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Visa Atlas

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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All destinations · Europe

Europe visas

314 immigration and residence routes across 55 Europe destinations. Every route links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date. We never give legal advice.

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🇬🇧United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland· 12 routes

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.

All 12 United Kingdom routes

🇮🇪Republic of Ireland· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Ireland routes

🇩🇪Federal Republic of Germany· 8 routes

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)

    Historic 6-month job-search visa for applicants abroad, superseded by the Chancenkarte; §20 AufenthG now covers job search after study or training completed in Germany.

All 8 Germany routes

🇵🇹Portuguese Republic· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Portugal routes

🇪🇸Kingdom of Spain· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Spain routes

🇳🇱Kingdom of the Netherlands· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Netherlands routes

🇫🇷French Republic· 6 routes

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

    Multi-year residence permit for qualified employees earning at least EUR 39,582 gross per year, 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 gross annual salary of at least EUR 59,373 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· 5 routes

Country overview
  • Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

    Italian citizenship recognition through ius sanguinis, now subject to the 2025 limits for many applicants born abroad with another citizenship.

  • EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)

    EU-wide highly qualified worker permit for Italy — requires a highly qualified profile and an Italian employment offer meeting the current Carta Blu UE pay rules.

  • 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.

🇨🇭Swiss Confederation· 5 routes

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 Sweden· 4 routes

Country overview
  • Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)

    Sweden's main employer-sponsored work permit — requires a signed employment contract 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 — first- and second-cycle students are generally capped at 15 work hours per week during semesters.

🇦🇹Republic of Austria· 5 routes

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

    Austria's criteria-based work and residence permit for qualified third-country workers, with category-specific 55-point, 70-point, graduate, self-employed, and start-up routes.

  • 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· 5 routes

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· 4 routes

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

    Norway's main work permit for skilled workers requires a concrete job offer, relevant qualifications, normally full-time work (at least 80% can be accepted), and pay that meets UDI's normal-pay rules. It can lead to permanent residence after 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.

  • International Company Assignment Permit

    Residence permit for skilled workers employed abroad who are assigned to a Norwegian branch or Norwegian client company.

  • 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· 3 routes

Country overview
  • Residence permit for a specialist

    Fast-track Finnish work residence route for highly skilled expert roles with confirmed employment, a 2026 salary floor of EUR 3,937/month, and a EUR 530 electronic first-permit fee.

  • 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· 3 routes

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· 3 routes

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· 3 routes

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· 3 routes

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· 3 routes

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· 3 routes

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· 3 routes

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· 3 routes

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.

🇬🇪Georgia· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Georgia routes

🇭🇷Republic of Croatia· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Croatia routes

🇭🇺Hungary· 8 routes

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.

All 8 Hungary routes

🇷🇸Republic of Serbia· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Serbia routes

🇧🇬Republic of Bulgaria· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Bulgaria routes

🇷🇴Romania· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Romania routes

🇦🇲Republic of Armenia· 6 routes

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· 6 routes

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.

🇲🇪Montenegro· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Montenegro routes

🇲🇩Republic of Moldova· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Moldova routes

🇸🇮Republic of Slovenia· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Slovenia routes

🇦🇿Republic of Azerbaijan· 5 routes

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.

🇮🇸Iceland· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Iceland routes

🇱🇹Republic of Lithuania· 7 routes

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.

All 7 Lithuania routes

🇱🇻Republic of Latvia· 8 routes

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.

All 8 Latvia routes

🇸🇰Slovak Republic· 6 routes

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.

🇱🇮Principality of Liechtenstein· 5 routes

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.

🇦🇩Principality of Andorra· 6 routes

Country overview
  • Residence and Work Authorisation (A.1)

    Andorra authorisation for a newcomer to reside and work permanently and effectively while the permit is valid.

  • Self-Employed Residence and Work Authorisation (J.1)

    Andorra route for a newcomer to reside in Andorra and carry out self-employed activity during the permit period.

