Scoutly Plans

Start Your Move Abroad by Understanding Visa and Residency Options

One of the first steps in planning a long-term move abroad is understanding your visa and residency options. Visas are the gateway to legally living, working, or retiring in another country, and the right one depends on your situation—whether you’re a young family, a skilled worker, a retiree, or a digital nomad.

At Scoutly Plans, we specialize in helping you navigate this process. Below, we’ve categorized unique visa options offered in our 10 featured countries and explained how they make long-term residency accessible.

Best Visa and Residency Options for Young Families Moving Abroad

Portugal: D7 Visa

Designed for passive income earners, this visa is ideal for families with steady income from investments, rentals, or remote work.
Includes access to Portugal’s public education system and healthcare.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival through a Portuguese consulate in your home country.

Spain: Non-Lucrative Visa

Perfect for families with financial independence, allowing residency without the need for local employment.
Offers access to Spain’s excellent education and healthcare systems.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival at a Spanish consulate in your home country.

Canada: Family Sponsorship Visa

Allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor family members for residency.
Provides long-term residency options and access to excellent schooling.
Application Requirement: Applications can typically be started while abroad, but approval must be obtained before arrival.

Ireland: Stamp 0 Visa

Available for financially independent individuals who can support themselves and their family.
Provides access to Ireland’s strong public education system.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival through the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS).

Visa and Residency Programs for Skilled Workers Relocating Internationally

United Kingdom: Skilled Worker Visa

For professionals with a job offer in the UK in eligible fields.
Can lead to permanent residency after five years.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival once you’ve secured a job offer.

Canada: Express Entry Program

A points-based system that favors skilled workers in fields like healthcare, technology, and engineering.
Allows for permanent residency with opportunities to bring family members.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival through the online Express Entry system.

Panama: Friendly Nations Visa

Open to citizens of specific countries (including the U.S.), offering an expedited pathway to residency for professionals with economic ties to Panama.
Application Requirement: Apply in-country through a Panamanian lawyer.

Ireland: Critical Skills Employment Permit

Targets high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
Offers a fast track to long-term residency.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival through Ireland’s Department of Enterprise.

Top Visa and Residency Options for Retirees Moving Abroad

Costa Rica: Pensionado Visa

Requires proof of at least $1,000 monthly income from a pension or retirement fund.
Includes access to public healthcare under the country’s CAJA system.
Application Requirement: Apply in-country through Costa Rica’s immigration office after arrival.

Panama: Pensionado Program

Available to retirees with a monthly income of $1,000 or more.
Offers significant discounts on healthcare, travel, and utilities.
Application Requirement: Apply in-country through a Panamanian lawyer. Many retirees begin their application process while visiting as tourists.

Portugal: D7 Visa

Also suitable for retirees with passive income, granting residency and access to public services.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival through a Portuguese consulate.

Mexico: Temporary Resident Visa

Allows retirees to stay long-term, requiring proof of a stable income or savings.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival at a Mexican consulate.

Digital Nomad Visas and Long-Term Residency Options Abroad

Portugal: Digital Nomad Visa

Allows remote workers to stay up to two years, with a pathway to residency.
Requires proof of remote income and financial stability.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival through a Portuguese consulate.

Spain: Digital Nomad Visa

Recently launched to attract remote workers, allowing stays up to one year with renewal options.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival at a Spanish consulate.

Thailand: Long-Term Resident Visa

Aimed at digital nomads earning over $80,000 annually, offering a 10-year stay option.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival through Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI).

Costa Rica: Rentista Visa

Ideal for remote workers with proof of $2,500 monthly income or a $60,000 deposit.
Application Requirement: Apply in-country through Costa Rica’s immigration office after arrival. Tourists often enter the country and initiate their application during their stay.

Vietnam: Business Visa with Remote Work Option

Flexible visa that allows long stays with extensions, suitable for remote professionals.
Application Requirement: Apply before arrival or arrange for extensions while in-country on a tourist visa.

Plan Your Long-Term International Move with the Right Visa

Understanding when and where to apply for your visa is essential to a smooth relocation process. Whether your application happens before you arrive or once you’re in the country, knowing the requirements helps you plan ahead and avoid delays.

At Scoutly Plans, we simplify this process by providing tailored resources and guidance to help you secure the right visa. Start planning today and take the first step toward your long-term life abroad.