The idea of going to Europe is a dream of millions of individuals all over the world- and in 2026, this dream will be real as never before. Most of the European nations are in the active process of accepting expats with ease in terms of visa procedures, minimal income levels, quick acquisition of residency status and a clear way of becoming a permanent resident and a citizen.
In case you are moving to a better career, greater quality of life, good healthcare or long-term safety, it is of utmost importance to select the correct European country. This step-by-step application is a breakdown of what the simplest European countries to immigrate to are and how the process is carried out and assists you in deciding where to begin with.
Step 1: Understand What Makes a European Country Easy to Immigrate To
European immigration systems are not necessarily complex. The most comfortable countries in Europe to an expat normally provide:
- Intelligible and visible visa policies.
- Low income or saving requirements.
- Passive income or work visas, digital nomad.
- Quick residency processing procedures.
- Direct permanent residency (PR) and citizenship.
- Schengen Zone and EU advantages.
These nations are the best destinations during first time expatriates and long term European move.
Step 2: Choose From the Easiest European Countries to Immigrate To in 2026
The following are the best European countries that have been constant in the list of the easiest countries to move to Europe by the expats.
1. Portugal
Portugal is viewed as the easiest place for immigrants to immigrate to the European continent.
The reasons why Portugal is the best choice among expats:
- D7 visa of passive income earners.
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Low income requirements
- Permanent residence and citizenship with 5-year term.
- Full EU access
2. Spain
There are relaxed long term residency in Spain.
Why Spain is easy:
- Non-lucrative visa
- Digital Nomad visa
- Simple residency renewals
3. Germany
Germany is very welcoming to skilled employees.
Why Germany works:
- Job Seeker Visa
- EU Blue Card
- Good economy and employment market.
- Clear PR pathway
4. Ireland
Ireland is among the most favorable English speaking nations in Europe to the expats.
Why Ireland is attractive:
- Critical Skills Employment Permit.
- Quick change of work permit to PR.
- Good technological and medical industries.
5. Italy
Residency in Italy is easily available.
Why Italy is easy:
- Elective residency visa
- Digital nomad pathways
- Cheap lifestyle in the smaller cities.
6. France
There are several long-term visa opportunities in France.
Why France is appealing:
- Long-stay visas
- Easy residency renewal regulations.
- Strong healthcare system
7. Estonia
Estonia is amongst the most digitally friendly nations in Europe.
Why Estonia stands out:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Startup visas
- Fast online processes
8. Latvia
Latvia is cheap for EU residency.
Why Latvia is easy:
- Cheaper than Western Europe.
- Uncomplicated jobs-based residency.
9. Lithuania
There is active support for foreign startups in Lithuania.
Why Lithuania works:
- Startup visas
- Growing tech ecosystem
- Clear residency rules
Read Also: Ireland 90-Day Rule 2026: How Long Can You Stay Without a Visa?
10. Romania
Romania has been rated as one of the cheapest nations to live in Europe.
Why Romania is easy:
- Low residency costs
- Live cost and affordable housing.
11. Greece
There are several residency alternatives in Greece.
Why Greece is attractive:
- Visa of financial independence of an individual.
- Golden Visa routes
- Relaxed lifestyle
12. Malta
Malta is friendly to expats and English speaking.
Why Malta works:
- Nomad residence permit
- Easy-to-follow long-term residency plans.
13. Hungary
Hungary provides cheap living in Europe.
Why Hungary is easy:
- Work and study residence permits.
- Low cost of living
14. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a growing demand for workers.
Why Czech Republic works:
- Long-term visas
- Cheap living outside of Prague.
15. Poland
Poland is growing at the expense of increasing its labor force.
Why Poland is attractive:
- Work permits and temporary resWork permits and temporary residency.idency
- Growing economy
Step 3: Best European Countries for Permanent Residency and Citizenship
To settle in Europe in the long run, the following countries will provide the surest routes:
- Portugal -Citizenship with 5-years.
- Germany – Permanent residence obtained by working.
- Ireland PR post-legal residence.
- France – Citizenship through long-term residence
- Spain- PR since 5 years of residence.
Step 4: Which European Country Is Best for You?
The selection of the appropriate country is subjective:
- Remote workers: Portugal, Spain, Estonia.
- On the case of competent specialists: Germany, Ireland, France.
- To pensioners: Portugal, Spain, Greece.
- With low budget expats: Romania, Latvia, Hungary.
- To entrepreneurs: Estonia, Lithuania, Malta.
Aligning your objectives with the appropriate nation would greatly enhance success in terms of approvals.
Step 5: Can You Move to Europe Without a Job Offer?
Yes. A number of European governments permit immigration without employment offer:
- Portugal (D7 & Digital Nomad)
- Spain (Non-lucrative visa)
- Greece (Financially independent visa)
- Italy (Elective residency)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which European country will allow the least requirements to immigrate?
Portugal has been widely considered as the easiest one due to low income levels, effortless Visas and quick path to permanent residence and citizenship.
Will I be in a position to travel to Europe without finding a job?
Yes. Passive income or digital nomad visa allow expats to move to such nations as Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece without having a job opportunity.
What is the cheapest European country to immigrate to?
Romania, Latvia and Hungary that have low residency charges and cost of living are other cheap ones.
Which European country is a convenient country to settle in?
Portugal, Germany, and Spain have transparent and predictable permanent residency opportunities to legal residents.
When will the European citizenship be acquired?
In most countries (5-10 years) citizenship can be granted through the legal residence of the individual, and Portugal is one of the countries with the shortest.
Read Also: Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for France
Final Thoughts: Why 2026 Is the Right Time to Move to Europe
The expatriates have found it to be one of the most desirable locations to work in Europe due to the very healthy healthcare and safety, the cultural diversity and the long term security. The majority of European countries are preoccupied with the process of simplifying their immigration policies so that they can attract foreign talent and residents.
In case you have been planning to relocate to Europe, then the time is 2026. The opportunities in immigration change fast and the first to step in will be more successful as usual.
