Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Union will update the rules for long-term residence status, and according to a European statement issued in Brussels, at the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the European Union member states agreed to the negotiating position to update the European Union directives for long-term residents. This directive sets out the conditions under which third-country nationals can obtain long-term resident status in the European Union. According to the statement quoted from the current rotating Spanish presidency of the Union, “the possibility of obtaining long-term resident status is essential for persons legally residing in the European Union. It is an incentive.” It is important to study or do work and fully integrate into our societies.”
According to Fernando Grande Marlaska Gomez, Spanish Minister of the Interior
According to the European statement, in order to obtain long-term residence status in the European Union, third-country citizens must reside legally and continuously in one of the member states for at least five years.
Obtain long-term resident status
According to the Council's position, third-country nationals can accumulate periods of residence of up to two years in other Member States in order to meet the five-year residence period requirement. However, in the event that the applicant resides in another Member State, the Council has decided to accept only certain types of legal residence permits, such as holders of EU Blue Cards or residence permits issued for the purpose of highly qualified employment.
Certain conditions will apply in order for applicants to be able to obtain long-term resident status. For example, applicants from third countries must provide evidence of stable and regular resources sufficient to support themselves and their family members, as well as sickness insurance. Member States may also require third-country nationals to comply with integration conditions.
Long-term residency status is permanent. However, it can be withdrawn in certain cases, for example when a person does not have their main residence in the EU for a certain period of time.
Movement rights within the European Union
In contrast to national residence systems, long-term residence status in the EU gives its holders the possibility to move and reside in other EU countries, for example to work or study. This right to movement within the European Union is not an automatic right but is subject to a number of conditions. Such a requirement is that Member States may assess the situation of their national labor markets in the event that a long-term EU resident moves to their country from another EU Member State for work.
Equal treatment with EU citizens
Long-term EU residents enjoy the same treatment as nationals with regard to access to work, self-employment, education, vocational training and tax benefits, for example. There are a number of conditions, such as the requirement that residence permit holders live within the country's territory