An alternative to the schengen visa in 2026: how to stop relying on consulates
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Tired of visa dependency? Learn how to obtain a residence permit or citizenship to travel freely across Europe in 2026. Trusted destinations and practical guidance from Visa Dan.
Since 2025, obtaining a Schengen visa has become more difficult, especially for Russian citizens. Consulates increasingly issue single-entry visas strictly for specific travel dates, while multi-entry visas are available only to limited categories of applicants. This means that every new trip requires collecting documents and submitting a new application all over again.
More and more people are asking: how can you stop depending on visas?
The answer is obtaining a residence permit (RP) in one of the EU countries. This provides freedom of movement without constant visa procedures. In this article, we explain which countries offer practical and long-term solutions.
More and more people are asking: how can you stop depending on visas?
The answer is obtaining a residence permit (RP) in one of the EU countries. This provides freedom of movement without constant visa procedures. In this article, we explain which countries offer practical and long-term solutions.
Why a residence permit is the best answer to visa restrictions
- A residence permit allows free travel within the Schengen Area without visas
- It is not a temporary permission, but a stable legal status that offers predictability
- You can plan travel, work, and personal life without being tied to visa appointment timelines
Best EU countries for obtaining a residence permit
1. Germany
- Residence permits through employment and the Blue Card
- Transparent rules and high stability
- Ideal for those building a long-term life and career in the EU
- Residence permits through marriage, family reunification, or asylum
- Suitable for long-term residence and freedom of movement
- Residence permits for freelancers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs
- Spain requires precise documentation, especially regarding income
- Portugal is well suited for self-employed individuals and small businesses
- Austria: strict but clear rules and a high standard of living
- Hungary: flexible and fast solutions for obtaining residency
- Legal residence permit outside the EU, yet geographically close to Europe
- Suitable for those seeking mobility without Schengen visa pressure
- Global mobility, convenient for business and international travel
- A clear and straightforward process for obtaining resident status
Citizenship as the highest level of freedom
If you want to permanently close the visa issue, obtaining a second citizenship is worth considering. It provides maximum freedom of movement and new opportunities for you and your family.
Programs Visa Dan works with include:
Programs Visa Dan works with include:
- Israel (via Jewish ancestry)
- Lithuania (by descent before 1940)
- Mexico, Moldova, Romania, Turkey, Chile (by ancestry or naturalization)
Conclusion: how to act in 2026
In an era when every new Schengen visa application has become a challenge, the strategic solution is obtaining a residence permit or a second citizenship. This is the path to freedom of movement, stability, and predictability.
Don’t delay: choose the right destination, secure legal status, and travel on your own terms.
Contact Visa Dan — we will select the optimal solution, help you obtain a residence permit or citizenship, and support you until the final result.
Don’t delay: choose the right destination, secure legal status, and travel on your own terms.
Contact Visa Dan — we will select the optimal solution, help you obtain a residence permit or citizenship, and support you until the final result.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!