Who this is for. Yacht crew working on board: skippers, captains, hosts, yacht chefs and stewardesses. Working on land in a chalet or private villa instead? See Right to work for land roles.
Quick answer. It depends on two things: your nationality and the country where you will be working. If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen you can work in EU countries with no permit. Everyone else, including UK passport holders, usually needs a work permit or visa. A tourist or visa-free entry lets you visit, it is never the right to work.
What decides whether you need a permit?
Two things, plus one for yachts:
Your nationality (and any residence you hold).
The country where the work takes place, and its status.
For yachts, the vessel's flag and whether it is private or commercially chartered can also matter.
EU / EEA / Swiss citizens vs everyone else
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can work in EU countries with no permit (free movement). Everyone else generally needs a work permit or a recognised exemption for the country of the assignment. This is about the best team member for the role, not the best passport, so if you need a permit we will tell you what is required and when.
Does the type of yacht change it?
It can. On a bareboat charter (a yacht for up to 12 guests who charter it and then hire a skipper) you are providing a service locally, so the ordinary local right-to-work rules apply. On crewed charter, private yachts and superyachts, crew are often treated as seafarers: where the yacht is not permanently based in the country, they may travel on a seaman's transit or short-stay visa with a crew list and the vessel's papers, and the flag state matters. If that is your situation, confirm the position for that specific yacht, country and your nationality.
Find your destination
Rules differ by country. Open the overview to find the country you are headed to, with the official source for each: Visas & work permits by destination.
What we ask of you
Keep your nationality correct in your profile; it tells us your EU status.
If you hold a work permit for a destination, tick the work-permit box.
Tell us early if your right to work is not sorted, so we can help before your dates.
Important
Immigration rules change often and vary by nationality. This is general orientation, not legal advice, and Quarterdeck is not an immigration adviser. Always confirm your own position with the destination's official immigration source (and, for yachts, the flag state and the marina or agent) before you travel. We will not place you on an assignment in a country where you do not hold the right to work.