministry of Labour website.
Step 4: Submit Visa Application in Nigeria
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Apply at the embassy/consulate of the country:
Embassy Application Centers in Nigeria:
Poland Embassy
- Location: No. 38 Mississippi Street, Maitama, Abuja
- Website: gov.pl/web/nigeria
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks
German Embassy/VFS Global
- Lagos: Plot 1 Block A, Landmark Village, Oniru, VI, Lagos
- Abuja: Plot 2027/2028 Cadastral Zone B07, Mabushi, Abuja
- Website: nigeria.diplo.de
- Processing time: 6-8 weeks
Spanish Consulate
- Lagos: Plot PC12, Engineering Close, VI, Lagos
- Website: exteriores.gob.es/consulados/lagos
- Processing time: 3-5 weeks
Portuguese Embassy
- Abuja: No. 6 Frank Opigo Close, Maitama, Abuja
- Website: abuja.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt
- Processing time: 4-6 weeks
Gather documents: passport, job offer, police clearance, proof of accommodation.
Pro Tip: Book your embassy appointment at least 2–3 months ahead. Slots in Nigeria fill up quickly.
Step 5: Attend Interview & Biometrics
- Be ready for simple questions:
- “What job are you going to do?”
- “Where will you stay in Europe?”
- Provide fingerprints and photos.
Pro Tip: Carry printed and digital copies of every document—you won’t get a second chance if you forget something.
Step 6: Collect Visa & Travel
- Processing time: 3–8 weeks.
- Employer often arranges airport pickup + housing (especially in farm and care jobs).
Pro Tip: Save at least €300–€500 before departure for transport and settling in, even if accommodation is free.
Best European Countries Offering Unskilled Jobs for Foreigners
Not all countries are equal—these are the top destinations actively recruiting unskilled foreign workers.
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Poland – factory workers, warehouse, construction (work permits available).
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Germany – cleaners, caregivers, warehouse staff, drivers.
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Spain & Italy – seasonal farm jobs, housekeeping, hospitality.
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Portugal – construction, landscaping, hotel jobs.
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Ireland – hospitality, care assistants, cleaning.
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Lithuania & Hungary – factory and warehouse jobs.
Visa Options for Unskilled Jobs in Europe
Getting the right visa is the only way to work legally in Europe.
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Seasonal Worker Visa (EU countries like Spain, Italy, Germany): For farm work, valid 6–9 months.
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National Work Permits (Poland, Portugal, Lithuania): Employer applies for your permit.
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UK Seasonal Worker Visa: Farm jobs, valid up to 6 months.
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Employer-Sponsored Permits: Some care homes, factories, and hotels directly sponsor.
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Schengen Work Visa: For short-term contracts in Schengen countries.
Your 4-6 Month Journey to Europe
Month 1: Preparation
- Week 1-2: Create job search profiles, assess documents
- Week 3-4: Apply for missing documents (passport, PCC)
Month 2: Documentation
- Week 1-2: Complete medical exams, gather certificates
- Week 3-4: Prepare CV, start basic language learning
Month 3-4: Job Search & Application
- Week 1-4: Apply to employers, attend virtual interviews
- Week 5-8: Secure job offer, prepare visa documents
Month 5-6: Visa & Travel
- Week 1-4: Submit visa application, attend embassy interview
- Week 5-8: Collect visa, book travel, prepare for departure
Common Challenges (and How to Beat Them)
- Scams: Fake job offers are common in Nigeria. → Solution: Verify every employer on EURES or official sponsor lists. Never pay for “job offers.”
- Language Barrier: Most farm or cleaning jobs require only basic communication. → Solution: Learn numbers, greetings, and workplace words in local language before you travel.
- Short-Term Contracts: Seasonal visas expire in 6–9 months. → Solution: Apply for countries like Portugal or Poland, which allow you to switch to long-term permits.
FAQs: Unskilled Jobs in Europe for Foreigners
The following provides straight answers to the most common Nigerian concerns about unskilled jobs in Europe.
1. Can Nigerians apply for unskilled jobs in Europe with visa sponsorship?
Yes. As long as you secure a job offer and your employer handles work permit/visa sponsorship.
2. Which European countries hire Nigerians the most for unskilled jobs?
Poland (factories, construction), Spain (farmwork), Germany (cleaners, warehouse), Portugal (hospitality, construction).
3. Do these jobs include accommodation?
Yes, especially farm, warehouse, and care home jobs. Hotels may also offer shared rooms for staff.
4. How much can Nigerians earn?
Between €1,000–€1,800/month. Farm jobs pay less, while construction/warehouse pay more.
5. Can I bring my family?
Usually no on seasonal visas. But on national work permits (Poland, Portugal), family reunification may be possible.
6. How do I avoid scams?
Stick to EURES, embassy-endorsed programs, or direct employer websites. Never pay agents promising “guaranteed visas.”
Conclusion
Unskilled jobs in Europe for foreigners are a practical gateway for Nigerians to work abroad—no degree required. With monthly salaries of €1,000–€1,800, free housing in many cases, and visa options like seasonal worker permits, this is one of the fastest routes to earning and living in Europe.
Your action steps today:
- Create a free profile on the EURES portal.
- Target high-demand jobs in Poland, Spain, Germany, and Portugal.
- Gather your documents (passport, PCC, medical).
- Apply only to verified employers with sponsorship.
- Secure your visa, book your flight, and prepare for life in Europe.
The demand is real. The jobs are open. The only thing missing? Your application.
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