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EU residence permits

Travelling to another EU country during a short-term visit – less than 90 days

Yes, your rights as a Schengen visa holder allow you to travel within the Schengen area during the validity of your visa, adhering to the “90 days in each 180-day period” rule. Here are some key points to consider when planning travel within the EU and Schengen area:

Travelling within the Schengen area:

  • Borderless Travel: With a Schengen visa, you can travel freely between Schengen countries without having to go through passport control at each border.
  • Visa validity: You must ensure that your stay does not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. This rule applies no matter how many Schengen countries you visit.

Travelling to Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania:

  • Separate visas: These countries are not part of the Schengen area, so you may need a national visa to visit each of them, even if you have a Schengen visa.
  • Applying for a national visa: If you plan to visit these countries, you should apply for the appropriate national visa in advance.

General tips:

  • Documents: Always carry your passport and copies of documents proving the purpose of your trip, as you may need to show them when asked by immigration authorities or when checking into hotels.
  • Visa compliance: Make sure you do not breach the conditions of your visa, as this can lead to problems in future attempts to enter the Schengen area or other countries.

By following these tips, you can avoid legal complications and make your stay in Europe more pleasant and safe.

Travelling to another EU country during my extended stay – more than 90 days

Your understanding of the rules of stay and movement within the Schengen area and the European Union is correct. Here is more information to help you navigate through the processes when staying in the EU for an extended period of time:

Travelling within the Schengen area with a long-term visa or residence permit

  1. 90 days within a 180-day period: If you have a long-term visa or residence permit issued by a Schengen country, you can travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within each 180-day period without the need for an additional visa.
  2. Conditions for travelling: When travelling you will need to:
    • Justify the purpose of stay: Tourism, business trip, visit to friends or relatives, etc.
    • Have sufficient financial means: To cover living expenses during the trip and to return home.
    • Meet safety requirements: Not pose a threat to public order, safety or health.
  3. Transit through other Schengen countries: When travelling to a specific Schengen country, you are also allowed to pass through other countries in the zone without additional checks.

Moving to another EU country for more than 90 days

If you plan to move to another EU country for more than 90 days, the process will be different:

  1. Need to obtain a national visa or residence permit: You must apply for the appropriate documents that will allow you to legally reside, work or study in this country.
  2. Additional requirements: Depending on the purpose of your extended stay (work, study, family reunification), you may need additional documents such as a job offer, an acceptance letter from an educational institution or proof of family ties.
  3. Registration and integration measures: In some countries, additional steps may be required, such as registration with local authorities, participation in integration courses or language tests.

Recommendations

  • Planning: Make sure you plan your travel and stay in advance, especially if moving to another country for an extended period of time.
  • Consultation with an immigration attorney: Because immigration laws can be complex and change frequently, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified professional who can help you navigate the process.
  • Legal compliance: Make sure you comply with all legal requirements in both the country you are leaving and the country you are moving to.

Rules for certain categories of residence permit holders from non-EU countries

Yes, there are special EU rules that facilitate the movement of certain categories of non-EU residence permit holders between EU member states. These rules apply to those who hold EU long-term resident status and their families. Here are the main aspects of these rules:

Long-term resident status in the EU

  1. Obtaining status: Individuals who have lived legally and continuously in an EU country for five years can apply for long-term resident status in the EU. This status gives them more flexibility to move and reside within the EU.
  2. Rights: Long-term residents of the EU have the right to live, work and study in any other EU country except Denmark, Ireland, and the UK (the latter is no longer a member of the EU). They can exercise these rights by applying for a residence permit in the country they wish to move to.
  3. Procedure: To move to another EU country, long-term residents must apply for a new residence permit in that country, providing proof of housing, sufficient means of subsistence and, in some cases, health insurance.

Family members

  1. Family inclusion: Family members of a long-term resident can also enjoy the right to move and reside. They can accompany or join the long-term resident in the new EU country if they fulfil the necessary requirements.
  2. Requirements: Family members must apply for their own residence permits and provide evidence of family ties, financial dependence and, in some cases, integration such as language skills.

Restrictions

  • Exceptions: Some EU countries, such as Denmark and Ireland, do not participate in the EU long-term resident system and may have their own rules for immigration.
  • Labour market: Some countries may impose restrictions on access to the labour market for new residents in their first year of residence.

These rules facilitate intra-EU mobility for long-term residents and their families, strengthening their rights and providing more opportunities for personal and professional development within the European Union.

Residence Permits in Europe: A Comparative Guide for Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, Montenegro, and Romania

Navigating the residence permit processes in different European countries can be complex. This guide provides a detailed comparison of the residence permits in the Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg, Montenegro, and Romania, highlighting the key aspects of each.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers various types of residence permits, including long-term and permanent permits. Key points include:

  • Application Process: Typically takes up to 60 days.
  • Purpose: Permits are issued for specific purposes such as employment, study, or family reunification.
  • Benefits: Access to the labor market and the ability to travel within the Schengen Area12.

Greece

Greece provides residence permits for work, study, and family reunification. Important aspects are:

  • Application Process: Can take several months.
  • Purpose: Permits are purpose-specific, similar to other EU countries.
  • Benefits: Access to healthcare and education, as well as the ability to travel within the Schengen Area.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg offers residence permits for various purposes, including employment, study, and family reunification. Highlights include:

  • Application Process: Generally takes around 90 days.
  • Purpose: Permits are issued for specific purposes.
  • Benefits: High quality of life, access to excellent healthcare and education systems.

Montenegro

Montenegro, though not an EU member, offers residence permits for work, study, and family reunification. Key points are:

  • Application Process: Typically takes up to 60 days.
  • Purpose: Permits are issued for specific purposes.
  • Benefits: Lower cost of living compared to many EU countries, and access to beautiful natural landscapes.

Romania

Romania provides residence permits for employment, study, and family reunification. Important aspects include:

  • Application Process: Usually takes around 60 days.
  • Purpose: Permits are purpose-specific.
  • Benefits: Affordable living costs and a growing economy with numerous job opportunities.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing these countries, several factors come into play:

  1. Application Process: The Czech Republic, Montenegro, and Romania offer relatively quicker processing times, while Greece and Luxembourg may take longer.
  2. Cost of Living: Montenegro and Romania are more affordable, whereas Luxembourg is on the higher end.
  3. Quality of Life: Luxembourg excels in quality of life, followed by Greece and the Czech Republic.
  4. Economic Opportunities: Romania and the Czech Republic have growing economies with numerous job opportunities, while Luxembourg offers stability in established sectors.
  5. Cultural Experience: Greece and Montenegro provide rich cultural experiences, while the Czech Republic and Romania offer unique historical insights.

Conclusion

Choosing the right country for your residence permit depends on your personal and professional goals. Whether you prioritize economic opportunities, quality of life, or cultural experiences, each of these countries has something unique to offer. By understanding the nuances of each residence permit process, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.

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