EU Adapts Regulations for Acquiring Long-Term Resident Status

The European Union has recently amended its guidelines within the EU Long-Term Residents Directive, outlining the prerequisites for third-country nationals to obtain long-term resident status within member states.

The proposed amendments include a more flexible approach to residency requirements, targeted integration measures, and enhanced intra-EU mobility. These changes are expected to benefit millions of third-country nationals living in the EU.

Third-country nationals are citizens of countries that are not members of the European Union or whose residents do not have the right to free movement in the European Union.

What’s In the New Directive

As per the revised directive, acquiring EU long-term resident status mandates legal and uninterrupted residence within a member state for a minimum of five years. This status operates concurrently with national long-term resident schemes.

In alignment with the Council's position, the update facilitates third-country nationals to aggregate residence periods of up to two years across different Member States, assisting them in meeting the required five-year residency criterion.

However, specific conditions will apply. The Council has stipulated that for applicants who have resided in other Member States, only certain types of legally recognised residence permits, such as the EU Blue Card or those tied to highly qualified employment, will be considered.

Applicants aspiring for long-term resident status within an EU Member State must also fulfil specific criteria. This includes demonstrating stable and consistent financial means adequate to support themselves and their families, in addition to maintaining comprehensive health insurance.

Moreover, third-country nationals seeking long-term resident status may encounter integration requirements such as language, culture, and way of life of the host country.

Perks of Being an EU Long-Term Resident

Upon approval, long-term resident status holds permanence.

The right to move inside the EU is a key feature of EU long-term resident status. Individuals with this status, unlike those with national residence systems, have the freedom to relocate and live in other EU nations for employment, study, or other reasons.

Furthermore, EU long-term residents receive equal treatment with EU nationals in terms of employment and self-employment, education and vocational training, and tax benefits

Statistics from Eurostat indicate that by the close of 2020, approximately 23 million nationals from third countries legally resided in the EU, constituting 5.1% of the EU population. Of this total, over ten million held a long-term permanent residence permit.

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