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Long-Stay Visas

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

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Long-Stay Visas

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

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

European Countries
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Chef looking at pastries in a French bakery

More options than anywhere else

European Countries
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European Partners
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Visas
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Geostrata helps Americans get a Long-Stay Visa

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Our services are designed to make the process smooth

Let us handle the heavy lifting. Using our visa database, we identify the countries and visa options that best match your background and goals. We answer your questions and explain key aspects of life in each option on your shortlist, including healthcare, education, culture, and economic conditions. Once you select a destination country, we utilize our trusted network of professionals to help you proceed with the next steps.
 
Geostrata has an exclusive network of leading immigration law firms in Europe. The legal team will manage your entire visa application, schedule appointments, set up your banking, ensure tax compliance, and secure your residence permit.
 
As your case progresses, you will have access to our 6-hour intercultural workshop led by our intercultural expert. The workshop is designed to boost your confidence, greatly reduce the risk of culture shock, and make the integration process quick and smooth. After you complete the course, you will have three live coaching sessions with our intercultural expert to ensure that you are prepared.
 
When the time comes, we will utilize our network to coordinate movers, tax professionals, and real estate agents, or even help you find an apartment. Each white-glove relocation plan is personalized and tailored to your specific needs.
Our customized guides are designed for people who feel confident enough to navigate the relocation process themselves. We will identify which visas (and countries) are best suited to your needs and background. Once you’ve decided on the pathway that is best for you, we will create a guide that walks you through the entire process. If you decide that you want to upgrade to our White Glove service, the price of your Step-by-Step Guide will be credited forward.

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. 

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We would love to speak with you! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

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FAQ

A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.

A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.

A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.

A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.

A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.
A detailed answer to provide information about your business, build trust with potential clients, and help convince the visitor that you are a good fit for them.

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