Whether you are looking to move out to a foreign country for work, visiting for your business queries, or spending vacations, residency is a basic human need for survival. From navigating visa processes to understanding residency requirements, there’s a lot to consider on how to become a resident in a foreign country.
It could be to gain a financial boost in your life—economic problems in your current location, looking for a change of environment, etc. In this article, we’ll discuss the ways to acquire residency in a foreign country and all the essential information you need before planning the big move. Let’s dive in!
Acquiring Residency in a Foreign Country
In an increasingly interconnected world, the dream of living in a foreign country has never been stronger. Whether driven by career prospects, lifestyle preferences, or a desire for new experiences, individuals worldwide are increasingly exploring avenues to secure residency or citizenship in foreign lands.
As globalization continues to break down barriers, the process of obtaining residency in another country presents a multitude of options and pathways. Here are some of the ways you can approach a residency application around the world:
On the Basis of Specialized Skills
Getting permanent residence in a foreign country based on specialized skills often involves programs designed to attract talented individuals who can contribute to the host country’s economy, innovation, and workforce. These programs typically prioritize individuals with skills that are in high demand and align with the specific needs and priorities of the country’s labor market. Here’s how you can get permanent residence based on your skills, along with some leading skills in 2024:
- Research Immigration Programs: Research immigration programs offered by the country you’re interested in.
- Assess Eligibility: Determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the skilled worker program. This often includes factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and age.
- Submit Expression of Interest or Application: Depending on the program, you may need to submit an expression of interest or formal application indicating your interest in obtaining permanent residence based on your skills.
- Complete Medical and Background Checks: Once invited to apply, candidates may need to undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates to make sure that they meet health and character requirements for immigration.
Leading Skills in 2024:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science and Analytics
- Renewable Energy
- Healthcare and Biotechnology
- Blockchain Technology
- Remote Collaboration and Management
- Cultural Competence and Diversity Management
Student Visa
If you are a student, who has a good academic record, there is a pathway for you if you desire to acquire residency in a foreign country.
Once you have chosen a program and institution, you need to apply for admission. Follow the application process outlined by the institution, which may include submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Upon acceptance into the program, the institution will issue you an official letter of acceptance or offer of admission. This letter is a crucial document that you will need when applying for your student visa.
Once your student visa is approved, you will receive it stamped in your passport or as a separate document. Make sure to carefully review the visa to understand any conditions or restrictions. You can then make travel arrangements and prepare for your studies abroad.
After arriving in the host country, make sure to comply with all visa regulations and requirements. This may include maintaining full-time enrollment at the educational institution, reporting changes in address or academic program, and adhering to any restrictions on employment or other activities permitted under the student visa.
Investor Visa
An Investor Visa is a path to residency and potential citizenship in a foreign country, but it comes with a price tag. Unlike other visas, it requires a substantial financial commitment in the form of an investment. This investment can be in various forms, depending on the specific visa program and the country.
The minimum investment amount varies significantly between countries and even within different programs offered by the same country. For instance, the UAE offers several investor visa options:
- Golden Visa: By investing a minimum of AED 2 million (approximately USD 545,000) in real estate, you can obtain a renewable 5-year visa.
- Green Visa: This visa targets established investors who set up or participate in commercial activities with an approved investment amount based on an investor rating system.
- Investing in the public sector: This option grants a 10-year visa for investments of AED 10 million (approximately USD 2.72 million) in public funds, companies, or establishing a new company with that capital.
While the investment is a key element, it’s not the sole factor. Additional requirements might include:
- Business plan: Depending on the program, you may need to present a detailed business plan outlining your proposed venture.
- Medical tests: Most countries require applicants to undergo medical examinations to ensure they meet health standards.
- Security clearance: Background checks are often conducted to verify your identity and criminal history.
Freelancer Visa
Freelancing offers exciting opportunities to work remotely, collaborate with diverse clients, and be your own boss. However, if you dream of living and freelancing in another country, you’ll likely need a freelancer visa.
Freelancer visas are a specific type of Visa designed for individuals who are self-employed and provide services directly to clients, typically without a traditional employer-employee relationship. These visas acknowledge the growing global freelance trend and cater to skilled individuals seeking a change of scenery.
While specific requirements vary by country, here are some commonly requested documents for a freelancer visa:
- Proof of Freelancing Career: This can include:
- Work Portfolio: Showcase your past projects and expertise.
- Client contracts: Demonstrate existing or potential freelance engagements.
- Financial statements: Proof of income stability through bank statements, invoices, or tax returns.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight your relevant skills and experience.
- Business Plan: In some cases, countries might require a detailed business plan outlining your proposed freelance activities.
