Where Residency Is Most Accessible in Eastern Europe

Jillian Aurora
Sep 20
3 min read

If you have a strong itch to leave for Eastern Europe, what matters most isn’t where you can land for a 90 day short stay — it’s where you can build a legal, sustainable home without getting stuck in endless bureaucracy and visa applications.

Here are some of the most genuinely accessible options:

Romania – Apply from Within

Romania allows U.S. citizens for certain residence categories (independent professionals, freelancers, small business founders, and family reunification cases) to apply for residency from inside the country. Most foreigners must apply for a D visa before seeking residency. But U.S. citizens are exempt: you can skip the D visa and apply for a residence permit directly in Romania. This flexibility makes it one of the most approachable options for those ready to relocate without going back home.

Albania – One Year Visa-Free as a Bridge

Albania is unique: U.S. citizens can stay up to one year visa-free. That’s more than enough time to settle in, gather documents, and transition into a longer-term permit. Residency options include work, study, family, and property rental or purchase.

Montenegro – Residency by Lease or Property

Montenegro grants temporary residency to foreigners who sign a rental contract or purchase property. The process is relatively straightforward, and you don’t need to apply before arrival. Residency is temporary but renewable, and it offers a stable legal foundation.

Georgia – One Year Visa-Free & Residency from Within

U.S. citizens can stay in Georgia as a tourist for up to one year visa-free, one of the most generous entry allowances in the region. During that time, you can apply for residency without leaving, or, you can leave for a day and restart a new tourist year upon your entry. Pathways include temporary residence for work or business, property investment above the legal threshold, and eventually permanent residency.

Why This Matters

Not every country is equal when it comes to residency. Some pathways look easy on paper but come with hidden delays that are costly and slow. If you're someone who is looking to relocate quickly, waiting for up to 6 months for a visa in your home country is cumbersome. Romania, Albania, Montenegro, and Georgia stand out because they offer doors you can walk through without having to circle back home for a visa.

Sources:

Romania (U.S.-specific residency from within)

U.S. Embassy – Entry/Exit & residency note (D-visa exemption for U.S. citizens): “U.S. citizens…are exempted from the need to obtain a long-term D-type visa,” and must apply for a residence permit with IGI.
Embassy of Romania (Washington) – same exemption stated: U.S. citizens staying >90 days are exempt from a D-type visa; apply for the residence permit in due time.
Romanian Immigration Inspectorate (IGI) – residence permit process: what a residence permit is and timing for applications.
U.S. State Dept – Romania country page: confirms >90 days requires a residence permit from IGI.

Albania (1-year visa-free for U.S. citizens; then residence permit)

U.S. State Dept – Albania country page: U.S. citizens do not need a visa; if staying longer than one year, you must obtain a residence permit.
Albanian MFA – visa regime overview: official entry policy reference (general rules and exemptions).

Montenegro (apply in-country for temporary residence; real-estate ground exists)

Government of Montenegro – Temporary residence (grounds & process): official page listing purposes (family reunification, study, work, research, medical treatment, religion, etc.).
Government of Montenegro – Temporary residence for real-estate owners (one-year permits when requirements are met).
U.S. State Dept – Montenegro country page: U.S. citizens staying >90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit in Montenegro before their 90 days expire (practical timing guidance).

Georgia (1-year visa-free for U.S. citizens; residency paths available after arrival)