Relocating abroad is a dream for many, but for most destinations, securing a job offer is the primary hurdle.
However, there are several countries that offer visa pathways and residency permits without requiring a job offer upfront.
This opens doors for freelancers, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, students, and individuals seeking better opportunities abroad.
In this guide The Nation online, explores countries you can move to without a job offer, covering eligibility, visa categories, key documents, and other vital requirements.
Here are countries you can move to without a job offer in 2025
1. Canada – Express Entry & Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Visa Pathways:
Federal Express Entry (for skilled workers)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Startup Visa
Student Visa (path to permanent residency)
Eligibility:
Age: 18–45
Educational qualification (minimum diploma)
Language proficiency (IELTS/TEF)
Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
Key Documents:
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
IELTS/TEF Test Results
Proof of Funds (~CAD 13,000 for single applicant)
Passport
Police clearance and medical exams
Why Canada?
Canada is immigrant-friendly with high PR acceptance. You can apply to move based on your skills without a job offer, and later secure employment or start a business.
2. Germany – Job Seeker Visa
Visa Type:
Job Seeker Visa (6-month validity)
Freelance Visa (Freiberufler)
Student Visa
Eligibility:
University degree recognized in Germany
Minimum 5 years’ work experience
Proof of financial means (~€947/month)
Key Documents:
Degree certificates
CV and cover letter
Proof of funds (blocked account or sponsor)
Passport
Health insurance
Why Germany?
Germany allows you to enter without a job and search for employment for up to 6 months. Once you secure a job, you can convert it to a work visa or Blue Card.
3. Portugal – D7 Passive Income & Digital Nomad Visa
Visa Options:
D7 Visa (for remote workers, retirees, passive income earners)
Digital Nomad Visa
Eligibility:
Proof of stable passive income or remote work
Minimum monthly income of €820 (or more if family is accompanying)
Clean criminal record
Key Documents:
Proof of income (bank statements, remote job contracts, pension, etc.)
Accommodation proof in Portugal
NIF (Portuguese Tax Number)
Health insurance
Passport
Why Portugal?
It offers easy residency paths without a job offer. You can work remotely, retire, or start a business. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
4. New Zealand – Working Holiday & Resident Visas
Visa Options:
Working Holiday Visa (for 18–30/35-year-olds from eligible countries)
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Entrepreneur Work Visa
Eligibility:
Good health and character
Adequate funds (~NZ$4,200 for Working Holiday)
For Skilled Migration: submit an Expression of Interest (EOI
Key Documents:
Passport
Proof of funds
Academic qualifications
Police and medical checks
EOI application
Why New Zealand?
You can explore and find opportunities with flexible visas. Skilled migrants don’t always need a job offer if they meet the points threshold.
5. Norway – Job Seeker & Self-employed Visas
Visa Options:
Job Seeker Visa (for skilled workers)
Self-Employed/Startup Visa
Eligibility:
Recognized higher education or vocational training
Sufficient funds (minimum NOK 139,347)
Plan to find employment or start a business
Key Documents:
Academic qualifications
Financial proof
Passport
Accommodation arrangement
CV
Why Norway?
The Job Seeker Visa allows you to enter and search for jobs in Norway without an offer. Self-employed individuals with business plans can also apply for residency.
6. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Remote Work & Freelance Visas
Visa Options:
UAE Virtual Work Visa
Freelancer Visa (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah)
Eligibility:
Remote employment or freelancing
Minimum monthly income of $3,500
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Key Documents:
Proof of remote work or freelance contracts
Income documents
Bank statements
Passport
Health insurance
Why UAE?
No job offer needed. You can live in Dubai or other emirates and work remotely for companies abroad. Fast visa processing and low taxation are major draws.
7. Mexico – Temporary Resident Visa
Visa Type:
Temporary Resident Visa (Residente Temporal)
Eligibility:
Monthly income of at least $2,595 or bank balance of $43,000 over 12 months
No job offer required
Key Documents:
Bank statements or pension income proof
Passport
Application form
Health insurance
Accommodation details
Why Mexico?
It’s affordable, has relaxed visa rules, and allows long-term stay without requiring employment in Mexico. It’s a favorite among remote workers and expats.
8. Spain – Non-Lucrative & Digital Nomad Visas
Visa Types:
Non-Lucrative Visa (ideal for retirees or remote workers not working for Spanish companies)
Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers and freelancers with foreign income)
Eligibility:
Non-Lucrative: Monthly income of at least €2,400 (plus €600 per dependent)
Digital Nomad: Must prove remote income and work with non-Spanish companies
Key Documents:
Proof of income or remote work
Spanish bank account statement (for financial sufficiency)
Clean criminal record
Private health insurance
Accommodation proof in Spain
Why Spain?
With sunshine, rich culture, and an excellent quality of life, Spain’s Digital Nomad and Non-Lucrative visas are among the most attractive options for remote workers and expats without a job offer in the country.
9. Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa
Visa Type:
Estonian Digital Nomad Visa (valid for up to 1 year)
Eligibility:
Must work remotely for a foreign company, run your own business, or freelance
Minimum monthly income: €4,500 gross in the last 6 months
Key Documents:
Employment or service contracts
Proof of income
Criminal background check
Travel insurance
Accommodation details
Why Estonia?
Estonia was one of the first countries to launch a Digital Nomad Visa. The application process is fully online, and the country is extremely tech-savvy and affordable.
10. Thailand – Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
Visa Type:
LTR Visa (valid for 10 years)
Eligibility:
Targeted at wealthy individuals, digital nomads, retirees, and skilled professionals
For digital nomads: Must earn at least $80,000 annually (or $40,000 with a master’s degree or in a tech field)
Key Documents:
Employment proof
Financial proof (bank statements, tax returns)
Health insurance covering at least $50,000
Passport
Criminal record certificate
Why Thailand?
Thailand’s LTR Visa is tailored to attract foreign talent and investors. It provides tax benefits, work permits, and a long stay in a highly livable Southeast Asian country.
11. Georgia – Remotely from Georgia Program / Visa-Free Stay
Visa Types:
Remotely from Georgia Program (for digital nomads)
Visa-free entry (up to 365 days for many nationalities)
Eligibility:
Remote workers or freelancers earning at least $2,000/month
Passport holders from over 95 countries can stay visa-free for 1 year
Key Documents:
Passport
Proof of income
Travel insurance
Remote work proof
Why Georgia?
No job offer needed, and many visitors don’t even need a visa. Low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, and a growing expat scene make Georgia an excellent choice.
12. Argentina – Digital Nomad Visa
Visa Type:
Digital Nomad Visa (launched in 2023)
Eligibility:
Remote workers, freelancers, or online business owners
No job with an Argentinian company required
Key Documents:
Proof of remote work/freelance income
Passport
Background check
Accommodation details
Travel health insurance
Why Argentina?
With low living costs, vibrant culture, and visa options for digital nomads, Argentina has quickly become a top destination for remote workers seeking long stays without job ties.