Start with what you already have
People lose months comparing countries before they know which route they qualify for. Reverse the order. Answer these 4 questions first:
- Do you hold a job offer from a European employer? If yes, start with routes 1 and 2.
- Do you earn from an employer or clients outside Europe? If yes, look at route 3.
- Will you invoice clients or build a company from inside Europe? Routes 4 and 5.
- Is your spouse, partner or parent already living legally in Europe? Route 6.
Most people match 1 or 2 routes. The country choice comes second, because the same route has different thresholds in each country.
The 6 routes at a glance
| Route | Best for | Money test (2026) | Family can join |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. EU Blue Card | Degree holders with a job offer | €50,700/yr Germany, €5,942/mo Netherlands | Yes, spouse can work |
| 2. Skilled worker permit | Job offers below Blue Card pay | From €4,357/mo (NL, under 30) | Yes |
| 3. Digital nomad visa | Remote employees and freelancers | €2,849/mo Spain, €3,680/mo Portugal | Yes, income rises per person |
| 4. Freelancer permit | Self-employed with local demand | Business plan and client evidence | Usually yes |
| 5. Founder visa | Innovative startups | Plan, funds and sometimes an endorser | Usually yes |
| 6. Family reunification | Spouses, partners, children | Sponsor's income and housing | It is the family route |
1. EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is the strongest work permit in Europe for people with a university degree and a qualifying job offer. Every EU country except Denmark and Ireland runs one, and each sets its own salary floor.
- Germany: €50,700 a year, or €45,934.20 for shortage roles (IT, maths, science, engineering, healthcare) and graduates of the last 3 years.
- Netherlands: €5,942 a month excluding holiday pay, or €4,754 for recent graduates.
Why it is worth the effort: in Germany it leads to permanent residence after 27 months, or 21 months with B1 German. Your spouse can join without a German test and can work from day 1. After 12 months you can move to another Blue Card country with a simpler process.
Full breakdown in our Blue Card salary guide and on the EU Blue Card service page.
2. National skilled worker permits
When the offer does not reach Blue Card pay, a national permit often does. The Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant permit is the clearest example in 2026:
- €5,942 a month at age 30 and over
- €4,357 a month under 30
- €3,122 a month after a Dutch search year or for qualifying recent graduates
The employer must be a recognised sponsor with the Dutch immigration service. Germany's skilled worker route covers people with recognised vocational qualifications as well as degrees. See skilled worker visas.
3. Digital nomad visas
Built for people whose income comes from outside the country. In 2026 the two most requested are:
- Spain: €2,849 a month for one person. Up to 20% of income can come from Spanish clients. The employer or client company must have existed for at least 12 months.
- Portugal (D8): €3,680 a month, plus €11,040 in savings held in a Portuguese bank.
Compare them in the digital nomad income guide.
4. Freelancer and self-employment permits
For people who will invoice clients from inside the country. Authorities look at 3 things: a credible business plan, proof of demand (letters of intent from clients) and enough income to live on. Germany's freelance residence permit and the Dutch self-employed permit are the most common. See freelancer visas.
5. Founder and startup visas
For people building an innovative company. Several schemes need endorsement from an approved facilitator or incubator, and most expect proof of funds to cover the first year. The bar is innovation, not just a viable business. See founder visas.
6. Family reunification
For spouses, registered partners and children of people already living legally in Europe. The sponsor carries the tests: stable income, adequate housing and, in some countries, a basic language test for the joining partner. Blue Card holders get faster, easier family rules. See family reunification.
A bridge route: job-search visas
Germany's Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) lets you live in Germany for up to 12 months while you look for work, and work part time up to 20 hours a week. You need 6 points on its scoring system (degree, language, experience, age and links to Germany) and about €1,091 a month in proof of funds in 2026. Once you land a qualifying job, you switch to route 1 or 2 without leaving the country.
How to choose between two routes
If you qualify for more than one, rank them on these 3 tests, in order:
- Time to permanent residence. Shorter wins, because it ends renewals.
- Family rights. Can your partner work from day 1?
- Mobility. Can you change employer or country without starting again?
For employees this usually points to the Blue Card. For remote workers it usually points to Spain or Portugal. Our free evaluation checks your profile against all 6 routes across 12 countries and tells you which ones you already qualify for.
Quick answers
What is the easiest way to move to Europe?
The easiest route is the one you already qualify for. With a degree and a job offer it is usually the EU Blue Card. With remote income it is usually a digital nomad visa, such as Spain at €2,849 a month in 2026.
Can I move to Europe without a job offer?
Yes. Digital nomad visas, freelancer permits, founder visas, family reunification and Germany's Opportunity Card all work without a local job offer.
Which European country is easiest to get residency in?
It depends on your route. For remote workers, Spain has the lowest income bar of the major digital nomad visas in 2026. For employees, Germany offers the fastest path to permanent residence through the Blue Card.
How long does it take to move to Europe?
Most work and remote-work visas take 1 to 5 months from first documents to approval, depending on the consulate. Germany quotes 4 to 20 weeks for national visas.
Do I need a degree to move to Europe?
Not for every route. Digital nomad visas accept a degree or 3 years of experience in Spain, and Germany offers the Blue Card to IT specialists without a degree who have 3 years of recent experience.
Figures are those published for 2026 and change each year, usually in January. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check with the relevant authority or ask an advisor before applying.
