Free movement across Europe is now a privilege that UK citizens no longer enjoy. With most people in the UK regretting the choice to leave the EU, many are looking to secure residency in other countries across the world.
While there is no easy route to gaining residency in a new country, some countries make it especially hard to become residents and citizens. With the right support and legal team to help with your application, it is still possible. Here are our top tips for getting residency in the world’s strictest countries for migration.
Japan
While rules for getting into Japan have loosened over the last three years, it is still difficult becoming a resident in the Asian nation. First, applicants must be over 20 years old when they apply and have lived in Japan consecutively for at least 10 years.
You also need to have contributed Japanese taxes during your time in Japan, have no criminal record and enlist a Japanese guarantor to support your application.
USA
Notoriously hard to get into, you will likely need a job offer in the United States before being admitted entry. Even after receiving a job offer, becoming a full resident or citizen can take over a decade.
Many migrants take advantage of their multi-national corporate employers and use the blanket L-Visa to move to the USA. After paying American taxes for several years, then visa holders can apply for green cards or citizenship status.
Vatican City
Unfortunately, there is only one way to become a citizen of Vatican City. The pope himself must personally approve all resident applications and these are only given to cardinals transferring to duties within the Vatican.
Qatar
It is a steep climb to become a Qatari resident. For those born outside of the middle eastern country, you must live in Qatar for 20 years consecutively, pay taxes, speak fluent Arabic and have no criminal convictions. If you were born in Qatar, the time frame drops to 10 years, but all other requirements stay the same.
Germany
For EU citizens, you can move straight to Germany with no issue. For those of us now outside the EU, the process is a little more complicated.
First, you need a valid passport, no criminal record and speak proficient German. After that, you will need to have German health care set up before you arrive, pass a pre-migration medical examination and have enough funds to support yourself for at least six months when you arrive.
