Ems_8674

As an EU citizen, where can one legally emigrate to, in terms of overseas territories? Google is not helping. I'm thinking particularly of the French DOMs in the Caribbean: Martinique, Guadeloupe... Even Frenchies here don't know if they would have a right to move there. One would think that technically as part of the EU these islands are fair game, but then perhaps there are restrictions on such small, sunny places or else they'd be inundated with people like me who hate cold climates. I know that New Caledonia, whilst not strictly a DOM, is totally open to French citizens (and Australians) who choose to move there, but not other EU nationalities. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated; thanks in advance!

johnh009

Why not look at the Dominican Republic? They are a stable democracy, with a Charter of Rights, very friendly with the US. Lots of North Americans/Europeans living there and they accept immigrants. Panama and Mexico may be other options.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_Republic

Ems_8674

Thanks for replying, although I meant to enquire about what overseas territories technically belong to the EU and thus where we, as EU citizens, can live and work without needing a visa as is the case for other caribbean islands which are sovereign states in their own right.

Bermudashorts

There is no such thing as a "European owned territory". Europe doesn't "technically" or even untechnically own any territories as far as I know..

Any case, I feel almost certain you will have to have a visa to go and live in any of these places for exactly the reason you state - everyone would be going there with unrestricted migration. For example, Bermuda is a British overseas territory but a British person has to jump through hoops to get a work permit.

Ems_8674

I meant European-owned as in belonging to an EU country. Thanks for the info about Bermuda, though. Perhaps the French overseas départements are a similar case.

Cuchullain

The Netherlands Antilles and the French Islands are fully part of the EU as they are considered to be just an outlying part of their "mother countries". However, as far as I know (I researched it from you exact angle a few years ago!!) while they are fully incorporated in their "mother countries" they are subject to visa requirements for EU citizens. The only way you could move to them without a visa, is if you are a citizen of the respective "mother country".

The British and USA islands are a slightly different kettle of fish, as they are not included in the EU. I think you need a visa for them, even if you are from the UK.

Deb-123

The French islands - Martinique, Guadeloupe, St Martin & St Barts are indeed part of France & the EU. The Netherland Antilles - Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, Eustacia & Sint Maarten are not. They are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands only so, unless you are a Dutch (or Antillean) passport holder, there is no automatic right to live or work there & visa/permits so to do are not easy to acquire.

There are no restrictions/visa requirements for a UK passport holder wanting to move to the French islands. You may find it useful to read the thread "Anyone living in St Martin", particularly the posts by Warwick who moved to St Martin a couple of months ago.

Ems_8674

Awesome, thanks.

Goddess

St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustacius, Aruba, Curacao (Dutch Antlilles). British Virgin Islands.

Good Luck!