  • Digital Nomad Residence (D.3)

    Andorra residence route for remote workers whose work does not require a fixed geographic location and who use telecommunications and technology.

  • Family Reunification Residence (B.1)

    Andorra residence authorisation for qualifying family members joining an Andorran national or a residence-and-work permit holder who lives in Andorra.

  • Study, Training, Elite Sport or Research Authorisation (F)

    Andorra authorisation to live in the country while studying, doing training, elite sport training or scientific or similar research.

  • Border Worker Authorisation (C.1)

    Andorra work authorisation for a person who works in Andorra but habitually spends the night outside Andorran territory.

🇲🇨Principality of Monaco· 3 routes

Country overview
  • Residence Permit

    Monaco residence permit for anyone aged at least 16 who wants to reside in Monaco for more than three months in a year or settle there.

  • Employment Authorisation through the Employment Office

    Employer-led Monaco recruitment route where job offers are reported to the Employment Office and priority candidates are considered first.

  • Domestic Staff Work Permit

    Monaco route for private individuals hiring domestic staff at their Monaco residence, with Employment Office authorisation and work-permit handling.

🇸🇲Republic of San Marino· 7 routes

Country overview
  • Work Stay Permit

    Temporary stay permit route for foreign nationals regularising a work-based stay in San Marino.

  • Family Reunification Stay Permit

    Temporary stay permit for family reunification with a spouse or children, or for cohabitation cases named by San Marino guidance.

  • Special Stay Permit for Education

    Special temporary stay permit for education in San Marino.

  • Registered Residence Permit

    Long-term San Marino residence for family reunification with a citizen, business establishment or management positions.

  • Elective Residence Permit

    Long-term residence for foreign nationals who establish residence through a qualifying property or financial investment.

  • Atypical Residence under Facilitated Tax Regime

    Residence route for foreign citizens taking up abode in San Marino while generating income abroad under the facilitated tax regime.

All 7 San Marino routes

🇧🇦Bosnia and Herzegovina· 7 routes

Country overview
  • Visa-Free Stay

    Short stay for nationals covered by Bosnia and Herzegovina visa-free arrangements.

  • Temporary Residence for Employment with Work Permit

    Temporary residence route for employment specified in an issued Bosnia and Herzegovina work permit.

  • Temporary Residence for Work without Work Permit

    Temporary residence basis for listed work categories that may apply without a separate work permit.

  • Temporary Residence for Family Reunification

    Temporary residence route for marriage to a Bosnia and Herzegovina citizen, extramarital community with a citizen or family reunification.

  • Temporary Residence for Education

    Temporary residence route for education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  • Temporary Residence Based on Real Estate Ownership

    Temporary residence ground for ownership of real estate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

All 7 Bosnia and Herzegovina routes

🇲🇰Republic of North Macedonia· 6 routes

Country overview
  • Short-Stay and Transit Visa (C Visa)

    Short-stay or transit visa for travel to North Macedonia for up to 90 days, or transit for up to 5 days.

  • Business Visit C Visa

    Short-stay business visitor route supported by an invitation letter from a registered legal entity or state body.

  • Long-Stay D Visa for Work Temporary Residence

    D visa route used after a Ministry of Interior temporary residence decision for work in North Macedonia.

  • Long-Stay D Visa for Study Temporary Residence

    D visa route linked to temporary residence for study, exchange, training, volunteering or research.

  • Long-Stay D Visa for Family Reunion

    D visa route linked to temporary residence for family reunion or close family of a North Macedonia citizen.

  • Temporary Residence for Eligible Property Owner

    Temporary residence ground for eligible EU or OECD residents who acquire qualifying residential property in North Macedonia.

🇺🇦Ukraine· 8 routes

Country overview
  • Short Stay and Extension of Stay

    Ukraine visitor-stay framework and extension process for people who need extra lawful stay time.

  • Temporary Residence Permit for Employment

    Temporary residence permit route for foreigners arriving in Ukraine for employment.

  • Temporary Residence Permit for Founder or Beneficial Owner

    Temporary residence for qualifying founders, participants or beneficial owners of Ukrainian legal entities.

