CETA Work Permits: LMIA-Exempt Path for EU Citizens to Canada

How EU Citizens Can Get an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit to Work in Canada

If you’re a citizen of the European Union and dreaming of working in Canada, there’s good news: you may have a faster, simpler path to a Canadian work permit thanks to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

This agreement offers qualifying EU nationals the chance to obtain a Canadian work permit — without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). That means fewer hoops to jump through and a quicker overall process.

Let’s break it all down so you can see if you qualify and understand how to get started.

Key Highlights

• Citizens of 27 EU member states may be eligible for a CETA work permit in Canada.
• CETA permits are LMIA-exempt, making them faster and easier to obtain.
• There are four main applicant categories: intra-company transferees, investors, professionals, and technologists.
• Each category has unique eligibility criteria, employer requirements, and permit durations.
• Spouses of intra-company transferees may qualify for an open work permit.
• Applications must be submitted from outside Canada and involve both employer and employee steps.

Which EU Citizens Can Apply?

Citizens of the following 27 EU countries are eligible to apply for a CETA work permit:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

Eligible CETA Work Permit Categories

If you hold citizenship in any of the above countries, you may qualify for a CETA work permit under one of the following categories:

1. Intra-Company Transferees

This applies to executives, managers, specialists, or graduate trainees working for a company in the EU that has a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada. You must have been employed with the company for at least one year prior to your transfer.

Executives and specialists can stay in Canada for up to three years (with a possible 18-month extension). Graduate trainees are limited to one year and are not eligible for an extension under this category.

2. Investors

If you’ve made a significant investment in a Canadian business — or are planning to — you may qualify as an investor. This also includes executives or employees helping to direct or develop the investment.

You’ll need to show you own at least 50% of the business and that the employer has EU nationality (based on ownership, not incorporation).

Permits are initially valid for one year and can be extended for up to two additional years.

3. Professionals

This category covers both self-employed professionals and those providing services under a contract. You’ll need a university degree or equivalent, relevant certifications, and professional experience (minimum of three years for service suppliers and six years for independent professionals).

Canadian employers must be involved, and contracts must be in place. Permits are valid for 12 months within a 24-month period and may be extended — but not beyond that two-year window.

4. Technologists

Engineering and scientific technologists may qualify if they’ve got at least three years of experience and a relevant post-secondary degree (minimum three years of study). You’ll also need a Canadian contract and meet any licensing requirements in your field.

Permits are again valid for up to 12 months in a 24-month span and may be extended — but not beyond that period.

Additional Requirements for All Applicants

On top of meeting the category-specific criteria, you’ll also have to meet Canada’s general entry requirements for temporary residents. That includes showing:

• You have enough money to support yourself during your stay
• You’ll leave Canada at the end of your authorized period
• You’re admissible (i.e., no serious criminal history)

Have a criminal record? Don’t worry — you may still be eligible through options like a Temporary Resident Permit, criminal rehabilitation, or deemed rehabilitation.

How to Apply for a CETA Work Permit

Applying for a CETA work permit involves two parts: what your future employer needs to do, and what you’ll need to provide.

Employer Responsibilities:

1. Submit a job offer through Canada’s Employer Portal.
2. Pay the $230 employer compliance fee.
3. Provide you with the Offer of Employment Number you’ll need for your application.

Applicant (Your) Responsibilities:

• Confirm your eligibility and choose the correct category.
• Complete the application forms.
• Gather and upload all required documents — including proof of education, credentials, or specialized knowledge.
• Pay the $150 processing fee, and potentially $85 for biometrics.
• Submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Note: You must apply from outside Canada. Processing times can range from one week to three months depending on your home country.

Can My Spouse Work in Canada Too?

Here’s another perk: if you’re coming to Canada as an intra-company transferee under CETA, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit (OWP). This means they won’t need a job offer to work in Canada.

Spouses of applicants in the other three categories (investors, professionals, and technologists) aren’t automatically eligible under CETA, but they may still qualify for an OWP under other programs — provided you’re working in a skilled occupation and your permit is valid for at least 16 more months.

Make sure to check the eligibility criteria for both of you, especially when it comes to your spouse’s current immigration status in Canada (if applicable).

Final Thoughts

Thanks to CETA, eligible EU citizens now have an accelerated and more straightforward route to working in Canada. Whether you’re transferring within your company, making a business investment, or bringing your professional skills to the Canadian market, there’s a pathway for you — and possibly your spouse too.

If you’re interested in exploring your options further, be sure to check out our MPNP Points Calculator for other potential immigration streams like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

Ready to take the next step? Don’t navigate the process alone. Get in touch with our team for support with your CETA work permit application.