If you are in the process of establishing the type of visa that is necessary for your overseas activity, you may come across some unfamiliar terms. Below is a list of common immigration visa types that may assist you.

• This is sometimes referred to as a D visa when entering for work purposes in many countries.

• All countries have their own specific entry visa requirements, either for all or some nationalities.

• Usually issued to allow entry into a country for various reasons.

• Single entry visas allow for one entry only. Multiple entry visas allow for multiple entry and exit into a country.

• This refers to a programme that allows travellers to enter a country without obtaining an official visa prior to travel, although there may be a certificate obtained online to prove successful application.

• In some countries this can be for tourism only, in others for business purposes, or both. It does not provide permission for work activity.

• Usually valid for up to 90 days.

• Issued to allow entry into a country only for recreational, sightseeing or leisure purposes.

• Some countries offer a short-term business visa to allow activities such as attending meetings, training etc., but not for paid employment as a substitute for a work permit.

• Schengen visas are an example of a short-term tourism / business visa but specifically related to the Schengen Zone. It allows stays of up to 90 days in every 180 days.

• Work visas usually act in the same way as an entry visa and primarily deal with the entry and stay permissions granted by a country’s diplomatic mission (consulate or embassy).

• Most countries require a valid work permit to enable an individual to work short- or long-term.

• These are usually valid between one and five years. The validity varies from country to country.

• Most countries require a valid residence permit to enable an individual to work and live long-term.

• Temporary residency allows the holder to reside, and sometimes work, for a defined period. Country dependent, it may be renewable and may also lead to permanent residency.

• Permanent residency allows the holder to work and reside in a country indefinitely, however there may still be the need to renew the card and update personal details periodically. It is worth noting that permanent residency is not the same as citizenship. Permanent residency can be revoked in the event of the holder breaking the rules of the permit.

• This combined work and residence permit, is issued by most EU countries to non-European highly skilled professionals.

• It allows travel between EU countries, with some restrictions, but only allows employment in the country of issue.

• A dependency visa application is required if the dependents are travelling in parallel or only shortly after the applicant (maximum six months), while a family reunion visa is required if the family members are following at a later stage (more than six months).

• In some countries, a spousal or dependents visa allows the holder to search for, and obtain, employment without the need for an additional work permit. In other countries, the holder of the spousal visa will still need a work permit to work in-country.

• This visa is designed to allow employee’s to transfer within multinational companies from one country (where they are currently employed by their employer) to another. In both countries the employer should have a registered entity that can support the payroll of the employee and sponsor the ITC visa.

• A few countries offer these, or something similar, and they are usually granted due to significant investment in the country or to very highly qualified workers, sometimes with the requirement that they have already lived in country for a specified period of time.

• A digital nomad visa is a permit that allows a person to work remotely in a foreign country. The nomad's source of income usually has to be located outside the country they plan to move to. For example, if you work for a company registered in Portugal, you cannot apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal.

• Often available for students who will relocate from their home country to study in another country. Usually, it is the education facility that will sponsor this visa application.

• In some countries a student visa may allow for limited work activities.

• For individuals who need to pass-through a country to an onward destination, a transit visa may be required

• This only allows the holder to transit through a country, usually for up to a maximum of 24 hours and in some cases permits the holder to exit the airport or port and explore a city before catching their connecting flight or onward travel method.

• Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are entities formed by countries within a specific region to promote economic integration, political cooperation and collective security among member states.

They do this by:

• Promoting free trade: Facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and factors of production among member countries.

• Economic cooperation: Establishing a common external tariff and adopting a common trade policy towards non-member countries.

• Political and social integration: Enhancing political cooperation and social integration among member states to ensure stability and development.

Regional Economic Communities (REC) | Mauve Group Help Center

• The right to work of an individual in a particular country is essential to ensure compliance when Mauve is employing them.

• If a potential worker has their own permit, Mauve’s immigration department will check to ensure that their immigration status it is acceptable for the proposed country and job role.

What is the Right to Work? | Mauve Group Help Center