3. Austria

Austria is a gorgeous little country that offers plenty of mountain fun in the form of the snow-capped Alps, which actually cover 62% of the country. Its location is ideal for exploration of many other European countries, as well. The lifestyle in Austria is called “perpetual resort,” which sounds pretty fine to us.

The downside of Austria is that the cost of living is pretty high. However, the country offers 10 different types of residence permit, so you are likely to qualify if you can afford it. You will need to apply for residency in Austria from your home country, unless you are a resident of the United States or a European Union country. In that case, you are eligible for a D-visa that grants residence in Austria for up to six months before you apply for a residence permit.

4. Belgium

If you love the idea of enjoying limitless beer and chocolate in a cozy little country dotted with gorgeous architecture and breathtaking natural beauty, consider Belgium. It is also a very progressive country; it was the second in the world to legalize gay marriage (after the Netherlands).

You will need a job to be granted a permanent residency visa, but you can apply from home. Once you land a job, you only need to hold onto it for two weeks before becoming eligible for a residency permit. That’s not an offer to stay forever just yet, but as long as you keep working, you are moving toward it.

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