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How to Settle in Europe – Types of Immigration & Best Cities

Updated on 09 April, 2024

Anupriya Mukherjee

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

Extraordinary scenic beauty, amazing climate, stunning architecture, immense job opportunities, great healthcare, top-notch infrastructure, and remarkable education system entice people from all over the world to seek immigration to Europe. With everything so exceptional, Europe is undoubtedly the most desired destination in the world to settle in. A massive number of Indians migrate to Europe every year and the numbers have increased threefold in the past 3 decades. Europe has a stable economy and almost negligible poverty rate and is not as densely populated as India, making it a great place to settle for Indian people. However, immigration to Europe is not that easy. If you, too, are wondering how to settle in Europe, here’s our detailed guide on “how to settle in Europe from India?” 

Read More: Study in Europe without IELTS | Cost of studying in Ireland

Immigration to Europe from India

Key reasons such as a thriving economy, great job market, and incredible benefits are why there is a massive number of migrations in Europe every year from all across the world. A large number of immigrants to Europe from India happens too as many wishes to settle in the continent for the quality of life it offers. Also, the countries in Europe made significant efforts to assimilate foreigners is one of the reasons why more and more Indians want to settle there.

Requirements to move to Europe from India

If you are thinking about how to settle in Europe from India, here’re the things you must keep in mind while planning. In addition to travel visas, people seeking immigration to Europe must submit other documents as well:

1) Language knowledge with proof: You must know the language of the country where you are seeking immigration. You must also know how to speak English since it is an international language. Multiple tests can help you prove your language proficiency, be it English or any other language.  

2) Valid Passport: Your passport should not be older than ten years and must be valid for at least four more months. Without that, you cannot immigrate to Europe from India.

3) Proof of accommodation: If you are looking forward to temporarily staying in Europe, you must give proof of your accommodation. Having a sponsor can make your application easier to process and pass. If not, you must provide your living plans.  

4) Employment contract: If you are immigrating for employment purposes, you must have prior experience of at least one year and proof of employment from the organization that contacted and hired you. 

Why should you settle in Europe? 

Europe has a rich culture and an intriguing history. Once in Europe, you have so much to explore, and you are pretty much sure to travel the whole continent. It has so much to offer in food, lifestyle, money, social life, and jobs for everyone. Since it spreads around a large area, it is not densely populated like India. Europe has a sophisticated standard of living, a great atmosphere, and natural surroundings. Europe is one of the most romantic and promising places on earth where people from all across the world look forward to settling. It is an ideal place for not just a vacation but for spending the rest of your life. And if you are a student and want to study abroad, you should consider Europe all the more. Although the cost of studying in Europe is high, the quality of life and education is par excellence.

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Type of Immigration in Europe 

When you are seeking immigration in Europe, it is vital to understand what category you fall under. The immigrant divisions based on your professional background are as follows: 

1. Highly qualified workers

You can immigrate to Europe from India under this clause if you prove you have high experience in your field of work. You must have work experience of a minimum of 5 years or are seeking higher educational qualifications.  

2. Intra-corporate transferees (ICT)

People from third-world countries can immigrate to Europe from India if they have a working contract with any European company. In such a case, you will immigrate to Europe in the same position. However, you can immigrate under the condition that your current employer has a branch in the country hosting you.

3. Researchers

People holding a valuable degree willing to research any European continent are more than welcome and can apply for immigration under this category. However, you should either be associated with your organization or be financially strong to support your research.  

4. Seasonal workers

People with temporary work contracts in any European continent can immigrate to Europe. It is essential to show proof of your accommodation arrangements and of your employment status. 

5. Students

Any student enrolled at a European university in a full-time curriculum can move to Europe. To study in Europe, students must have valid documents such as health insurance, financial aid, and proof of payment of the application fee.  

Important Scholarships to Study Abroad:

 State Scholarship | Fulbright Scholarship | Vidya Lakshmi Portal | Narotam Sekhsaria

How to settle in Europe with your Family? 

To settle in Europe with your family, you must first be a temporary citizen in Europe yourself. Only after you have lived here for five years can you bring your family permanently. The cost of living in Europe is not very expensive in all countries, but there are some requirements. You have to be financially independent to support your and your family’s living expenses once in Europe. An EU card helps immediate relocation of your family and allows them to seek jobs in Europe. With that, your family does not have to go through any language proficiency tests. To permanently settle with your family and attain citizenship of a European continent, you would have to: 

1) Show your passport with a long-term stay in Europe. 

