Definition
Long-Term EU Resident status is a harmonised residence category created by EU Directive 2003/109/EC for certain third-country nationals who have usually completed at least five years of lawful stay in a member state. It gives stronger protection against loss of status than an ordinary temporary permit and may also support a later move to another EU country under that country's national rules. It is different from citizenship and different from a short-term or employer-tied residence title.
Related terms
Permanent Residency
Niederlassungserlaubnis (Germany) / Carte de résident (France)
An indefinite residence status granted to long-term foreign residents, conferring near-citizen rights without requiring naturalisation.
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Settlement Permit
A national form of permanent or indefinite residence that removes most time limits and employment restrictions after a qualifying period of lawful stay.
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Third-Country National
TCN
A person who is not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland — the primary applicant group for European work and residence permits.
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