European CV Format (2026): Europass, Photos and Country Differences
There is no single European CV. Europass is an EU-backed format that is widely recognised, but many employers prefer a clean one- or two-page CV. The biggest differences between countries are photos, personal details and how languages are shown.
EU CV format at a glance
| Name | CV (Lebenslauf in Germany, CV in France, cv in the Netherlands) |
|---|---|
| Length | 1–2 pages (Europass can be longer) |
| Paper | A4 |
| Photo | Common in Germany, Austria, Belgium and parts of Southern/Eastern Europe; optional or unusual in the Netherlands, Ireland and the Nordics |
| Personal details | Nationality sometimes included; date of birth increasingly omitted |
| Languages | CEFR levels A1–C2 |
| Spelling | British English for English-language CVs |
| Dates | MM/YYYY is common |
| Extras | GDPR consent clause in Poland and some other countries |
Section order
- Header: Name, phone with country code, email, city/country, LinkedIn; photo where expected.
- Profile: 3–4 lines.
- Work experience: Reverse-chronological with results.
- Education and training: Degrees with country; mention equivalence for non-EU degrees.
- Languages: Each language with a CEFR level.
- Skills & certifications: Digital skills, licences, certificates.
Header example
+49 151 23456789 · lena.fischer@email.com · Berlin, Germany · linkedin.com/in/lenafischer
German (native) · English (C1) · French (B1)
Include
- CEFR language levels
- Phone with country code
- Photo only where it is the norm (e.g. Germany)
- Work permit status for non-EU candidates (e.g. EU Blue Card)
Leave out
- Photos for Dutch, Irish, UK and Nordic applications (usually)
- ID or tax numbers
- Long Europass sections you can't fill meaningfully
Work rights and visa status
EU/EEA citizens can work across the EU without a permit. Non-EU candidates should state their status, for example "EU Blue Card holder", "Residence permit with work rights" or "Eligible for the German Opportunity Card".
Cover letters
Cover letters (Anschreiben, lettre de motivation) are still common in Germany, France and Southern Europe; less so in the Netherlands and Nordics. Try the free cover letter generator.
Where to find jobs
- EURES (EU job mobility portal)
- StepStone
- Indeed
- Xing (Germany)
- Welcome to the Jungle (France)
- national public employment services
Common mistakes
- Sending a photo-less CV to a traditional German employer, or a photo to a Dutch one, without checking local norms.
- Languages without CEFR levels.
- A five-page Europass with empty sections.
Check your CV before you apply
Pick EU in the free ATS checker to test length, spelling, personal details and keywords against a real job ad, or use Job Match for bullet rewrites and a cover note.
Other countries
FAQ
Should I use Europass?
Europass is accepted everywhere in the EU and useful for public-sector or academic roles. For private-sector jobs a modern two-page CV often reads better.
Do I need a photo on a European CV?
It depends on the country. In Germany and Austria a professional photo is still common; in the Netherlands, Ireland and the Nordics it is usually left out.
How do I show language skills?
Use the CEFR scale: A1–A2 basic, B1–B2 independent, C1–C2 proficient.
What is the GDPR clause?
Some employers, especially in Poland, expect a line consenting to the processing of your personal data for recruitment. Add it only when the ad asks or it is the local norm.