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VisaAtlas

A free, independent field guide to moving countries. Every figure links to its official government source.

Not legal advice. Visa Atlas is an encyclopedia, not an adviser. The authoritative source is always the government link on each page. For your specific case, consult a regulated professional.

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© 2026 Visa AtlasReviewed continuously. Last sweep: 06 Jun 2026

Visas by destination

651 immigration routes across 109 major destinations — 401 that need no employer sponsor and 382 that lead to permanent residence. Every route links to the primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date. We never give legal advice.

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  • citizenship by investment

🇬🇧United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Country overview →
  • Skilled Worker visa

    Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.

  • Health and Care Worker visa

    Discounted Skilled Worker route for eligible NHS, adult social care, and allied health roles.

  • Global Talent visa

    Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.

  • Graduate visa

    Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.

  • High Potential Individual visa

    Unsponsored work visa for graduates of a time-limited list of top global universities.

  • Innovator Founder visa

    Endorsement-based visa for founders launching an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.

  • Scale-up visa

    Sponsored route for workers joining qualifying fast-growing UK scale-up businesses, with faster settlement timelines.

  • Youth Mobility Scheme visa

    Unsponsored 2-year visa for 18–30 or 18–35 year olds from participating countries and territories.

  • Student visa

    Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.

  • Family visa (partner/spouse)

    Visa for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or certain other qualifying sponsors.

  • Standard Visitor visa

    Short-stay visa for tourism, visiting family, or permitted business activities up to 6 months.

🇮🇪Republic of Ireland

Country overview →
  • Critical Skills Employment Permit

    Fast-track employment permit for high-skill roles on the Critical Skills Occupations List.

  • General Employment Permit

    Sponsored employment permit for roles not on the Critical Skills list but above the general salary threshold.

  • Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)

    Residence programme for founders establishing a High Potential Start-Up in Ireland.

  • Stamp 4 permission

    Long-term residence permission allowing unrestricted work in Ireland.

  • Irish Student visa (Stamp 2)

    Study permission for international students enrolled at eligible Irish institutions on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes.

  • Join Family (Irish national or EEA national)

    Family reunification permission for spouses, civil partners, and dependants of Irish or EEA nationals resident in Ireland.

  • Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP — closed)

    Historic golden-visa equivalent; closed to new applications from 15 February 2023.

🇩🇪Federal Republic of Germany

Country overview →
  • EU Blue Card (Germany)

    Work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a qualifying German job offer.

  • Chancenkarte (Germany Opportunity Card)

    Points-based 1-year residence permit that lets non-EU skilled workers from any country move to Germany without a job offer to search for qualifying work. Six points or full qualification recognition required.

  • Skilled Worker residence permit (§18a/§18b AufenthG)

    Sponsored work and residence permit for qualified non-EU workers from any country worldwide who have a German job offer and a recognised qualification.

  • Recognition Partnership (Anerkennungspartnerschaft)

    Residence permit allowing skilled workers to complete their qualification recognition while living and working in Germany.

  • Freelance / Self-employment residence permit (§21 AufenthG)

    Residence permit for self-employed workers and liberal professionals establishing a business in Germany.

  • Job Seeker visa (§20 AufenthG)

    Up to 6-month residence permit for qualified workers to seek employment in Germany (largely superseded by Chancenkarte).

  • German Student residence permit

    Residence permit for international students enrolled at recognised German higher education institutions.

  • Family reunion residence permit

    Residence permit for spouses and children of German residents or citizens.

🇵🇹Portuguese Republic

Country overview →
  • D7 visa (passive income / retirement)

    Residence visa for non-EU nationals with stable passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends).

  • D8 visa (digital nomad / remote work)

    Residence visa for remote workers employed by or freelancing for companies outside Portugal.

  • D2 visa (entrepreneur / self-employment)

    Residence visa for business owners, founders, and self-employed workers establishing activity in Portugal.

  • Portugal Golden Visa (residence by investment)

    Residence-by-investment route; real-estate and capital-transfer pathways were closed in October 2023, but fund-investment and other options remain.

  • D3 visa (highly qualified activity)

    Residence visa for highly qualified workers with a Portuguese employment contract.

  • Portuguese Student visa

    Residence visa for international students enrolled in Portuguese higher education or research programmes.

  • Family reunification (residence)

    Residence authorisation for family members of legal residents in Portugal.

🇪🇸Kingdom of Spain

Country overview →
  • Digital Nomad Visa (Spain)

    Residence permit for remote workers and international freelancers under the Startup Law (Ley de Startups).

  • Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

    Residence visa for financially self-sufficient non-EEA nationals not planning to work in Spain.

  • Highly Qualified Professional (HQP) permit

    Residence permit for highly qualified workers with a Spanish employment contract, processed under the Law 14/2013 regime.

  • Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)

    Residence permit for founders establishing an innovative business in Spain under the Entrepreneurs' Law.

  • Spain Golden Visa (ending April 2025)

    Residence-by-investment route announced to end on 3 April 2025; residual queries reference historical rules.

  • Spanish Student Visa

    Study visa for courses longer than 90 days at recognised Spanish institutions.

  • Family reunification (Spain)

    Residence permit for family members of Spanish residents; arreigo (settled-status) routes also available.

🇳🇱Kingdom of the Netherlands

Country overview →
  • Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)

    Primary sponsored work route for high-skill workers hired by IND-recognised sponsors.

  • Orientation year (Zoekjaar)

    Free 1-year permit to live and work in the Netherlands while you look for a job — open to recent graduates of Dutch universities or top-ranked global universities. No job offer needed to apply.

  • EU Blue Card (Netherlands)

    Dutch implementation of the EU Blue Card for highly qualified non-EU workers.

  • Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur

    Treaty-based self-employment residence for US nationals starting a business in the Netherlands.

  • Startup Visa (Netherlands)

    1-year residence permit for founders working with a recognised Dutch startup facilitator.

  • Dutch Student residence permit

    Study residence for international students enrolled at Dutch higher-education institutions.

  • Partner residence (Dutch national or resident sponsor)

    Residence permit for partners, spouses, and registered partners of Dutch residents and citizens.

🇦🇪United Arab Emirates

Country overview →
  • UAE Golden Visa

    10-year renewable residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding talent across professional categories.

  • UAE Green Visa

    5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors.

  • UAE Employment (Standard Residence) visa

    Standard employer-sponsored residence for workers recruited by UAE companies.

  • UAE Virtual Working Programme

    1-year residence for remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE.

  • UAE Investor / Partner residence visa

    Residence for business owners and partners holding qualifying shares in UAE companies.

  • UAE freelance permit with residence

    Self-sponsored freelance residence via MOHRE or free-zone freelance permits.

🇨🇦Canada

Country overview →
  • Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

    Federal permanent-residence stream for applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience.

  • Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

    Federal points-based permanent residence for skilled workers without prior Canadian experience.

  • Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

    Permanent residence for qualified tradespeople with a Canadian job offer or provincial certification.

  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

    Province-led permanent residence streams giving a 600 CRS boost when aligned with Express Entry.

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

    Open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institutions.

  • Start-Up Visa (Canada)

    Permanent residence for entrepreneurs with endorsement from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

  • Canadian Study Permit

    Study permit for international students at Designated Learning Institutions, governed by provincial study attestation caps.

  • Spousal / common-law sponsorship (Canada)

    Permanent residence sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

🇦🇺Commonwealth of Australia

Country overview →
  • Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

    Employer-sponsored temporary work visa (formerly TSS) with reformed routes from December 2024.

  • Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

    Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.

  • Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

    State-nominated permanent residence visa providing a 5-point SkillSelect boost.

  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)

    Provisional 5-year regional visa leading to permanent residence via subclass 191.

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

    Permanent residence visa for workers nominated by Australian employers.

  • Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462)

    Short-term work-and-travel visa for young people from participating countries.

  • National Innovation visa (formerly Global Talent)

    Permanent residence for globally recognised high achievers in target sectors — replacement for the former Global Talent visa.

  • Australian Student visa (subclass 500)

    Study visa for international students enrolled at CRICOS-registered institutions.

  • Partner visa (subclass 820/801, 309/100)

    Residence visa for spouses and de facto partners of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.

🇺🇸United States of America

Country overview →
  • H-1B Specialty Occupation

    Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.

  • L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive or Manager)

    Intracompany transfer for executives or managers moving to a US office of a related multinational employer.

  • L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialised Knowledge)

    Intracompany transfer for employees with specialised knowledge of the employer’s products, services, or processes.

  • O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

    Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or the arts/film/television (O-1B).

  • EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)

    Employment-based first-preference green card for individuals with extraordinary ability — self-petitionable.

  • EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)

    Second-preference green card with a waiver of the job offer and PERM labor certification, where the beneficiary’s work is in the US national interest.

  • EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers

    Third-preference employment-based green card requiring employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.

  • EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

    Permanent residence through investment in a new US commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.

  • E-2 Treaty Investor

    Non-immigrant treaty investor visa for nationals of countries with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US.

  • F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)

    Non-immigrant student visa for academic study at a SEVP-certified institution, with post-study OPT employment authorisation.

  • J-1 Exchange Visitor

    Exchange visitor visa covering academic scholars, students, trainees, interns, researchers, au pairs, and other exchange programs.

  • TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)

    Non-immigrant work visa under USMCA for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.

  • K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen

    Non-immigrant visa allowing the fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the US to marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card.

  • Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A)

    Permanent residence for the spouse of a US citizen (IR1/CR1) or lawful permanent resident (F2A preference).

🇸🇬Republic of Singapore

Country overview →
  • Employment Pass (EP)

    Work pass for foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning above the qualifying salary, issued to employers.

  • S Pass

    Work pass for mid-level skilled foreign workers earning above the S Pass qualifying salary, subject to employer quota and levy.

  • Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

    Premium 5-year pass for top-earning professionals, business leaders, and outstanding achievers — not tied to a single employer.

  • EntrePass

    Work pass for foreign entrepreneurs starting and operating a venture-capital-backed or innovative business in Singapore.

  • Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

    Non-employer-tied work pass for high-earning EP holders or overseas professionals earning above SGD 22,500 per month.

  • Dependant's Pass (DP)

    Pass for spouses and children of EP, S Pass, EntrePass, or PEP holders meeting the minimum salary threshold.

  • Student Pass

    Pass for international students studying full-time at approved Singapore educational institutions.

🇳🇿New Zealand

Country overview →
  • Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

    Points-based residence visa for skilled workers — New Zealand's primary pathway to permanent residence for skilled migrants.

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

    Employer-sponsored temporary work visa — New Zealand's main route for skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited employer.

  • Working Holiday Visa

    Temporary visa for young people (18–30 or 18–35) from partner countries to work, travel, and study in New Zealand.

  • Post-Study Work Visa

    Open work visa for international graduates of eligible New Zealand qualifications — 1 to 3 years depending on qualification level and location.

  • Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa

    Residence visa for partners (married, civil union, or de facto) of New Zealand citizens or residents.

  • Active Investor Plus Visa

    Residence visa for investors committing at least NZD 5 million in acceptable NZ investments over 4 years.

  • Student Visa

    Visa for international students studying full-time at approved New Zealand education providers.

🇫🇷French Republic

Country overview →
  • Talent Passport — Salaried Employee (Passeport Talent Salarié)

    Multi-year residence permit for qualified employees earning at least 2× the French minimum wage (SMIC), issued directly for up to 4 years.

  • Talent Passport — Researcher (Passeport Talent Chercheur)

    Multi-year residence permit for researchers with a hosting agreement (convention d'accueil) from a French research institution.

  • EU Blue Card (Carte Bleue Européenne)

    EU-wide highly qualified worker permit requiring a degree and a salary of at least 1.5× the average gross salary in France.

  • Long-Stay Visa — Salaried Worker (VLS-TS Salarié)

    Standard work visa for non-EU nationals with a French employment contract who do not meet Talent Passport criteria — requires a full labour-market test.

  • Student Visa (VLS-TS Étudiant)

    Long-stay student visa for international students enrolled at French higher-education institutions — includes part-time work rights.

  • Family Reunification (Regroupement Familial)

    Residence permit for spouses and children of non-EU residents legally settled in France for at least 18 months.

🇮🇹Italian Republic

Country overview →
  • Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

    Italian citizenship through an unbroken line of descent from an Italian ancestor — no generation limit, no residence requirement.

  • EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)

    EU-wide highly qualified worker permit for Italy — requires a degree and a salary above the Italian threshold.

  • Digital Nomad Visa (Visto per Nomadi Digitali)

    Residence permit for remote workers employed by or self-employed for companies outside Italy — introduced in 2024.

  • Elective Residence Visa (Residenza Elettiva)

    Visa for retirees and independently wealthy individuals who can support themselves in Italy without working.

  • Student Visa (Visto per Studio)

    Visa for international students enrolled at Italian universities and higher-education institutions.

🇯🇵Japan

Country overview →
  • Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa

    Points-based visa for highly skilled foreign professionals — the fastest route to Japanese permanent residence (1–3 years).

  • Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services

    Japan's most common work visa for knowledge workers — engineers, IT professionals, translators, designers, and business staff.

  • Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (SSW-1 / 特定技能1号)

    Work visa for skilled workers in 16 designated industries — requires passing a skills test and Japanese language test (JLPT N4+).

  • Business Manager Visa (経営・管理)

    Visa for foreign nationals starting or managing a business in Japan — requires a physical office and at least ¥5 million in capital or 2+ full-time employees.

