Discover the easiest countries to get PR without a degree in 2025. Explore options for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Thus, we explored the Skilled work visas for non-degree holders and PR pathways for entrepreneurs. Also, we mentioned some High-demand jobs that don’t require degrees and Investment-based PR for non-graduates.
Are you dreaming of starting a new life abroad, but feel like your lack of a degree could hold you back? Don’t worry! In 2025, getting permanent residency (PR) without a degree is not only possible, but it’s actually a path many people are choosing. There are numerous countries that offer simple and straightforward ways to secure PR based on your skills, experiences, or investments. See more on PR Without a Degree.
Whether you’re a skilled worker, an entrepreneur, a self-employed individual, or someone looking to invest, there’s a PR option for you.
Skilled Work Visas for Non-Degree Holders
What Exactly Are Skilled Work Visas?
Skilled work visas are designed for individuals who have expertise in a certain field, even if they don’t hold a formal degree. These visas prioritize hands-on experience and skills, especially in industries where there’s a shortage of workers. Countries that offer skilled work visas understand that some of the best workers don’t necessarily hold a degree but can bring great value with their experience and know-how.
Countries with Skilled Work Visa Options
1. Canada
Canada is known for its welcoming immigration policies, and the country’s Express Entry system is a fantastic option for skilled workers. The good news? You don’t always need a degree. If you have work experience in a high-demand field like construction, tech, or healthcare, you could qualify for permanent residency. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are also a great route for workers who may not fit the typical criteria but still possess the right skills.
2. Australia
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program allows non-degree holders to apply for a skilled worker visa. The country has a massive demand for workers in sectors such as engineering, healthcare, and trades. If you have experience as an electrician, carpenter, or nurse, you may have a strong chance of qualifying for PR.
3. New Zealand
Known for its beautiful landscapes and high quality of life, New Zealand offers the Skilled Migrant Category visa. This pathway is perfect for individuals with work experience or trade qualifications. It doesn’t require a degree, just a good job offer or proven work experience in certain fields.
See also: Tax Residency vs. Permanent Residency: Key Differences
4. Germany
Germany’s skilled worker visa is another option for those without a degree but with relevant work experience or vocational training. Germany’s demand for skilled workers in fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare is high, and they prioritize applicants who can fill these gaps.
5. United Kingdom
The UK has a strong demand for skilled workers in a variety of fields, such as technology, healthcare, and construction. The Skilled Worker Visa doesn’t always require a degree, but you’ll need to prove you have expertise in a role that’s facing labor shortages.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Skilled Work Visa
To increase your chances of qualifying for a skilled work visa without a degree, it’s essential to build your skillset and gain experience. Completing relevant certifications, taking short courses, or getting hands-on experience in high-demand fields can make a huge difference. Additionally, having a portfolio or recommendations from past employers can really set you apart. See more on PR Without a Degree.
PR Pathways for Entrepreneurs
What Are Entrepreneur Visas?
Are you someone with a business idea, or perhaps you’ve already started your own venture? Many countries offer PR pathways specifically for entrepreneurs. These visas are designed for people who can invest in or create jobs within the country. The good news is that these pathways often don’t require a degree! If you have a solid business plan and the passion to back it up, entrepreneurship could be your ticket to permanent residency.
See also: Permanent Residency Options for Retirees
Countries with Entrepreneur Visa Options
1. Canada
Canada offers the Start-up Visa Program for entrepreneurs who want to create innovative businesses. You don’t need a degree, but you will need the support of a designated Canadian investor who believes in your business idea. If your business thrives, you can gain PR and become a permanent resident.
2. Australia
Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa is a great option for those looking to invest or run a business in the country. If you can demonstrate that your business can help grow the local economy, you can apply for PR, and no degree is required.
3. New Zealand
The Entrepreneur Work Visa in New Zealand allows entrepreneurs to set up a business and work in the country. Once your business has been running successfully for a few years, you can apply for PR. All you need is a strong business idea, and a degree won’t hold you back. Keep reading to know more about getting PR Without a Degree.
4. United States
The U.S. offers the E-2 Treaty Investor Visa, which allows entrepreneurs to live and work in the country. If you can make a substantial investment in a U.S. business, you could be on your way to gaining PR.
See also: 10 Benefits of Permanent Residency in Canada You Didn’t Know
5. Portugal
Portugal’s Golden Visa program is another fantastic option for entrepreneurs. By investing in the country (through real estate or business), you can secure residency and eventually apply for PR. No degree is needed, just a willingness to invest.
How to Make Your Entrepreneurial Dreams a Reality
If you’re planning to move abroad as an entrepreneur, start by developing a business plan. Many countries, like Canada and New Zealand, require you to demonstrate that your business will benefit the local economy, so it’s essential to prove the potential for growth. Having a well-organized plan and securing investors or partners can greatly increase your chances of success. Read more on PR Without a Degree.
High-Demand Jobs That Don’t Require Degrees
What are high demand jobs?
High demand jobs are those in sectors with labour shortages. These are the jobs that countries need to fill but often don’t require a degree to get started. If you’re skilled in areas like construction, healthcare or technology you could qualify for PR without ever setting foot in a university classroom.
