EU Long-Term Residency in Schengen
Many people who plan to move to Europe search for long-term solutions that provide stability, work rights, and mobility across multiple countries. One of the most searched immigration statuses is EU long-term residency, which is often confused with permanent residence or even EU citizenship.
A very common question that most of you are interested to know the answer to is whether EU long-term residency allows you to freely live and work in other EU countries, or whether it works the same way as a normal permanent residence permit that only allows you to be employed in the issuing country.
This article explains clearly how EU long-term residency works, which countries offer it, what rights it gives you, and what it does not allow. By the end, you will understand exactly what mobility and work rights you get with this status. Before going further, we have to answer briefly about work rights in Europe if you have an EU long-term residency.
EU Long-Term Residency Work Rights in Europe
EU long-term residency allows you to live and work permanently in the country that issued the permit. It does not automatically allow you to live or work in other EU countries. You must apply for a residence permit in the new country. However, the main benefit that you get if you do this residency is the process in your desired country. I mean, the country where you are planning to move is usually easier than for first-time applicants.
What Is EU Long-Term Residency?
EU long-term residency is a legal immigration status created under European Union law for non-EU citizens who have legally lived in one EU country for a long period, usually five continuous years.
After meeting residence, income, health insurance, and integration requirements, you may apply for EU long-term resident status in the country where you live. Once approved, you will receive a residence card labeled as a long-term resident or EC long-term resident, depending on your country.
This status is designed to give you stable residence rights, long-term security, and near-equal treatment with citizens in employment and social conditions within the issuing country.
It is important to understand that EU long-term residency is not citizenship. It does not provide a passport, voting rights, or unlimited freedom of movement across the European Union.
Which Countries Offer EU Long-Term Residency?
Now, the question in your mind is which country issued you this residency? Well, most of the EU member states offer you EU long-term residency because they follow the same European directive. Examples include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Greece, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Finland, Sweden, and Cyprus.
Remember that Denmark and Ireland are exceptions and operate under different national immigration systems.
Each country sets its own practical requirements, such as language exams, minimum income, and application fees, but the core rule of five years of legal residence applies across almost all participating countries.
How EU Long-Term Residency Differs From Permanent Residence
Many of you may be confusing EU long-term residency with national permanent residence. While both provide stability, they are not identical.
A national permanent residence permit allows you to live and work permanently only in the country that issued the permit. It offers no legal advantages for moving to another EU country.
While EU long-term residency also allows you to live and work in the issuing country, it adds limited mobility rights to you within the EU. These mobility rights are often misunderstood.
Author note for you
EU long-term residency does not give you full freedom of movement like EU citizenship. It simply makes it easier, not automatic, to apply for residence in another EU country, e.g., if you have a long-term Polish EU residency and you suddenly got a job in Germany and you want to move there, then for you it will be easier to move than for those who have permanent residency in Poland.
You have to follow the process, but you would not face much complication mean you will easily move there and join your job without much visa related issue.
What Rights Do You Have in the Country That Issued Your EU Long-Term Residency?
Once you obtain EU long-term residency in a specific country, you can live there permanently without renewing temporary visas. You can work for any employer, change jobs freely, open a business, and access education and social benefits under similar conditions as citizens.
You are protected from sudden loss of status as long as you maintain residence and comply with local laws. This stability makes EU long-term residency attractive for people planning long-term settlement.
In the issuing country, EU long-term residency functions very similarly to permanent residence.
Can You Travel Freely in Schengen With an EU Long-Term Residency?
Yes. EU long-term residents can travel within the Schengen Area for short stays without applying for visas. You can stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business visits, or family visits.
This travel right does not allow employment or long-term residence in another country.
Can You Live and Work in Another EU Country With EU Long-Term Residency?
This is the most important part of this topic.
EU long-term residency does not automatically allow you to live and work in another EU country without applying for a new residence permit.
If you want to move to another EU country for longer than 90 days, work there, or establish residence, you must apply for a residence permit in that country.
However, EU long-term residency gives you an advantage compared to first-time immigrants. Many countries allow you, as an EU long-term resident, to apply locally, benefit from simplified procedures, and face fewer restrictions than new applicants.
Author note for you
You still need to meet employment conditions, income requirements, housing registration rules, and health insurance requirements in the new country.
This means EU long-term residency is not equal to EU citizenship and does not grant automatic work rights across Europe. You must go through the process, but of course, the process is less complicated in general.
When Does EU Long-Term Residency Make Cross-Border Movement Easier?
EU long-term residency can be helpful if you:
- You plan to relocate after building long-term stability in one country
- You want easier access to residence permits in another EU state
- You need legal continuity and long-term security
- You want mobility without restarting your immigration journey completely
However, if your main goal is unrestricted freedom to live and work anywhere in the EU without permits, EU citizenship is the only status that provides that level of mobility.
Common Misunderstandings About EU Long-Term Residency
- Many of us believe EU long-term residency allows unrestricted movement and employment across all EU countries. This is incorrect.
- Some believe it allows permanent residence in multiple countries simultaneously. This is also incorrect.
- Others think it replaces work permits entirely. In reality, you still need authorization from the new country.
Author note for you
You have to understand this simply: EU long-term residency provides you mobility support, not the automatic mobility that you think of when planning to move to other EU countries.Learn more about EU long-term residency
Final Answer for Readers from Author
If I make it simpler for you, then let me say that this permit does not grant you an automatic right to work elsewhere, but it provides you with a simplified, fast-tracked procedure to apply for a work permit in a second EU country.
In this sense, it behaves similarly to permanent residence, with the added benefit of simplified mobility within the EU.
Read other related blogs
Five best countries in Europe for a a family to move in 2026
EU long-term residency in Poland
Poland vs. Germany: Which Country Has Better IT Salaries & Living Costs Compared (2026 Guide)
Europe’s digital nomad visa program
Norway vs. Denmark: Which country is better for living and the future
Top 4 EU Countries to Study & Settle in 2026: Germany, Finland, Sweden & Norway
Top 3 Key Tips to Avoid Study Visa Rejection
Portugal D8 vs. Germany Freelance Visa: Which is better in 2026?
Disclaimer: This blog post is only for informational purposes; for exact information, we suggest you visit the official source as well.
Found this helpful? Share with others who might benefit
