Working as a driver in Europe: working conditions for expats

Road transport is a popular segment of services in Russia and foreign countries. Jobs related to the delivery of large items and various categories of goods abroad are in demand. Basic requirements for future carriers: possession of a driver's license, knowledge of traffic rules in foreign countries, experience in the field of logistics. Working as a truck driver in Europe requires a qualified approach to driving a vehicle.

Search for vacancies: with and without an intermediary

You can start looking for work as a truck driver in Europe on your own or through intermediary companies specializing in the delivery of goods to foreign countries. Personal search for a vacant position is possible through advertisements posted on electronic portals. Online websites contain information about the requirements for drivers and working conditions. After the request is granted, the future driver must fill out a resume and wait for a response.

Working as a driver in Europe is a popular vacancy for intermediary companies that are looking for places to work. The company's employees will familiarize you in detail with the conditions and requirements and help you find a suitable option for individual requests. Intermediary firms provide services for collecting documents for working in Europe as a personal driver or truck driver.

Where to look for a job as a driver in Europe

There are several ways to find driving jobs in Europe. One of the simplest and most obvious is via the Internet.

Vacancies are published on the following sites:

• euro-worka;
• Work abroad;
• RazemWork;
• Jooble.org;
• M&A Work.

The second option is to turn to intermediaries. Intermediary companies can be useful when looking for work as a driver in Europe with poor language skills. They will find employers themselves, contact them and present your resume. Some intermediaries also help with obtaining the necessary documents and legalization in Europe.

However, you should be careful. You should be confused by too loyal conditions, unreasonably high salaries, and the promise of working as a driver without knowing the language. Do not agree to illegal employment - there is a high risk of being caught and permanently deported from Europe.

The third option is to search directly. There are many large transport companies in Europe that regularly require drivers. Find addresses on their website and send your resume. From hundreds of responses, you can get up to 10 real job offers on favorable terms.

Available vacancies in different EU countries

Russians who want to work in freight transport are advised to look for a vacant position on the stock exchange in Germany. The Germans have serious requirements for future employees:

• ability to handle large-sized deliveries;
• knowledge of traffic rules;
• knowledge of a foreign language;
• vehicle maintenance;
• use of satellite navigation while following a direct route.

In Finland and the Czech Republic, a public transport driver is in demand. The lack of applicants from the local population forces employers to look for employees among foreigners. Taxi driver positions are vacant in Italy, France, and Spain. In addition to basic documents, drivers are required to have knowledge of road rules, a foreign language, tourist routes, and communication skills. For Belarusians and Russians, work as an international driver in Poland is in demand. Additional requirements for the employee: passing a medical examination, completing advanced training courses.

Leading Employers

To find a well-paid job, drivers are recommended to contact companies with sufficient experience in the field of cargo transportation. Consulting agencies are engaged in the selection of personnel for work in Europe. Recruitment companies operate both in Russia and EU countries. To find out how to become a driver or truck driver in Europe without experience, you need to cooperate with trusted employers.

A well-known consulting agency is Eurojobs. The company is engaged in qualified selection of specialists for employment abroad. The company’s employees help you find permanent, temporary or seasonal work in various fields:

• industry;
• production;
• construction;
• cargo transportation;
• Agriculture;
• customer service.

The main areas of driving a vehicle in the European Union are truck drivers, taxi drivers, international drivers, DHL courier drivers, warehouse car drivers, and C-CE category drivers. The consulting company offers more than 1,500 vacancies in the field of motor transport and cargo transportation. The company is engaged in the selection of places for employment on a territorial basis. Popular countries cooperating with foreigners are the Scandinavian countries.

Ismira is the leading employer of driving personnel in Europe. The agency's focus is working in Europe as an international driver or taxi driver. The company cooperates with transport companies in Russia and Lithuania: Girteka CJSC, Transmeya CJSC, Transexpedition CJSC, DANBALTTRANS CJSC. International driver work in Poland is provided by the consulting company TDS. The agency specializes in the selection of international drivers of category C+E.

What vacancies can you apply for?

All applicants from the CIS can be divided into 2 groups.

1. Low-skilled labor force (including students). Unskilled labor usually involves irregular hours and relatively low wages.
2. Certified specialists applying for vacancies in their field. This category can qualify for higher paid and interesting work.

