Open any business publication, and you'll find the same story: invest half a million euros in real estate or buy some bonds to get EU residency. Forums, meanwhile, are teeming with questions about obtaining citizenship by descent. While these routes still work in some countries, they're far from the only options. Here's what doesn't make headlines that often but actually works.
1. Germany's Chancenkarte
Germany's new opportunity card offers a one-year period to find work in the country. The requirements? You'll need to prove that you have completed (at least) two years of vocational training or have a university degree and that you have basic knowledge of German (A1) or English (B2). Add enough savings to support yourself for the job search period - and you are ready to go.
No property investment or business creation needed – just your skills and financial planning. Do you want the best part? After one year, if you are not a fan of working for other people you can stay as a Self-employed if you qualify.
2. Digital Nomad Routes
Spain, Portugal, and Greece stand out in Europe's nomad visa landscape by offering actual paths to citizenship, not just temporary stays. Be advised, minimum income requirements vary between countries, so if Spain is too expensive for you at the moment, Portugal may be just what you need.
What many don't realize: these visas often work for freelancers and self-employed professionals too. The key is demonstrating stable income from foreign sources. By the way, Spanish Nomad visa will even allow you to start cultivating some local client base (within limits, though)
3. The Payroll Solution
Many remote workers secure EU residency through local payroll companies while keeping their foreign employers. This may work with your current employer or with your new job. Downside? You will likely earn less, because this kind of setups usually bear additional costs for the employer and, unless they are very eager to hire you, they will likely try to push these on you. Furthermore, you might not get all the fancy perks of working for the big company with a shining brand.
Be aware: this practice is catching authorities' attention, and regulations may tighten soon. Netherlands is among those concerned, because some use payroll schemes to obtain a 30% tax discount (so called 30% Ruling) while not really qualifying for it. So, consider it a limited-time opportunity rather than a permanent solution.
4. The Blue Card Path
Blue card is a great solution for expats who believe that they might want to move to another European country before they get their citizenship.
Another good news is that the salary requirements for EU Blue Cards vary dramatically between countries. While the Netherlands sets high thresholds, Cyprus or Greece might consider the same profession qualified with a lower salary. Strategic choice of country can make a significant difference.
5. Life-long Education Path
Adult education is an overlooked path. Combining upskilling with a relocation may come in handy, especially, if your current profession doesn't allow for easy relocation. Not all university programs are for the 20-year olds, make sure to check the age cap, if any, before writing this option off.
Depending on your choice, situation, and, let's be honest, luck you might even get a scholarship.
Depending on your choice, situation, and, let's be honest, luck you might even get a scholarship.
Critical things to remember:
- Know your true goal: if you're in a nomad phase, you'll have more options than if you're looking to settle permanently; if you want a second citizenship, look not only at the residence period requirements, but also at the legality of double citizenship
- Choose your country thoughtfully: it's not just about the easiest path – this place might turn out to be the one where you build your career and relationships for the rest of your life. Make sure the lifestyle, professional opportunities, and cultural values align (or, at least, are not at odds) with yours
- Remember the EU advantage: once you obtain citizenship in any EU country, you can live and work in any other member state. So even if your only option is repatriation to a country that's not your dream destination, you can use it as a stepping stone to where you actually want to be (assuming no more *exits happen) (Yes, this last bit is a contradiction to the previous one, but every rule has some exceptions)
- Don't forget about the language: Even in the Netherlands where everybody speaks English, there will be many opportunities that will only open once you learn Dutch. In many countries local language will be the key, if not to career, than to your adaptation and integration.