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Moving to another EU member state
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
EU citizens 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.
If you have lived legally, meeting the conditions to stay in another EU country, for a continuous period of 5 years you automatically acquire the right of permanent residence there. This means that you can stay in the country as long as you want.
Your continuity of residence is not affected by:
You can lose your right to permanent residence if you live outside the country for more than 2 consecutive years.
You may qualify for permanent residence in under 5 years in any of the following situations:
Some EU countries require you to report your presence https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/documents-formalities/reporting-presence/index_en.htm to the relevant authorities within a reasonable time after arrival. They may impose a penalty, such as a fine if you fail to do so.
As an employed person in your host country, you should register your residence with the relevant authority (often the town hall or local police station) after the first 3 months. When you register, you will get a registration certificate. This certificate confirms your right to live in your host country.
You will need:
You don't need to provide other documents.
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.