Foreigners choose Europe for relocation due to the high standard of living, especially in EU countries. EU countries attract immigrants with decent salaries, simplified conditions for doing business in the international market, quality education and healthcare. For a successful relocation, applicants need to have time and financial resources, choose the country and learn the language, as well as obtain a long-term visa, a resident card or an EU passport.

Selection of the country for immigration

To make the relocation successful, foreigners should evaluate the country according to such criteria:

• level of wages, including in their specialty;
• prospects for opening and developing a business (if relevant);
• ease of obtaining local residency or citizenship;
• the ratio of the cost of living to the income level of the population;
• quality of education and medical services;
• policy towards immigrants;
• features of local culture, difficulty of learning the language.

The selection of country for migration depends on the individual requests of applicants. Some prefer living by the sea in warm Spain or France, others move to the north of Europe – for example, to Finland, which is considered the happiest country in the world, according to the UN (United Nations). There is a pattern: the higher the level of development of the country and the income of the population, the more complex requirements are applied to migrants. Owners of a passport of any EU country can move without restrictions. Citizens of the union are equal to each other in choosing an EU country for permanent residence.

Residence permit: what is it and which types does it have

A residence permit is a document that is issued to foreigners for legal residence in the chosen country. There are two types of residence permits:

• Temporary residence permit – a temporary document, which is usually issued for 1-2 years and is not always renewable. To obtain it, foreigners need to have a basis – for example, going to work or entering a university in the chosen country.
• Permanent residence permit – an identity card that gives the right to permanent residence in the country without time limits. Usually, a permanent residence permit is provided to applicants after preliminary residence in the state for a certain period with a temporary residence permit – often from 3 to 5 years.

Among the most common reasons for moving to any EU country and obtaining a residence permit are the following:

• employment in a local company or branch of an international organization (including intra-corporate transfer and assignment);
• receiving education in a college, university, school, other secondary or higher educational institution;
• registration of a business or purchase of assets of an operating enterprise in the territory of the country;
• investment of a certain amount of legislation in established areas of the economy;
• reunification with family members (spouses, children, parents) from among the citizens or residents of the respective state;
• financial independence with the receipt of regular income in excess of the subsistence minimum in the chosen country;
• application for refugee status, temporary protection or international asylum.

Requirements for immigrants

Residence permits in EU countries are usually issued to persons without criminal records who have sufficient income for self-support and a place of residence in the state (purchased, rented or provided by the host side). Many countries request a language certificate to ensure that immigrants will be able to communicate and integrate into society. Even without the requirement to learn the language of the chosen country, applicants should still master conversational English, which is understood by most EU residents.

How much money is needed when immigrating to Europe

To organize a move, foreigners need to buy transport tickets or take care of their own car, arranging the necessary insurance (medical, “green card”), rent or purchase real estate in the chosen state, and also have financial resources to cover basic life needs. Immigrants should pay administrative fees for the registration of a residence permit and accompanying documents. Also, foreigners should consider the costs of notary services, translator, international law specialist. 

The most affordable way to move to Europe is to obtain a passport of an EU state through the repatriation procedure. Applicants can become full-fledged citizens of the European Union within 12 months with the help of migration specialists. Repatriates do not need to initially obtain a residence permit, demonstrate knowledge of the state language or confirm the availability of funds for self-support. Legal professionals are ready to tell more about the simplified way of immigration and obtaining EU citizenship at a free consultation.