Europe is a continent that consists of many different countries, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. You can choose from a multitude of European countries to live in! In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing some of the countries and why they might be right for you, as well as what you’ll need before deciding to live there.
1) Spain
If you’re looking for an affordable option near the coast, Spain is the place for you! There are plenty of jobs in tourism and agriculture, but there are also many other opportunities that will be available to you. For many people outside of Europe, living in countries like Spain and Portugal can be achieved with the help of golden visas that enable them to reside in that country for a period of time. The best part about living in Spain is that the cost of living is significantly lower than in other European countries, but you can still live an extremely comfortable life. There are also 300 days of sun every year – perfect for those who love to be outside! The people here are known for being very easy-going which can either work to your advantage or disadvantage if you’re looking for a very strict culture.
2) France
This country has great weather all year round, making it perfect for those who want an outdoor lifestyle or work outdoors. The cost of living in France is considered average when compared with other European countries but there are still many affordable places to live if you don’t mind having roommates or sharing your space with someone else.
3) Sweden
This country is known for its very safe and clean streets. Sweden has a very progressive government that strives to do what’s best for its people. Some of the most popular places to live here are Stockholm, Malmö, and Gothenburg. As a non-EU resident, you’ll need a residence permit to work in Sweden. This visa needs to be applied for at the Swedish embassy or consulate where you live or plan on working. You can also apply for a work permit that will allow you to work in Sweden while your application is being processed.
4) Italy
Italian food has taken the world by storm and now you can experience it firsthand by living in Italy! This country has great weather, delicious food, and many different cultures to experience. If you’re looking for an affordable cost of living, this is the country for you!
5) Portugal
This country’s capital city, Lisbon, has been named one of the most popular cities in the world to visit. You can experience this exciting culture firsthand by choosing to live here. The food and wine are amazing, but if you prefer hotter weather there are other options for you in different cities.
6) Germany
This country is all about work-life balance! People often have a very long work week but are compensated for their hard work with a high salary. The cost of living here is very affordable!
Getting a Visa
Before you decide to live in Europe, for example in Germany, you’ll need to make sure that you have your visas sorted out. Since Germany is a member of the European Union, you’ll need to apply for an EU visa. Here are the steps to take if you’re not an EU citizen:
1) Eligibility
Find out whether or not you are eligible for visa exemption, which means that you can stay in Germany for up to 3 months without needing a visa. You might be exempt if your country has signed an agreement with Germany about short-term stays, or because it’s part of the Schengen Visa-free area where residents don’t need visas to visit other countries included in this area (which includes most European countries). If you’re not sure about your country’s eligibility, check the German Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
2) Registration of Residency
If you do need a visa, make sure to apply for an “Anmeldung” (registration of residency). This is basically like applying for a library card at the library; it simply registers your address with the city. You can get this done at the same time that you are filing for your visa, but if it has been more than 3 months since you got your visa, you can apply for it anytime at any registration office (in Germany they are called “Bürgeramt”).
3) Alien Registration
Make sure to register with your nearest Alien Registration Office (Ausländeramt). This is one step short of becoming a full-fledged citizen, so if you wish to live in Germany for longer than 3 months or even become a citizen, you’ll need to register with this office. For now though, just know that registering with the Alien Registration Office is required for all residents who don’t already have an EU visa.
4) Long-term Visa
If you plan on staying longer than 3 months, apply for a visa as soon as possible! Keep in mind that if you’re planning to visit multiple countries during your stay in Europe, you’ll need to get visas for each of these countries too. Each country has its own rules and regulations about the length of time and purpose of stay, so make sure to do your research before you apply for a visa.
5) EU Visa Requirements
To file for an EU visa, you’ll need to provide the following:
– A valid passport (make sure it’s not going to expire in the next 6 months!)
– Your residence permit (Anmeldung)
– A travel ticket to and from Germany (plane, train, bus, etc.)
– Proof of your financial means to support yourself in Germany
– Proof of health insurance
– Proof of your registered address in Germany
– Your bank account number
– Digital passport photos
– A completed visa application form
If you are looking for a place to live in Europe, there are many options available. You can choose from living in the mountains or the sea and have an affordable cost of living depending on what country is right for you! If you’re not sure which country would be best suited for your needs, read this article about how each European nation’s culture will impact your lifestyle. Once that decision has been made, it’s time to apply for a visa. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to file for an EU visa if you want to stay more than three months!
Photo by Victoriano Izquierdo on Unsplash
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