  • Temporary Residence Permit for Study

    Temporary residence permit for foreigners who arrive in Ukraine to study.

  • Temporary Residence Permit for Family Reunification

    Temporary residence route for spouses and family members joining a Ukrainian citizen or qualifying resident.

  • Immigration Permit

    Permit route for people qualifying to immigrate to Ukraine permanently under quota or non-quota categories.

All 8 Ukraine routes

🇽🇰Republic of Kosovo· 7 routes

Country overview
  • Visitor Invitation for Foreign Citizens

    Host-supported visitor invitation used for short visits to Kosovo.

  • Temporary Residence Permit for Work

    Temporary residence route for employment in Kosovo, with a business-owner exception to the employment-contract requirement.

  • Temporary Residence Permit for Family Reunification

    Temporary residence route for spouses, children and other qualifying family members joining a Kosovo citizen or sponsor.

  • Temporary Residence Permit for Pre-University Education

    Temporary residence route for school-level education in Kosovo, including parent or guardian consent and accommodation evidence.

  • Temporary Residence Permit for Higher Education or Scientific Research

    Temporary residence route for higher education, student mobility, authorised practice and scientific research in Kosovo.

  • Permanent Residence Permit

    Permanent residence route after qualifying continuous temporary residence in Kosovo.

All 7 Kosovo routes

🇻🇦Holy See (Vatican City State)· 4 routes

Country overview
  • Public Visitor Access

    Public-access note for visitors entering only those Vatican City State areas that are open to the public; it is not a standalone Vatican tourist visa.

  • Restricted Access Permit or Access Card

    Governorate-controlled permission for non-citizens or non-residents who need to enter restricted Vatican City State territory.

  • Authorised Residence

    Residence authorisation in Vatican City State for tightly defined family, domestic-collaborator or other appropriate cases under the Governorate law.

  • Office or Service-Linked Citizenship

    Highly limited Vatican City State citizenship linked to cardinals, Holy See diplomats, office or service residence, papal authorisation and defined family cases.

🇧🇾Republic of Belarus· 9 routes

Country overview
  • E-visa

    Single-entry Belarus e-visa for eligible ordinary-passport holders visiting for tourism, private, business, event or internship purposes.

  • Visa-Free Entry

    Belarus visa-free entry regimes, including nationality agreements, selected airport entry, European road and rail entry, and the Brest-Grodno tourist zone.

  • Transit Through Belarus

    Transit framework for travellers passing through Belarus, including visa-free airport transfer cases and the short transit-visa framework.

  • Short-Term Tourist Visa

    Traditional Belarus tourist entry visa for travellers who need a visa or do not fit the e-visa or visa-free frameworks.

  • Business Entry Visa

    Belarus business-travel entry visa route supported by a Belarusian legal entity, with short-term and long-term visa possibilities.

  • Private-Purpose Entry Visa

    Belarus private-purpose visa route for family, invitation, medical, accompanying-family and related private-affairs cases.

All 9 Belarus routes

🇷🇺Russian Federation· 3 routes

Country overview
  • Unified eVisa

    Official Russian MFA single-entry eVisa for eligible nationalities and approved short-stay purposes.

  • Regular Consular Visa

    Regular Russian visa route through a diplomatic mission or consular post when eVisa does not fit.

  • eVisa Emergency Extension

    Emergency extension handling for Russian eVisa validity or permitted stay when departure is impossible.

🇬🇮Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory)· 4 routes

Country overview
  • Visitor Visa and Immigration Checks

    Gibraltar immigration route for travellers checking visitor visa and entry treatment with the Department of Immigration and Home Affairs.

  • Civilian Registration Card / Gibraltar ID Card

    Gibraltar registration-card route for eligible residents applying for an identity card or civilian registration card.

  • Work Permit

    Employer-led Gibraltar route for engaging a non-entitled worker through Department of Employment work-permit forms.

  • Detached Worker Notification

    Gibraltar route for employers registering temporary employment of a detached worker.