High demand jobs to explore
1. Canada
Canada is actively looking for skilled workers in many areas including technology, construction and healthcare. High demand jobs like IT support, truck drivers and caregivers are always in demand. If you have relevant work experience or certifications you can apply for a skilled work visa which could lead to PR.
See also: 5 Innovative Ways to Secure PR Without Work Experience
2. Australia
Australia is short of workers in the trade and healthcare sectors. If you’re a plumber, carpenter or a healthcare assistant you might qualify for a visa that leads to PR. Australia also has a huge demand for tech workers so coding or software development experience could work in your favour.
3. Germany
Germany’s manufacturing and IT sectors are booming. The country needs workers in areas like software development, engineering and healthcare. If you have the right qualifications (even if they’re non-degree certifications) you could be eligible for a skilled worker visa.
4. United Kingdom
The UK is looking for professionals in tech, construction and healthcare. Workers in these sectors can apply for skilled work visas. If you have relevant certifications or hands-on experience you can qualify for PR without a degree.
5. United States
The U.S. needs workers in sectors like healthcare, tech and trade. Roles such as medical assistants, construction workers and software developers are always in demand. Employers often prioritise experience over formal education so if you have skills in these areas you might be eligible for a work visa that leads to PR.
See also: Fast-Track Citizenship Programs: Pros, Cons, and Risks
How to get into high demand fields
Getting into these fields is easier than you think! You don’t need a degree but you do need to focus on gaining relevant experience and certifications. If you’re interested in any of these sectors consider taking a short training course, getting certified or applying for entry level roles to gain hands-on experience. Networking with professionals in the industry can also open up doors. See more on PR Without a Degree.
Investment Based PR for Non-Graduates
What is Investment Based PR?
Investment based PR allows you to get permanent residency by making a significant financial contribution to a country’s economy. This could be investing in real estate, starting a business or contributing to government funds. The best part? You don’t need a degree to qualify. If you have the means to invest this could be an option.
Countries Offering Investment-Based PR
- Portugal: Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular investment-based PR programs. By investing in real estate, starting a business, or making a significant financial contribution, you can qualify for residency. After five years, you can apply for PR.
- Canada: Canada’s Immigrant Investor Program allows individuals who make a significant investment in the country’s economy to qualify for PR. You don’t need a degree, but you will need to demonstrate that you have the financial resources to invest.
- Australia: Australia’s Significant Investor Visa (SIV) allows individuals who invest at least AUD 5 million in the country’s economy to gain PR. This visa is open to high-net-worth individuals, and a degree is not required.
- Cyprus: Cyprus offers an investment-based PR program where individuals can secure residency by purchasing real estate or making a financial investment in the local economy. After a few years, you can apply for PR.
- Greece: Greece’s Golden Visa allows non-EU nationals to invest in real estate or start a business in exchange for residency. No degree is required, but a financial investment is necessary.
See also: 5 Ways to Secure PR in High-Demand Skilled Trades
How to Navigate Investment-Based PR
If you’re considering this route, make sure to research each country’s specific investment requirements. You’ll need to prove that you have the financial means to contribute and that your investment will benefit the country. In some cases, such as with Portugal and Greece, making a real estate investment is the most common option.
PR for Self-Employed Individuals
Becoming Self-Employed Abroad
Self-employed individuals are not left out of the PR game! Many countries offer visa options for freelancers, consultants, and business owners. If you can prove that you can sustain yourself financially and contribute to the economy, you may be eligible for PR. The best part is that you don’t need a degree to apply!
Countries Offering Self-Employment Visa Options
- Canada: Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program allows individuals in the cultural, artistic, or athletic fields to immigrate without a degree. If you can prove you’re self-sufficient and can make a cultural or economic contribution, this program could be for you.
- Germany: Germany offers a self-employment visa for freelancers and self-employed individuals in various industries, including art, media, and IT.
- United Kingdom: The UK has several visa options for self-employed individuals, including the Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, which allows you to run your own business and eventually apply for PR. Read PR Without a Degree.
- Australia: Australia’s Business Innovation and Investment Visa is an excellent option for self-employed individuals who want to establish a business and gain PR in the country.
- New Zealand: New Zealand offers a self-employed visa for those who want to establish and operate a business in the country. If you have a viable business idea and the skills to succeed, you could qualify for PR.
How to Succeed as a Self Employed Immigrant
To be self employed abroad you need a business plan, proof of income and to be able to support yourself. Networking with other self employed can also help you grow your business and increase your chances of getting PR.
See also: Top 3 PR Visa Programs That Require No Language Test
Conclusion
In 2025 getting PR without a degree is more possible than ever and there are many options for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, self employed and investors. Whether you have years of experience in a trade, a business idea or the funds to invest, there’s a PR pathway for you.
Now go! Explore, build, plan and take the first step to get PR in one of the easiest countries to live in. The world is yours and your dream of living abroad without a degree are within reach!
See also: https://www.choiceinternational.in/easiest-countries-to-get-pr-permanent-residency/