EU Long-Term Residence
The EU long-term residence permit is comparable to the settlement permit, but its effect reaches beyond Germany. It makes moving to another EU country easier.
At a glance
Legal basis
Key feature
Permanent and not tied to a purpose
What makes it special
Easier relocation to other EU Member States
Its limit
A work permit is still required to take up employment
What makes the EU long-term residence permit special
What sets the EU long-term residence permit apart is that this residence title is based on an EU directive and therefore also exists in other EU Member States.
Moving to another EU Member State
This permanent right of residence allows third-country nationals to move their residence to another EU Member State under facilitated conditions. It therefore brings them closer to the position of an EU citizen.
Where the difference from an EU citizen remains
Unlike an EU citizen, a third-country national always needs a work permit to take up employment. EU citizens themselves are covered by freedom of movement. Anyone who intends to stay in Germany permanently often chooses the settlement permit instead.
