Home / Life abroad / Europe (Schengen)
Life in Europe
The Schengen Area covers most European Union countries plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with no routine border checks between them.
What to expect
A quick picture of everyday life before you apply.
One visa, many countries
A Schengen short-stay visa lets you travel across all Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Cities
Paris, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam and Vienna are popular for tourism, study and work, each with its own language and culture.
Getting around
Fast trains and budget flights make travel between countries easy, and many cities have excellent public transport.
Healthcare
Systems differ by country. Schengen visa applicants must show travel medical insurance for their whole stay.
Study and work
Longer stays for study or work need a national visa or permit from the specific country, such as Germany or France.
Where to apply
You usually apply to the country you’ll spend the most time in, or the one you enter first if your time is equal.
This is a general overview. Visa rules and requirements change often, so we confirm the current rules for your situation during your consultation.
Visas we help with for Europe
- Schengen visitor visa
- National student visas
- National work permits and the EU Blue Card
Planning a move to Europe?
Book a consultation and we’ll walk you through your options.