  • Student Visa (留学)

    Visa for international students at Japanese universities, language schools, and vocational institutions — includes part-time work rights.

🇨🇭Swiss Confederation

Country overview →
  • B Permit — Third-Country National (Aufenthaltsbewilligung)

    Annual residence permit for non-EU/EFTA workers with a Swiss employer — subject to federal and cantonal quotas and a full labour-market test.

  • L Permit — Short-Term Residence (Kurzaufenthaltsbewilligung)

    Short-term work and residence permit for project-based or temporary assignments of up to 12 months — separate quota from the B permit.

  • C Permit — Settlement (Niederlassungsbewilligung)

    Swiss permanent residence permit — unrestricted work rights, no employer sponsorship, granted after 5–10 years of continuous B permit residence.

  • Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung für Studierende)

    Residence permit for international students at Swiss universities and higher-education institutions — limited work rights and a 6-month post-graduation job search extension.

  • Family Reunification (Familiennachzug)

    Residence permit for spouses and children of B and C permit holders — conditions vary by the sponsor's permit type and nationality.

🇸🇦Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Country overview →
  • Premium Residency

    Saudi Arabia's permanent residence programme — available for a lump-sum fee or annual fee, with property ownership and employer-independent work rights.

  • Work Visa and Iqama (Employer-Sponsored Residence)

    Standard employer-sponsored work visa and residence permit (iqama) — the primary route for most foreign workers in Saudi Arabia.

  • Freelance Permit (Tashrih al-Amal al-Hurr)

    Self-employment permit allowing foreign residents to freelance in approved professions without an employer sponsor — a Vision 2030 reform.

  • Student Visa

    Visa for international students at Saudi universities — the King Abdullah Scholarship Program and institutional scholarships fund many international students.

🇰🇷Republic of Korea

Country overview →
  • E-7 Designated Activities Visa

    Work visa for foreign professionals in specialised occupations — Korea's primary employer-sponsored route for skilled workers.

  • F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence

    Points-based long-term residence for skilled professionals scoring 80+ points — the bridge between work visas and permanent residence in Korea.

  • D-8 Corporate Investment Visa

    Visa for foreign nationals investing in or managing a Korean corporation — requires minimum investment and creates a pathway to long-term residence.

  • Student Visa (D-2)

    Visa for international students at Korean universities — includes part-time work rights and a post-graduation job-seeking extension.

  • F-1 Family Visitation / F-3 Dependent Family

    Residence permits for family members of work-visa and student-visa holders in Korea — F-3 for dependents of E-series workers, F-1 for extended family visits.

🇸🇪Kingdom of Sweden

Country overview →
  • Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)

    Sweden's main employer-sponsored work permit — requires a job offer meeting salary and insurance conditions. Leads to permanent residence after 4 years.

  • EU Blue Card (Sweden)

    EU-wide highly qualified worker permit with a higher salary threshold than the standard work permit — offers intra-EU mobility after 12 months.

  • Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag)

    Residence permit for foreign nationals starting or running a business in Sweden — requires sufficient funds and a viable business plan.

  • Student Residence Permit (Uppehållstillstånd för studier)

    Residence permit for international students at Swedish universities — includes work rights alongside studies with no hour limit.

🇦🇹Republic of Austria

Country overview →
  • Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)

    Austria's points-based work and residence permit for skilled workers, key workers, and graduates of Austrian universities — 70 points required.

  • EU Blue Card (Austria)

    EU-wide highly qualified worker permit — higher salary threshold than the RWR Card but offers intra-EU mobility after 12 months.

  • Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender)

    Residence permit for international students at Austrian universities — includes part-time work rights and a dedicated post-graduation RWR Card pathway.

  • Family Reunification (Familiennachzug)

    Residence permit for spouses and children of RWR Card, Blue Card, and permanent residents — spouses receive work rights via the RWR Card Plus.

  • Red-White-Red Card — Startup Founder

    Dedicated RWR Card category for innovative startup founders — business plan assessed by an expert jury, no points calculation needed.

🇩🇰Kingdom of Denmark

Country overview →
  • Pay Limit Scheme (Beloebsordningen)

    Denmark's salary-threshold work permit — no occupation or qualification restrictions if the annual salary exceeds the Pay Limit threshold.

  • Positive List Scheme (Positivlisten)

    Work permit for occupations on Denmark's shortage list — lower salary threshold than the Pay Limit Scheme, but occupation-restricted.

  • Fast-Track Scheme (Fast-Track-ordningen)

    Accelerated work-permit processing for workers hired by SIRI-certified Danish employers — work can begin within days.

  • Student Residence Permit

    Residence permit for international students at Danish universities — includes work rights and a 6-month post-graduation job-seeking extension.

  • Family Reunification (Familiesammenfoering)

    Residence permit for spouses and children of residents in Denmark — includes an attachment requirement and financial conditions.

🇳🇴Kingdom of Norway

Country overview →
  • Skilled Worker Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse som faglaert)

    Norway's main work permit for skilled workers — requires a concrete full-time job offer and relevant qualifications. Leads to permanent residence after just 3 years.

  • Job-Seeker Visa (Oppholdstillatelse for aa soeke arbeid som faglart)

    Up to 1-year residence permit to enter Norway and search for skilled employment in person — available to qualified professionals.

  • Intra-Company Transfer (ICT Permit)

    Residence permit for managers, specialists, and trainees transferred from a foreign branch to a Norwegian entity of the same corporate group.

  • Student Residence Permit (Oppholdstillatelse for studier)

    Residence permit for international students at Norwegian universities — tuition-free at public institutions, with part-time work rights.

🇫🇮Republic of Finland

Country overview →
  • Residence permit for a specialist

    Fast-track Finnish work residence route for highly skilled expert roles with confirmed employment.

  • Residence permit for an employed person

    Finland’s general work residence permit for non-EU workers whose job does not fit a specialist category.

  • Start-up entrepreneur residence permit

    Founder route for scalable startup businesses approved through Finland’s startup-entrepreneur process.

🇧🇪Kingdom of Belgium

Country overview →
  • Single Permit

    Belgium’s combined residence and work authorisation for non-EU employees staying more than 90 days.

  • EU Blue Card

    Belgian highly qualified employee route under the EU Blue Card framework.

  • Professional Card for self-employment

    Regional authorisation for non-EU nationals who want to work in Belgium as self-employed professionals.

🇱🇺Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Country overview →
  • Residence permit for salaried workers

    Luxembourg’s standard third-country employee route, usually starting with authorisation to stay before arrival.

  • EU Blue Card

    Luxembourg residence and work route for highly qualified third-country employees.

  • Residence permit for self-employed workers

    Luxembourg route for third-country entrepreneurs and independent professionals whose activity benefits the country.

🇨🇿Czech Republic

Country overview →
  • Employee Card

    Czechia’s main long-term residence and work permit for third-country employees staying more than 3 months.

  • Blue Card

    Czech EU Blue Card route for highly qualified employment with a qualifying contract and salary.

  • Long-term residence for business

    Czech residence route for third-country nationals carrying out business, licensed trade or company-management activity.

🇵🇱Republic of Poland

Country overview →
  • Temporary residence and work permit

    Poland’s combined temporary residence and work permit, granted for work purposes for more than 3 months and up to 3 years.

  • Temporary residence for highly skilled work (EU Blue Card)

    Poland’s EU Blue Card-style temporary residence permit for highly skilled employment.

  • Temporary residence for business activity

    Polish temporary-residence route for third-country nationals conducting business activity in Poland.

🇪🇪Republic of Estonia

Country overview →
  • Temporary residence permit for employment

    Estonian work residence route for non-EU employees with employment in Estonia.

  • Startup Visa

    Estonian route for non-EU startup founders and startup employees connected to qualifying startups.

  • Digital Nomad Visa

    Temporary Estonian visa for remote workers employed by or serving clients outside Estonia.

🇬🇷Hellenic Republic

Country overview →
  • EU Blue Card / highly qualified worker

    Greek route for highly qualified third-country employees with a qualifying contract and salary.

  • Digital Nomad Visa

    Greek visa route for non-EU remote workers who work for employers or clients outside Greece.

  • Golden Visa

    Greek investment residence route, best known for real-estate and other qualifying investment categories.

🇲🇹Republic of Malta

Country overview →
  • Single Permit

    Malta’s main combined employment licence and residence permit for third-country nationals working more than 6 months.

  • Specialist Employee Initiative

    Fast-track Maltese employment route for skilled third-country nationals who do not qualify under KEI but meet SEI criteria.

  • Nomad Residence Permit

    Malta residence permit for non-EU remote workers serving foreign employers, companies or clients.

🇨🇾Republic of Cyprus

Country overview →
  • Temporary residence and employment permit

    Cyprus work residence route for third-country nationals employed by Cypriot or foreign-interest companies.

  • Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa

    Cyprus temporary residence route for non-EU remote workers employed abroad or serving clients abroad.

  • Visitor temporary residence permit

    Cyprus temporary residence route for visitors and dependants who are not allowed to work in Cyprus.

🇲🇽United Mexican States

Country overview →
  • Temporary Resident Visa

    Mexican visa for people intending to stay more than 180 days and up to 4 years, usually based on economic solvency, family or other qualifying grounds.

  • Visa by job offer / temporary resident with work authorisation

    Employer-initiated Mexican work route where INM authorises a visa based on a job offer.

  • Visa by family unit

    Mexican family-unity visa route for qualifying relatives of Mexican citizens or foreign residents.

🇧🇷Federative Republic of Brazil

Country overview →
  • Residence authorization for work (VITEM V)

    Residence authorization for foreign nationals coming to Brazil to work, generally initiated by a Brazilian employer.

  • Residence authorization for investment

    Residence authorization for foreign nationals making a qualifying investment in Brazil, including real-estate investment under CNIg Resolution 36/2018.

  • Digital nomad residence (VITEM XIV)

    Residence authorization and VITEM XIV temporary visa for remote workers employed by or contracting with employers outside Brazil.

  • Family reunion residence (VITEM XI)

    Residence authorization for family members of Brazilian nationals or of immigrants who hold residence in Brazil, under Interministerial Ordinance 12/2018.

  • MERCOSUR residence agreement (VITEM XIII)

    Treaty-based residence for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states, with a path from temporary to indefinite residence.

  • Residence for retirees and pensioners

    Residence authorization for retired immigrants and recipients of a pension who can transfer a qualifying monthly income to Brazil, under CNIg Resolution 40/2019.

🇦🇷Argentine Republic

Country overview →
  • MERCOSUR Temporary Residence (by nationality)

    Temporary residence for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states based on nationality alone, without needing a job offer or investment.

  • Temporary Residence as a Migrant Worker

    Temporary residence for foreign nationals hired under an employment relationship to carry out lawful paid work in Argentina.

  • Rentista (Fixed-Income) Temporary Residence

    Temporary residence for foreign nationals who support themselves with regular income from assets or other lawful external sources, not from personal work.

  • Inversionista (Investor) Temporary Residence

    Temporary residence for foreign nationals who make a productive, commercial or service investment of interest to Argentina, with funds of lawful origin.

  • Digital Nomad Transitory Residence

    Transitory residence for foreign nationals who work remotely for employers or clients based abroad while staying in Argentina.

  • Temporary Residence by Family Reunification

    Temporary residence for the spouse, parents and children of an Argentine citizen or of a temporary or permanent resident.

🇨🇱Republic of Chile

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence - Lawful Remunerated Activities

    Temporary residence subcategory for foreigners coming to Chile to perform lawful paid work under a contract, service contract or job offer.

  • Temporary Residence - Employment Opportunity

    Temporary residence permit for foreigners seeking employment opportunities in Chile, granted under quotas set by the migration policy authorities.

  • Temporary Residence - Investors and Related Personnel

    Temporary residence subcategory for investors making a qualifying investment in Chile and for related executive or specialist personnel.

  • Temporary Residence - Family Reunification

    Temporary residence subcategory for close family members of Chilean citizens or holders of Residencia Definitiva.

  • Temporary Residence - Students

    Temporary residence subcategory for foreigners studying at education establishments recognised by the Chilean State.

🇺🇾Oriental Republic of Uruguay

Country overview →
  • Permanent Legal Residence (Residencia Permanente)

    General permanent residence for any foreign national intending to settle in Uruguay, processed by the Direccion Nacional de Migracion.

  • Temporary Legal Residence (Residencia Temporaria)

    Temporary residence for any foreign national settling in Uruguay for work, study or other legally established reasons, granted for 6 months to 2 years and renewable.

  • MERCOSUR Permanent Residence

    Permanent residence for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states under the regional residence agreement, with reduced documentation.

  • Permanent Residence by Uruguayan Family Link

    Permanent residence for foreign nationals who are the child, spouse, registered partner or sibling of a Uruguayan.

  • Retiree and Pensioner Residence Benefit (Law 16.340)

    Benefit for foreign retirees and pensioners who obtain permanent residence, tied to a minimum foreign income and a qualifying property or government-securities investment under Law 16.340.

🇿🇦Republic of South Africa

Country overview →
  • Critical Skills Work Visa

    Work visa for foreigners holding a skill or qualification on South Africa's official Critical Skills List, issued for up to five years and offering a direct route to permanent residence.

  • General Work Visa

    Employer-tied work visa for foreigners with a confirmed South African job offer whose occupation is not on the Critical Skills List.

  • Intra-company Transfer Work Visa

    Work visa for employees transferred by a multinational group from a foreign branch to a related South African branch, subsidiary or affiliate, issued for up to four years and not renewable.

