The desire to explore new opportunities, improve your quality of life, or change the environment has led many people to seek permanent residency in other countries. This doesn’t mean that you must give up your current citizenship. It simply allows you to live in a second country for longer than a regular tourist visa would.
There are several countries in the European Union (EU) where this is possible, and it might be much easier than you think. However, there will naturally still be some bureaucratic processes that you must go through.
Permanent residency is a more secure form of residency, which allows you to reside indefinitely in a country without being a full citizen. It is a step forward from temporary residency, which usually requires a minimum residency period before being eligible to apply for permanent residency.
A lawful permanent resident has the right to stay in the country for an unlimited period, with the freedom to enter and leave the country while maintaining their status. However, there are certain limitations, such as the duration of time they can stay out of the country, or the potential need to obtain a re-entry permit if they spend more than a year abroad.
Germany
If you’ve lived in Germany on a temporary basis, you can apply for permanent residency after a certain period of time. Non-EU/EFTA citizens must have a residence permit for family, education, or work reasons before applying.
Usually, it takes five years of residency to qualify, but some groups may be eligible sooner, such as graduates in skilled employment for two years, skilled professionals, government employees, or relatives of German citizens. To qualify, you must integrate into German society, which may mean completing an integration course and having at least an A2 level proficiency in German.
You’ll also need to prove that you’re financially independent, have paid into the pension scheme, and have adequate housing for yourself and your family. You must have a clean criminal record, too. If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for permanent residency at the local immigration authority, known as Ausländerbehörde.
Italy
To obtain permanent residency in Italy, you must have lived in the country for five years, except if you’re married to an Italian citizen, in which case the requirement reduces to two years. If you need to leave Italy during this time, your absence should not be more than six consecutive months or a total of ten months.
Some exceptions to this rule include military service, working in other EU countries, or retiring in Italy after a minimum of three years of stay, including employment in the last year.
To apply for permanent residency, you must prove you have health insurance, a clean criminal record, and show proficiency in the Italian language at an A2 level or above. You must also show evidence of a yearly income that exceeds the welfare threshold and have adequate living arrangements.
France
To live in France permanently, you must have lived in the country for five years. If you are a spouse or family member of a French national, you can apply after living in France for three years. You can either have a temporary French visa or be a citizen of the EU/EFTA.
To be eligible, you need to integrate into French society and speak French at an A2 level unless you are over 65 years old. Also, you must not have any criminal records or pending convictions.
If you meet these criteria, you can live in France indefinitely and use most public services.
A permanent residence permit is usually valid for ten years and can be renewed when needed.
You can get a permanent resident card for €225, which you can pay online using tax stamps.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