When selecting applicants, employers evaluate their level of knowledge of the local language, work experience in their specialty, professional skills and education. Recommendations from previous places of employment are also of great importance. Without knowledge of the language, you can apply for a low-paid and physically demanding job. Thus, citizens of the CIS often find work as cleaners, loaders, couriers, assistant cooks, food delivery workers, and laborers at construction sites and processing plants. Women can work as laundresses, cooks, waiters, maids, hostesses, cleaners, nannies, and caregivers. Employers often provide hostel accommodation.

Many compatriots at first experience stress and even humiliation from the fact that they have to do a job for which they would not even be considered at home. In such cases, it is important to remember that in a developed society it is customary to respect and pay decently for any work. Finding himself in an unfamiliar environment, an immigrant must think first of all about how to start a new life, adapt, learn the language and labor laws of the country that has adopted him.

The ability to find a vacancy and payment largely depend on your desire. By showing some persistence and overcoming prejudice against “non-prestigious” work, you can earn enough money to live for the first time.

If a Russian-speaking employee does not know the local language, a well-paid position can be applied for only if the employer speaks Russian, or the duties include communicating with clients from the CIS. The exception is IT specialists, for whom knowledge of a programming language is a priority.

It is easier to find decent work for Russians with knowledge of English. Applicants without experience or special education can work as sellers, administrators, waiters, as household and hotel staff. If knowledge of the local language is added to English, as well as specialized education, you can apply for positions such as manager, doctor, teacher, translator, lawyer, accountant, engineer. The wages of highly qualified foreign specialists are many times higher. But in many countries it is necessary to confirm your diploma and pass additional exams.

Software developers, web designers, etc. can work remotely and earn good money from anywhere in the world. They may not directly contact companies, but only receive orders from them. Freelancers lack many social privileges and cannot count on help from government regulators. However, recently, relations with remote workers are increasingly being integrated into labor legislation.

For detailed information about working in the most popular countries, read our articles: USA, Canada, Germany, UK, Spain, Finland, Norway, Poland, UAE, etc.

Wage

It depends on the European country, specialization, and number of hours worked. The rate may depend on mileage, monthly or separate payment. The average monthly salary in Germany reaches 5,000 euros, Norway – 7,000 €, Poland – 5,000 PLN, Lithuania – 1,200 €, the Republic of Belarus – 1,000 €, Great Britain – 3,500 pounds, Ukraine – 12,000 UAH. The minimum wage for drivers and truckers in Europe is observed in Poland, the maximum in Norway. The final amount is affected by the payment of taxes, insurance premiums, bonuses and daily allowances.

What vacancies are in demand?

Driving a motor vehicle is a sought-after specialty in many countries of the European Union. Working as a driver in Europe for Russians is available in several directions:

• truck driver;
• personal driver;
• public transport driver;
• taxi driver;
• trailer loader driver;
• truck driver;
• international affairs (CE category);
• electric car driver

The most in-demand vacancy is a truck driver. Drivers who know how to drive trucks are in great demand in Germany, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Norway. In many European countries, bus and trolleybus drivers are in demand among foreigners.

Freight drivers

Each European country sets its own requirements for candidates and determines working conditions. General rules for freight drivers:

• Work Visa;
• knowledge of foreign language;
• driver's license;
• category D, C, E;
• work permit in a foreign country;
• experience in driving heavy trucks and fuel tankers;
• knowledge of basic first aid;
• vehicle maintenance.

Working as a truck driver in Europe is taken very seriously. The time the driver spends behind the wheel is monitored by a special device. The driver must be in the truck cab no more than 9 hours a day, during which a 45-minute break is provided. The driver is given weekly working hours limits.

Passenger transport drivers

The main requirement for a driver who wants to work for international bus services is to be at least 21 years old. Basic documents required to work legally in Europe:

• international passport;
• driver's license;
• medical certificate;
• vehicle registration certificate;
• permission for passenger transportation.

In Europe, scheduled and non-scheduled passenger transport is allowed. Regardless of the type of work, the driver should not drive more than 9 hours a day. It requires a 45-minute rest every 4.5 hours.

