Residence rights
Find out everything you need to know about living in another EU country whether you're employed, a student, a pensioner, or a jobseeker. In particular, what are your rights in your host country? What administrative formalities will you need to complete?
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As an EU citizen, you have the right to move to any EU country to live, work, study, look for a job or retire.
You can stay in another EU country for up to 3 months without registering there but you may need to report your presence. The only requirement is to hold a valid national identity card or passport. If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you may need to register your residence.
In many EU countries, you need to carry an identity card or passport with you at all times. In these countries, you could be fined or temporarily detained if you leave your identity documents at home - but you cannot be forced to return to your home country for this reason alone.
Check if you have to carry an ID or passport at all times in your host country:
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Permanent residence
If you have lived legally in another EU country for a continuous period of 5 years, you automatically acquire the right of permanent residence there.
Check your rights depending on your situation:
I want to:
If you are a non-EU citizen and you want to move to the EU to work or study, you can find all practical information on the EU immigration portal.
Naturalisation
If you have questions about becoming a naturalised citizen (the process of gaining citizenship in your host country), you can find more information on our naturalisation page.