13.09.2024, 21:52
As an EU national, you can join your EU spouse in another EU country either because of your own EU rights or as their dependant. The information on this page applies also to children and grandchildren that are EU citizens and are joining their EU family abroad.
Staying because of your own rights
As an EU citizen, you have the right to move to any EU country to live, work, study, look for a job or retire.
You can stay in another EU country for up to 3 months without registering there but you may need to report your presence. The only requirement is to hold a valid national identity card or passport. If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you may need to register your residence.
In many EU countries, you need to carry an identity card or passport with you at all times. In these countries, you could be fined or temporarily detained if you leave your identity documents at home - but you cannot be forced to return to your home country for this reason alone. Read more about deportation.
If you have lived legally in another EU country for a continuous period of 5 years, you automatically acquire the right of permanent residence there.
Staying as a dependant
If you don't plan to work, look for a job, or study in your new EU country, you can still join your spouse or registered partner as their dependant.
Staying because of your own rights
As an EU citizen, you have the right to move to any EU country to live, work, study, look for a job or retire.
You can stay in another EU country for up to 3 months without registering there but you may need to report your presence. The only requirement is to hold a valid national identity card or passport. If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you may need to register your residence.
In many EU countries, you need to carry an identity card or passport with you at all times. In these countries, you could be fined or temporarily detained if you leave your identity documents at home - but you cannot be forced to return to your home country for this reason alone. Read more about deportation.
If you have lived legally in another EU country for a continuous period of 5 years, you automatically acquire the right of permanent residence there.
Staying as a dependant
If you don't plan to work, look for a job, or study in your new EU country, you can still join your spouse or registered partner as their dependant.