The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union, comprising 27 member countries located primarily in Europe. It was established with the intent to foster economic cooperation and prevent future continental conflict after World War II. The EU operates under a system of supranational independent institutions and intergovernmental negotiated decisions, including the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Council, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the European Central Bank, the Court of Auditors, and the European Parliament.

The EU has developed an internal single market through a standardized system of laws applicable in all member states, ensuring free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. It maintains common policies on various matters, such as agriculture, fisheries, and regional development. The EU established a monetary union, the eurozone, and as of 2021, 19 member countries have adopted the euro as their official currency. The EU is also engaged in international diplomacy, with a common foreign and security policy, playing a significant role in areas like humanitarian aid, trade negotiations, human rights, and climate change mitigation.

The European Union (EU) consists of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The European Economic Area (EEA) is an international agreement that allows for the extension of the European Union's (EU) single market to non-EU member parties. The EEA includes all EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It allows these countries to be part of the EU’s single market where goods, services, capital and persons can move freely. The EEA was established on 1 January 1994 following an agreement between the member states and the EU.

The EEA agreement means that these countries adopt most EU legislation related to the single market, except laws on agriculture and fisheries. However, they also contribute to and influence the formation of EU legislation. While EEA members can access the single market, they are not part of the EU Customs Union, which means they can set their own external tariffs on goods from outside the EU and EEA. It's important to note that while they enjoy the benefits of the single market, they have limited ability to influence EU rules and regulations as they do not have full membership or voting rights in the EU's political bodies.

The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of all EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein & Norway.

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1960 to promote free trade and economic integration among its member states. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the EFTA comprises four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The association provides a framework for the liberalisation of trade in goods among its members, and also, through its network of bilateral Free Trade Agreements, facilitates economic relations between its members and other countries worldwide.

The EFTA is not a customs union, meaning its members can establish individual customs duties with third countries, but they must eliminate customs duties on most goods traded between them. In addition to promoting free trade, EFTA also coordinates its members' positions on issues where they share common interests, particularly related to the Single Market of the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes three of the EFTA countries - Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Switzerland, the fourth EFTA member, does not participate in the EEA but has numerous bilateral agreements with the EU. EFTA's influence and its members' relationship with the EU are shaped by these agreements and the broader context of European economic integration.

The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway & Switzerland.

The Schengen Area is a zone of 29 European countries - 25 EU members plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein - that have abolished internal border controls, creating a passport-free region for international travel.

What This Means for Travellers:

• Travel within Schengen remains seamless: no routine passport or border checks between member states.

• Beware of temporary internal border checks: some member countries (e.g., Germany, France, the Netherlands) have reintroduced short-lived controls due to security or migration concerns, especially in 2025.  

• ETIAS & EES on the wa: from late 2026, non‑EU/EEA travellers will need to apply for ETIAS travel authorisation, and the Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamps with electronic tracking starting around October 2025.

Quick Facts:

• 29 participating countries: full Schengen list includes all EU members except Ireland and Cyprus, plus the four EFTA states and some micro-states by association.

• Cyprus is taking steps to join but remains outside for now.

• Ireland maintains its own border policy, and is in the Common Travel Area (CTA) with the UK, by opting out of Schengen.

The European Travel Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) is an electronic travel authority, similar to the USA’s ESTA system. It will be required for citizens who can currently visit the EU and/ or Schengen zone without a visa.

When does ETIAS launch?

ETIAS is expected to launch in in later 2026 after repeated delays.

Do I need ETIAS before visiting the EU / Schengen zone?

Citizens of countries who can visit the EU zone visa-free. This includes citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand & many more.

Take our free quiz to find out if you need an ETIAS to visit the EU / Schengen zone & what documents you require.

How long can I travel with a ETIAS authorisation?

You can travel within the EU & Schengen for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

How much will ETIAS cost?

€7

How long is my ETIAS valid for?

3 years.

Is ETIAS a visa?

No ETIAS is not a visa, it is a visa-waiver for countries who do not need a visa to visit the EU / Schengen area.

Residency in Europe

Everyone has a right to live in their country of citizenship. 

When you’re living and working abroad you will need some form of residency permit or visa or dual citizenship. 

Each country can set its own rules and the EU has a framework to enshrine EU Citizens right to freedom of movement plus the integrity and enhanced of the Schengen Area including the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Currently citizens from outside the EU without visa free access to EU countries needs an Schengen Visa for short stay travel. 

From 2024 any non EU citizen with visa-free travel rights into the EU will also need electronic authorisation via the ETIAS. 

Anyone who is from outside the Schengen Area & is no at a citizen of member countries can only spend short stays of 90 in 180 days in the Schengen Area and the management of this is enforced for those using a Schengen Visa and the new ETIAS. 

Expats relocating overseas into an EU country need to apply for rights for longer stays in any EU country which includes visits to overseas property homes, staying with family or working remotely abroad. 

This starts with an annual visitors visa and includes longer term residency visas and permits for 2-10 years that could also allow tax residency for expats. 

In the longer term a country could introduce paths to citizenship, including dual citizenship, to allow a more permanent long term residency in the country for expats. 

Each EU country is different. Residency permits & visas must be supported in an application bearing different requirements for capital, business, property, income and healthcare.

—> Read more about residency