Long-Term Visa Options for US Citizens

24 Jan

Is the current political climate reminding you a little too much of the toxic relationship you had in college? Does it have you looking at sunny European beaches and googling how to get out of the US for a minimum of 4 years? I’m here to help.

Moving abroad can be pricey and it can be hard to find the best place to settle in the long term, but don’t loose hope. While, getting a work visa can depend heavily on your field, there are considerations for more casual work too. Enter the work holiday visas. If you are a digital content creator or are able to work remotely only, there are also lots of options for you. Here's a comprehensive list of places where you can live and work as a US citizen on working holiday visas and digital nomad visits. I will also explain what they are and what requirements you need to meet.

Working Holiday Visas

Working holiday visas allow young people, usually ages 18–30, to travel and work in a foreign country for a few months, a year, or more. These visas typically have age limits and can involve restrictions on the types of jobs or the length of time you can stay with each employer. For each Working Holiday Visa, it’s important to apply well in advance since some countries have quotas and require extra time for processing background checks or other documentation. While working holiday visas provide flexibility, the intent is to experience the culture rather than engage in long-term employment, so visa extensions or renewals are usually limited. This is a medium-term solution aimed to help you explore an area but does not allow you a path to citizenship. The list of countries that offer these types of visa can vary but for the US these are the ones available:

Australia

Age: 18–30
Education: Must have completed at least high school.
Financial Requirements: Show proof of sufficient funds. Around $5,000 AUD or $3,500 USD for travel and living expenses, plus a return airfare or additional funds to cover one.
Health/Travel Insurance: Recommended but not required; however, you might be asked to demonstrate you have insurance for your stay.
Language Requirement: Functional English, demonstrated through test scores (such as IELTS, TOEFL) or prior study in English.
Character and Health Check: Must meet health and character requirements.
Validity: Up to 12 months, with options to extend if you complete certain types of work (e.g., farm work) in regional Australia.

New Zealand

Age: 18–30
Financial Requirements: Must show proof of at least $4,200 NZD or $2,500 USD to cover expenses.
Health/Travel Insurance: Must have health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Character and Health Check: Must meet health and character standards.
Education: No specific educational requirements.
Validity: Up to 12 months. You can work for any employer but may have restrictions on the length of time with each employer.
Quotas: Typically, there are annual quotas for U.S. citizens, so apply early.

South Korea

Age: 18–30
Education: Must be a current student or recent graduate.
Financial Requirements: Proof of sufficient funds (typically at least $3,000 USD).
Language Requirement: No specific language requirement, though some knowledge of Korean can be beneficial.
Health Insurance: Required for the duration of the stay.
Character and Health Check: Must pass a criminal background check.
Validity: Up to 18 months. Working conditions may have some limitations, such as restrictions on certain industries (e.g., entertainment industry).

Ireland

Age: 18–30
Education: Must be a current full-time student or have graduated within the last 12 months from a post-secondary institution.
Financial Requirements: Must show proof of funds (typically around €1,500, $2,000 USD) and a return ticket or additional funds for a return.
Health/Travel Insurance: Required for the entire stay, either private insurance or proof of adequate travel insurance.
Character and Health Check: Must meet basic character and health requirements.
Validity: Up to 12 months. You can work with any employer but may have restrictions on the duration you can stay with one employer.

Singapore

Age: 18–25
Education: Must be a current student or recent graduate from a recognized university (typically within two years of graduation).
Financial Requirements: No specific financial requirement is listed, but you may need proof of funds if asked.
Health/Travel Insurance: Health insurance is strongly recommended.
Character and Health Check: Must meet general character requirements.
Validity: Up to 6 months. You can work for multiple employers within this period.

Digital Nomad Visas

Digital nomad visas allow remote workers to live in a foreign country for an extended period without formally working for a local company. They’re designed for remote employees or freelancers who can work independently of the host country’s economy.

These digital nomad visas generally require proof of remote income, health insurance, a clean criminal background, and sometimes specific types of accommodations. They offer a great way for remote workers to enjoy long-term residence abroad while contributing financially without competing in the local job market.

