How to Move to Europe Without a Job Transfer, Marriage, or Ancestry

Once upon a time, I had a dream to move to Europe from the USA. But I didn’t have a job that could transfer me, a foreign partner ready to marry me, or even a single relative born in Europe. I checked—extensively.

So, what was I to do? How could I really make this dream come true without any of these three main pathways to Europe?

Well, I started researching and found that many countries offered alternative ways to obtain visas and residency in Europe. Some of the options included being a freelancer with a certain monthly income, a remote employee with permission to “work from anywhere,” and even European visas for those with rental income from property they owned.

The more I looked into it, the more encouraged I became. It started to seem like where there was a will, there could be a way for me to move to Europe without a job transfer, marriage, or ancestry.

European Visas I Obtained

Here’s a quick history of the visas I’ve had over the years! In 2017, I applied for the German Freelancer visa and was approved in 2018. When it expired in 2020, I was able to renew it for another three years.

I moved back to the US briefly in 2021 and gave up the visa.

In 2023, I applied for the Digital Nomad Visa for Greece and was approved for one year. Before applying for Greek residency, I decided to move to Portugal, where I applied for the D7 visa.

I obtained my Portuguese residency in March 2024, which brings us to the present day.

So, if you’re interested in getting a visa that doesn’t involve getting married, being employed by a company, or family reunification, then you’ll enjoy this post!

Germany Freelancer Visa: Requirements and Application Process

This Freiberufler visa was by far the most involved and required a lot of work on my end. Because of the effort it took, I consider it one of my greatest achievements.

• Proof of Freelance Work:
  • Portfolio showcasing your past work, demonstrating experience and relevance in your field.
  • Letters of intent or contracts from German clients or companies indicating future work.
• Relevant Qualifications:
  • Degrees, certifications, or other documentation proving expertise in your freelance field.
  • Professional licenses (if required for specific professions, e.g., healthcare or law).
• Economic Viability:
  • Evidence that your freelance activity will generate enough income to cover living expenses in Germany.
  • Financial projections or a business plan for your freelance work.
• Sufficient Financial Resources:
  • Proof of adequate savings to support yourself initially, especially if client work isn’t immediately available.
  • Bank statements showing available funds.
• Health Insurance:
  • Valid health insurance coverage recognized in Germany. This is often required to be comprehensive (e.g., public or private German health insurance).
• Residential Address in Germany:
  • Proof of a registered address in Germany, such as a rental contract or lease agreement.
• Professional Contacts in Germany:
  • Letters from German clients indicating intent to hire or collaborate with you.
  • Testimonials or connections with German-based professional associations (optional but helpful).
• Completed Visa Application Form:
  • Properly filled-out freelancer visa application form, available from the German consulate or immigration office.
• Proof of Identity and Citizenship:
  • A valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages for the visa.
• Cover Letter:
  • A letter explaining your freelance business, why you want to work in Germany, and how you plan to establish yourself professionally in the country.
• Application Fee:
  • Payment for the visa application fee, usually between €60-100 (fees may vary).

Other Visa Options to Consider for Germany:

• Job Seeker Visa: Allows up to six months to search for employment in Germany.
• Student Visa: For those admitted to a German educational institution.
• Language Course Visa: For participation in intensive German language courses.

If you want to speak with the relocation agent who helped me secure my visa, Fill this out!

Portugal Residence Visa (D7) – Passive Income Visa

I sort of stumbled upon this visa one night while Googling “easiest visas to get in Europe.” While it wasn’t the absolute easiest, it was definitely doable if you met the requirements.

The main factor that allowed me to pursue this visa was my rental property in the USA, which brought in more than the minimum required rent of €820 per month.

This visa/residency is initially valid for two years and is renewable.

How to Qualify for Portugal’s D7 Visa for Passive Income

• Proof of Passive Income: Show a stable passive income of at least €820 per month (as of 2024) from sources like pensions, rental income, or investments.
• Sufficient Savings: Maintain a minimum balance of €9,840 in a Portuguese bank account to support yourself during your stay.
• Accommodation in Portugal: Provide proof of accommodation, such as a 12-month lease agreement or a property purchase deed.
• Clean Criminal Record: Obtain a criminal record certificate from the FBI or local law enforcement authorities.
• Health Insurance: Secure valid travel insurance with health coverage for the duration of your stay.
• Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF): Obtain a NIF for opening a bank account and completing other legal processes in Portugal.
• Portuguese Bank Account: Open a Portuguese bank account to deposit your savings and receive your passive income.
• Stay Requirement: Commit to residing in Portugal for at least 16 months during the initial two-year period of your residence permit.

