Becoming a EU long term resident has important benefits for third country nationals and most importantly you have the right to be treated equally with the citizens of the host EU country. You can also bring your family members with you if the family was already joined together in the first country.
Benefits
- Access to employment and self-employment (this may not apply for some activities which are only for nationals or EU citizens, such as access to some positions in the public administration);
- Conditions of employment and work;
- Education and work-related training, including study grants;
- Driving license.
- Right to banking services.
- Recognition of diplomas and qualifications;
- Right to vote in local elections.
- Social protection, social assistance and social security as defined by national law (EU countries can limit social assistance to basic benefits only, such as the minimum income);
- Tax benefits;
- Access to goods and services (e.g. transport, museums, restaurants, etc.);
- Freedom of association and trade union membership;
- Free access to the entire territory of the EU host country.
What is a long-term resident?
A long-term resident is a citizen from a country outside the EU who has been given long-term resident status. This status means that the person will have similar rights as EU citizens.
What conditions must I fulfil to get long-term resident status?
If you have resided legally for an uninterrupted period of five years in an EU country, you can apply to become a long-term resident.
You must demonstrate that you have:
- Stable, regular and sufficient financial resources;
- Health insurance.
Some EU countries may also request that you fulfil certain integration conditions, such as tests for knowledge of the language and history of the country where you live.
You may have to show that you have an appropriate accommodation.
Can I leave the host EU country during the five-year period before I fill out my application?
Yes. You can spend periods shorter than six months in a row abroad, if those periods do not add up to more than ten months in total during the necessary five-year period before you hand in your application. Such periods outside your country of residence will not be considered as interruptions when calculating the duration of your residence.
In some exceptional circumstances, longer periods of absence may also be treated as not interrupting your residence. Depending on national law, these could include time spent outside your host country for military service, serious illness, maternity care, research or study.
How do I apply to become a long-term resident?
You apply to the competent national authorities with the necessary documentation to prove your length of residence and the other conditions outlined above.
I have submitted my application. What happens next?
If your application is successful you will be granted long-term resident status and issued with a long-term resident’s permit. In general, you should be informed of the decision within six months of sending in your application.
How long can I stay?
Your long-term resident status does not have any fixed end. As regards your residence permit, it will be valid for at least five years and is automatically renewable on expiry.
Can my application be refused?
Yes. Countries can refuse to grant you long-term resident status if you do not fulfil the necessary conditions or if you represent a threat to public policy or public security.
Under what circumstances could I lose my long-term resident status?
You could lose your status if:
- Your application was based on false information or documents;
- You represent a serious threat to public security or public policy;
- You have been absent from EU territory for more than 12 months in a row;
- You have become a long-term resident in another EU country.
The competent national authorities will inform you of their decision to refuse or withdraw your long-term residence status and will give reasons for their decision.
May I argue against a decision to refuse or withdraw my long-term resident status?
Yes. You will have the right to legally challenge a decision to refuse your application for long-term resident status or a decision to withdraw your long term resident’s permit.
What rights would I get as a long-term resident?
As a long-term resident you have the right to be treated equally with the citizens of the host EU country in the following areas:
- Access to employment and self-employment (this may not apply for some activities which are only for nationals or EU citizens, such as access to some positions in the public administration);
- Conditions of employment and work;
- Education and work-related training, including study grants;
- Recognition of diplomas and qualifications;
- Social protection, social assistance and social security as defined by national law (EU countries can limit social assistance to basic benefits only, such as the minimum income);
- Tax benefits;
- Access to goods and services (e.g. transport, museums, restaurants, etc.);
- Freedom of association and trade union membership;
- Free access to the entire territory of the EU host country.
As a long-term resident in one EU country, can I live and work in a second EU country?
Yes. You can stay in a second EU country for more than three months for purposes including work, study or training, if you apply for and are granted a residence permit in this second country.
To obtain a residence permit for a second EU country, you may have to show that you have one or more of the following:
- Stable and regular financial resources to maintain yourself and your family;
- Health insurance;
- Appropriate accommodation;
- If you wish to take up a job, evidence of employment;
- If you are self-employed, evidence that you have sufficient financial funds;
- If you wish to study or train, proof that you are registered to do so.
You may also be required to comply with integration measures such as language requirements.
The second EU country may have set a quota on the number of residence permits it issues. This could mean that your application may be refused if this quota has been met, even if you fulfil the appropriate conditions. The second EU country can also examine the labour market situation before allowing you to work, giving preference to persons already staying there legally.
Will I have any rights in the second EU country?
Yes. Once you get a residence permit for the second country, you are entitled to equal treatment with citizens of that country. Some restrictions as regards access to labour market can be applied for one year. You can also bring your family members with you if the family was already joined together in the first country.
