Residence permits in EU
What is Long-Term Residency in the EU?
Long-term residency in the EU is a status granted to third-country nationals who have legally and continuously resided in a European Union country for five years. This status provides many rights and benefits similar to those enjoyed by EU citizens, although it does not include the right to vote in elections.
Key Aspects of Long-Term Residency
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Right of Residence | Long-term residents have the right to reside permanently in the country where they obtain this status. |
| Equal Rights | They enjoy the right to work, education, social security, and access to goods and services available in the host country. |
| Freedom of Movement | Long-term residents can move freely within the EU but typically need to apply separately for residence in a new country. |
| Protection Against Refoulement |
This status provides stronger protection against being sent back to their home country compared to other categories of immigrants. |
Conditions for Obtaining Long-Term Resident Status
To obtain long-term resident status, applicants must meet several criteria demonstrating their integration and stability in the host country:
Legal and Continuous Residence
You must have resided legally and continuously in the EU for five years. Short-term absences are allowed, typically not exceeding six months in a year and ten months in total over five years.
You must have resided legally and continuously in the EU for five years. Short-term absences are allowed, typically not exceeding six months in a year and ten months in total over five years.
Stable Financial Resources
Applicants must provide evidence of stable and sufficient income to support themselves and their dependents. Acceptable documents include bank statements and payslips.
Applicants must provide evidence of stable and sufficient income to support themselves and their dependents. Acceptable documents include bank statements and payslips.
Health Insurance
Valid health insurance covering all major risks in the country of residence is necessary for the applicant and any family members living with them.
Valid health insurance covering all major risks in the country of residence is necessary for the applicant and any family members living with them.
Integration Requirements
Some EU countries may require proof of integration, which could include language proficiency or knowledge of the country's culture.
Housing
Evidence of suitable and adequate housing for you and your family may also be a requirement.
Evidence of suitable and adequate housing for you and your family may also be a requirement.
Application Process Overview
The application process typically involves the following steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Document Collection | Gather necessary documents proving legal residence, financial stability, health insurance, and integration. |
| 2. Application Submission | Submit your application to the relevant national authority (e.g., migration service or local police department). |
| 3. Fee Payment | Pay any required administrative fees, which may vary by country. |
| 4. Await Decision | Authorities usually process applications within six months. |
| 5. Document Issuance |
If approved, receive a document confirming your long-term resident status, usually valid for five years and renewable. |
Here’s a brief overview of residence permits in France, Denmark, Belgium, Austria, and Finland:
| Country | Types of Permits | Application Process | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Temporary, long-term, EU Blue Card | Apply at the local prefecture with necessary documents. | Access to Schengen, high-quality healthcare, education. |
| Denmark | Temporary, permanent, EU Blue Card | Submit application to SIRI with required documents. | High living standards, excellent healthcare, education. |
| Belgium | Temporary, permanent, EU Blue Card | Apply at local commune with necessary documentation. | Access to Schengen, high-quality healthcare, education. |
| Austria | Temporary, permanent, EU Blue Card | Apply at local immigration office with required documents. | High standard of living, excellent healthcare, education. |
| Finland | Temporary, permanent, EU Blue Card | Apply at the Finnish Immigration Service with required documents. | High quality of life, excellent healthcare, education. |
Each country presents unique benefits and a supportive environment for long-term residents, making them appealing destinations for those looking to establish themselves in the EU. Understanding the specific application processes, requirements, and rights will ensure a smoother transition and integration into your chosen country.
Frequently asked questions
What Happens After I Apply?
Once you apply for long-term resident status, here’s what to expect:
Waiting for a Decision: Authorities typically decide within six months.
Notification: You will receive an official notice regarding the decision.
Issuance of Document: If approved, you’ll receive a long-term resident card with your personal information and security features.
Rights and Obligations: Long-term residents enjoy similar rights to citizens, including access to the labor market and social services.
Appeal Possibility: If denied, you will receive reasons for the rejection and information on how to appeal.
Renewal and Extension: Your long-term resident status may need to be renewed every five years.
Waiting for a Decision: Authorities typically decide within six months.
Notification: You will receive an official notice regarding the decision.
Issuance of Document: If approved, you’ll receive a long-term resident card with your personal information and security features.
Rights and Obligations: Long-term residents enjoy similar rights to citizens, including access to the labor market and social services.
Appeal Possibility: If denied, you will receive reasons for the rejection and information on how to appeal.
Renewal and Extension: Your long-term resident status may need to be renewed every five years.
What is the procedure to get started?
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How Long Can I Stay as a Long-Term Resident?
Long-term resident status grants indefinite residency, allowing you to stay as long as you comply with laws and residency requirements. Here are the main points:
Indefinite Duration: Status is valid indefinitely, provided you meet conditions.
Renewal Process: The residence permit document is typically issued for five years and must be renewed.
Residence in Other EU Countries: Long-term residents can reside in other EU countries but need to apply for residence in the new country.
Indefinite Duration: Status is valid indefinitely, provided you meet conditions.
Renewal Process: The residence permit document is typically issued for five years and must be renewed.
Residence in Other EU Countries: Long-term residents can reside in other EU countries but need to apply for residence in the new country.
Potential Reasons for Application Rejection
Your application may be rejected for several reasons, including:
Non-Compliance: Failure to prove continuous residence, stable income, or valid health insurance.
Public Safety Threat: A criminal record or threat to public order may result in denial.
What to Do if Your Status is Cancelled
If you receive a notice of cancellation, consider the following steps:
Consult a Lawyer: Seek legal advice from an immigration expert.
Prepare for Appeal: Review the reasons for cancellation and gather evidence to support your case.
Non-Compliance: Failure to prove continuous residence, stable income, or valid health insurance.
Public Safety Threat: A criminal record or threat to public order may result in denial.
What to Do if Your Status is Cancelled
If you receive a notice of cancellation, consider the following steps:
Consult a Lawyer: Seek legal advice from an immigration expert.
Prepare for Appeal: Review the reasons for cancellation and gather evidence to support your case.
Rights as a Long-Term Resident
As a long-term resident in the EU, you will enjoy several rights, including:
Employment: The right to work and self-employment.
Social Security: Access to social protection and benefits.
Education: Equal access to education and training opportunities.
Freedom of Movement: The ability to move freely within your country of residence.
Employment: The right to work and self-employment.
Social Security: Access to social protection and benefits.
Education: Equal access to education and training opportunities.
Freedom of Movement: The ability to move freely within your country of residence.