What is a residence permit in Europe 2021? Is a short-term visa issued for tourists or seasonal workers that is unlikely to be suitable for moving to Europe for a long time. You need a residence permit or a residence permit – a special long-term visa that gives its owner the right to stay on the territory of the state for a long time, as well as the ability to cross the border an unlimited number of times without additional bureaucratic red tape.
How to get a residence permit in Europe?
You cannot just buy a residence permit. And it is issued only if the applicant has good reasons for moving. For example, a permanent job, study at a university, opening a foreign representative office of a company, or a promising joint business project. Often, a residence permit at the same time limits the occupation of an immigrant, except in cases when a residence permit is granted to investors.
Requirements for obtaining a European residence permit
There is an unspoken rule here: the more money a foreigner is ready to spend on obtaining a visa category, which gives the right to live in another country for several years, the fewer requirements the immigration service will make.
What are the benefits of a residence permit in the European Union?
Having been issued a residence permit in Europe, you will receive the right to live, work, do business, and study in a modern democratic state for a long time. Additional benefits will be:
- The ability to travel freely in the Schengen countries (note – the UK is not included in this list, so this condition does not apply to it).
- Residence permit in Europe 2021 allows to receive medical care in a European clinic.
- The ability to become a tax resident of another state and optimize your expenses.
Disadvantages of a residence permit in Europe
No matter how wonderful a residence permit is, but still, this status is usually accompanied by restrictions, the main one of which is the validity period of the permit, which must be regularly renewed (the possibility of renewal, the number of renewals, and the terms depend on the laws of the country that issued you the visa), as well as the lack of possibility, reside permanently in other EU countries. Fortunately, in most European jurisdictions, after a few years of residence in the country, you have another opportunity – to apply for permanent residence.
What is permanent residence?
Unlike a regular residence permit, permanent residence is either not limited in time (for example, in the UK), or the period until its next extension significantly exceeds the validity periods of long-term visas (in Europe). In most EU countries, you get the right to become a permanent resident after 5-7 years of residence.
In terms of the sum of rights and obligations, the holder of permanent residence is equated to a citizen of the country, the only difference is that he cannot hold elective and state positions, as well as vote in elections.
When is permanent residence issued?
Often, a permanent residence permit becomes the final goal of an immigrant, although, if desired, after a while, you can get a citizen’s passport. So, let’s clarify again: when people move to another country, they are often said to be going for permanent residence – however, this is just a common colloquial wording. A permanent residence permit can be issued only after several years of living in a new place.
Advantages of a permanent residence permit Europe 2021
- If you received a residence permit in a European country under the Golden Visa program or any other program involving investment in the economy, real estate, or shares of European companies, having received permanent residence, you can partially or fully return your money.
- With the new status, you and your family can travel freely to countries that have signed the Schengen agreement (Great Britain is not included in this list).
- Your children can get a high-quality education at any university they like in a country that is a member of the European Union.
- The doors of many European financial institutions are open for you, you can take out a loan from a bank.
- You have the right to help and social guarantees from the state.
- After a while, you will have the opportunity to apply for second citizenship. But, as in the case of permanent residence, in most European countries, for this you need to know the language, as well as the peculiarities of the culture and way of life of your new homeland.
- Permanent residents can apply for a residence permit by their relatives before the official authorities.
Which European country to choose for immigration
If you want to open up new opportunities for your children, and you gravitate towards a calm, measured life in a comfortable and safe environment, move to a permanent place of residence in Europe. As you have already seen, even the European Union cannot be called a single legal space, so you need to impartially consider all options for immigration and soberly assess the advantages and disadvantages of each country. If you find it difficult to understand all the legal intricacies of the immigration process, seek professional advice.
Watch also: Residence permit for real estate in Europe: Useful tips for buyers