Portugal: D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

Income Requirement: Minimum income of approximately €8,460 annually, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% for each dependent child.
Financial Proof: Proof of stable income, often through bank statements, rental income, dividends, or proof of a remote job.
Health Insurance: Health insurance is required (especially for non-EU citizens) for the duration of the stay.
Residence: Must intend to live in Portugal for at least 6 months out of the year.
Other Requirements: Proof of accommodation in Portugal and a clean criminal background check.
Validity: Initially granted for 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods. After 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Estonia: Digital Nomad Visa

Income Requirement: Monthly income of at least €3,504 (gross, before tax).
Employment Requirements: Must show proof of remote work for an employer outside Estonia or as a freelancer with clients outside Estonia.
Financial Proof: Income should be proven via bank statements from the past six months.
Health Insurance: Health insurance is recommended but not strictly required.
Other Requirements: Must show a clean criminal background.
Validity: Up to 1 year, with the possibility to apply for a short-term extension.

Croatia: Digital Nomad Visa

Income Requirement: Minimum monthly income of around €2,300, or proof of a bank deposit of approximately €28,000 for the year.
Employment Requirements: Proof of employment or freelance contract with a company or clients outside Croatia.
Health Insurance: Required for the full duration of the visa, typically private insurance that’s valid in Croatia.
Financial Proof: Bank statements showing regular income or proof of savings.
Other Requirements: Rental contract or proof of accommodation in Croatia, and a clean criminal background check.
Validity: Typically up to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal or reapplication after leaving the country for a period.

Spain: Non-Lucrative Visa (until Digital Nomad Visa specifics are finalized)

Income Requirement: Minimum annual income of around €27,000 for the main applicant, with additional funds required for dependents.
Employment Requirements: While local work isn’t allowed, remote work for non-Spanish employers or freelancing for foreign clients is generally permitted.
Financial Proof: Bank statements showing sufficient savings or income.
Health Insurance: Required for the full duration of the stay, typically private insurance valid in Spain.
Other Requirements: Must not perform any professional activity that would take jobs from locals; clean criminal record.
Validity: Granted for 1 year initially, renewable for 2-year periods.

Greece: Digital Nomad Visa

Income Requirement: Monthly income of at least €3,500 (net income, after taxes), with increases if dependents are included.
Employment Requirements: Proof of remote work with an employer or clients outside Greece.
Financial Proof: Bank statements or employment contracts confirming stable income.
Health Insurance: Required for the visa duration, with coverage in Greece.
Other Requirements: Proof of accommodation in Greece, and a clean criminal background check.
Validity: Granted for 1 year, with the option to renew for up to 3 years.

Costa Rica: Rentista Visa

Income Requirement: Proof of a stable monthly income of at least $2,500 or a bank deposit of $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank.
Employment Requirements: Cannot formally work for a Costa Rican employer; remote work and freelancing are allowed if income comes from outside Costa Rica.
Financial Proof: Bank statements or documents showing income or proof of the required bank deposit.
Health Insurance: Private health insurance is recommended, though not strictly required.
Other Requirements: Background check, proof of funds, and intention to reside temporarily in Costa Rica.
Validity: Valid for 2 years and can be renewed.

Czech Republic: Zivno Visa (Freelance Visa)

Income Requirement: Varies by profession, but freelancers typically need to show income to support themselves.
Employment Requirements: Freelance work permitted for certain professions; applicants must obtain a trade license ("zivnostensky list") for their profession.
Financial Proof: Must demonstrate proof of income, generally around CZK 124,500 (about $5,500) per year.
Health Insurance: Required, either through a Czech insurer or another approved provider.
Other Requirements: Clean criminal record, proof of accommodation, and a business plan for self-employment.
Validity: Initially granted for 1 year, renewable annually.

Germany: Freelance Visa (Freiberufler Visa)

Income Requirement: Must demonstrate a viable business plan and sufficient income to support yourself, though no strict minimum is specified.
Employment Requirements: For freelancers or self-employed individuals in specific professions like art, technology, language, and consulting.
Financial Proof: Bank statements, contracts, or letters of intent from German clients to show steady income.
Health Insurance: Required, either through German public insurance or a private plan.
Other Requirements: Clean criminal background, proof of accommodation, business plan, and qualifications in your field.
Validity: Typically granted for up to 3 years, with the option for renewal or eventual permanent residency.

Visa requirements change frequently so it’s important to do your own research and double check the details. Hopefully this information gives you a stepping stone if you’re looking to change your location. Did any of these places catch your eye? For more info like this and other travel related content, check out my patreon and join a travel community eager to explore the world. Thanks for reading!

Leslie Osornio