The Different Ways To Get European Residency And Why You Need It

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There are different ways to get European residency and several reasons why you might need it. All Europeans are entitled to live in any of the 27 countries in Europe, but if you’re not happy with your current situation, this article is for you. You can either apply for permanent residency or citizenship, which each come with their own benefits. Let’s explore your options!

Through Real-Estate Investment 

 If you have a lot of money to invest in your country of destination, you can get residency there. Some countries require only $250k in investment, while others demand $2M or more. Most European countries want their money in real estate though, so the price tag is substantially higher than that. This way, you can get a Portugal Golden Visa, for example, which is enough to live in the country. To get such a visa, you need to invest in Portuguese real estate with a value of at least $500k. After you receive such a visa, you can even bring your family there. This type of investment needs to be maintained at least for 5 years, and after that, you can apply for a permanent residency in the country.

Through A Qualified Company 

Many countries have specific professions which are in short supply, for example, Ukraine needs IT, specialists. If you work in such a profession and you move to the country where it’s needed most, you can get permanent residency without buying any real estate. Also, unlike most European countries, Ukraine does not require you to renounce your current citizenship. If you don’t want to burn all of your bridges, this is a great way to go! If you have a job offer from an employer who’s willing to sponsor your work visa, then moving becomes much easier. Most countries require employers to sponsor work permits for non-nationals. Make sure to check with your employer before making any rash decisions, though.

Also, if you’re in a job that’s considered in short supply, many countries will let you stay there. Switzerland is one of the most famous examples of this type of residency. You might need to work outside the country for several years before you can apply for citizenship, though, and working in Austria can be a great choice. If your country imposes strict quotas on foreign workers, contact them directly to see what the requirements are. As you can see, there are many ways to get residency in Europe. Make sure to research your options so you know which one is best for you! 

Through Family Ties or Marriage

Many countries require you to have some family ties to get a visa or citizenship there. For example, you can become a naturalized citizen of Greece through marriage after at least 3 years of living there. If you want to apply for citizenship on some other basis, check to see if you can get residency there first. Many European countries require that any foreigner who wants to live there must have a spouse from that country. For example, if your wife is from Portugal and you’re living in Spain, you can get a Portugal visa. If she’s from Ireland and you’re living in Spain, you have to move to Ireland. Some countries allow unmarried couples or even same-sex partners to live together. The specific requirements are different, but generally, you don’t need to buy real estate or get a job.

Advanced Research and Studies

You can also get residency through your academic pursuits at school. Many European nations offer special visas to people who are studying there, especially in the business sector. Although these will require a lot of paperwork and certain requirements, it’s still worth looking into if you have an educational institution willing to sponsor you! If you’re a highly educated individual who is going to bring the knowledge of your field to your country, they will let you in! Many countries can offer you a scholarship or grant that equates to citizenship. You may need advanced degrees in order for them to let you in. However, make sure you research the country well, as some require work experience. In addition, remember that most countries that offer educational visas will make it very hard for you to stay there after your studies are over. If you do manage to stay after your studies end, though, they might let you apply for citizenship or permanent residency.

Through Political or Economic Ties

If you have business ties to the country of your choice, some countries will let you move there. Colombia is the best example, where they allow skilled ex-pats with experience in certain sectors to work in their country. You can also get citizenship through investing large amounts of money into national projects and by investing enough money. This one requires extensive research because it’s not always clear what qualifies you for residency or even citizenship after one invests a small amount of money (investment limits are different for each European nation). Some countries like Cyprus offer you citizenship (even if you’re not ethnically Cypriot) if you deposit enough money into a local bank account.

What You Mustn’t Do

Before moving to Europe, however, you should be careful not to do anything illegal. Never stay in a country illegally because it’s much harder to gain residency or citizenship thereafter that point! If possible, try not to lose your Permanent Residency in your home country before moving. For example, the United States of America allows dual citizenship with most European nations except for Germany. So if you have American PR and are trying to get German citizenship through naturalization, keep your USA passport until the process is complete. Also, remember that all of these immigration programs are being designed by each nation so some will be flexible while others won’t. Make sure you look into what they require before applying!

There are multiple ways to get European residency and citizenship. You don’t always need work experience or a spouse, although that certainly helps! With the right amount of research, you can make your dreams come true. Remember, it’s important to see the specifics on how to get residency in each of the countries you’re interested in because requirements may vary. Best of luck!