- Health Insurance: Most countries require proof of valid health insurance coverage.
- Local Sponsor: Certain programs might require collaboration with a local sponsor or business partner.
Several countries actively attract skilled freelancers:
- Europe: Portugal, Spain, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Estonia are known for offering freelancer-friendly visa programs.
- Middle East: The UAE’s “Freelance Visa” and “Green Visa” cater to freelancers with varying income levels and specific skills.
- Latin America: Mexico and Costa Rica provide attractive options for those seeking a vibrant freelance scene in a warmer climate.
Now that we have discussed the various common types of ways that you can choose to facilitate your residency in a foreign country, it is important to know which country is ideal in your scenario.
How to Get a Residency in a New Country
To become a permanent resident in a new country, expatriates will first have to obtain the relevant country’s citizenship. Every country has its own set of rules and specifications when it comes to accepting permanent residency applications for foreigners. However, a good example to look at for citizenship is the US.
Getting a Green Card
The first step to becoming a permanent resident is getting a green card and holding it for a set duration. Throughout this duration, individuals will have to uphold the country’s values and be model citizens, mainly by abstaining from unlawful activities.
To get a green card, you will first need to apply or have someone apply on your behalf. So, for example, individuals who are looking for employment in the US will need their business to apply for a green card on their behalf.
However, meeting the necessary eligibility requirements for a green card is only the first step to getting one. The next step includes submitting all of the relevant paperwork, which can also include the individual’s sponsor to concurrently file their petition on behalf of the applicant.
Following a series of medical examinations and another round of filings, an individual will likely receive their green card. After which, they will be allowed to stay in the country for a period of five or three years, after which their citizenship will be evaluated.
Passing the Citizenship Test
Every country has a version of the citizenship test, which tests an individual’s different skills, such as reading, writing, and speaking. So, along with holding the green card for a specific timeframe, which can change depending on an individual’s overall eligibility, they will also have to pass a citizenship test.
The Language Test
The US version of the citizenship test is the United States Naturalization Test, which will feature a civics test and a language test. As previously mentioned, the language test assesses an individual’s ability to effectively speak, read, and write English.
The Civics Test
The civics test is an oral exam with questions about the country’s government, history, and important facts about different states. Individuals will have to answer ten questions from the examiner, out of which they have to get six correct. It is also important to mention that some questions can change due to elections or other developments in the country.
Each applicant will get two attempts to answer all of the questions related to language and civics and get the necessary marks to pass. If the applicant fails to pass the naturalization test the first time, they will get another chance through a reexamination. However, if they do not pass the examination, USCIS will deny their application, and they will not have any more attempts to enter the country.
Spending Time in the Country
If the applicant successfully answers the right questions while staying in the country for a set time, they will become a permanent resident of the US. Applicants will have to stay in the country for at least five. If they leave the country for over a year, this requirement will reset, forcing applicants to spend another five or three years consecutively in the country.
Green card holders can leave the country, but staying abroad for more than six months can put an individual’s status as a permanent resident at risk. Individuals will face scrutiny when entering the US if they stay for longer than six months. If they stay for longer than a year, they will also need a reentry permit.
Other countries can have other requirements or procedures that individuals would likely have to go through to become a permanent citizen. Therefore, it is important to do extensive research about certain countries and their citizenship policy.
Wrapping Up
It’s clear that this journey is filled with both challenges and exciting opportunities. Throughout this process, it’s vital to arm yourself with knowledge about the various pathways available and to carefully consider the unique requirements of each option.
Whether you’re exploring opportunities based on specialized skills, academic achievements, entrepreneurial pursuits, or freelance work, there’s a path to residency that aligns with your goals and aspirations. By doing your homework, seeking advice from experts, and ensuring compliance with local regulations, you can navigate the complexities of the visa process with confidence and ease.
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FAQs
How Can I Permanently Stay in a Foreign Country?
Individuals looking to permanently live in a foreign country will likely have to apply for a work-related visa to live in the country. Even if people are looking to earn for themselves, they can still apply for a small business Visa or entrepreneurial Visa.
What Country is the Easiest to Move to?
Argentina is the easiest country to get a second citizenship, offering the fastest route through both citizenship by marriage and passport by naturalization.
Which country has the Best Passport?
Germany and Japan have some of the strongest passports in the world, with visa-free entry in over 194 countries. The US and Canada are also close, with both countries allowing citizens to travel to 189 countries.
Which Country is the Best One to Live in Permanently?
When it comes to countries that are best to live in, Sweden outranks others by a significant degree. The country has a quality of life score of 100, offering better access to essentials like food, housing, and jobs.
