Thinking about relocating to Europe? This guide explains the core visa paths, documents you’ll need, and the key differences by destination country—so you can plan with confidence and then deep-dive into our individual country pages.
Short-stay (Schengen) visa allows visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area (uniform rules apply). It’s for tourism, business trips, and other temporary stays, not settlement.
Long-stay links referenced in source materials removed for clarity. Always check official sources of your destination country.
Long-stay (national “Type D”) visas are issued by a specific country for stays over 90 days (work, study, family, entrepreneurship). Holders can usually travel in other Schengen countries short-term while their D visa is valid, but residence rights are tied to the issuing country.
Work permits & EU Blue Card (highly-skilled): The EU Blue Card lets qualified non-EU professionals live and work in most EU countries. You’ll need higher qualifications, a job contract (typically ≥ 6 months) and a salary meeting each country’s threshold (often around 1.5–1.6× the national average; exact figures set nationally and updated).
Students & researchers: Long-stay D visas for accredited studies or research; many countries let graduates remain to job-hunt or convert to work permits (rules vary by country—check our country guides).
Family reunification: If your close family member holds EU residence or citizenship, you may qualify for reunification under national rules (eligibility, income, and housing requirements differ by country).
Entrepreneurs, investors & remote workers: Several countries offer routes for founders or self-employed; some also have remote worker/digital nomad visas with minimum income and private health-insurance requirements (details and thresholds differ—see the relevant consulate pages in our country guides).
Requirements vary, but you’ll generally prepare:
For Schengen short-stay, travel medical insurance is mandatory and must cover the entire stay across Schengen countries with minimum €30,000 coverage (repatriation and emergency care included).
Next step: Use Compare to see living costs, salaries, taxes, safety and healthcare by country, then Start Quiz to match your goals with visa feasibility and everyday life factors.
How long can I stay in the Schengen Area without a residence permit?
For eligible nationalities, up to 90 days in any 180-day period on a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa or visa-free under Schengen policy. For longer stays you need a national long-stay (Type D) visa/residence.
What is the EU Blue Card and who qualifies?
A residence/work permit for highly-skilled non-EU professionals, requiring higher qualifications, an employment contract (≥ 6 months) and a country-specific salary threshold relative to the national average.
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes. For Schengen short stays, travel medical insurance is required and must be valid across Schengen for the entire stay with at least €30,000 coverage (emergency care & repatriation).
Are rules the same in every European country?
No. Short-stay rules are harmonized across Schengen, but long-stay permits (work, study, family, entrepreneurship) are national. Always check the specific country’s requirements—use our country pages for official links and steps.
Compare countries first, then take the quiz — get suggestions that match your goals and your route to Europe.