EU Long-Term Resident Permit (across Germany, NL, Ireland, Portugal)
Five years of EU residence unlocks long-term status with onward mobility to other EU states.
Official Germany & Europe pageWho this route is for
Non-EU nationals who have lawfully and continuously lived in an EU member state for five years and want permanent status plus the right to move to other EU countries.
Eligibility requirements
- Five years of continuous legal residence in the member state (study time often counts at 50%)
- Stable, regular income sufficient for yourself and family without recourse to social assistance
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Basic knowledge of the host-country language and, in some states, an integration/civic test (B1 German in Germany; A2/B1 elsewhere)
- No serious criminal record or threat to public policy
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
A single EU-wide status created by Directive 2003/109/EC. Germany's settlement permit (Sec 9a), Portugal's permanent residence and the Netherlands' EU LTR permit all implement it. Ireland and Denmark opted out, so applicants there rely on national long-term residence instead.
Other Germany & Europe routes
Germany Settlement Permit & EU Long-Term Residence (Sec 9 / 9a)
PermanentGermany's permanent residence — live and work indefinitely, with EU mobility.
Germany Citizenship / Naturalisation
PermanentBecome a German citizen after 5 years — now with full dual citizenship.
Germany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte, Sec 20a)
TemporaryPoints-based job-search visa — come to Germany with no job offer.
EU Blue Card (Sec 18g)
TemporaryThe EU's flagship permit for university graduates with a German job offer.