Delivery drivers

An international student must have the CE category. Additional requirements: age up to 60 years, experience driving heavy trucks (at least 5 years). To work for a large international shipping company, you may need evidence of relevant qualifications. The forwarder travels long distances, so he must be able to maintain the vehicle and troubleshoot technical problems.

Drivers of specialized vehicles

In Europe, there is a demand for vacancies - electric car operator, forklift driver. To make money driving specialized vehicles, you must have at least 5 years of experience operating this type of vehicle. The driver must have knowledge of vehicle maintenance and undergo regular instruction in operation.

Requirements for applicants

Requirements for working as a driver in Europe depend on the chosen country and transport company.

However, most often preference is given to candidates who have the following:

• Open rights categories “C”, “D”, “E”. The rule “the more categories, the better” applies here. At the same time, Russian rights are recognized in Europe, so there is no need to additionally study at a local driving school.
• Driving experience - 2-3 years. Driving experience on Russian roads is also recognized. But it’s best to travel for at least a year in Europe beforehand; such experience is valued more.
• Age from 20 to 50 years. Younger drivers simply will not have time to gain the necessary experience. Older drivers may be given a commission due to health reasons.
• Excellent health. Before employment, the company may require the results of a medical examination. Any deviation from the norm is already a reason for refusal, especially among pedantic Germans.
• Knowledge of the language. No one will hire a driver who does not at least understand English. An additional advantage will be knowledge of the language of the country you have chosen for employment. A basic level is enough - in the future, in a native environment, you will be able to improve your knowledge.

In some countries, before starting to work as a driver in Europe, you need to undergo retraining and pass a practical and theoretical exam. This issue should first be clarified on the local government website.

Work for citizens of the Russian Federation and CIS countries

When providing work as a truck driver in Europe for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Kazakhstanis, personal qualities are assessed: length of service, ability to work, endurance. For individuals with other citizenship, it is important to have an international driver’s license, which allows them to move around the territory of a foreign state. A document issued after March 1, 2011 allows Russians, Ukrainians and CIS citizens to travel by vehicle within the EU. To do this, it is enough to translate the driver’s license data into a foreign language.

Features of employment in EU countries

Russian applicants for driver jobs in Europe can find a vacant position on their own or through intermediaries. After finding an acceptable option, the following procedure is followed: you need to contact the employer, negotiate employment, and conclude a contract. If a citizen does not have a visa, one can be issued after signing the agreement. Officially, working in Europe is allowed only after receiving an invitation from an employer. Before starting work in some countries, drivers are required to undergo professional training to confirm their qualifications.

Which countries have the most vacancies?

You can get a job as a driver in Europe literally anywhere - each country has its own large international companies. Many offers come from Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden and other countries.

However, the bulk of offers are submitted by companies located in Poland and Germany. These two countries are considered hubs for European and international cargo transportation. Most Russian emigrants choose from them.

The most vacancies are open in Poland and Germany. Photo: pixabay

Working as a driver in Poland attracts our compatriots more. Ukrainians and Belarusians are welcome in the country (the latter can even go to the country for permanent residence under a simplified program). In addition, the language is familiar to the CIS. Poles have similar traditions and a similar mentality.

• Germany

Working as a driver in Germany

• Kristina Salgalova
• 28.08.2019

However, in Poland there are many scammers offering illegal work. In addition, wages, as well as the standard of living, are lower in the country than in other EU countries. This should be taken into account when planning employment with further relocation.

Germany attracts our compatriots with higher wages. However, the requirements for working as a driver in Germany are stricter: you need to know German and go through several training courses. Getting a visa to Germany is more difficult.

Working conditions for drivers in different EU countries

After receiving documents permitting entry into Europe, the future driver must come to the country to sign an agreement. In Poland, before starting work, it is necessary to undergo a three-day advanced training course and a medical examination. In Finland, before employment, training for a period of 3 months and an internship are prescribed. The general condition for working in European countries is that the time spent behind the wheel should not exceed 74 hours per week. The rest period is strictly regulated by law, according to which the driver’s working day is 9 hours. The driver is regularly given days off and vacation.

Why do CIS citizens look for work abroad?

