The European Union (EU) has updated its immigration rules for nationals, requiring them to have had legal and continuous residence in an EU member state for at least five years, and this status must coexist with domestic long-term residence rules. Third country means a country or territory that is not a member of the European Union or whose nationals do not enjoy the European Union right to freedom of movement. Nigeria is an example of a third country. This Directive was adopted by EU Member States during a meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Council, which established a negotiating mandate on the revision of the EU Long-Term Residents Directive. Nairametrics has learned that the Directive sets out the criteria for a third-country national to obtain EU long-term residence status.

What the rules indicate

According to the Council's view, third-country nationals can accumulate up to two years of stay in another Member State to meet the five-year requirement. However, Certain types of residence permits such EU Blue Card or Highly Qualified Employment Permit, but are allowed to reside in another Member State. Applicants for long-term residence status must demonstrate stable income and health insurance and may be required to meet integration requirements. This status is permanent, but can be revoked if you do not have your main residence within the EU for a certain period of time. A long-term resident of the EU has the right to move within the EU and, under certain conditions, to move or reside in other EU countries for work or study. You receive the same treatment as EU nationals in areas such as employment, education and tax benefits.

Background

In 2020, over ten million third-country nationals held long-term or permanent residence permits out of the 23 million legally residing in the EU. The proposed update aims to address underutilization, complexity in acquisition conditions, and barriers to intra-EU mobility rights. The Council’s negotiating mandate will allow for discussions with the European Parliament to finalize the legal text.