  • Business Visa

    Visa for foreigners investing a prescribed amount of capital to establish or invest in a business in South Africa that advances the national interest.

  • Study Visa

    Visa for foreign students accepted to study at a registered South African learning institution, with limited part-time work rights.

  • Relative's Visa

    Family-reunion visa for immediate family members of a South African citizen or permanent resident, supported by proof of financial assurance.

  • Retired Persons' Visa

    Visa for foreigners who wish to retire in South Africa, based on proof of a minimum monthly income or net worth.

  • Remote Work Visa

    Visitor visa, introduced in 2024, for foreigners working remotely in South Africa for a foreign employer under a contract.

🇲🇺Republic of Mauritius

Country overview →
  • Occupation Permit (Professional)

    Combined work and residence permit for foreign professionals employed in Mauritius under a local or multinational employment contract.

  • Occupation Permit (Investor)

    Work and residence permit for non-citizens investing in and running a business in Mauritius.

  • Occupation Permit (Self-Employed)

    Work and residence permit for a non-citizen running a one-person professional services activity in Mauritius.

  • Premium Visa

    Long-stay multi-entry visa for remote workers, retirees and extended visitors whose income arises outside Mauritius.

  • Young Professional Occupation Permit (YPOP)

    Work and residence permit allowing recent graduates of Mauritian tertiary institutions to take up local employment.

  • Residence Permit for Retired Non-Citizens (50+)

    Long-validity residence permit for non-citizens aged 50 and over who can demonstrate a qualifying regular income transferred to Mauritius.

🇰🇪Republic of Kenya

Country overview →
  • Class D Work Permit (Employment)

    Employer-sponsored work permit for a foreign national offered specific employment by a specific Kenyan employer, where the skills are not available locally.

  • Class G Work Permit (Trade, Business or Consultancy)

    Work permit for a foreign national investing in and running a specific trade, business, consultancy or profession in Kenya.

  • Class K Permit (Ordinary Residents)

    Residence permit for a foreign national aged 35 or over with an assured income from sources outside Kenya, who undertakes not to take up employment.

  • Class A Work Permit (Prospecting and Mining)

    Work permit for a foreign national engaging, alone or in partnership, in prospecting for minerals or mining in Kenya.

  • Special Pass

    Short-term pass allowing a foreign national to conduct business, trade or a profession in Kenya temporarily, for up to six months.

  • Dependant's Pass

    Pass for a dependant of a Kenyan citizen, a work-permit holder, a permanent resident or an exempted person.

  • Student's Pass

    Pass for a foreign national admitted to an academic or training institution in Kenya.

  • Permanent Residence

    Permanent residence in Kenya under the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, including a route after long lawful residence on work permits.

🇭🇰Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

Country overview →
  • General Employment Policy (GEP)

    Hong Kong's main employer-sponsored route for non-local professionals with a confirmed job offer that cannot be readily filled locally.

  • Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

    Points-based talent route for highly skilled or talented people to settle in Hong Kong without first securing a job offer.

  • Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

    Talent route for high earners and graduates of top-ranked universities to enter Hong Kong without a prior job offer.

  • Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

    Route for non-local graduates of Hong Kong institutions (and eligible Greater Bay Area campuses) to stay and work after graduation.

  • Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)

    Fast-track scheme for eligible technology companies to admit non-local R&D talent against a quota allotted by the Innovation and Technology Commission.

  • Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs

    Route under the General Employment Policy for people establishing or joining a business in Hong Kong as entrepreneurs.

  • Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

    Investment-migration route relaunched in 2024 for people who place a substantial sum in permissible Hong Kong assets.

  • Entry for Residence as Dependants

    Route for spouses, civil partners, dependent children and (for permanent-resident sponsors) elderly parents to reside in Hong Kong.

🇹🇼Taiwan (Republic of China)

Country overview →
  • Taiwan Employment Gold Card

    A combined open work permit, resident visa, ARC and re-entry permit for foreign special professionals in designated fields, not tied to any single employer.

  • Work Permit for Specialized or Technical Work + ARC

    The standard employer-sponsored route for foreign professionals: the employer obtains a work permit from the Workforce Development Agency, then the worker applies for a resident visa and Alien Resident Certificate.

  • Foreign Special Professional Work Permit

    An enhanced work-permit route under the Foreign Professionals Act for designated special professionals, allowing employment permits of up to five years and additional incentives.

  • Entrepreneur Resident Visa

    A resident visa for foreign entrepreneurs starting or running an innovative business in Taiwan, reviewed against the Entrepreneur visa qualification directions.

  • Visitor Visa for Employment-Seeking Purpose

    A visitor visa allowing qualifying professionals and recent top-university graduates to enter Taiwan to look for professional work before securing a work permit.

  • Permanent Residence (Alien Permanent Resident Certificate, APRC)

    Permanent residence for foreign nationals who have legally resided in Taiwan continuously for five years, granted by the National Immigration Agency under the Immigration Act.

🇲🇾Malaysia

Country overview →
  • Employment Pass (EP)

    Employer-sponsored work pass for expatriate professionals, issued in Categories I, II and III with a tiered minimum-salary structure, processed via the Expatriate Services Division.

  • Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)

    A ten-year renewable pass for highly skilled expatriates already established in Malaysia, allowing them to change employers without reapplying.

  • Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

    A short-term pass for foreign professionals providing services or undergoing training in Malaysia while remaining employed by an overseas company.

  • DE Rantau Nomad Pass

    A Professional Visit Pass variant for foreign digital nomads and remote workers serving non-Malaysian clients, administered by MDEC.

  • Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)

    A long-stay social visit pass programme for foreigners meeting financial criteria, offered in Platinum, Gold, Silver and SEZ/SFZ categories.

🇹🇭Kingdom of Thailand

Country overview →
  • Non-Immigrant Visa "B" + Work Permit

    Thailand's standard employment route: a Non-Immigrant "B" visa from a Thai mission plus a separate work permit issued by the Department of Employment.

  • Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa

    A 10-year BOI-administered visa for high-potential foreigners across four categories, with a digital work permit and tax and re-entry benefits.

  • SMART Visa

    A BOI visa for talent, investors, executives and startup founders in targeted industries, granting up to four years of stay with no separate work permit required.

  • Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

    A five-year multiple-entry visa launched in 2024 for remote workers (workcation) and Thai soft-power activities, allowing 180-day stays per entry.

  • Non-Immigrant Visa "O-A" (Retirement / Long Stay)

    A long-stay retirement visa for applicants aged 50 and over with the required savings or pension income; employment of any kind is prohibited.

  • Non-Immigrant Visa "O" (Family / Spouse of Thai National)

    A family visa for foreigners married to Thai nationals or accompanying close family, with an initial 90-day stay extendable yearly; it does not grant the right to work.

🇮🇳Republic of India

Country overview →
  • India Employment Visa

    Visa for highly skilled foreign professionals engaged by an Indian or foreign company to work in India.

  • India Business Visa

    Visa for foreign nationals visiting India for business, trade and commercial activity short of taking up employment.

  • India e-Visa

    Electronic visa applied for online for tourism, business, medical and conference visits under defined sub-categories.

  • India Project Visa

    Sector-specific work visa for foreign nationals executing projects in the power and steel sectors.

  • India Intern Visa

    Visa for foreign nationals undertaking an internship with an Indian company, institution, NGO or media organisation.

  • India Student Visa

    Visa for foreign nationals pursuing full-time study or internships at recognised institutions in India.

  • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card

    Lifelong multiple-entry status for foreign nationals of Indian origin and their eligible relatives.

🇶🇦State of Qatar

Country overview →
  • Work Residence Permit

    The standard employer-sponsored residence permit for foreign nationals coming to work and live in Qatar. A Qatari employer applies and handles the paperwork.

  • Family Residence Visa

    Allows an expatriate resident in Qatar to sponsor immediate family members. Each family member, including infants, requires an individual Family Residence Visa.

  • Investor Residence Visa

    A residence visa granted by the Ministry of Interior to foreign nationals coming to Qatar for investment, applied for through the Hukoomi portal.

  • Real Estate Residence (Property Owner)

    Residence linked to owning real estate in Qatar designated areas. Listed among Qatar official visa categories as the Real Estate Visa.

  • Permanent Residency (Law No. 10 of 2018)

    A distinct permanent-residence status created by Law No. 10 of 2018 and granted by a dedicated Ministry of Interior committee. It is not Qatari citizenship.

🇮🇱State of Israel

Country overview →
  • B/1 Expert Work Visa

    Employer-sponsored work visa for foreign experts whose specialist skills are not readily available in the Israeli labour market. The Israeli employer must first obtain a permit from PIBA before the visa is issued.

  • Aliyah - Immigration under the Law of Return

    Immigration to Israel under the Law of Return, open to Jews, their children and grandchildren, and eligible spouses, leading to Israeli citizenship.

  • A/2 Student Visa

    Temporary stay permit for students enrolled at Israeli schools, academic institutions, yeshivas or recognised youth institutions. Holders may not work in Israel.

  • Status through Marriage to an Israeli Citizen or Permanent Resident

    Graduated procedure through which the foreign spouse or partner of an Israeli citizen or permanent resident obtains legal status, progressing over several years toward permanent residence or citizenship.

🇹🇷Republic of Türkiye

Country overview →
  • Turkey Work Permit (employer-sponsored)

    Employer-sponsored permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that grants both the right to work and to reside in Türkiye for its validity period.

  • Turkey Short-Term Residence Permit

    Flexible residence permit covering property owners, business connections, tourism, study programmes, medical treatment and investment, issued by the Presidency of Migration Management.

  • Turkey Turquoise Card

    Special status conferring the rights of an indefinite work permit on highly qualified professionals, investors, researchers, and cultural figures, after a three-year transition period.

  • Turkey Digital Nomad Visa

    Route for remote workers employed by, or contracting with, non-Turkish companies, built around an official Digital Nomad Identification Certificate issued via the goturkiye portal.

  • Turkey Family Residence Permit

    Residence permit for the foreign spouse, children, and dependent family members of a Turkish citizen or of a residence-permit holder, issued by the Presidency of Migration Management.

  • Turkey Student Residence Permit

    Residence permit for foreigners enrolled in primary, secondary, or higher education in Türkiye, issued by the Presidency of Migration Management.

  • Turkey Citizenship by Investment

    Exceptional acquisition of Turkish citizenship for foreigners making a qualifying investment, including real estate of at least USD 400,000 with a three-year no-sale restriction.

  • Turkey Long-Term Residence Permit

    Indefinite residence permit for foreigners who have lived continuously in Türkiye for at least eight years on valid residence permits.

🇮🇩Republic of Indonesia

Country overview →
  • Work KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)

    Employer-sponsored limited stay permit (ITAS/KITAS) that lets a foreign professional live and work for a registered Indonesian company.

  • Investor KITAS (Limited Stay Permit for Investors)

    Limited stay permit for foreign shareholders or directors of a PT PMA (foreign-investment company) in Indonesia.

  • Golden Visa (5 and 10-year)

    Long-stay investor and talent visa granting 5 or 10 years of residence to qualifying investors, corporate figures and selected individuals.

  • Second Home Visa

    Long-stay visa for self-funded foreigners and retirees who can show substantial funds or qualifying property in Indonesia.

  • Family / Spouse KITAS

    Limited stay permit for the foreign spouse or dependent family of an Indonesian citizen or of a KITAS/KITAP holder.

  • Student KITAS (Limited Stay Permit for Study)

    Limited stay permit for foreign students enrolled at an accredited Indonesian educational institution.

  • KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit)

    Indonesia's permanent stay permit, available to long-term KITAS holders such as spouses of citizens, investors and retirees.

🇵🇭Republic of the Philippines

Country overview →
  • 9(G) Pre-Arranged Employment Visa

    The main employer-sponsored work visa for foreign nationals taking up pre-arranged employment in the Philippines.

  • 13(A) Non-Quota Immigrant Visa by Marriage

    Permanent-residence immigrant visa for a foreign national married to a Filipino citizen.

  • Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV)

    Special resident visa for retirees, administered by the Philippine Retirement Authority, offering indefinite multiple-entry stay.

  • Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV)

    Resident visa for foreign investors who place qualifying capital in an eligible Philippine enterprise, endorsed by the Board of Investments.

  • Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG)

    Special resident visa for foreign nationals who run a sustainable enterprise that employs a qualifying number of Filipino workers.

  • Digital Nomad Visa

    Visa for foreign remote workers earning from foreign employers or clients, established by Executive Order in 2025.

  • 9(A) Temporary Visitor Visa

    Short-term non-immigrant visa for tourism, business meetings or short visits to the Philippines.

  • Quota Immigrant Visa (Section 13)

    The Philippines' numerically limited immigrant visa, capped per nationality each year, for applicants who can contribute to the country.

🇻🇳Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Country overview →
  • Work Visa (LD) and Work Permit

    Employer-sponsored work visa (LD) paired with a MoLISA work permit, the standard route for foreign employees in Vietnam.

  • Investor Visa (DT1-DT4)

    Tiered investor visa (DT1 to DT4) for foreign investors and representatives, graded by the amount of capital contributed.

  • Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

    Residence card that lets eligible visa holders live in Vietnam for a multi-year period without repeated visa renewals.

  • Permanent Residence Card

    Vietnam's permanent residence status for qualifying long-term residents, including certain family of Vietnamese citizens and contributors.

  • Family / Dependent Visa (TT)

    Dependent visa for the spouse, children or parents of certain visa holders or of Vietnamese citizens.

