Owing to the right of “Freedom of Movement”, an EU citizen can work, live, and travel freely between the European Union States as and when needed without visa restrictions. Holistically speaking Europe is the most economically developed part of the world and hence an aspiration to millions of people across the globe.
Thousands of Indians apply for immigration to any one of the 27 countries in the EU each year, as a result, there is virtually no part of the EU where Indians cannot be found. India has the largest manpower that is literate, skilled, and tech-savvy; working at lower costs than their contemporaries, Indians are highly sought by the developed EU nations.
There are, however, a few requirements that must be satisfied to make an Indian eligible to apply for immigration. These requirements are discussed here briefly to give readers a place to base their research.
Requirements to relocate to Europe for Indian Nationals
Besides the usual passport, visa, tickets, and other travel documents, Indian immigration aspirants must also submit the below-mentioned documents while applying for immigration.
- Proof of knowledge of a language: While English knowledge is a must, it is essential that documentary evidence be provided for the knowledge of the language of the country the applicant is applying to. Many EU nations do not grant immigration to people who are not knowledgeable in their country’s language. One such example is Germany
- Valid passport: Your passport is the key to getting inside any country; a valid passport is one that is issued by the concerned authority and has at least 4 or more months of validity remaining from the time of application
- Proof of accommodation: No European country will allow entry even for casual traveling unless the applicant has mentioned the itinerary in detail, including accommodations. Accommodation can be a hotel, apartment, rental space, etc. A registered address where the authorities can locate the traveler at any given moment if so needed.
- Proof of sufficient finances: Depending on the reason for immigration, the European authorities would like to know how the applicant plans to support the livelihood of him/herself and the dependents. If immigrating for employment, then an employment contract must be provided.
Note that the prerequisites listed above are most fundamental in nature whereas the immigration requirements for each European country may vary. Conditions also depend on the grounds for immigration.
Immigration types in Europe
The grounds on which you apply for immigration will determine what category your application falls under here. Based on skills, education, and experience, below are some grounds you may apply for immigration.
- Qualified workers: Indians having at least 5 years of experience in their fields of work or wishing to acquire even higher education in their fields.
- Corporate transfers: An Indian working with a European company in India can apply on such grounds as to work for the same company in the same position in the parent country, provided such a country has a branch in the parent country
- Researchers: Researchers in any field of inquiry are always welcomed by European universities and research facilities. However, the applicant should either be associated with an institution/organization or be able to fund his/her research.
- Education: Seeking higher education in a European country is a sound base to seek immigration. Once you complete a degree program, the chances to be hired by a European organization increase exponentially here.
Settling with family
Moving to Europe with family requires more effort and preparation than immigrating alone. In order to bring the family to Europe one must have lived at least 5 years continuously in a European country as a temporary citizen. During the stay, the applicant must be financially independent and able to support their family back home.
For highly skilled Indian workers, the EU Blue Card allows them to travel and settle in 25 of 27 EU countries. The documents required for family settlement are listed below:
- Passport with a long-term stay in Europe (minimum 5 years)
- Birth certificates (applicant and family members who wish to relocate)
- Proof of stable income sufficient to support self and dependents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Accommodation proof
- Employment contract, company registration, self-employment proof, or any other source of income
Most favorable places to immigrate in Europe for Indians
Based on factors of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability, below are a few places where Indians can plan to relocate to:
- Minsk, Belarus
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Kyiv, Ukraine
