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Long-Stay Visas

The ability to live, work, and study in a European country

Long-Stay Visas

The ability to live, work, and study in a European country

Long-Stay Visas are the First Step

Long-stay visas are the first step

Long-Stay Visas are the First Step

For most Americans, obtaining a long-stay visa is the first step on their journey to Europe. Americans can visit European countries without a visa, but only for tourism and up to 90 days. It is illegal to work or make money in European countries while visiting as a tourist.
 

Starting in 2026, Americans will need to register online with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before arrival.

Once ETIAS begins, US citizens will be required to submit their name, passport, address(es), phone number(s), place of birth, date of birth, education level, occupation, and criminal history. After completing the ETIAS, you will be required to pay a €20 fee to submit the application.  

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Types of Long-Stay Visas

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Each country has its own list of long-stay visas for Americans, and each visa has its own unique requirements (in addition to the general requirements that apply to everyone). This is arguably the most complex part of the entire process, and Geostrata is here to help.
There are long-stay visas for:
 
  • Digital nomads
  • Remote workers
  • Professionals seeking employment
  • Investors and entrepreneurs
  • Retirees and people with passive income
  • Students (including language schools, culinary schools, universities, and more)
  • Researchers and scientists
  • Highly-skilled workers (EU Blue Card)
  • Skilled job seekers
  • College graduates
  • Au pairs
  • Volunteers
  • Seasonal workers
  • And more!

Types of Long-Stay Visas

Each country has its own list of long-stay visas for Americans, and each visa has its own unique requirements (in addition to the general requirements that apply to everyone). This is arguably the most complex part of the entire process, and Geostrata is here to help.
There are long-stay visas for:
 
  • Digital nomads
  • Remote workers
  • Professionals seeking employment
  • Investors and entrepreneurs
  • Retirees and people with passive income
  • Students (including language schools, culinary schools, universities, and more)
  • Researchers and scientists
  • Highly-skilled workers (EU Blue Card)
  • Skilled job seekers
  • College graduates
  • Au pairs
  • Volunteers
  • Seasonal workers
  • And more!

Aerial view of kayakers on wild river

Visa Requirements

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Visa requirements vary depending on what kind of visa you are applying for. Each country has different requirements and different visas. Almost all visas require:

  • That you have adequate income or savings to cover your living expenses during your stay
  • Health insurance that is valid in the Schengen Area for the duration of your stay or until your are eligible to enroll in public healthcare.
  • That you have a residence (apartment, university dorm, hosting agreement, etc.)
  • You to register for a residence permit once you arrive.
  • Some visas require that you have a bank account in the country.
  • A police clearance certificate.

In addition to these basic requirements, each visa as specific requirements. Some requirements (like income) change every year.

Geostrata assists Americans in relocating to over 20 European countries, offering more options and a higher chance of success than anywhere else.

Visa Requirements

View of a cow grazing in a Swiss pasture

Visa requirements vary depending on what kind of visa you are applying for. Each country has different requirements and different visas. Almost all visas require:

  • That you have adequate income or savings to cover your living expenses during your stay
  • Health insurance that is valid in the Schengen Area for the duration of your stay or until your are eligible to enroll in public healthcare.
  • That you have a residence (apartment, university dorm, hosting agreement, etc.)
  • You to register for a residence permit once you arrive.
  • Some visas require that you have a bank account in the country.
  • A police clearance certificate.

 

In addition to these basic requirements, each visa as specific requirements. Some requirements (like income) change every year.

Geostrata assists Americans in relocating to over 20 European countries, offering more options and a higher chance of success than anywhere else.
View of a cow grazing in a Swiss pasture

More options than anywhere else

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Chef looking at pastries in a French bakery

More options than anywhere else

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European Partners
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French baker looking at pastries in the window

Geostrata helps Americans get a Long-Stay Visa

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Our services are designed to make the process smooth

Our full-service relocation program pairs you with an experienced consultant who manages your entire move to Europe from start to finish, so you can focus on the life you are building, not the logistics standing between you and it.
 
Our Concierge relocation service includes:
 
✅ Reviewing all of your visa options across 20+ European countries.
 
✅ A customized roadmap and relocation strategy with long-term goals (like citizenship and permanent residency) included.
 
✅ Visa-compliant health insurance registration 
 
✅ Full legal support: visa application prep and submission, residence permit, tax registration, and more.
 
✅ Housing search
 
✅ Access to our exclusive six-hour, self-paced intercultural and integration training
 
✅ Three hours of 1-on-1 coaching with our Intercultural Expert.
 
✅ Consultation with our ex-pat tax specialist
 
✅ Arrival success meeting

Our Relocate to Europe series of eBooks are designed to provide beginners with a better understanding of the visa process. Our eBooks also include sections on culture, citizenship, EU Long-Term Residency, and a complete list of visas along with their requirements. 

Our hourly consulting service is ideal for people who want access to a Geostrata Expert on their own time.

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