Other Visa Options to Consider for Portugal:

• D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa): For entrepreneurs and independent service providers who want to start or invest in a business in Portugal.
• D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa): For individuals with specialized skills, like scientific researchers or professors.
• D4 Visa (Student Visa): For students enrolled in Portuguese institutions for programs lasting over one year.
• D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): For remote workers employed by non-Portuguese companies who want to live in Portugal while working remotely.
• Job Seeker Visa: Allows a stay in Portugal for up to 120 days (extendable by 60 days) to search for employment. If a job is found, the visa holder can apply for a residence permit.
• Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investment Activity): For individuals making significant investments in Portugal, such as real estate purchases or capital transfers, which can lead to residency.

If you’d like to speak with my attorney to see if you qualify for a visa, let me know!

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Easy Option for Remote Workers

The digital nomad visa from Greece was more or less the easiest visa I obtained. I didn’t use a lawyer or relocation agent. 

I collected all the required documents, made my appointment at the Greece embassy in San Francisco, and got my visa. 

Gathering these documents takes a bit of work on your part, but it was worth it to have the opportunity to live in Greece, one of my favorite places in the world! 

The whole process took from start to finish about 3 months. This was back in January 2023 when I first started researching and then getting my appointment at the embassy. 

The Digital Nomad Visa Requirements:

• Non-EU/EEA Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA.
• Remote Employment: Applicants should work for a company outside of Greece or be self-employed with clients based abroad. Employment or business activities within Greece are not permitted under this visa.
• Minimum Income Requirement: Must show a net monthly income of at least €3,500 after taxes. This amount increases by 20% for a spouse/partner and an additional 15% per dependent child.
• Proof of Employment: Provide documentation, such as an employment contract, a letter from an employer confirming remote work capability, or proof of self-employment.
• Declaration Letter: Submit a statement declaring the intention to work remotely from Greece without engaging in employment within Greece.
• Clean Criminal Record: Obtain a certificate from the applicant’s country of residence, confirming no criminal history.
• Health Insurance: Secure health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay in Greece.
• Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of accommodation in Greece, such as a rental agreement or property purchase contract.
• Application Fee: Pay an application fee of €75, plus an additional €150 administrative fee per family member.

Other visas to consider in Greece:

• Study: For students enrolled in Greek educational institutions.
• Research: For researchers participating in scientific projects.
• Financially Independent Persons (FIP) Visa: For individuals with sufficient means to support themselves without working in Greece.
• Golden Visa (Residence Permit for Investment Activity): For individuals making significant investments in Greece, such as real estate purchases, offering a pathway to residency.

Do you want me to connect you to the relocation lawyer I know in Greece? Fill out the form!

Additional European Countries That Offer Visas

If you’re interested in moving to Europe without relying on descent or a foreign employer, here are some visa options worth exploring:

• Spain – Non-Lucrative Visa: Ideal for those with passive income or savings who don’t need to work. This visa requires proof of sufficient funds and offers a pathway to long-term residency.
• Italy – Elective Residence Visa: Aimed at financially self-sufficient individuals who can support themselves without working in Italy. Typically requires proof of income from sources like pensions or investments.
• Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect for remote workers with clients outside Estonia. Allows digital nomads to stay in Estonia while continuing their work remotely.
• Croatia – Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers or freelancers with international clients, allowing them to live in Croatia for up to a year without local employment.
• Malta – Global Residence Program: Provides residency for those with sufficient income from outside Malta and who can invest in property locally.
• Czech Republic – Freelance (Zivno) Visa: Tailored for freelancers, especially in fields like IT, marketing, and creative services. Requires proof of freelance work and income.

I don’t have any personal experience, but these visas offer a range of options for those seeking a European lifestyle without needing an employer or family connections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Europe Without a Job Transfer, Marriage, or Ancestry

Conclusion:

The bottom line is you have options. Nothing I did to get to this point was just “easy,” but I had the strong will to make a new life happen, and so it did.

I recommend thinking long and hard if you really want to move to another country and do all that is required to make it happen.

You can do this!

You Also Might Like:

• How I Got The Germany Freelance Visa
• Pros and Cons of Living in Athens, Greece