  • E-visa

    Online single or multiple-entry visa for short tourism or business visits, issued through Vietnam's national e-visa system.

  • 5-year Talent Visa

    Nomination-only 5-year multiple-entry visa for highly skilled professionals and global talent, launched in 2025.

  • Student / Intern Visa (DH)

    Visa for foreign students and interns enrolled with a Vietnamese educational institution or training programme.

🇨🇴Republic of Colombia

Country overview →
  • Visa V (Visitante)

    The Visitor (V) visa for temporary stays in Colombia where the holder has no intention of establishing domicile in the country.

  • Visa V Nomadas Digitales

    The digital-nomad subcategory of the Visa V, for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs serving foreign companies or clients from Colombia.

  • Visa M (Migrante)

    The Migrant (M) visa - the establishment-intent category whose continuous holding accrues toward a Resident (R) visa in Colombia.

  • Visa M Inversionista / Socio o Propietario

    The Migrant (M) visa for foreign investors and business owners or partners in a Colombian company.

  • Visa M Conyuge o Companero de Nacional

    The Migrant (M) visa for the spouse or permanent partner of a Colombian national.

  • Visa R (Residente)

    The Resident (R) visa - Colombia's permanent-residence category, granting an open work permit and the right to settle.

🇨🇷Republic of Costa Rica

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence - Employed Worker

    Employer-sponsored temporary residence allowing a foreign national to work for a specific employer in Costa Rica.

  • Temporary Residence - Pensionado (Pensioner)

    Temporary residence for retirees who receive a guaranteed lifetime pension from a recognised source.

  • Temporary Residence - Rentista (Person of Independent Means)

    Temporary residence for people of independent means who can show stable monthly income for a sustained period.

  • Temporary Residence - Inversionista (Investor)

    Temporary residence for foreign nationals making a qualifying investment in Costa Rica.

  • Estancia - Remote Worker / Service Provider (Ley 10008)

    A one-year stay (estancia) for remote workers and service providers serving foreign clients under Costa Rica's Ley N. 10008.

  • Temporary Residence - Family Tie (Vinculo)

    Temporary residence based on a family tie (vinculo) to a Costa Rican or to a legal resident.

  • Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)

    Costa Rican permanent residence, typically reached after a qualifying period of temporary residence or directly through a first-degree tie to a Costa Rican.

🇵🇦Republic of Panama

Country overview →
  • Friendly Nations Residence Permit (Naciones Amigas)

    Residence for nationals of designated friendly nations who demonstrate economic or professional ties to Panama, now via a two-step permit.

  • Qualified Investor Permanent Residence (Inversionista Calificado)

    Permanent residence for foreign nationals making a substantial qualifying investment in Panama, created by Decreto 722 of 2020.

  • Retiree-Pensioner Residence (Jubilado / Pensionado)

    Permanent residence for retirees and pensioners receiving a guaranteed lifetime pension, a long-standing Panama route.

  • Economic Solvency Residence (Solvencia Economica Propia)

    Permanent residence for foreign nationals who demonstrate their own economic solvency through a qualifying investment or deposit in Panama.

  • Employment-Based Temporary Permit

    Employer-tied temporary residence permit for foreign workers, paired with a labour permit from the labour ministry.

  • Married to a Panamanian (Casado con Panameno/a)

    Residence for the foreign spouse of a Panamanian citizen, leading to permanent residence.

  • Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)

    Panamanian permanent residence, reached after the qualifying period of a provisional or temporary permit.

🇳🇬Federal Republic of Nigeria

Country overview →
  • CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)

    The core residence-and-work permit for expatriates living in Nigeria for a year or more, issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service and renewable while the underlying employment and expatriate quota remain valid.

  • Subject to Regularisation (STR) Employment Visa

    The entry visa a foreign worker uses to come to Nigeria for employment and then regularise their stay into a CERPAC residence-and-work permit.

  • Business Permit (foreign-owned company)

    The Ministry of Interior authorisation a wholly or partly foreign-owned company needs to operate legally in Nigeria, and the precondition for obtaining an expatriate quota and CERPAC permits.

  • Expatriate Quota (company-level authorisation)

    A Ministry of Interior authorisation that grants a Nigerian company a fixed number of slots to employ expatriates in named positions, underpinning each worker's STR visa and CERPAC.

  • Investor Visa (multiple-entry)

    A multiple-entry visa category of the Nigeria Immigration Service for foreign nationals investing in a Nigerian enterprise, with stay duration scaling by the size of the investment and sitting within the permanent-residence family of visas.

  • Permanent Residence (Nigeria)

    Nigeria's permanent-residence visa group for highly skilled immigrants, investors, retirees and spouses of citizens or permanent residents, granting long-term residence beyond the renewable CERPAC.

  • Visa on Arrival / e-Visa (business and urgent travel)

    A short-term entry facility for business and urgent travel that, under the 2025 Nigeria Visa Policy, is now delivered mainly through an electronic visa applied for before travel rather than issued at the airport.

🇪🇬Arab Republic of Egypt

Country overview →
  • Work-based Residence Permit (Egypt)

    An employer-tied residence permit issued by the Ministry of Interior on the back of a work permit, allowing a foreign employee to live in Egypt for the duration of the employment, renewable but never permanent.

  • Residence Permit via Real Estate (Egypt)

    A renewable residence permit granted to foreigners who own qualifying property in Egypt, with the validity period scaling by the value of the property; renewable but never permanent.

  • Residence Permit via Bank Deposit (Egypt)

    A renewable residence permit for foreigners who place a qualifying deposit in an Egyptian state-owned bank, with the validity period scaling by the size of the deposit; renewable but never permanent.

  • Student Residence Permit (Egypt)

    A residence permit for foreign nationals enrolled at an Egyptian school, university or institute, valid for the study period and renewable, but never permanent.

  • Family Residence Permit (Egypt)

    A residence permit for the spouse and dependent children of an Egyptian national or a foreign resident, tied to the family relationship and renewable, but never permanent.

  • Citizenship by Investment (Egypt, Law 190 of 2019)

    Egypt's programme under Law 190 of 2019 granting naturalisation to foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment - real estate, a bank deposit, a business contribution or a treasury contribution - going straight to citizenship with no permanent-residence step.

🇬🇭Republic of Ghana

Country overview →
  • Work and Residence Permit (companies)

    The standard employer-sponsored work and residence permit issued by the Ghana Immigration Service to a foreign national employed by a company in Ghana, renewable but not permanent.

  • Work and Residence Permit (Missionaries / NGOs / GIPC / Shareholders)

    A Ghana Immigration Service work and residence permit for foreign nationals in special categories - missionaries, NGO staff, holders of a GIPC immigrant quota, and company shareholders or directors - renewable but not permanent.

  • GIPC Automatic Immigrant Quota

    An automatic expatriate-employment quota tied to the capital an enterprise registers with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, allowing the company to bring in foreign staff who then obtain work and residence permits from the Ghana Immigration Service.

  • Dependant Residence Permit (Ghana)

    A residence permit for the spouse and dependent children of a foreign national who holds a Ghana work and residence permit or other qualifying status, tied to the sponsor and renewable.

  • Student Residence Permit (Ghana)

    A residence permit for foreign nationals enrolled at a recognised institution in Ghana, valid for the study period and renewable, issued by the Ghana Immigration Service.

  • Indefinite Residence Status (Ghana)

    Ghana's permanent-residence equivalent, granting a foreign national the right to reside indefinitely after a qualifying period of lawful residence, issued by the Ghana Immigration Service.

  • Right of Abode (Ghana)

    A residence status for the African diaspora and former Ghanaians, granting the right to live in Ghana indefinitely, enter without a visa and work without a work permit.

🇧🇭Kingdom of Bahrain

Country overview →
  • LMRA Work Permit (employer-sponsored)

    The standard employer-sponsored work permit for expatriates in Bahrain. A Bahraini employer applies through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and the permit carries the associated residence.

  • Self-Sponsorship / Registered Worker Permit

    A self-sponsorship work permit that lets eligible workers in Bahrain work without being tied to a single employer, administered by the LMRA through its Labour Registration Program.

  • Golden Residency

    Bahrain long-term renewable residence for property owners, retirees, talented individuals and long-term residents, issued by the NPRA. It is renewable residence, not permanent residence or citizenship.

  • Family / Dependant Residence Permit

    Residence permit allowing an expatriate resident in Bahrain to sponsor a spouse, children and certain dependants, issued through the NPRA / LMRA residence services.

  • Student Residence Permit

    Residence permit for foreign students enrolled at a licensed educational institution in Bahrain, issued by the NPRA. Holders may not work.

🇴🇲Sultanate of Oman

Country overview →
  • Employment Visa (employer-sponsored work visa)

    The standard employer-sponsored Employment Visa for foreign workers in Oman, issued by the Royal Oman Police after the employer obtains a labour clearance from the Ministry of Labour.

  • Investor Residency (Golden Visa)

    Oman long-term Investor Residency / Golden Visa offering 5 or 10 year renewable residence to qualifying investors, administered via Invest Oman. It is renewable residence, not permanent residence or citizenship.

  • Freelance / Self-Employed Permit

    A government-approved freelance / self-employed permit that lets eligible professionals work in Oman without a single employer-sponsor, issued via the Ministry of Labour and the Royal Oman Police.

  • Family Joining Visa

    Visa allowing an eligible expatriate employee in Oman to sponsor their spouse and dependent children, issued by the Royal Oman Police. It is sponsor-linked residence, not permanent settlement.

  • Student Visa

    Visa granted to a licensed educational or training institution on its responsibility for a foreigner coming to study in Oman, issued by the Royal Oman Police.

🇬🇪Georgia

Country overview →
  • Work Residence Permit

    Georgia's main residence permit for foreign nationals working for, or carrying out entrepreneurial activity through, a Georgian-registered entity.

  • Visa-Free 365-Day Stay (remote workers)

    Citizens of around 95 countries can enter Georgia visa-free and remain for up to 365 days - the de-facto route remote workers use, though it is visa-free entry, not a residence permit.

  • Investment Residence Permit

    A longer-validity residence permit for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in Georgia above an official threshold.

  • Short-Term Residence Permit (real-estate owners)

    A short-term residence permit for foreign nationals who own Georgian real estate valued above an official threshold.

  • Student Residence Permit

    A residence permit for foreign nationals enrolled in study at an authorised Georgian educational institution.

  • Family Reunification Residence Permit

    A residence permit for family members of a Georgian residence-permit holder or, in some cases, a Georgian citizen.

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    Georgia's settlement permit, generally available after holding temporary residence permits for around ten years, or sooner for certain family members of Georgian citizens.

🇭🇷Republic of Croatia

Country overview →
  • EU Blue Card (Croatia)

    Croatia's stay-and-work permit for highly-qualified third-country nationals with a qualifying job offer, granting EU-wide mobility benefits.

  • Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia)

    A temporary stay for non-EU remote workers employed by, or running, a company not registered in Croatia, granted for up to 18 months.

  • Stay-and-Work Permit (single permit)

    Croatia's combined residence-and-work permit for third-country nationals with a Croatian job offer, covering most employment outside the highly-qualified Blue Card route.

  • Seasonal Worker Permit (Croatia)

    A short-duration permit for seasonal employment in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, hospitality and tourism.

  • Temporary Stay for Study (Croatia)

    A temporary stay for third-country nationals enrolled in undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate study at a Croatian university.

  • Temporary Stay for Family Reunification (Croatia)

    A temporary stay for family members of a third-country national who already holds a qualifying stay in Croatia.

  • Long-Term Residence / Permanent Stay (Croatia)

    Croatia's settlement status for third-country nationals after generally five years of uninterrupted lawful stay.

🇭🇺Hungary

Country overview →
  • Hungarian Card

    A residence permit for highly-skilled third-country workers introduced under Hungary's admission regime effective 1 March 2024.

  • White Card (digital nomad residence permit)

    Hungary's residence permit for digital nomads who work remotely for foreign companies and pursue no gainful activity in Hungary.

  • EU Blue Card (Hungary)

    The EU Blue Card for highly-qualified third-country nationals employed in Hungary, with EU-wide mobility benefits.

  • Guest Worker Residence Permit

    A temporary work-and-residence permit for guest workers tied to listed employers, occupations and sending countries.

  • Guest Investor Programme (golden visa)

    Hungary's investor residence route, live since 1 July 2024, granting a long-validity residence permit for a qualifying investment in the national economic interest.

  • Study Residence Permit (Hungary)

    A residence permit for third-country nationals studying full-time at a recognised Hungarian education institution.

  • Family Reunification Residence Permit (Hungary)

    A residence permit for family members of a third-country national lawfully residing in Hungary, with validity that depends on the sponsor's status.

  • National Permanent Residence / EC Long-Term Residence (Hungary)

    Hungary's settlement statuses: national permanent residence and the EU long-term residence card, generally after a qualifying period of lawful residence.

🇷🇸Republic of Serbia

Country overview →
  • Single Permit (residence and work)

    Serbia's unified residence-and-work permit, combining temporary residence and work authorisation in one biometric document.

  • Residence via Company Founding / Self-Employment

    Temporary residence based on founding or registering a Serbian company and working through it as a director or entrepreneur.

  • Temporary Residence via Real-Estate Ownership

    Temporary residence based on owning real estate in Serbia, available since the 2024 broadening of temporary-residence grounds.

  • Digital Nomad Pathway

    Serbia's practical route for remote workers under the 2024 Law on Foreigners, commonly via self-employment or the single permit rather than a dedicated nomad visa.

