Mobility with an EU long-term residence permit , Date: 2024.03.01, format: Article, area: Migration and residence

Link to the information hotline "working and living in Germany" Source: © Make it in Germany

An EU long-term residence permit enables you to enjoy the legal benefits of long-term resident status and have extended mobility rights in other EU Member States.

This is contingent as a matter of principle on you having lived in an EU Member State for an uninterrupted period of five years and having obtained an EU long-term residence permit there. Holders of an EU Blue Card may accumulate periods of residence in several Member States in order to prove the prescribed period of residence.

An EU long-term residence permit allows you to settle in almost all other EU Member States (except Ireland and Denmark) under less strict conditions.

Entering another Member State with an EU long-term residence permit issued in Germany

As a matter of principle, an EU long-term residence permit issued in Germany entitles you to work, study or undergo training in other EU Member States. Some EU Member States do however carry out an assessment of the labour market before allowing you to work. The Member State concerned will provide information on the precise rules and regulations.

If you meet the requirements for an EU long-term residence permit in another Member State, you can also apply for an EU long-term residence permit there. The EU long-term residence permit in Germany will expire in this case. The EU long-term residence permit will also expire as a matter of principle if you are resident outside of Germany for a period of six years.

Entering Germany with an EU long-term residence permit issued by another Member State

If you hold an EU long-term residence permit issued by another EU Member State, a residence permit will be issued to you in Germany allowing you to work, study or undergo training here.

You can apply for an EU long-term residence permit in Germany after five years’ residence in Germany as a matter of principle. Periods of residence with specific other residence titles can be counted towards the five-year residence period in Germany. The EU long-term residence permit in the first Member State expires in this case.