How to Move to Another Country Permanently: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wondering how to move to another country permanently? This guide breaks down each essential step—from securing the right visa to meeting residency requirements—to help make your transition smooth and successful. You might be thinking you only plan to move abroad for a year or two like I did… but have you ever had a plan for your life and it changes? That’s how moving abroad has been for me. I didn’t plan to move to London longer than a couple years, and here I am 5 years later planning to get my permanent residency and British passport. You never know how things might change once you move abroad, and it’s beneficial for you to know what your options are ahead of time.

1. Start with a Visa That Leads to Permanent Residency

When planning a permanent move, the type of visa you choose is really important. Some visas provide a pathway to permanent residency, while others do not. For example, countries often have employment, investment, and family reunification visas that can lead to permanent residency after a set number of years. However, short-term and other types of visas won’t provide this route to permanent residency.

Each country has its timeline, but many require you to hold a qualifying visa for at least 5 years before applying for permanent residency. This helps countries ensure that you are committed to settling in and becoming a part of the community.

2. Obtain Permanent Residency

After holding your visa for the required period (often around five years), you can apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency status gives you the right to live and work in a country indefinitely without the need for frequent visa renewals. It’s similar to holding a “green card” in the U.S. and typically provides access to many of the country’s social benefits, such as healthcare and education.

Permanent Residency Highlights:

• Work and Live: No need to renew visas, and you have the right to work and reside.
• No Passport: Permanent residents won’t receive a passport from the country they are now a resident of.
• Access to Services: Depending on the country, permanent residents can access healthcare and social benefits.
• Political Limitations: You likely won’t have voting rights and may face other political restrictions.

3. Consider Dual Citizenship

If your goal is full integration and a secure, long-term place in your new country, you might explore dual citizenship. While permanent residency gives you many of the same rights as citizens, dual citizenship offers even more advantages.

For example, as a dual citizen, you could hold passports from both your home and new countries, enabling easier travel and offering the freedom to participate in civic life, including voting. However, dual citizenship policies vary: some countries, like the U.S., allow it, but others have restrictions. Check the specific laws of the country you’re interested in.

Benefits of Dual Citizenship:

• Full Civic Rights: Voting and running for office, depending on the country.
• Dual Passports: Simplifies travel and may reduce the need for visas in other countries.
• Social Services: Access to education, healthcare, and other benefits in both countries.

Things to Consider:

• Military or Civic Duties: Some countries require citizens to fulfill specific obligations, like potential military service.
• Tax Implications: As a U.S. citizen, you’re taxed on global income, which can complicate taxes as you will be responsible for taxes in the U.S as well as the country you are living in. However, many countries have tax treaties to prevent double taxation.

Key Differences Between Permanent Residency and Dual Citizenship

Understanding the distinctions between these two statuses will help you make an informed decision about your long-term plans:

• Political Rights: Permanent residents generally cannot vote or hold public office, while citizens can.
• Residency Requirements: Permanent residents might need to spend a certain number of days in the country each year, while citizens usually do not.
• Security: Permanent residency can be revoked under certain conditions (e.g., legal issues), whereas citizenship is typically more secure.

Which Path Is Right for You?

The choice between permanent residency and dual citizenship depends on your goals. If you want to live abroad but aren’t interested in full civic participation or the complexities of dual citizenship, permanent residency offers a simpler solution. On the other hand, if you want full rights and deeper integration, including the ability to vote, dual citizenship may be the better option.

Example Timeline for Moving Permanently to Europe

Year 1: Research and plan, secure a job offer or investment to qualify for a visa, and begin the visa application process.

Years 2–3: Move to your new country, adjust to local life, and meet your visa’s residency requirements.

Years 5–10: After meeting the residency requirements, apply for permanent residency.

Year 6-10+: If desired, apply for citizenship once you qualify for naturalization (AKA dual citizenship)

Countries with Flexible Dual Citizenship Policies for Americans

For those interested in dual citizenship, some countries are more welcoming to U.S. citizens. Portugal, Ireland, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, for example, all allow dual citizenship and have favorable permanent residency laws. Each of these countries permits Americans to apply for permanent residency after five years and offers a path to dual citizenship without requiring you to renounce U.S. citizenship.

Final Thoughts on Making a Permanent Move Abroad

As I said at the beginning, you might not plan to move abroad permanently, but it’s always good to give yourself options. My biggest piece of advice is to ensure you get a visa that will lead to permanent residency, so when the time comes you have the option to gain permanent residency and/or dual citizenship. Options are always good becasue you never know where life might lead!