  • Student Temporary Residence (Serbia)

    Temporary residence for foreign nationals studying, schooling or undertaking research at a Serbian institution.

  • Family Reunification Temporary Residence (Serbia)

    Temporary residence for family members of a Serbian citizen or a foreign national lawfully residing in Serbia.

  • Permanent Residence (Serbia)

    Serbia's settlement status, available after three years of continuous temporary residence following the February 2024 reform.

🇰🇳Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Country overview →
  • St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Sustainable Island State Contribution

    For people who want to become a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis by making a one-time, non-refundable contribution to the government, rather than buying property. This is the country's main donation route.

  • St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Approved Real Estate

    For people who would rather own an asset than make a donation: you buy into a government-approved property development in St Kitts and Nevis and, in return, you and your family can apply for citizenship.

  • St Kitts and Nevis CBI - Public Benefit Option

    For people who want citizenship of St Kitts and Nevis by backing an approved national project - such as infrastructure or development works - through a unit in a public-benefit scheme.

  • St Kitts and Nevis Work Permit

    For people who have a job offer from an employer in St Kitts and Nevis. Your employer applies on your behalf to the Department of Labour, usually after advertising the role locally first.

  • St Kitts and Nevis Permanent Residence

    For people who want to settle long-term in St Kitts and Nevis through the ordinary residence rules - for example after a qualifying period of living there, or through marriage to a citizen - rather than through investment.

🇦🇬Antigua and Barbuda

Country overview →
  • Antigua and Barbuda CBI - National Development Fund

    For people who want citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda by making a one-time, non-refundable donation to the National Development Fund, rather than buying property or a business. This is the most popular route.

  • Antigua and Barbuda CBI - Approved Real Estate

    For people who would rather own an asset than donate: you buy into a government-approved property development in Antigua and Barbuda and, in return, you and your family can apply for citizenship.

  • Antigua and Barbuda CBI - University of the West Indies Fund

    For larger families seeking citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda: a donation route designed for bigger households that also helps fund the University of the West Indies and can include a tuition scholarship for one family member.

  • Antigua and Barbuda CBI - Business Investment

    For entrepreneurs who want citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda by investing in an approved business - either alone or jointly with other approved applicants in a larger venture.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Work Permit

    For people who have a job offer from an employer in Antigua and Barbuda. The work permit is employer-led and is completely separate from the citizenship-by-investment programme.

🇩🇲Commonwealth of Dominica

Country overview →
  • Dominica CBI - Economic Diversification Fund

    For people who want citizenship of Dominica by making a one-time, non-refundable contribution to a national fund, rather than buying property. This is Dominica's main donation route.

  • Dominica CBI - Approved Real Estate

    For people who would rather own an asset than donate: you buy into a government-approved property development in Dominica and, in return, you and your family can apply for citizenship.

  • Dominica Work Permit

    For people who have a job offer in Dominica. Non-nationals must get a work permit from the Labour Division before starting paid work; it is separate from citizenship by investment.

  • Dominica Permanent Residence

    For people who want to settle long-term in Dominica through the ordinary residence rules, rather than through investment - for example after a qualifying period of lawful residence.

🇬🇩Grenada

Country overview →
  • Grenada CBI - National Transformation Fund

    For people who want citizenship of Grenada by making a one-time, non-refundable contribution to a national fund, rather than buying property. This is Grenada's main donation route.

  • Grenada CBI - Approved Real Estate

    For people who would rather own an asset than donate: you buy into a government-approved property development in Grenada and, in return, you and your family can apply for citizenship.

  • Grenada Work Permit

    For people who have a job offer in Grenada. The Ministry of Labour administers the work-permit system; the permit is separate from citizenship by investment.

  • Grenada Permanent Residence

    For people who want to settle long-term in Grenada through the ordinary residence rules - for example after several years of living there, or through marriage to a citizen - rather than through investment.

🇱🇨Saint Lucia

Country overview →
  • Saint Lucia CBI - National Economic Fund

    For people who want citizenship of Saint Lucia by making a one-time, non-refundable contribution to a national fund, rather than buying property or bonds. This is Saint Lucia's main donation route.

  • Saint Lucia CBI - Government Bonds

    For people who want citizenship of Saint Lucia by buying government bonds that they hold for a fixed period - an option where the capital is intended to be returned at the end, unlike a donation.

  • Saint Lucia CBI - Approved Real Estate

    For people who would rather own an asset than donate: you buy into a government-approved property development in Saint Lucia and, in return, you and your family can apply for citizenship.

  • Saint Lucia CBI - Enterprise Project

    For investors who want citizenship of Saint Lucia by backing an approved enterprise project that creates local jobs - either alone or jointly with other approved applicants in a larger venture.

  • Saint Lucia Work Permit

    For people who have a job offer in Saint Lucia. Non-CARICOM nationals need a work permit from the Ministry of Labour before starting paid work; it is separate from citizenship by investment.

  • Saint Lucia Permanent Residence

    For people who want to settle long-term in Saint Lucia through the ordinary residence rules - typically after several years of continuous residence - rather than through investment.

🇧🇧Barbados

Country overview →
  • Barbados Work Permit

    If a Barbadian employer wants to hire you, this is the permit that lets you work for them legally. It is employer-tied, so it starts with a job offer, not a personal application.

  • 12-Month Barbados Welcome Stamp

    If you work remotely for an employer or clients outside Barbados, the Welcome Stamp lets you base yourself on the island for up to a year while you keep doing that job.

  • Barbados Immigrant Status

    If you want to settle in Barbados long term, immigrant status is the route that gives you the right to live there on a lasting basis, usually after qualifying residence or through a close Barbadian connection.

  • Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP)

    If you are a high-net-worth individual who wants the right to live in Barbados, the Special Entry and Reside Permit (SERP) is the long-stay permit built around significant means or investment in the island.

🇧🇸Commonwealth of The Bahamas

Country overview →
  • Bahamas Work Permit

    If a Bahamian employer wants to hire you, this is the permit that lets you work for them. The employer applies, usually after first advertising the role locally.

  • Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence

    If you can invest substantially in The Bahamas - typically in real estate - economic permanent residence gives you the right to live there permanently, without the right to work.

  • Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS)

    If you work or study remotely, BEATS is the permit that lets you do it from any of the Bahamian islands for up to a year - without taking a local job.

  • Bahamas Annual Residence Permit

    If you want to live in The Bahamas without working there - for example as a retiree or person of means - the annual residence permit lets you reside for a year at a time, renewably.

  • Bahamas Homeowner Residence Card

    If you own a home in The Bahamas, the homeowner residence card gives you and your immediate family a smoother right to come and go and reside while you keep that property.

🇩🇴Dominican Republic

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence for Work (RT-3)

    If a Dominican company has hired you, RT-3 temporary labour residence is the route that lets you live in the Dominican Republic to do that job under your work contract.

  • Residence by Investment - Pensionado (Retiree)

    If you receive a pension from abroad, the pensionado route gives you Dominican residence quickly - and it puts you on the fast track to permanent residence from your first card.

  • Residence by Investment - Rentista (Annuitant)

    If you have steady income from abroad - including remote work - the rentista route is the Dominican Republic's practical home for you, and it leads quickly to permanent residence.

  • Residence by Investment - Investor

    If you make a qualifying investment in the Dominican Republic, the investor route gives you residence and, like the other investment classes, a fast track to permanent residence.

  • Ordinary Temporary Residence (RT-9)

    If your reason for living in the Dominican Republic does not fit a work or investment category, ordinary RT-9 temporary residence is the general route - renewed yearly on the way to permanent residence.

  • Permanent Residence (RP-1)

    Permanent residence (RP-1) is the Dominican Republic's settled-status card - reached fast through the investment classes, or after the required years of renewed temporary residence on the ordinary route.

🇰🇾Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territory)

Country overview →
  • Cayman Islands Work Permit (WORC)

    If a Cayman Islands employer wants to hire you, this is the permit that lets you work for them. The employer applies through WORC, normally after advertising the role locally.

  • Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means

    If you have substantial means and want to live in the Cayman Islands without working, this long-validity certificate lets you reside there - but it does not give you permanent residence.

  • Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means

    If you make a very large real-estate investment in the Cayman Islands, this is the one independent-means route that actually grants permanent residence - but it is rare, expensive and quota-limited.

  • Global Citizen Concierge Programme (GCCP)

    If you work remotely for an employer abroad, the Global Citizen Concierge certificate was the Cayman route to live there while doing so - but its status is currently unclear, so check whether it is open before relying on it.

🇨🇳People's Republic of China

Country overview →
  • Z Work Visa (with Foreigner Work Permit and Residence Permit)

    For you if a Chinese employer has offered you a job: the Z visa is the standard route into paid work in mainland China, used together with a Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.

  • K Visa (young science and technology talent)

    For you if you are a young scientist, engineer or technologist: the K visa is a new route (effective 1 October 2025) that lets eligible STEM talent enter China without a domestic employer first inviting you - but read the honesty note below: its work-authorisation status is still being clarified.

  • R Talent Visa (high-level and urgently needed talent)

    For you if you are a recognised high-level expert or have skills China urgently needs: the R visa is the talent route, normally used alongside a top-tier Foreigner Work Permit and, after arrival, a residence permit.

  • Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (Five-Star Card)

    For you if you want to settle in China long term: the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card - nicknamed the Five-Star Card - is China's actual permanent residence document, issued by the National Immigration Administration once your permanent-residence application is approved.

  • Q Family Reunion Visa (Q1 and Q2)

    For you if you are family of a Chinese citizen or a permanent resident of China: the Q visa is the family-reunion route, with a long-stay Q1 (leading to a residence permit) and a short-stay Q2 for visits.

  • X Student Visa (X1 and X2)

    For you if you have been accepted to study in mainland China: the X visa is the student route, with X1 for longer courses (over six months, leading to a residence permit) and X2 for shorter study.

  • M Business Visa

    For you if you are travelling to mainland China for commercial or trade activities: the M visa covers business trips such as meetings, negotiations and trade fairs - but it is not a work visa and does not let you take up employment.

🇧🇬Republic of Bulgaria

Country overview →
  • Single Permit for Residence and Work

    If you are a non-EU national with a Bulgarian job offer, this is the main route - one document that lets you both live and work in Bulgaria.

  • EU Blue Card (Bulgaria)

    If you are a highly-qualified non-EU professional with a Bulgarian job offer above the salary threshold, the EU Blue Card gives you residence plus EU-wide mobility benefits.

  • Continuous (Long-Term) Residence Permit

    If you have a long-stay (type D) visa and a qualifying ground to live in Bulgaria, this annually-renewable permit is the residence card you build your settlement on.

  • Residence by Investment

    If you can make a qualifying investment in Bulgaria, this route grants residence and, depending on the amount, a faster path to permanent residence.

  • Residence Permit for Study (Bulgaria)

    If you have been admitted to a Bulgarian university or college, this residence permit lets you live in Bulgaria for the length of your studies.

  • Family Reunification Residence (Bulgaria)

    If a close family member already lives lawfully in Bulgaria, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Permanent Residence (Bulgaria)

    If you have lived in Bulgaria continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - secure residence and a stepping stone toward citizenship.

🇷🇴Romania

Country overview →
  • Single Permit for Work and Residence

    If you are a non-EU national with a Romanian job offer, the single permit is the main route - one document covering both your work and your residence.

  • Digital Nomad Visa (Romania)

    If you work remotely for a company based outside Romania, this long-stay visa lets you live in Romania while you keep earning from abroad.

  • EU Blue Card (Romania)

    If you are a highly-qualified non-EU professional with a Romanian job offer above the salary threshold, the EU Blue Card gives you residence plus EU-wide mobility benefits.

  • Residency by Investment / Business Activities (Romania)

    If you want to invest or run a business in Romania, the live route is residence through qualifying business activity - a stand-alone golden visa was proposed in late 2025 but did not go ahead.

  • Residence Permit for Studies (Romania)

    If you have been accepted by a Romanian university, this residence permit lets you live in Romania for the length of your course.

  • Family Reunification (Romania)

    If a close family member already lives lawfully in Romania, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • EU Long-Term Residence (Romania)

    If you have lived in Romania continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - a long-term right to stay with EU-wide mobility benefits.

🇱🇰Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Country overview →
  • Residence Visa (Employment Category)

    For you if a Sri Lankan employer or approved project needs your services: the employment-category residence visa lets foreign professionals live and work in Sri Lanka, usually a year at a time and renewable.

  • Digital Nomad Visa

    For you if you work remotely for clients or a company based outside Sri Lanka: this brand-new visa (launched February 2026) lets you live in Sri Lanka while you keep earning from abroad.

  • My Dream Home Visa Programme (retirement / long-stay residence)

    For you if you are an older applicant who wants to retire or live long term in Sri Lanka: the My Dream Home programme grants a renewable residence visa to people who can support themselves from abroad.

  • Residence Visa (Investor Category)

    For you if you are putting capital into a business or venture in Sri Lanka: the investor-category residence visa lets you reside in the country while you set up and run your approved investment.

  • Residence Visa (Approved-Project / BOI Professional)

    For you if you are a professional whose services are needed on a government-approved or Board of Investment project: this residence visa lets you (and your dependents) live in Sri Lanka for the life of the project.

  • Visit Visa (Business Purpose)

    For you if you are visiting Sri Lanka for short business activities like meetings or conferences: the business-purpose visit visa covers commercial trips - but it is not for taking up employment.

