A Country-by-Country Comparison of Long-Term Residence Permits in the EU

For non-EU nationals looking to settle in Europe, obtaining a long-term residence permit is a significant milestone. These permits allow third-country nationals (TCNs) to live, work, and access social benefits in their host countries under conditions similar to those of EU citizens. While the EU Long-Term Residence Directive (2003/109/EC) sets minimum requirements for these permits, each EU member state implements its own version, often with additional national rules.

Contents

This article provides a country-by-country comparison of long-term residence permits in the European Union (EU), highlighting key differences in eligibility, rights, application processes, and renewal conditions.

Understanding EU Long-Term Residence Permits

What is an EU Long-Term Residence Permit?

The EU long-term residence permit is a status granted to non-EU nationals who have legally resided in an EU member state for a continuous period (usually five years) and meet certain integration and financial requirements. It provides:

The right to live and work in the granting country indefinitely.
Limited mobility rights within the EU.
Access to education, healthcare, and social benefits under similar conditions to EU nationals.

General Eligibility Criteria Across EU Countries

Most EU countries follow these common criteria:
✔ Continuous legal residence for at least five years.
✔ Stable and regular income (to prove financial self-sufficiency).
✔ Health insurance covering major medical costs.
✔ Integration requirements, such as language proficiency or civic knowledge (varies by country).
✔ Clean criminal record.

However, individual countries add their own conditions, making the process and rights associated with long-term residence different across the EU.

Comparison of Long-Term Residence Permits in EU Countries

Each EU member state has specific rules for obtaining and maintaining long-term residence permits. Below is a comparison of how different EU countries handle these permits.

1. Germany: Niederlassungserlaubnis (Settlement Permit) & EU Long-Term Residence

Residence Requirement: 5 years of continuous residence (exceptions for skilled workers and refugees).
Income Requirement: Proof of stable income and pension contributions.
Integration: German B1 language certificate and basic civic knowledge.
Rights: Unlimited work rights, access to social security, and can apply for German citizenship after additional residence.
Mobility: Can move to another EU country but must apply for a separate residence permit there.

2. France: Carte de Résident de Longue Durée – UE

Residence Requirement: 5 years of legal residence (exceptions for family members of French citizens).
Income Requirement: Stable resources above the minimum wage (SMIC).
Integration: French A2 language requirement and proof of integration.
Rights: Allows work in France but does not automatically allow work in other EU states.
Renewal: Valid for 10 years, renewable.

3. Italy: Permesso di Soggiorno UE per Soggiornanti di Lungo Periodo

Residence Requirement: 5 years of legal residence.
Income Requirement: Minimum annual income equivalent to social allowance.
Integration: Italian A2 language requirement and passing an integration test.
Rights: Free access to healthcare and social services, right to work in Italy.
Renewal: Indefinite validity, but needs to be updated if passport details change.

4. Spain: Tarjeta de Larga Duración UE

Residence Requirement: 5 years of continuous legal residence.
Income Requirement: Stable and sufficient income.
Integration: No language test required, but proof of economic and social integration.
Rights: Work authorization in Spain and limited access to employment in other EU states.
Renewal: Indefinite, must be renewed every five years for documentation purposes.

5. Netherlands: EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Residence Requirement: 5 years of legal residence.
Income Requirement: Proof of sufficient and stable income.
Integration: Dutch A2 language test and knowledge of Dutch society.
Rights: Full access to employment and social benefits.
Renewal: Permit is indefinite, but must be updated every five years.

6. Sweden: Permanent Residence Permit

Residence Requirement: 4 years for refugees, 5 years for others.
Income Requirement: Proof of self-sufficiency through employment or other means.
Integration: No official language requirement but must show active participation in society.
Rights: Permanent work and residence rights, access to healthcare and education.
Renewal: Not required unless circumstances change.

7. Austria: Daueraufenthalt – EU (Permanent Residence – EU)

Residence Requirement: 5 years of continuous residence.
Income Requirement: Proof of stable income without reliance on social assistance.
Integration: German B1 language requirement and basic civic knowledge test.
Rights: Right to work and live indefinitely in Austria, limited EU mobility.
Renewal: Indefinite but needs renewal for documentation every 5 years.

8. Belgium: Residence Permit Type B (Long-Term Residence Permit)

Residence Requirement: 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay.
Income Requirement: Proof of financial independence.
Integration: Proof of social integration through work, study, or language courses.
Rights: Full access to employment and social security benefits.
Renewal: Permit is valid indefinitely but must be renewed for administrative purposes.

9. Poland: Long-Term EU Residence Permit

Residence Requirement: 5 years of legal residence.
Income Requirement: Proof of stable income and housing.
Integration: No formal language test, but knowledge of Polish society helps.
Rights: Can live and work in Poland but must apply separately for residence in other EU states.
Renewal: Indefinite, but must be updated when the passport expires.

10. Portugal: Autorização de Residência de Longa Duração

Residence Requirement: 5 years of legal residence.
Income Requirement: Stable financial means.
Integration: Basic Portuguese language test (A2) required.
Rights: Work authorization and access to social benefits.
Renewal: Every 5 years.

Key Differences Across EU Countries

1. Language and Integration Requirements

Strictest: Germany, Austria, Netherlands, and Portugal (require formal language certification).
Moderate: France, Italy (basic language and integration proof).
Easiest: Spain, Sweden, and Poland (little or no language requirements).

2. Rights in Other EU Countries

Most Flexible: Germany, Belgium, and Netherlands (easier access to work in other EU states).
Least Flexible: Spain, Italy, and Poland (residents must reapply for residence in another EU country).

3. Renewal and Validity

Indefinite but needs renewal every 5 years: Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Poland.
10-year renewable permits: France, Italy.

Conclusion

Long-term residence permits in the EU offer non-EU nationals stability, security, and near-equal rights to citizens of their host countries. While the EU Long-Term Residence Directive sets the framework, each country enforces its own rules, creating significant variations in eligibility, benefits, and renewal processes.

When choosing an EU country for long-term residence, language requirements, employment opportunities, and mobility rights within the EU should be key considerations. With careful planning and compliance with national regulations, obtaining long-term residence in the EU can open doors to greater stability and, eventually, citizenship opportunities.