Immigration to Europe offers you the opportunity to work, get education, run a business and move to any EU state if you wish. The process is carried out on different grounds – from employment to investment. Subsequently, you can obtain citizenship through naturalization – this is allowed after 5-8 years of legal stay in the state. In addition, emigration from the country of current residence to Europe can be carried out through repatriation programs (obtaining citizenship by descent), which allow you to quickly legalize your status in the chosen country.

The process of immigration to the EU, as a rule, consists of obtaining a visa, applying for temporary and permanent residence permits and only after that – acquiring citizenship. The conditions and complexity of moving to Europe, duration and level of financial expenses depend on the legislation of a particular country. If you use the repatriation program, avoiding most of the stages of naturalization, it is easiest to immigrate to such countries as Bulgaria, Slovenia, Romania.

European immigration laws and requirements

In addition to the rules established by the EU, states may adopt their own laws at the national level regarding immigrants from non-unionized countries. Thus, the process of obtaining work permits and residence permits can vary significantly even within the EU. The following categories fall under the general rules:

• students;
• highly qualified specialists;
• researchers;
• volunteers and trainees, in particular participants of the Au Pair program;
• seasonal workers;
• citizens from outside the EU who come to work as part of intra-corporate transfers.

Immigrants arriving in the European Union can obtain long-term resident status after 5 years of legal residence. This program is valid in all countries, but some of them may impose their own conditions concerning language skills and integration into society.

Employment of foreigners from non-union states is regulated by Directive (EU) 2021/1883, as well as by the Act on the Further Development of Immigration of Professionals adopted in 2023. Each country has the right to adapt the rules and regulations established by the European Union at its own discretion. For example, in Germany, only those specialists whose diploma is recognized by the state are allowed to work in one of the regulated professions.

A comprehensive approach to migration is regulated by the “Migration and Asylum Pact”, which will become fully operational in 2025. This document guarantees the rights of immigrants, efficiency and speed of procedures for granting residence permits, permanent residence and other statuses.

It should be understood that in case of illegal stay of a foreigner on the territory of the EU, the authorities require him to leave the country within a set period of time (for example, up to 28 days in the Netherlands) or immediately in some cases. If the offender refuses to leave voluntarily, he or she faces forced deportation, as well as a ban on traveling throughout the EU. Other possible consequences include fines and even imprisonment.

Main ways of immigration

Foreigners who are not EU citizens but who plan to move to Europe for permanent residence are required to obtain a visa as well as a residence permit. Below we will consider the main ways of moving to the EU, allowing you to live, work and enjoy other benefits of staying in a European country.

Labor immigration

To move to Europe for permanent residence on the basis of employment, it is necessary to conclude a contract with an employer from the EU. This document is the basis for obtaining a visa and residence permit after crossing the border. The contract must guarantee you a salary not lower than the national average. The work permit is issued directly by the employer. The document is issued for a period not less than the period of validity of the work contract, with the possibility of extension.

It should be taken into account that some countries allow hiring foreigners only in cases when there is no suitable candidate with European citizenship for the vacancy, as well as if the applicant has the necessary experience and qualifications.

EU Blue Card

Foreign professionals can apply for the EU Blue Card if they have relevant qualifications or experience and an employment contract. Your salary must be at least one and a half times higher than the national average. The residence permit is valid for up to 4 years and can be extended. After 5 years, the EU Blue Card holder can apply for permanent residence and then apply for citizenship under the terms of standard naturalization (based on legal residence in the country for a statutory period).

Immigration for education

In order to emigrate from a non-EU country on the basis of study, one must be enrolled in an accredited institution of the association. Foreigners from all over the world can apply for admission by submitting an application, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the language of instruction (e.g., through TOEFL and IELTS tests) and academic qualifications. After obtaining a visa and moving to the EU, a residence permit must be obtained. Among the main requirements for applicants are:

• availability of sufficient financial means to cover expenses during the entire stay abroad (sponsorship, grants, scholarships are also suitable);
• receipt of tuition fees;
• a valid identity card;
• health insurance;
• parental permission if you are under 18 years old.

It is possible to move to Europe by study, but this method of immigration does not lead directly to citizenship. After completing their studies, graduates are granted a residence permit for 9 months or more in order to find a job. After this period expires, you will need to apply for a residence permit on a new basis (e.g., employment, business) or leave the country.