🇪🇨Republic of Ecuador

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence - Work (Relacion de Dependencia)

    For people moving to Ecuador with a job offer: this is the employer-tied temporary residence visa for working under an employment contract for an Ecuadorian employer.

  • Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Jubilado)

    For retirees with a foreign pension: this is the popular route to settle in Ecuador - and because Ecuador uses the US dollar, US-pension retirees carry no currency-exchange risk.

  • Temporary Residence - Rentista (Independent Income)

    For people with steady passive income: this route lets you settle in Ecuador on recurring income from lawful sources such as rentals or investments, without needing an Ecuadorian job.

  • Temporary Residence - Investor (Inversionista)

    For people investing in Ecuador: this route grants temporary residence to those who place a qualifying investment - for example in real estate or a certificate of deposit - of lawful origin.

  • Temporary Residence - Professional (Profesional)

    For degree-holders and qualified tradespeople: this route grants temporary residence to professionals, technicians, technologists or artisans who can certify their qualification.

  • Temporary Residence - Digital Nomad (Visa Nomada)

    For remote workers: this route lets you live in Ecuador while working for a foreign employer or your own foreign company under a contract sourced outside Ecuador.

  • Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)

    For temporary residents ready to settle: after roughly 21 months of temporary residence you can apply for Ecuadorian permanent residence - but be careful about long absences once you hold it.

🇦🇲Republic of Armenia

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence for Employment

    If you have a job with an Armenian employer, this temporary residence status lets you live and work in Armenia and start building toward permanent residence.

  • Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment

    If you run a business or work for yourself through an Armenian company, this temporary residence is the route remote workers and founders use - Armenia has no separate digital nomad visa.

  • Residence for Ethnic Armenians (by descent)

    If you are of Armenian descent, you can qualify for residence on the basis of your ancestry, with a faster path toward permanent residence and citizenship.

  • Temporary Residence for Study (Armenia)

    If you have been admitted to study at an Armenian institution, this temporary residence lets you live in Armenia for the length of your course.

  • Temporary Residence for Family (Armenia)

    If you have close family ties to an Armenian resident or citizen, this residence route lets you live in Armenia with them and build toward settlement.

  • Permanent Residence (Armenia)

    If you have held temporary residence in Armenia for the qualifying period, the five-year permanent residence card is your settlement status.

🇦🇱Republic of Albania

Country overview →
  • Unique Permit (Leje Unike)

    If you are a non-EU national working in Albania, the Unique Permit is the main route - one card combining work and residence, and it includes a remote-work sub-category.

  • Unique Permit for Investors

    If you invest in an Albanian business, the investor route of the Unique Permit grants you residence tied to that investment.

  • Residence by Real-Estate Ownership

    If you own qualifying property in Albania, you can obtain residence on the basis of that ownership while you keep the property.

  • Residence Permit for Studies (Albania)

    If you have been admitted to study at an Albanian institution, this residence permit lets you live in Albania for the length of your course.

  • Family Reunification (Albania)

    If a close family member already holds residence in Albania, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Permanent Residence (Albania)

    If you have lived in Albania continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - a long-validity permanent residence permit.

🇵🇾Republic of Paraguay

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporal, Law 6984/2022)

    For most people moving to Paraguay: under the 2022 migration law this is now the usual first step - temporary residence for up to two years, which later converts to permanent residence.

  • Permanent Residence for Investors (SUACE)

    For investors: the SUACE route is Paraguay's fast lane - it grants permanent residence directly, without first going through temporary residence, for foreign investors who register a qualifying business.

  • Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, 10-year card)

    For people already settled in Paraguay: this is the indefinite permanent residence you reach by converting from temporary residence, with a resident card renewed every 10 years.

  • Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Pensionado / Jubilado)

    For retirees: this category lets you settle in Paraguay on a certified pension or retirement income, starting as temporary residence and later converting to permanent residence.

  • Temporary Residence - Independent Means (Renta Propia)

    For people with stable passive income: this category lets you settle in Paraguay on your own recurring foreign income, beginning as temporary residence and converting to permanent residence later.

🇲🇦Kingdom of Morocco

Country overview →
  • Work Residence Card (carte de sejour, salarie)

    For foreign nationals taking up a job in Morocco: this is the employment-based residence card (carte de sejour) you hold once a Moroccan employer has secured an ANAPEC-authorised work contract for you, letting you live and work in the country lawfully.

  • Long-stay Visa (Visa D)

    For anyone planning to live in Morocco for more than 90 days: the long-stay Visa D is the entry visa you obtain before travelling, and it is the step that comes before you register for a residence card once you arrive.

  • Self-funded Residence Card (retirees and people of independent means)

    For retirees and people who can support themselves without working in Morocco: this residence card (carte de sejour) lets you live in the country on the strength of your own income or savings, without needing a local employer.

  • Family Residence Card (regroupement familial)

    For the spouse and children of someone already settled in Morocco: this family-reunion residence card (regroupement familial) lets close family members live in Morocco on the basis of their relationship to a resident or to a Moroccan national.

  • Student Residence Card (carte de sejour, etudiant)

    For international students enrolled at a Moroccan university or institute: this student residence card (carte de sejour) lets you live in Morocco for the length of your course, renewing alongside your studies.

  • Permanent Residence Card (carte de residence, 10-year)

    For long-term foreign residents of Morocco: the carte de residence is the longer, typically ten-year card you can apply for after years of continuous, regular residence, giving you a far more settled status than the renewable carte de sejour.

🇷🇼Republic of Rwanda

Country overview →
  • Work Permit (employment)

    For foreign nationals taking up a job in Rwanda: the employment work permit lets you work for a Rwandan employer once you are in the country, applied for online through IremboGov and issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

  • Investor Permit (Class A-1 / B-1)

    For foreign investors backing a company in Rwanda: the investor permit (such as Class A-1 or B-1) lets you reside on the basis of your investment, and it requires your company to hold an investment certificate, which is issued through the Rwanda Development Board.

  • Business / Entrepreneur Permit

    For foreign nationals running their own business in Rwanda: the business (entrepreneur) permit lets you reside on the basis of owning and operating a registered Rwandan business, applied for online through IremboGov.

  • Temporary Resident Permit

    For foreign nationals living in Rwanda on a basis such as assured income, family or another approved reason: the temporary resident permit is the general, renewable residence permit, applied for online through IremboGov.

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    For foreign nationals who have built a long, lawful stay in Rwanda: the permanent residence permit gives durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable temporary permits, applied for through the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

  • Student Permit (Study and Research)

    For international students and researchers in Rwanda: the study and research permit lets you live in Rwanda for your course or research project, applied for online through IremboGov and issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

🇧🇼Republic of Botswana

Country overview →
  • Work Permit

    For non-citizens taking up employment in Botswana: the work permit gives you permission to work for a Botswana employer, applied for through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on the national portal gov.bw.

  • Investor Work Permit

    For non-citizens investing in a business in Botswana: the investor category of the work permit lets you reside and run or invest in a Botswana business, applied for through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on gov.bw.

  • Residence Permit

    For non-citizens who want to live in Botswana beyond a visit: the residence permit is the general permit that lets immigrants, and certain other categories, reside in the country, applied for through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on gov.bw.

  • Residence Permit - Spouse of a Botswana Citizen

    For the foreign husband or wife of a Botswana citizen: this category of the residence permit lets you live in Botswana on the basis of your marriage, and it can place you on the path toward longer-term settlement.

  • Residence Permit - Dependants

    For dependent family members of someone living in Botswana: this category of the residence permit lets dependants, including younger adults (18-25) and older relatives (65+), reside on the basis of their sponsor, applied for through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

  • Permanent Residence

    For non-citizens with a long, lawful stay in Botswana: permanent residence is the discretionary, durable status you can apply for after years in the country, going beyond the renewable work and residence permits.

🇰🇿Republic of Kazakhstan

Country overview →
  • Work Permit and Residence (employer-sponsored)

    For you if a Kazakhstani employer has offered you a job: this is the standard route into paid work in Kazakhstan, where your employer secures a work permit for you and you then hold a temporary residence permit to live there.

  • Neo Nomad Visa (B12-1)

    For you if you work remotely for clients or an employer outside Kazakhstan: the Neo Nomad Visa (category B12-1) lets you live in Kazakhstan while keeping your foreign income - but please read the honesty note, because this one does not lead to permanent residence.

  • Digital Nomad Residency (IT specialists, via Astana Hub)

    For you if you are a foreign IT specialist: the Digital Nomad Residency is a route, run through Astana Hub, that can lead to a permanent residence permit in Kazakhstan - and that is the key difference from the Neo Nomad Visa.

  • Temporary Residence Permit

    For you if you are staying in Kazakhstan for more than the short visa-free window: the temporary residence permit is the document that lets you live there for a defined purpose such as work, study, family or business.

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    For you if you want to settle in Kazakhstan long term: the permanent residence permit confirms your right to live there indefinitely, and a central requirement is showing that you can financially support yourself.

  • Study Residence (foreign students)

    For you if you have a place to study in Kazakhstan: this is the route that lets you live there for the length of your course, normally on a temporary residence permit linked to your enrolment.

  • Family Residence (reunification)

    For you if a close family member lives in Kazakhstan: this route lets you join them and live there, normally on a temporary residence permit based on your family relationship.

🇰🇭Kingdom of Cambodia

Country overview →
  • EB Business Visa (E-class ordinary visa, business/employment)

    For you if you are coming to Cambodia to work or do business: the EB is the most common long-stay visa, an extension of the E-class ordinary visa - but please read the honesty note, because working also needs a separate Work Permit.

  • EP Employment Visa (E-class qualified-worker sub-class)

    For you if you are taking up employment in Cambodia: the EP is an E-class extension oriented towards qualified workers and employees - and, like the EB, it still needs a separate Work Permit before you can legally work.

  • ER Retirement Visa (E-class retirement sub-class)

    For you if you are retired and aged 55 or over: the ER is the E-class retirement sub-class that lets you live in Cambodia long term by renewing the visa - though it does not lead to permanent residence.

  • EG Job-Seeking Visa (E-class job-seeking sub-class)

    For you if you are coming to Cambodia to look for work or get set up before a job starts: the EG is the E-class general sub-class often used while you are job-seeking - and it does not, on its own, let you work.

  • ES Student Visa (E-class student sub-class)

    For you if you are studying in Cambodia: the ES is the E-class student sub-class, letting you stay for your studies by renewing the visa with a letter from a registered school.

🇺🇿Republic of Uzbekistan

Country overview →
  • Work Visa (E) with work-permit confirmation

    For you if an Uzbekistani employer has offered you a job: the work visa is the standard employment route, used together with a work-permit confirmation that authorises you to work.

  • Golden Visa (5-year residence for investment)

    For you if you want longer-term residence in Uzbekistan through a significant investment or contribution: the Golden Visa is a newer route offering a five-year residence permit under a simplified procedure.

  • IT Visa (IT Park founders and specialists)

    For you if you are an IT founder or specialist: Uzbekistan's IT Visa, linked to IT Park, lets you live and work in the country without needing a separate work permit - a real simplification over the standard work route.

  • Residence through Qualifying Property Purchase

    For you if you are buying qualifying property in Uzbekistan: this route ties a residence permit to a property purchase at or above a set value, which varies by region.

  • Residence Permit (long-term, vid na zhitelstvo)

    For you if you want to live in Uzbekistan long term: the residence permit (vid na zhitelstvo) gives you a settled legal basis with rights close to those of a citizen, short of voting.

  • Student Visa and Residence

    For you if you have a place to study in Uzbekistan: the student route lets you live there for your course, issued at the request of your educational institution.

  • Family Visa and Residence (reunification)

    For you if a close family member lives in Uzbekistan: this route lets you join them on the basis of family reunification and build towards longer-term residence.

🇳🇵Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

Country overview →
  • Working (Non-Tourist) Visa

    For you if you are taking up employment in Nepal: the Working Visa is the only visa that allows you to work, and it depends on a separate labour permit plus a recommendation from the relevant government ministry.

  • Business Visa (foreign investors and representatives)

    For you if you are an approved foreign investor or business representative in Nepal: the Business Visa is the long-stay route for people investing in or running an approved business, granted on a recommendation from the relevant authority.

  • Residential Visa (long-stay, proof of income)

    For you if you want to live in Nepal long term without doing business: the Residential Visa is a long-stay route that requires proof of income - but please read the honesty note, because it is not a settled-status or citizenship pathway.

  • Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) Visa

    For you if you are of Nepali origin and hold an NRN identity card: the NRN Visa is a long-stay route for the Nepali diaspora, and recent law changes have made it more generous - including free issuance.

  • Study Visa (foreign students)

    For you if you are studying in Nepal: the Study Visa lets you live there for your course, issued by the Department of Immigration on a recommendation from the Ministry of Education.

  • Relation (Dependent) Visa

    For you if you have a close family member in Nepal: the Relation Visa lets relatives of a Nepali citizen, or dependents of certain visa holders, stay on the basis of the family relationship.

🇲🇪Montenegro

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence and Work Permit

    If you are a foreign national with a Montenegrin job offer, this is the main route - one permit that lets you both live and work in Montenegro.

  • Digital Nomad Temporary Residence (Montenegro)

    If you work remotely for a company based outside Montenegro, this residence permit lets you live in Montenegro while you keep earning from abroad.

  • Residence for Company Founders and the Self-Employed (Montenegro)

    If you found or run your own company in Montenegro, this route gives you temporary residence and work rights tied to that business.

