Visa Guide · 2026

Visa Types — Immigration Pathways by Applicant Goal (2026)

Key Takeaway

Compare visa types by applicant goal, including work, remote work, investment, study, family and retirement pathways.

Work, study, family and investment routes · Updated 2026

Immigration systems organise routes around different applicant goals. A skilled professional may need an employment route, while a remote worker, investor, student, family member or retiree may need a different option. Use the visa types below to understand the main route families, then continue to the country-specific pages for current requirements and official-source checks.

All Visa Categories

Employment-based visas for qualified professionals with job offers or in-demand skills.

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Remote work visas for location-independent professionals earning income from abroad.

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Residency through capital investment, real estate purchases, or government bonds.

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Business Investor

Visas for those investing in or acquiring existing businesses in a foreign country.

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Visas for founders establishing new businesses, often with job-creation requirements.

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Specialised visas for innovative startup founders, often backed by accelerators or VCs.

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Study visas for international students enrolled in accredited educational programmes.

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Post-study work visas allowing graduates to remain and seek employment after studies.

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Long-stay visas for retirees with proof of pension, savings, or passive income.

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Family Reunification

Visas for joining a spouse, parent, or child who already holds residency or citizenship.

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Self-employed visas for independent contractors and freelance professionals.

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Self-Employment

Visas for those running a solo business or practising a trade independently abroad.

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General business visas for company owners, directors, and senior managers relocating.

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Business Visitor

Short-term visas for attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations without local employment.

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Intra-Company Transfer

Visas for employees transferring within a multinational to a branch in another country.

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Broad employment visas not restricted to a specific skill level or occupation list.

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Temporary Worker

Fixed-term work permits for short-duration contracts or project-based assignments.

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Seasonal Worker

Visas for agriculture, tourism, and other seasonal employment with set time limits.

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Working Holiday

Youth mobility visas combining travel and short-term work, typically for ages 18-35.

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Cultural exchange visas for young people living with a host family and providing childcare.

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Long-Term Residence

Permanent or indefinite residency permits for those meeting duration and income criteria.

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General temporary residence permits not tied to a specific employment or study purpose.

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Regional Agreement

Visas under bilateral or multilateral treaties such as EU, ECOWAS, Mercosur, or CARICOM.

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Specialised and niche visa programmes that do not fit standard categories.

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Visa Explainers

In-depth guides explaining each visa type, requirements, and application processes.

What is a Blue Card?

Learn about the Blue Card — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a D7 Visa?

Learn about the D7 Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Learn about the Digital Nomad Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Eb5 Visa?

Learn about the Eb5 Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Entrepreneur Visa?

Learn about the Entrepreneur Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Express Entry?

Learn about the Express Entry — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Family Reunion Visa?

Learn about the Family Reunion Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Freelance Visa?

Learn about the Freelance Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Golden Visa?

Learn about the Golden Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Graduate Route?

Learn about the Graduate Route — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Green Card?

Learn about the Green Card — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a H1B Visa?

Learn about the H1B Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Investor Visa?

Learn about the Investor Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a O1 Visa?

Learn about the O1 Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Points Based Visa?

Learn about the Points Based Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Skilled Worker Visa?

Learn about the Skilled Worker Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Startup Visa?

Learn about the Startup Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Student Visa?

Learn about the Student Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Tech Visa?

Learn about the Tech Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.

What is a Working Holiday Visa?

Learn about the Working Holiday Visa — requirements, costs, eligibility, and how to apply.