2) Present the birth certificate of you and your family members. 

3) Provide proof of income. 

4) In case of marriage, you have to show your marriage certificate. 

5) Show proof of residence and your employment contract. 

Best European Cities for Better Quality of Life

Below are the best cities in Europe that serve you with better quality of life in terms of location, lifestyle, and opportunities.

1. London, UK

The city is aimed at affluent and skillful entrepreneurs. Having an excellent environment, London is the center for higher education worldwide. It is well-known for its excellent environment and global financial hub.

2. Barcelona, Spain

The city with cultural and architectural heritage serves a comfortable lifestyle and aims majorly to entrepreneurs. It provides great business and investment opportunities along with healthcare facilities.

3. Zurich, Switzerland

With excellent ecological conditions, the city is a financial and banking center. Affluent people reside here with high living standards. 

4. Brussels, Belgium

The city is the political center of Europe. Having the best infrastructure, it provides great security and comfort.

5. Sliema, Malta

This city, being the commercial center, aims at tourism and international business. Having a mild climate, it serves with the European standard of living.

Read More: Cost of Living in Germany

Which are the best yet most affordable places to live in Europe? 

1. Minsk, Belarus

This place is affordable and hospitable. It has an indie culture dotted with beautiful quaint cafes. Music and dance are a big part of the culture in Minsk. It is flooded with pretty places and reflects old architecture downtown. The national library of Minsk is heaven for book lovers since it is both stuffed with knowledge and gorgeous looking.  

2. Tbilisi, Georgia

Since it is centralized, it is a multicultural city with cultural sparks from Asia and Europe. It has people of over 100 ethnicities living which makes it culturally rich and beaming. Dotted with stunning architecture, Tbilisi is a delight for travelers. Tbilisi is known for its night-time adventures and scenic beauty making it a calming place for visitors and permanent residents. 

3. Kyiv, Ukraine

This is the home to some of the biggest high-tech industries and educational institutions. It has a rich history peppered with some of the biggest churches throughout the city. The city has ample parks, greenery, and a warm, pleasant atmosphere. The welcoming and friendly people of the city make Kyiv one of the most preferred destinations for immigrants and tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I Eligible for a Permanent Residency through an EU Card?

An EU card is usually issued for four years, depending on your job. An EU card improves your chances of citizenship in a European country and helps your family to move to Europe and continue their lives as they would in their home country.

Do I need to be highly Proficient in the language of the country I am immigrating to?

You need to be proficient in English and the country’s native language where you are immigrating to. For example, if you want to live in France, you need to have a good grasp of French and English.

Is Europe the best continent for migrants?

It depends on what you want. For any country to be the best for you, it has to offer you the things you want and need. If you look forward to a safe, clean, and promising country, Europe is the green light for you. However, if you look forward to quick citizenship, Europe might take longer. Getting permanent citizenship is a lengthier process as you need to have impressive working experience and stay there for some period, which can be longer than in other countries.

Can I start studying at European Universities from India and complete my course on campus?

upGrad Abroad can help you start a course in a European University online, and once you meet the university’s requirements, you can finish that course on their campus.

Which country in Europe is easy to settle in?

The United Kingdom is the easiest country to settle in Europe. Although it is easier than in other European countries, obtaining a permanent residency in the UK is a lengthy process. You must live for a set number of years to be able to apply for permanent residency. Also, you must meet certain conditions and eligibility criteria to apply for permanent residency in the UK.

Which is the best country in Europe to live and work in?

Germany is the best among the countries in Europe to live and work. Germany, with a wealth of great cities, top-notch infrastructures, ample job opportunities, and a comprehensive welfare system, draws millions of immigrants looking to live and seeking job opportunities every year.

Which is the best European country for Indian students to study?

Germany is the best European country for Indian students to study. The country has a comprehensive welfare system and immigrant-friendly policies. Moreover, the quality lifestyle and abundant job opportunities Germany offers make it a great study and work destination for Indians.

Which European country gives permanent residence quickly?

The United Kingdom, Belgium, and Malta are the countries that give permanent residency easily to non-EU citizens compared to the other European countries. However, the process of getting PR is lengthy. Also, you must fulfill specific criteria and live for a set of years to be able to apply for permanent residency.

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

Anupriya Mukherjee is a passion-driven professional working as a Content Marketer and earlier worked as a Digital Marketeer. With around 6 years of work experience, she has experience creating high-quality, engaging content for websites, blogs, news articles, video scripts, brochures, and ebooks.

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