After the collapse of the USSR, many of its former citizens began to look for an opportunity to go abroad. Millions of people subsequently remained abroad and received permanent residence and citizenship there. First of all, certified specialists and scientists left to work. The Project publication published statistics on immigration of people with education:

The situation has not changed in 2021. On the contrary, there are more people wanting to find work abroad. This is evidenced by statistical research data. In 2021, according to unofficial data, about 12 million Ukrainians worked abroad (of which 9 million were on seasonal and temporary jobs), 20 million Russians, 6 million Kazakhstanis, 1.5 million Belarusians, 800 thousand Moldovans.

Applicants belong to different age groups, have different levels of education and skills. Immigrants from the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova mostly go to work in Western countries. And residents of Central Asia often come to take their place, partially compensating for the labor shortage.

There are several reasons for labor migration from the CIS to more developed countries.

1. Higher salaries. For example, the minimum wage in France, Germany, Australia is about $9-11, in the USA - $7-11, in Poland and the Baltic states - $4-5, in Russia - $1.5).
2. Unfavorable socio-economic situation in the homeland. Life becomes more expensive every year, and wages are growing slowly.
3. The best working conditions: state control over work and rest schedules, payments without delays, compensation by employers for some expenses.
4. If you have specialized education and experience, you don’t have to radically change your type of activity.
5. Ecology, favorable social environment, democratic structure.

Abroad, competition in the labor market among foreigners is very high, especially in European countries. This is explained by the fact that first of all applicants from among local citizens are considered for vacancies.

Visas and required documents to work in Europe

Labor activity in the EU is permitted only if you have a work visa. In addition to the border crossing document and passport, the driver must present the following required documents:

• an international certificate translated into a foreign language;
• driver's certificate;
• category B, D, C, E;
• medical certificate;
• a document confirming the absence of a criminal record in the Russian Federation;
• work permit in Europe.

The driver can independently collect a package of documents or use the services of intermediary companies for a fee. Certificates and legal papers must be translated into the language of the country in which the work will be carried out. All copies of documents are certified by a notary.

What do you need to work as a truck driver in Europe?

1. The first and most important thing is the presence of open categories “C” and “CE” in your driver’s license. In order to open category “E”, you need to have already opened category “C” and proven experience on any of the vehicles of category “B” or “C” for at least a year. In order to confirm experience, it will be enough to provide a certificate from work, the presence of your own car, or even driving by proxy.
2. Next, you should think about your experience driving a vehicle with a trailer or semi-trailer. Naturally, most people don’t have it, but no one will demand great skills from you if you get a job as an intern. But it is very important to have at least a general understanding and sense of the dimensions of a multi-ton vehicle, to be able to back up and to properly break a trailer. Today, there are transport companies that are ready to take on a trainee as a double crew, but more on that a little later.

See also: Salaries of public sector employees in 2021 in Russia from January 1

Reviews and advice from employed drivers

Drivers cooperating with foreign employers highlight the positive aspects of driving vehicles in the EU. According to reviews, the main advantages are high salaries, modern car models, comfortable working conditions, tracking time spent behind the wheel. If a driver decides to cooperate with foreign employers on a rotational basis, then he must be ready to leave Russia and be away from his woman and family for several weeks. Being away from home for a long time is a minus for employment.

Working in Europe requires a serious approach to employment. The foreigner is required to present relevant documents, experience, knowledge of the language, and vehicle maintenance. High wages and satisfactory working conditions are the main advantages of cooperation with European employers.

What documents are needed

The list of documents for working as a driver in Europe is not too long.

You need a license and a work visa. Photo: pixabay

It includes:

• International passport with received visa. For legal employment you need an open Schengen visa (or a national visa for flights within the selected state).
• Driver license. Russian ones are also suitable, but in some European countries they need to be legalized, undergo retraining courses, and prove their knowledge in an exam.
• Driver card (or tachograph card). You can apply for it in your home country. In any large city in Russia there are a lot of companies that produce tachograph cards.
• ADR Certificate . Not required, but in fact required by most serious companies. Necessary for the transportation of any dangerous goods, including fuel and petroleum products.
• Code 95. Also not required, but in fact necessary. Required when driving any vehicle with a carrying capacity of 3.5 tons or more.