If you are a non-EU national who wants to live in the EU, such as the Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain, you can apply for an EU long-term residence permit, which can help you access work, education and other government benefits in EU country that you want to live in. If you do not know how to apply for an EU long-term residence permit, you can follow the completed guide below and obtain an EU long-term residence permit. Let’s read below and get a long-term EU residence permit.
What is EU long-term residency
The EU long-term residence permit is for non-EU nationals to live in an EU Member State. Third-country nationals must have lived in an EU country for at least five years before applying for EU long-term residence. When you receive the permit, you do not need to renew it because it is valid forever. Here you need to make the difference between EU long-term residence and permanent residence. If you are an EU national and have lived in another EU country for a continuous period of 5 years legally, you can apply for a permanent residence without any condition.
Who is eligible for an EU long-term residence permit
If non-EU citizens wish to apply for an EU long-term residence permit, they must meet the eligibility criteria in different EU countries. Here you can check the list of eligibility for an EU long-term residence permit.
- You are not a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
- You have a temporary residence permit for non-temporary residence purposes.
- You must have lived in an EU country for at least 5 years. For example, you cannot stay outside the Netherlands for longer than 6 consecutive months.
- You must have enough financial support for yourself and your dependents.
- You must have mastered the official language of the country.
- You must know the legal and social system and the way of life in the country.
EU long-term residence permit requirements
According to the EU long-term permit, you must meet the requirements in advance. Here you can check the list of documents required for an EU long-term residence permit.
- A valid passport and copies of passport pages with personal data and all pages containing stickers or stamps.
- A photo that complies with Schengen photo rules.
- You must show proof that you have lived in that country for more than five years, such as utility bills and rental contracts.
- You must show a valid registration certificate when you arrive in the host country.
- Proof of income such as bank statements and pay slips to show the ability to support yourself.
- Proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract or home ownership document.
- Public or private health insurance.
- Evidence of a clear criminal record shows that you are not a national security risk.
- You should have residence permits or residence documents, such as a permanent residence permit (type II or type IV).
- Other supporting requirements you need to prepare according to the category of applications.
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How to apply for an EU long-term residence permit
After you have prepared all the necessary documents, you should apply for an EU long-term residence permit at the immigration authorities in the EU country where you live. It is recommended to apply when your current temporary residence permit is still valid. Here you can check the EU long-term residence permit application below:
- You must send the required documents to the immigration authorities in the EU country where you live. You can submit the documents in person or by post.
- You must provide your biometric information. Once the immigration authorities have received your documents, you will be asked to provide your biometric information. Or you can complete the biometric information on the day when you submit the documents in person.
- You have to pay the bill. After submitting the information, you will also need to pay the fee for an EU long-term residence permit, which changes from country to country.
- Wait for the notification and collect your EU long-term residence permit. Once the immigration authorities give you a positive decision on your case, you will be notified and invited to collect your permanent residence permit. You must make an appointment to collect the residence document.
Long-term EU residence permit fees
You need to pay for the long-term EU residence permit fee and the price will differ from one EU country to another. For example, adult applicants need to pay a fee of €171 in the Netherlands, applicants need to pay a fee of €109 in Germany and the application will cost you about € 228,00 in Spain. You can pay the fee at the counter or online with iDEAL internet banking.
EU long-term residence permit processing time
The EU long-term residence permit process takes about 6 months. After the IND receives your application, they will process it as soon as possible. But they need some time to check your eligibility and requirements. Sometimes they will extend the process time if you need to prepare more supporting documentation. If you are in this situation, the IND will send a message.
Validity of the EU residence permit
The European residence permit in the Netherlands will be valid forever, meaning you don’t need to renew it for a long time. Because the document will be automatically renewable without any condition or requirement. And you will receive an extension notice for another period when your residency is about to expire.
What are the benefits of the EU long-term residence permit?
After you have the chance to get an EU long-term residence permit, you will enjoy similar rights as the EU nationals of the country where you are residing. Here you can check the list below and enjoy the benefits of EU long-term residence permits.
- You can access employment and self-employment. However, it is not included in some public administration posts for nationals or EU citizens.
- You can benefit from education and work-related training, including study grants.
- You can enjoy freedom of association and trade union membership.
- You can enjoy the goods and services from the government, such as transport, museums and restaurants.
- You can freely visit the entire territory of the EU host country.
- You can benefit from social protection, assistance and security.
- You can enjoy tax benefits.
What to do if my residence permit is refused?
If you are not allowed to have a residence permit, you will receive a letter with the reason why you are refused. If you believe this is an IND decision issue, you can file an objection to the decision. Here you can follow the steps below:
- You can file an objection to the IND decision. Then you will receive a receipt of your objection.
- The officer will examine your objection to the IND decision and make an assessment of your objection.
- You will receive the IND’s decision of appeal.
- Once you are not required to hold a long-term residence permit, you must meet the requirements and reapply for it.
FAQ
Can I work in Netherlands with residence permit
Yes, if you are nationals outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you must have a residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. In some cases, you will also need a work permit. However, if you are from another European Union (EU) country, you can work in the Netherlands without a work permit .
How long can an EU resident stay in Spain?
If you are an EU resident, the time for you to stay in Spain will be different. It will depend on whether you are a permanent or temporary resident. If you have a temporary residence, you can stay for five years. After five years, you can upgrade to a permanent residence. When you have a permanent residence, you will be granted the right to work and reside permanently.
Is it possible to have two residence permits for two EU countries?
Yes. As long as you have met the requirements and conditions of EU countries, it is allowed for you to obtain two residence permits in two EU countries. Therefore, it is possible for nationals who do not come from EU countries to have two residence permits in different EU countries.
Can I work in Ireland with an EU long-term residence permit?
If you have an EU long-term residence permit in Ireland, you will have the right to work and live or study.
Conclusion
All in all, it is necessary for non-EU nationals to apply for a long-term residence permit, which allows you to live, work and enjoy social benefits in EU countries. However, you must prepare all the necessary documents and meet the criteria to obtain this residence permit. Otherwise, it will cost you more money and time to have it.
Erin Lo