Immigration Glossary
21 key terms explained in plain English. Updated March 2026.
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Blue Card
EU-wide work permit for highly qualified professionals. Requires a job offer with a minimum salary threshold. Available in most EU countries. Read more →
Cost of Living
The total amount needed to cover basic expenses (rent, food, transport, utilities) in a given location. A key factor in emigration decisions. Read more →
Digital Nomad Visa
A residence permit allowing remote workers to live in a country while working for a foreign employer. Usually requires proof of minimum income. Read more →
Dual Citizenship
Holding citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Not all countries allow it — some require you to renounce your original citizenship. Read more →
Express Entry
Canada's points-based immigration system for skilled workers. Uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank applicants. Read more →
Family Reunification
A visa pathway that allows you to join family members already residing in another country. Requirements vary by relationship.
Golden Visa
Residence permit obtained through investment (usually real estate or government bonds). Popular in Portugal, Spain, Greece, and UAE. Read more →
H-1B Visa
US temporary work visa for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Subject to annual caps and lottery.
IELTS
International English Language Testing System. Required for immigration to many English-speaking countries. Scores range from 0-9.
Investment Visa
Broad category of visas requiring a financial investment in the destination country. Includes golden visas, investor visas, and startup visas. Read more →
Job Seeker Visa
Allows you to enter a country to search for employment. Available in Germany, Austria, and a few others. Usually valid for 6-12 months. Read more →
Labour Market Test
A requirement for employers to prove no local candidate is available before hiring a foreign worker. Common in EU and UK.
NHR / IFICI+
Portugal's tax regime for new residents. Previously Non-Habitual Resident (NHR), now replaced by IFICI+ offering a flat 20% rate for 10 years on eligible income.
Numbeo Index
A crowd-sourced database of cost of living, quality of life, and safety data by city and country. One of our data sources. Read more →
Permanent Residency (PR)
The right to live indefinitely in a country without being a citizen. Usually a step toward citizenship. Requires meeting specific conditions. Read more →
Points-Based System
Immigration system that scores applicants on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. Used by Canada, Australia, UK, and others. Read more →
Post-Study Work Visa
Allows international graduates to stay and work in the country where they studied. Duration varies (1-4 years depending on country). Read more →
Schengen Area
26 European countries with no internal border controls. A Schengen visa allows travel across all member states for up to 90 days.
Skilled Worker Visa
Work permit for professionals meeting specific skill, salary, and/or qualification requirements. The most common pathway for working abroad.
Startup Visa
Residence permit for entrepreneurs launching a new business in the destination country. Often requires a business plan, funding proof, or incubator endorsement. Read more →
Working Holiday Visa
Visa for young people (usually 18-35) to work and travel in another country for up to 12 months. Based on bilateral agreements. Read more →
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