🇯🇪Jersey (British Crown Dependency)· 5 routes

Country overview
  • Immigration Permission and Visa

    Jersey immigration-permission route for travellers checking whether they need a visa or permission to visit, work, study or live in Jersey.

  • Work Permit

    Employer-led Jersey work-permit route for people who are not British or Irish and need immigration permission to work in Jersey.

  • Register as a Jersey Resident

    Arrival registration route for people moving to Jersey who need a registration card showing residential and employment status.

  • Residential and Employment Status

    Jersey status framework determining where a person can live and work through Entitled, Licensed, Entitled for Work and Registered categories.

  • Customs and Immigration Arrival

    Jersey arrival compliance route for people moving with belongings, vehicles, pets or work plans.

🇬🇬Bailiwick of Guernsey (British Crown Dependency)· 5 routes

Country overview
  • Guernsey Visa Application Guidance

    Official Guernsey visa guidance for people applying to visit, live or work in the Bailiwick.

  • Employment Permit

    Employer-led Guernsey employment permit route for non-British or Irish citizens and other workers needing permission to work.

  • Population Management Permit or Certificate

    Guernsey paperless permit or certificate route confirming the right to live and work in Guernsey and any conditions that apply.

  • Personal Circumstances Certificate or Permit

    Guernsey Population Management route for certificates or permits based on personal circumstances such as family or household connection.

  • ETA and Immigration Status Evidence

    Guernsey travel-status guidance for ETA requirements, paper immigration permission and carrier checks.

🇫🇴Faroe Islands (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)· 9 routes

Country overview
  • Visa to the Faroe Islands

    Official short-stay visa handling for travellers who need a visa to visit the Faroe Islands.

  • EU Scheme - Pre-Approved Employer

    Faroe Islands work-permit pathway for EU applicants whose employer is pre-approved under the official EU Scheme.

  • EU Scheme - Employer Not Pre-Approved

    Faroe Islands EU Scheme route for EU workers whose employer is not pre-approved.

  • Third-Country Work Permit

    Faroe Islands work-permit route for third-country applicants, including the sports-agreement handling referenced by the official page.

  • Fast Track in the Faroe Islands

    Official Fast Track route for qualifying work in the Faroe Islands where the employer and case fit the dedicated page.

  • Family Reunification

    Official Faroe Islands residence route for eligible family reunification cases.

All 9 Faroe Islands routes

🇳🇴Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago)· 4 routes

Country overview
  • No Svalbard Visa, Work Permit or Residence Permit Needed

    Svalbard-specific rule: foreign citizens do not need a Norwegian visa or work/residence permit for Svalbard itself.

  • Schengen Transit or Double-Entry Visa for Svalbard Travel

    Schengen visa planning route for visa nationals travelling to Svalbard through mainland Norway.

  • Support and Housing Requirement for Staying in Svalbard

    Practical Svalbard stay requirement: people must have means to reside and are advised to arrange work and housing before arrival.

  • Governor Services for Mainland Norway Permits and Citizenship

    Governor of Svalbard service point for Norwegian immigration forms, visa matters, residence-permit applications and citizenship applications forwarded to UDI.

🇮🇲Isle of Man (British Crown Dependency)· 4 routes

Country overview
  • Immigration Permission and Visa Check

    Isle of Man immigration check route for visitors, workers, students, families and business travellers using official Isle of Man Government guidance.

  • Work Permit

    Isle of Man work-permit authority route for employers and workers checking local permission before employment starts.

  • Immigration Rules and Associated Policy

    Isle of Man rules-and-policy check for applicants who need the legal basis behind visit, work, settlement, study, business or family permission.

  • Study, Business or Settle Authority Check

    Isle of Man authority-check route for study, business and settlement cases where the applicant needs current official direction before filing.

Frequently asked questions

How many Europe destinations does Visa Atlas cover?+−

Visa Atlas covers 55 Europe destinations and 314 immigration and residence routes between them. Every route links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.

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.