  • Residence by Property Ownership (Montenegro)

    If you own real estate in Montenegro, this route can grant you temporary residence based on that property.

  • Temporary Residence for Study (Montenegro)

    If you have been admitted to a Montenegrin school or university, this residence permit lets you live in Montenegro for the length of your studies.

  • Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Montenegro)

    If a close family member already lives lawfully in Montenegro, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Permanent Residence (Montenegro)

    If you have lived in Montenegro continuously for five years, this is your settlement status - secure residence and a stepping stone toward citizenship.

🇲🇩Republic of Moldova

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence for Employment (Moldova)

    If you have a job with a Moldovan employer, this is the main route - temporary residence tied to your work, decided by the migration authority.

  • Digital Nomad Visa (Moldova)

    If you work remotely for a company based outside Moldova, this visa lets you live in Moldova while you keep earning from abroad.

  • IT Specialist Residence (Moldova IT Park)

    If you are an IT professional hired by a Moldova IT Park resident company, this is a faster, simplified residence route built for tech talent.

  • Temporary Residence for Investors (Moldova)

    If you make a qualifying investment in a Moldovan business, this route grants temporary residence tied to that investment.

  • Temporary Residence for Study (Moldova)

    If you have a study contract with a Moldovan educational institution, this residence permit lets you live in Moldova for the length of your course.

  • Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Moldova)

    If a close family member already lives lawfully in Moldova, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Permanent Residence (Moldova)

    If you have lived in Moldova continuously for the qualifying period, this is your settlement status - secure, longer-term residence.

🇸🇮Republic of Slovenia

Country overview →
  • Single Residence and Work Permit (Slovenia)

    If you are a non-EU national with a Slovenian job offer, this is the main route - one permit that lets you both live and work in Slovenia.

  • EU Blue Card (Slovenia)

    If you are a highly-qualified non-EU professional with a Slovenian job offer above the salary threshold, the EU Blue Card gives you residence plus EU-wide mobility benefits.

  • Digital Nomad Temporary Residence Permit (Slovenia)

    If you work remotely for a company based outside Slovenia, this permit lets you live in Slovenia for up to a year while you keep earning from abroad.

  • Self-Employment Residence (Slovenia)

    If you are a third-country national who wants to run your own business or work as a sole trader in Slovenia, this route gives you residence tied to that activity.

  • Temporary Residence for Study (Slovenia)

    If you have been admitted to a Slovenian university or college, this residence permit lets you live in Slovenia for the length of your studies.

  • Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovenia)

    If a close family member already lives lawfully in Slovenia, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Permanent Residence (Slovenia)

    If you have lived in Slovenia continuously for about five years, this is your settlement status - secure residence with EU-wide mobility benefits.

🇵🇪Republic of Peru

Country overview →
  • Worker Resident (Trabajador Residente)

    For people moving to Peru with a job: this is the employer-tied residence category for foreign nationals working under a registered employment contract for an employer in Peru.

  • Rentista (Independent Means / Passive Income)

    For people with a pension or steady passive income: this category lets you settle in Peru on a permanent pension or recurring income, without needing a Peruvian job.

  • Investor (Inversionista)

    For people investing in Peru: this category grants residence to foreign nationals who form, invest in or manage a Peruvian company with a qualifying capital investment.

  • Resident Family Member (Familiar Residente)

    For close family of a Peruvian or of a foreign resident: this category lets you live in Peru as part of the family unit, based on your relationship to your sponsoring relative.

  • Digital Nomad (Nomada Digital)

    For remote workers: Peru has created a digital-nomad residence category in law for people who telework for a company based abroad - but heads-up, it is not yet usable, so check the official page before planning around it.

  • Permanent Resident (Residente Permanente)

    For residents ready to settle: after three consecutive years of legal residence in a qualifying category you can change to permanent resident in Peru, with settled status.

🇸🇻Republic of El Salvador

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence with Work Authorisation

    For people moving to El Salvador for a job: this is the temporary residence that comes with authorisation to work, supported by an employer in the country.

  • Investor Temporary Residence

    For people investing in El Salvador: this temporary residence is for foreign investors who place a qualifying investment in a business or project in the country.

  • Rentista Temporary Residence (Stable Foreign Income)

    For people with steady foreign income: this temporary residence lets you live in El Salvador on stable income from abroad, declaring that you will not take paid work in the country.

  • Pensionado Temporary Residence (Retiree)

    For retirees: this temporary residence lets you settle in El Salvador on a certified pension - and because the country uses the US dollar, a US pension carries no exchange-rate risk.

  • Freedom Visa (Citizenship by Investment)

    For people seeking Salvadoran citizenship through a large contribution: the Freedom Visa is a government citizenship-by-investment programme funded by a Bitcoin or USDT contribution to state development funds.

  • Permanent Residence (Residencia Definitiva)

    For people settling in El Salvador: residencia definitiva is the permanent residence that lets you live and work without a permit - and you can be absent for up to two years without losing it.

🇯🇴Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

Country overview →
  • Work Residency (Employer-Sponsored)

    For people moving to Jordan with a job: this is the employer-sponsored residence permit you hold alongside a Ministry of Labour work permit so you can live and work in Jordan.

  • Annual Residence for Five Years (Renewable)

    For long-settled foreigners and property owners: this renewable five-year residence permit gives a longer, more stable stay than the annual permit - but it is renewable, not a permanent-residence card.

  • Investor Residency (Qualifying Real-Estate Purchase)

    For people buying qualifying property in Jordan: this residency lets a real-estate investor and their family live in Jordan based on a property purchase that meets the threshold.

  • Self-Funded ("Workless") Residency with Bank Deposit

    For people who can support themselves in Jordan without working: this residency is based on your own funds (a bank deposit), with the deposit rules recently eased for long-term property owners.

  • Family / Follower Residency

    For families joining a resident in Jordan: this "follower" residency lets a spouse and children reside with a primary residence-permit holder or a Jordanian family member.

  • Study Residency

    For international students in Jordan: this residence permit lets you live in Jordan while you study at a recognised institution, renewed as your studies continue.

🇫🇯Republic of Fiji

Country overview →
  • Work Permit for Non-Citizen Skilled Contracted Workers (Time Post)

    For people moving to Fiji with a job offer: this is the employer-tied work permit (commonly called a "Time Post") for a non-citizen on an employment contract with a business or organisation in Fiji.

  • Investor Permit for Non-Citizen Investors

    For people who want to run a business in Fiji: this tiered Investor Permit lets a non-citizen invest in and operate an approved business, with a longer permit for larger investments.

  • Residence Permit on Assured Income

    For retirees and people with steady passive income aged 45 and over: this lets you live in Fiji on assured income from outside the country, without taking a Fiji job.

  • Special Purpose / Co-Extensive Permit to Reside with a Family Member

    For people joining a family member in Fiji: this lets a spouse or dependent reside with a permit holder or, in some cases, with a Fiji citizen family member.

  • Student Permit

    For people coming to Fiji to study: this is the permit to enrol and reside as a student at a recognised Fiji institution for your course.

  • Permanent Residence

    For people putting down long-term roots in Fiji: this is the settled residence status that, under reforms now underway, is becoming the key stepping-stone toward Fiji citizenship.

🇯🇲Jamaica

Country overview →
  • Work Permit (Ministry of Labour)

    For people moving to Jamaica with a job: this is the Ministry of Labour work permit your employer (or, for investors, JAMPRO) applies for so you can work legally.

  • Permanent Residence via Employment

    For people who have worked in Jamaica for several years: this PICA route lets long-term workers settle permanently rather than keep renewing temporary status.

  • Permanent Residence for Retirees

    For retirees settling in Jamaica: this PICA route lets retired foreign nationals live in Jamaica permanently on pension or other independent income.

  • Unconditional Landing

    For people with a Jamaican connection: this PICA stamp lets you live, work and study in Jamaica without a work permit or student visa - by descent, naturalisation or as a CARICOM skilled national.

  • Remote Work Stay (oriented to US passport holders)

    For remote workers - mainly US passport holders - who want to live in Jamaica while working for an overseas employer or clients, registered through PICA rather than on a universal digital-nomad visa.

  • Marriage Exemption Certificate (spouse of a Jamaican)

    For people married to a Jamaican: a Marriage Exemption Certificate lets you work in Jamaica without a work permit, with your stay endorsed by PICA.

  • Student Stay (Extension of Stay for Students)

    For international students in Jamaica: PICA endorses your stay for the length of your course at an accredited institution, so you can study without a work permit.

🇹🇿United Republic of Tanzania

Country overview →
  • Residence Permit Class B (employment)

    For expatriates taking up a job with a Tanzanian company or institution: the Class B residence permit lets you live in Tanzania for your employment, but it sits on top of a work permit, which the Prime Minister's Office (Labour) must grant first.

  • Residence Permit Class A (self-employed and investors)

    For self-employed foreigners and investors running their own venture in Tanzania: the Class A residence permit lets you live in the country on the basis of your business or investment, and for registered investors it is usually arranged through the Tanzania Investment Centre.

  • Residence Permit Class C (students, retirees, researchers, missionaries)

    For foreigners living in Tanzania for a reason other than local employment or running a business - students, retirees, researchers, missionaries, volunteers and similar - the Class C residence permit is the catch-all residence route for your situation.

  • Work Permit (Prime Minister's Office - Labour)

    For foreigners taking up employment in Tanzania: the work permit is the labour-side authorisation that the Prime Minister's Office (Labour) must grant before the Immigration Department can issue your Class B residence permit.

  • Long-tenure Residence (high-value investors, discretionary)

    For investors whose contribution to Tanzania is of great economic value: there is no standard permanent-residence category, but the Commissioner General of Immigration can, at discretion, grant much longer-tenure residence than the usual short renewable permits.

🇦🇿Republic of Azerbaijan

Country overview →
  • Work Permit and Temporary Residence Permit

    For you if an Azerbaijani employer has offered you a job: this is the standard route into paid work, where your employer secures a work permit for you and you then hold a temporary residence permit to live in the country.

  • Temporary Residence Permit (investment, real estate or deposit)

    For you if you want residence in Azerbaijan through a financial commitment: a temporary residence permit can be granted on grounds such as a qualifying investment in the economy, owning real estate, or holding a fixed-term bank deposit - but please read the honesty note first.

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    For you if you have lived in Azerbaijan on temporary residence and want to settle for good: the permanent residence permit confirms your right to live there long term, generally available after about two years of qualifying temporary residence.

  • Temporary Residence Permit (family ties)

    For you if you have close family in Azerbaijan: a temporary residence permit can be granted on the basis of a family relationship to an Azerbaijani citizen or a resident, letting you live in the country and, in time, move toward permanent residence.

  • Temporary Residence Permit (students)

    For you if you have a place to study in Azerbaijan: this route lets you live in the country for the length of your course, normally on a temporary residence permit linked to your enrolment.

🇹🇹Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Country overview →
  • Work Permit

    For people moving to Trinidad and Tobago with a job: this is the employer-tied work permit a non-national needs to take up paid (or even unpaid) employment in the country.

  • Residence after Five Years (Permanent Residence)

    For people who have lived in Trinidad and Tobago for five years: this is how you apply for residence under the Immigration Act - there is no investment shortcut, it is earned through time spent in the country.

  • Residence as Spouse of a Citizen or Resident

    For people married to a Trinidad and Tobago citizen or resident: this is the family route to residence, based on your marriage rather than on time in the country.

  • Residence as a Sponsored Parent or Grandparent

    For parents and grandparents of a Trinidad and Tobago citizen or resident: this family route lets your son, daughter or grandchild sponsor you for residence in the country.

  • CARICOM Skills Certificate (Free Movement)

    For skilled nationals of other CARICOM countries: with a Skills Certificate you can live and work in Trinidad and Tobago without a work permit, under CARICOM free movement.

  • Student Permit

    For international students: this is the permit you need to study in Trinidad and Tobago, applied for online through the Immigration Division before your school year or semester begins.

🇮🇸Iceland

Country overview →
  • Residence Permit for Qualified Professionals (Iceland)

    If you are a qualified professional or expert with an Icelandic job offer, this is the main route - a two-step residence permit plus a linked work permit.

  • Temporary Work Permit due to Labour Shortage (Iceland)

    If an Icelandic employer cannot fill a role locally, this temporary permit lets them hire you from outside the EEA for a job in short supply.

  • Residence Permit for the Self-Employed (Iceland)

    If you run your own genuine business in Iceland or are financially independent through it, this route gives you residence tied to that activity.

  • Residence Permit for Family Reunification (Iceland)

    If a close family member is an Icelandic citizen or holds a qualifying permit, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Residence Permit for Students (Iceland)

    If you have been admitted to an Icelandic university or college, this residence permit lets you live in Iceland while you study.

  • Long-Term Visa for Remote Work (Iceland)

    If you work remotely for a foreign employer, this short long-term visa lets you stay in Iceland for a few months - but it is a visa, not a residence permit.

  • Permanent Residence Permit (Iceland)

    If you have lived in Iceland for four continuous years on a qualifying permit, this is your settlement status - secure residence with broad work rights.

🇱🇹Republic of Lithuania

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence Permit for Employment (Lithuania)

    If you have a Lithuanian job offer, this is the main route - a temporary residence permit for work, with a faster, quota-free lane for highly qualified roles.

  • EU Blue Card (Lithuania)

    If you are a highly qualified professional with a Lithuanian job offer at the required salary, the EU Blue Card is a recognised route with EU-wide mobility.