Business and investments

Foreigners from non-EU countries can do business in the territory of the association if they meet the conditions of the legislation. In the European Union today there are no programs that allow you to buy a passport for investment. When investing in state assets, you can first obtain a residence permit or a permanent residence permit and then apply for citizenship by naturalization. For example, Bulgaria offers a program of moving to Europe when investing from 307 000 EUR or buying real estate in the country for the amount from 128 00 EUR. The amount of investment for legalization of status in Portugal is from 250 000 EUR, in Romania – from 1 000 000 EUR.

Family reunification

Having a relative in the EU allows you to move in with them if the host family member is willing to sponsor you. In some EU countries, you can invite your family to live with you only after you have legally resided there for two (or in some cases three) years.

The sponsor, who is a resident of the European Union, must prove the availability of suitable housing, health insurance, regular income for himself and his relatives. In some cases, you and your family will need to demonstrate knowledge of civil norms and language, such as in Germany.

A residence permit issued under this program is valid from one year with the possibility of extension. The owner of a European residence permit can be joined by a husband/wife, minor children (including adopted children). In some countries, legislation allows to use this program partners (officially unregistered), parents and adult dependent children of the sponsor.

Marriage

Being in partnership or married to a permanent resident of the European Union, you can expect to move to the EU and obtain citizenship under easier conditions. Sometimes the new status can be obtained after 3 years of residence in a European country. The main condition for this is the presence of a marriage certificate with a resident of the EU state.

Each country puts forward its own requirements. In accordance with the laws of Poland, for example, the couple must confirm the sincerity of the relationship, the maintenance of a common household through the provision of a rental agreement, joint photos, evidence of neighbors. After 2 years of residence in the country it is possible to apply for Polish citizenship if the marriage lasted from 3 years.

Financially independent persons

The so-called visitor’s residence permit allows you to reside in a European country provided you have enough money to support yourself. For example, planning to live in France, you should have at least 1400 EUR per month after tax deduction. The main disadvantage of this program is the lack of the right to work and run a business. The residence permit, as a rule, is valid from one year with the possibility of renewal.

Simplified immigration programs through repatriation

Repatriation is one of the easiest and fastest ways to move to Europe without meeting the conditions of naturalization. This program allows you to avoid significant costs, such as living for an extended period of time to meet the residency requirement (5 years or more) and various permits. Through repatriation, you can become a European passport holder in an average of one year. The main requirement is a documented proof of ethnic or territorial belonging to the chosen country.

The requirements for applicants each state establishes independently, besides, not all countries offer such a program. The most popular destinations for immigration through repatriation are Bulgaria, Romania and Slovenia. Among the main documents that will be needed are:

• application;
• passport;
• certificate of absence of criminal record;
• parental consent (for minor children);
• civil status documents confirming that you or your ancestors belong to the country whose citizenship you are applying for;
• receipt of payment of the fee.

Documents must be translated into the national language and apostilled. In addition, you may need to pass a language exam and demonstrate a connection to the country. In order to determine whether you have roots abroad and get an individualized immigration plan, it is worth seeking the help of international law specialists. The Globalcitizenpass lawyers will find the best solution for you, allowing you to obtain European citizenship in the shortest possible time.

Having a European passport allows you to live and work in any of the EU countries. As a rule, after a certain period of stay on the territory of the state, you only need to register your place of residence. Citizens of the EU can obtain a residence permit for any other country of association without additional conditions when living there for 5 years. Registration of this document, unlike the registration of place of residency, is not mandatory.

Procedure for moving to European countries

The order and duration of the procedure of immigration to the EU depends on two key factors – the basis and national legislation. Also, the speed of processing immigration documents is positively influenced by the support of Globalcitizenpass lawyers, who help to collect a complete dossier and accompany at all stages. The process of relocation and legalization in Europe, as a rule, includes the following stages:

1. Obtaining a long-term visa.
   Third-country nationals need a D visa to enter an EU country and stay there for more than 90 days. The entry permit is issued at the consulate at the place of current location and its validity is usually not more than 12 months. To submit a request, it is necessary to provide a receipt for the payment of the fee, passport, a photo of a set size, health insurance policy, and a completed visa application form.
2. Registration of a residence permit.
   Before your visa expires, you should apply for a residence permit by submitting documents proving the grounds for immigration (opening a company, employment contract, marriage certificate and others). A residence permit is issued for a period of one year or more with the possibility of renewal.
3. Obtaining a permanent residence permit.
   After 5 years of legal stay on the territory of the EU country without leaving it for more than half a year (up to 10 months in total), you can claim the status of long-term resident. The validity of the status is not limited in time.

