How to Settle in Europe in 2024: Types of Immigration, Tips & Best Cities

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. 

Many also choose to study abroad or pursue other professional opportunities on the continent. 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 three 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?” 

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.  

Massive immigration also takes place to Europe from India since many wish to to settle in the continent for the quality of life it offers. Also, the countries in Europe have made significant efforts to assimilate foreigners as well. 

This 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 are 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 covers 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.

Popular Study Abroad Destinations
Study in Canada	Study in Australia
Study in USA	Study in Germany
Study in Ireland

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 and willing to conduct research in 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 that you have to meet. You have to be financially independent to support your living expenses once in Europe. 

An EU card helps immediate relocation of your family and allows them to seek jobs in Europe as well. 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 offers a comfortable lifestyle and aims majorly to attract 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 a commercial center, thrives on tourism and international business. Having a mild climate, it syncs well with the quintessential European lifestyle.

Read More:
Why Study in Europe	Best European Countries to Study
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Europe	Cost of Living in Germany

Which Are 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.  

2. Tbilisi, Georgia

Since it is centralized, it is a multicultural city with cultural influences from both Asia and Europe. It has people of over 100 ethnicities, making it culturally rich and appealing. Dotted with stunning architecture, Tbilisi is a delight for travelers. 

It is also known for its night-time adventures and scenic beauty, making it a calming place for visitors and permanent residents. 

3. Kyiv, Ukraine

The city is 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.

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

Tips and Resources for Settling in Europe in 2024

If you were thinking about how to settle in Europe from India, here are a few tips and resources that will always help. 

• InterNations has an annual Expat Insider survey where you will find insights from thousands of expats in 181 countries/regions representing 177 nationalities. You will find more information on quality of life, ease of settling in the country, personal finance, language, housing, working abroad, etc. 
• Those who are retired/about to retire can also check out Live and Invest Overseas which ranks leading destinations for retirement. The 2024 index saw Valencia (Spain) coming on top, followed by Braga in Portugal (both in Europe). 
• Always look at the immigration requirements carefully. If you’re moving to an EU country to study, work, or join a family member, you will have specific rights as per immigration regulations. You may apply for residence permits directly from the EU country authorities, with the common visa and immigration rules applying for those moving for longer periods than 90 days. These are applicable to highly qualified workers, intra-corporate transferees, seasonal workers, researchers, trainees, volunteers, and students. 
• Make full use of the Schengen - ID-free travel zone provisions. You can travel between the 29 Schengen countries without border checks. The common visa policy helps non-EU visitors with regard to short/transit stays in this zone. Short-stay visas usually entitle visitors to travel through all these countries for up to 90 days in any period of 180 days.  
• To understand living costs, websites like Numbeo can give you helpful insights on almost every European city, while your moving budget should cover the costs of shifting your belongings, travel insurance, temporary accommodation costs until you find permanent housing, daily living costs, and more. 
• Check out Wise for international finance management across borders while also striving to learn the local language of whichever region you settle in. 
• Connect with expat communities to start feeling more at home in your new country/city. Use Meetup and other platforms to interact with like-minded expatriates.

Conclusion

For those thinking about how to settle in Europe, this guide will take care of most aspects involved in the process. From handy settling tips to requirements and immigration, you will find helpful advice that will help you fulfill your dreams of staying in one of the world’s most vibrant continents. 

On that note, here’s to a successful and happy stint ahead!