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Residence Permit, Permanent Residence, and Citizenship: What’s the Difference?
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When it comes to residence permits, permanent residency, and citizenship abroad, it is essential to understand that these are three distinct legal statuses, each interconnected.
Let’s start from the beginning:
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP)
A Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) is a document that grants you the legal right to reside in a foreign country for purposes such as business, property investment, employment, education, family reunification, and more.
Typically, a TRP is issued for 1-2 years and can be renewed, eventually leading to permanent residency (PR). In most cases, obtaining a TRP is the first step in the immigration process and moving abroad.
By securing a TRP, you gain the status of a resident in that country, which comes with certain rights and responsibilities, such as filing tax declarations and paying taxes.
In short, a TRP allows you to: ✓ Reside year-round in your chosen country ✓ Enter and leave the country without restrictions ✓ Access national healthcare ✓ Start a business, purchase property, optimize taxes, and change your tax residency.
How to Obtain a TRP in Europe
There are numerous ways to obtain a TRP and become a legal resident. The most common options include:
Programs for financially independent individuals with sufficient and stable income to live abroad without needing local employment.
TRP through property acquisition abroad.
TRP for entrepreneurs (business immigration).
Programs for startup entrepreneurs (Startup Visas).
Intra-Company Transfer Program (Intra-Company Transferee).
TRP through investments (Golden Visas and Investor Visas).
Family reunification.
Permanent Residence (PR)
Permanent Residence (PR) grants the right to reside and remain indefinitely in a foreign country.
PR is typically obtained after holding a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) and residing in the country for a specified number of years (usually five).
However, there are exceptions! Certain investment programs allow applicants to obtain PR directly.
For example:
Cyprus offers direct PR through the purchase of property or investments starting from €300,000.
Malta also provides immediate PR for property purchases starting at €300,000 or through long-term property rentals.
The phrase “moving abroad permanently” often refers colloquially to the intention of living abroad without returning, regardless of the legal status involved.
Rights of PR Holders PR status grants almost the same rights as citizenship, except:
The right to vote or run for public office.
Holding positions in government institutions.
PR is often the final step before obtaining citizenship and a foreign passport.
Citizenship
Citizenship represents a stable legal connection between an individual and a state, encompassing mutual rights and obligations.
Those not born in the host country can acquire citizenship through naturalization.
Naturalization is the process of obtaining citizenship after legally residing in a country for a specified period and meeting additional conditions.
Typically, one must reside in the country under TRP and PR status for 5 to 12 years to qualify for naturalization.
Portugal and France require a minimum of 5 years.
Greece and Cyprus require 7 years.
Austria, Italy, and Spain require 10 years.
Exceptions: If citizenship is obtained through marriage, residency requirements are often significantly reduced.
Each country has its own specific naturalization criteria. However, general requirements typically include:
Full integration into the community.
Proficiency in the local language.
Understanding of the country’s culture and, sometimes, its history.
IN SUMMARY: If a person plans to relocate abroad, the process typically involves first obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), then a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP), and eventually citizenship and a passport of the chosen country.
✔ Contact our immigration specialists, who will help you select the optimal program for obtaining TRP or PRP in European countries based on your goals and needs. Since 1992, we have been providing a wide range of immigration, business, and legal services in Europe and the USA!
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If you have any questions in any of the directions, please contact us.
In 2013, Anastasia Taran graduated with honors from the National University "Odessa Law Academy", earning a Master of Laws degree. She joined Feod Group in 2018 and has since gained extensive experience in international corporate, tax, and immigration law....
In 2013, Anastasia Taran graduated with honors from the National University "Odessa Law Academy", earning a Master of Laws degree. She joined Feod Group in 2018 and has since gained extensive experience in international corporate, tax, and immigration law.