To quickly and efficiently pass all the stages of immigration, you should entrust all the complexities of the procedure to Globalcitizenpass lawyers of international law, who have extensive experience in this area. Specialists will offer you an individual solution and provide support at every stage of immigration, from collecting dossiers to obtaining permanent residence and citizenship. To learn more about this, make an appointment for a free consultation.

Documents required for immigration

The contents of the package of documents for immigration to the European Union depends on the basis on which you are moving. When applying for a residence permit, the basic dossier should include the following:

• a completed application form;
• the latest photos taken no earlier than six months prior to the request;
• travel document;
• a certificate of no criminal record;
• health insurance policy;
• bank statements and other documents confirming the availability of funds to cover the costs of living abroad;
• civil status certificates (birth, marriage, change of surname and others);
• receipts for payment of administrative fees, if applicable.

It is also necessary to provide documents confirming the purpose and basis for immigration (certificate of enrollment in a higher education institution, work contract).

Cost of moving to Europe

Immigration to the European Union is associated with certain financial costs. The table below summarizes the main costs of moving to Bulgaria:

Rights and obligations of immigrants in the EU

EU passport holders have access to a full range of civil rights. For example, unlike immigrants with a residence permit, they can vote and be elected to parliament, apply for any positions in the public administration. Temporary and permanent residents of the European Union also enjoy a large number of advantages, including:

• access to vocational training and education, grants and scholarships;
• the right to self-employment, business and employment;
• tax exemptions;
• social assistance and protection guaranteed by national legislation, including access to high quality healthcare;
• freedom of movement throughout the EU territory;
• the possibility to invite close relatives to stay with them as part of the family reunification procedure.

Permanent residents can also stay in another EU country for more than 3 months, taking advantage of all opportunities – from employment to enrollment in a university. In addition to rights, the status of a citizen of an EU country entails certain obligations. In particular, it may be necessary to prove integration into society – proof of knowledge of the national language, history, traditions and culture of the host country. In addition, immigrants with a residence permit are required to pay taxes on time, comply with the laws and rules established by local legislation.

Top countries to live in Europe: where is the best place to move to

Choosing a country to move to Europe for permanent residence is an important stage of immigration. It is important to realize that after obtaining EU citizenship you can move to any of the 27 states of the association without any restrictions. Among the European countries that take the leading positions in terms of the number of immigrants per the number of population are the following:

• Germany.
  The country offers great employment opportunities and high salaries (average 4323 EUR per month before taxes). First of all, highly qualified employees, for whom there is an increased demand, should move here. Germany is also famous for high quality education, medicine (16th place in the world) and a developed system of social support, in particular, unemployment assistance.
• France.
  France has a high standard of living and ranks 7th in the world GDP ranking. A popular way to immigrate here is to apply for a French Tech Visa and a 4-year residence permit under the Passeport Talent program.
• Spain.
  The state is known for its high quality of life and ranks 13th in the world ranking. In recent years, Spain has seen a record growth of workers attracted from abroad. The country is experiencing a shortage of specialists in various spheres, which opens up a wide range of employment opportunities. The level of average salary here is 1920 EUR per month. A popular option for immigration to Spain is opening a startup and investing from 500 000 EUR within the Investor Visa program.
• Italy.
  The demand for this immigration destination is due to the many business opportunities and high labor remuneration (average salary is 1757 EUR per month). One of the available ways to obtain an Italian residence permit is to purchase real estate for the amount of 500 000 EUR or more.
• Slovenia.
  The country is a member of the EU and offers a simplified citizenship program, and it is quite easy to obtain a residence permit through doing business. Besides, there is no acute problem with illegal immigrants and refugees in Slovenia, unlike, for example, in Germany or France. Also the country ranks 6th among the European Union states and 9th position in the world in terms of security according to The Global Peace Index 2024.

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Immigrants’ feedback on moving to Europe

European Union countries are popular among immigrants from all over the world, because EU residents have a wide range of opportunities – from visa-free travel to high quality education. At the same time, reviews of people who have already settled, for example, in Slovenia, testify to the fact that the correct preparation for the move plays an extremely important role – from choosing a country and collecting dossiers to careful study of any formalities in the registration of all permits.

Immigrants who share their experiences emphasize that it is not easy to go through all the stages, from visa to permanent residence. For a quick move to the EU on a simplified program is worth using the help of Globalcitizenpass lawyers. Specialists are well aware of current changes and peculiarities of the national legislation of each country, which allows them to achieve a successful result in various situations. Legal support will allow you to move to most liked European country in a short period of time.