  • Startup Visa (Lithuania)

    If you are a non-EU founder with an innovative business idea, Lithuania's Startup Visa is a fast route to residence to build your company.

  • Temporary Residence for Business or Self-Employment (Lithuania)

    If you set up or run your own company in Lithuania, this route gives you residence tied to that genuine business activity.

  • Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Lithuania)

    If a close family member lives lawfully in Lithuania, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Temporary Residence for Study (Lithuania)

    If you have been admitted to a Lithuanian university or college, this residence permit lets you live in Lithuania for the length of your studies.

  • Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Lithuania)

    If you have lived in Lithuania lawfully for five years, this is your settlement status - EU long-term resident rights and a stepping stone toward citizenship.

🇧🇿Belize

Country overview →
  • Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit)

    For people moving to Belize for a job: this is the Temporary Employment Permit you apply for through the Labour Department to work lawfully for an employer in the country.

  • Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)

    For retirees aged 40 and over with steady foreign retirement income: the QRP, run by the Belize Tourism Board, gives you residency in Belize - but heads-up, it is residency, not citizenship, and it does not normally count toward permanent residence.

  • Temporary Residence

    For people building a life in Belize: temporary residence is the status you hold while you live in the country and work toward permanent residence through the Immigration and Nationality Department.

  • Permanent Residence

    For people settling in Belize: permanent residence can be reached after about a year of legal residence in the country - but only if you keep your absences within strict limits during that year.

  • Family Residence (Spouse and Dependants)

    For spouses and dependants of someone settled in Belize: this family route lets you live in the country based on your relationship to a Belizean or a resident.

  • Student Permit

    For international students: this is the permit you need to study in Belize, which you must obtain before your school year or semester begins.

🇬🇹Republic of Guatemala

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence - Worker (Residencia Temporal Trabajador)

    For people moving to Guatemala with a job: this is the temporary residence for migrant workers, tied to a job offer from an employer in the country.

  • Temporary Residence - Rentista or Pensionado

    For people with steady income or a pension: this residence lets you live in Guatemala on a stable foreign income (rentista) or a retirement pension (pensionado), without needing a local job.

  • Temporary Residence - Investor (Residencia Inversionista)

    For people investing in Guatemala: this residence is for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in the country, for example in a Guatemalan company or project.

  • Temporary Residence - Digital Nomad (Residencia Nomada Digital)

    For remote workers: Guatemala has created a digital nomad residence for people who work remotely for clients or an employer based abroad, letting you live in the country while you keep your foreign income.

  • Temporary Residence - Family (Residencia por motivos Familiares)

    For close family of a Guatemalan or of a resident: this residence lets you live in Guatemala based on your family relationship, such as being a spouse, child or parent.

  • Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)

    For residents ready to settle: after about five years of legal residence in Guatemala you can apply for permanent residence, the settled-status category issued by the IGM.

🇳🇦Republic of Namibia

Country overview →
  • Employment Permit

    For foreign nationals taking up a job in Namibia: the employment permit lets you work for a Namibian employer, applied for through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.

  • Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)

    For foreign nationals who have built a long, lawful connection to Namibia: the Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) gives durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable temporary permits, applied for directly to the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.

  • Investor Residence (qualifying investment)

    For foreign nationals making a qualifying investment in Namibia and running their own business there: this investor route lets you reside on the strength of that investment, with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board helping coordinate the permit through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

  • Retirement Permanent Residence (substantial means)

    For retirees who can support themselves from their own means: this route lets you settle in Namibia on the strength of a stable income or assets, applied for through the Ministry of Home Affairs as a permanent residence basis.

  • Digital Nomad Visa (NIPDB)

    For remote workers who earn their income from outside Namibia: this short visa, run by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, lets you live in Namibia for about six months while working for clients or an employer abroad - it is not a route to permanent residence.

  • Study Permit

    For international students enrolled at a Namibian institution: the study permit lets you live in Namibia for the length of your course, applied for through the Ministry of Home Affairs.

🇱🇻Republic of Latvia

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence Permit for Employment (Latvia)

    If you have a Latvian job offer, this is the main route - a temporary residence permit tied to your employment with a Latvian employer.

  • EU Blue Card (Latvia)

    If you are a highly qualified professional with a Latvian job offer at the required salary, the EU Blue Card gives you residence with EU-wide mobility.

  • Startup Residence Permit (Latvia)

    If you are a non-EU founder building an innovative product, Latvia's startup residence route lets you live there while you develop the business.

  • Investor Residence Permit / Golden Visa (Latvia)

    If you make a qualifying investment in Latvia - in a company, real estate, a bank deposit or government bonds - this route grants temporary residence.

  • Digital Nomad Visa (Latvia)

    If you work remotely for an employer or your own business in an OECD country, this long-stay visa lets you live in Latvia while you keep earning from abroad.

  • Residence Permit for Family Reunification (Latvia)

    If a close family member lives lawfully in Latvia, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Temporary Residence for Study (Latvia)

    If you have been admitted to a Latvian university or college, this residence permit lets you live in Latvia for the length of your studies.

  • Permanent Residence / EU Long-Term Resident Status (Latvia)

    If you have lived in Latvia lawfully for five years, this is your settlement status - EU long-term resident rights and a step toward citizenship.

🇸🇰Slovak Republic

Country overview →
  • Temporary Residence for Employment / Single Permit (Slovakia)

    If you have a Slovak job offer, this is the main route - one application that combines your residence and your right to work in Slovakia.

  • EU Blue Card (Slovakia)

    If you are a highly qualified professional with a Slovak job offer at the required salary, the EU Blue Card gives you residence with EU-wide mobility.

  • Temporary Residence for Business / Self-Employment (Slovakia)

    If you run a business or are self-employed in Slovakia, this route gives you residence tied to that enterprise - but recent rules added a quota and a business plan.

  • Temporary Residence for Study (Slovakia)

    If you have been admitted to a Slovak university or school, this residence permit lets you live in Slovakia for the length of your studies.

  • Temporary Residence for Family Reunification (Slovakia)

    If a close family member lives lawfully in Slovakia, this route lets you join them and build toward settlement together.

  • Permanent Residence (Slovakia)

    If you have lived in Slovakia lawfully for five years, this is your settlement status - secure, longer-term residence and a step toward citizenship.

🇻🇺Republic of Vanuatu

Country overview →
  • Residence Visa (Employee ground)

    For people coming to work in Vanuatu for an employer, where the job runs for 12 months or more. The visa is granted on the employee ground and tied to that employment.

  • Residence Visa (Self-funded ground)

    For people who can support themselves in Vanuatu from certified offshore income, without local employment. You show a regular income certified by a bank operating in Vanuatu.

  • Residence Visa (Foreign Investor ground)

    For people investing in a business in Vanuatu who hold a Foreign Investor approval certificate from VIPA. The visa is granted on the foreign-investor ground and tied to that investment.

  • Residence Visa (Leasehold Holder ground)

    For people who hold a qualifying property leasehold in Vanuatu and can show a certified income. Land in Vanuatu is held by lease, so this route is built around leasehold ownership rather than freehold.

  • Residence Visa (Partner / Child ground)

    For the partner or child of someone settled in Vanuatu - for example a Vanuatu citizen or a resident. The visa is granted on the family relationship and supported by the sponsoring family member.

  • Permanent Resident Visa

    Vanuatu's longer-term residence status, for people with Ni-Vanuatu descent, a long period of lawful residence, or a serious sustained investment. It is residence, not citizenship - the citizenship route is the separate Development Support Program.

  • Development Support Program (citizenship by investment)

    Vanuatu's citizenship-by-investment route: a non-refundable contribution to a government fund in exchange for citizenship, run by the Vanuatu Citizenship Office / Citizenship Commission. Important update: a Vanuatu passport no longer gives visa-free Schengen access.

🇲🇳Mongolia

Country overview →
  • Work Permit and Residence (HG employment)

    For you if a Mongolian employer has offered you a job: this is the standard employment route, where you work under an HG-type permission and hold a residence permit that runs for the same duration as your work permit.

  • Investor Residence (foreign-invested company)

    For you if you are a foreign investor in, or a senior representative of, a foreign-invested company in Mongolia: this route gives you a residence permit on the basis of that investment or role, rather than a local employment contract.

  • Private and Family Residence (H-series)

    For you if you have close family in Mongolia or are joining a relative there: this route gives you a residence permit on private or family grounds, supported by an invitation and proof of your relationship.

  • Student Residence (foreign students)

    For you if you have a place to study in Mongolia: this route lets you live in the country for the length of your course, on a residence permit linked to your enrolment at a recognised institution.

  • Permanent Residence

    For you if you have built up several years of residence in Mongolia and want to settle for good: permanent residence confirms a long-term right to live there - but please read the honesty note, because it does not lead to citizenship.

🇰🇼State of Kuwait

Country overview →
  • Article 18 Work Residency (private-sector Iqama)

    For people taking a private-sector job in Kuwait. Your Kuwaiti employer sponsors you and the residency (the Iqama) is tied to that job. Note up front: Kuwait has no permanent residence for expatriates, and every residency here is fixed-term and sponsor-tied.

  • Article 17 Government Work Residency

    For people employed by a Kuwaiti government or public-sector body. The government entity sponsors your residency, and as with all Kuwaiti residency it is fixed-term and sponsor-tied - there is no permanent residence for expatriates.

  • Article 22 Family / Dependent Residency

    For the spouse and children of someone already resident in Kuwait. The resident family member sponsors you, and the residency is tied to their status - like all Kuwaiti residency it is fixed-term, with no permanent residence for expatriates.

  • Investor Residency (long-term, up to ~15 years)

    For foreign investors licensed under Kuwait's foreign-investment law, who can be granted a long-term residency of up to around 15 years. Important: even this long tier is renewable fixed-term residence, not permanent residence - Kuwait grants none to expatriates.

  • Property-Owner Residency (long-term, up to ~10 years)

    For foreign nationals who own qualifying real estate in Kuwait, who can be granted residency of up to around 10 years. As with every Kuwaiti residency, this is renewable fixed-term residence, not permanent residence.

  • Student Residency

    For foreign students enrolled at a recognised educational institution in Kuwait. The residency is study-linked and fixed-term, and as with all Kuwaiti residency there is no permanent residence for expatriates.

🇧🇳Brunei Darussalam

Country overview →
  • Work Pass (employer-sponsored employment)

    For you if a Brunei employer has offered you a job: the Work Pass is the standard, employer-sponsored route into paid employment, handled by the immigration department's Foreign Work Pass division alongside a valid visa.

  • Long-Term Pass (social, business or professional)

    For you if you want a multi-year basis to stay in Brunei: the Long-Term Pass is a newer route with social, business and professional sub-categories - but please read the dated note, because it only took effect at the end of 2024.

  • Entry Permit (route toward permanent resident status)

    For you if you are working toward settling in Brunei: the Entry Permit is the document the immigration department processes for permanent resident status, so this is the formal route toward becoming a permanent resident.

  • Permanent Residence (discretionary, long-term)

    For you if you intend to settle in Brunei for life: permanent residence confirms a long-term right to live there - but please read the honesty note, because it is discretionary and typically takes around fifteen years.

  • Dependent Pass (family of pass holders)

    For you if your spouse or parent holds a Brunei work pass: the Dependent Pass lets close family live in Brunei for the validity of the main holder's pass - though it does not, by itself, let you work.

  • Student Pass (foreign students)

    For you if you have a place to study in Brunei: the Student Pass lets you live in the country for the length of your course, linked to your enrolment at a recognised institution.

🇱🇮Principality of Liechtenstein

Country overview →
  • Residence Permit B for Gainful Employment (Liechtenstein)

    If you are an EEA national with a Liechtenstein job and want to actually live there, this is the route - but residence permits are rationed, and half are decided by a twice-yearly lottery.

  • Residence Permit B without Gainful Employment (Liechtenstein)

    If you are an economically inactive EEA national who can support yourself, this lets you live in Liechtenstein - but, like the work permit, it is rationed and half is decided by lottery.

  • Cross-Border Commuter Permit / Grenzganger (Liechtenstein)

    If you live in Austria or Switzerland and work in Liechtenstein, this is the realistic mass route - you work in Liechtenstein but return home, without using up a residence permit.

  • Settlement Permit C (Liechtenstein)

    If you have lived in Liechtenstein on a Permit B for around five years, this is your settlement status - more secure, longer-term residence.

  • Family Reunification (Liechtenstein)

    If a close family member holds a Liechtenstein residence permit or is a citizen, this route lets you join them - though the same tight quota system shapes the timing.

Frequently asked questions

How many visa routes does Visa Atlas cover?+−

Visa Atlas covers 651 visa and residence routes across 109 destinations — the UK, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, the UAE, Canada, Australia, and the US. Every route links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.

Which visas can I get without an employer sponsor?+−

401 of the 651 routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsoring you — including digital-nomad, self-employment, points-based skilled-migration, and study routes. Start with those categories below if you do not have a job offer yet.

Which visas lead to permanent residence?+−

382 of the 651 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the rest are temporary or transitional. Each route page shows its settlement status and qualifying period.

How do I find the right visa for me?+−

If you are not sure where to start, the route finder runs a structured pass over every route and ranks them for your situation — no email required. Otherwise, browse by destination below, by category, or by profession.

Is Visa Atlas official, and is this legal advice?+−

No. Visa Atlas is a free, independent encyclopaedia. The authoritative source is always the government link on each page, and we never give legal advice — for your specific case, consult a regulated adviser.