Planning to relocate to Europe? We know just how many things you need to remember to pack, sort and organise during the process. Local residency registration is a vital administrative process that must be completed before you settle into your new country of residence. Varied throughout Europe, different countries require different information and documentation for a residency permit application.
Different to visas which permit foreigners to gain entry, remain and leave a new territory, residency permits in Europe are authorised for foreigners wishing to become a permanent resident in another territory. We have noticed six European countries with similar permit requirements, but each with their own set of regulations and criteria.
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To guide you through the research rabbit hole, we’ve aggregated all the most helpful government websites to make sure you’re ready to register! If you’re relocating to Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, or Luxembourg, read on to get prepared for your residence permit application.
Germany
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Residence Permit Germany
Anybody relocating or renting long term in Germany who wishes to get registered at the citizens’ office are required by law to submit a Proof of Residence Certificate. This process is called the Anmeldung and the form is called the Wohnunggeberbestätigung. The Anmeldung must be completed when you relocate to Germany and when you change address within Germany, and you must unregister through a process called Abmeldung when you permanently leave the country.
Once you have filled in the Proof of Residence Certificate, you must attend a registration appointment. After successful completion of the registration appointment, you will be issued a Meldebescheinigung. This is vital for setting up in your new country as without it you cannot open a bank account, get German health insurance, obtain a tax ID number, get a local mobile number or enrol at a university.
Key websites:
- For more information on what a Wohnunggeberbestätigung is, click here.
- Read up on the registration appointment process and requirements here.
If you plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days to work or study, you are required to apply for a residence visa. This visa will allow you to apply for a German residence permit, and you are only permitted to start working in Germany once you have been issued your residence permit.
Once you have had your permit and resided in Germany for at least five years, you will be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit or settlement permit. Click here to read more about types of German residence permits and the requirements to receive one.
If you're relocating and need a base from which you can set up in your new city, we have an extensive portfolio of serviced apartments in Germany.
Switzerland
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Residence Permit Switzerland
Anyone who wishes to stay in Switzerland for longer than three months is required to apply for a residence permit. Requirements and criteria depend on your nationality, as well as the duration and purpose of your stay. Permits are issued by Cantonal Migration Offices and categorised by length of stay.
Due to the Free Movement of Persons Agreement for EU/EFTA nationals, non-EU/EFTA nationals must meet different criteria to be successfully issued a residence permit in Switzerland.
Key websites:
- To find out more about working in Switzerland, use this website.
- Click here for more information on the different procedures and types of permits depending on nationality and type of stay.
Moving to Switzerland but won't have the keys to your permanent accommodation as soon as you arrive? Book a stay with one of our serviced apartment operators in Switzerland to feel at home from day one.
Belgium
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Residence Permit Belgium
Foreign nationals who want to live in Belgium for a specific or indefinite period of time must apply and be issued with a residence permit card. Similar to applying in Switzerland, residency visas are only required for stays longer than three months.
You must be issued with a temporary residence permit which allows you to study or work in Belgium for up to five years. After five years you are eligible for permanent residency and able to stay in Belgium indefinitely.
Key website:
- Use this website to brush up on the details of Belgium Residence Permits.
There can be a lot to do before relocating abroad, so leave sourcing temporary accommodation to us - enquire to book one of our serviced apartments in Belgium.
Austria
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Residence Permit Austria
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can reside in Austria for a period of three months. After three months and if you meet certain criteria, you can apply for an Austrian residence permit – a Right of Residence under EU Law registration.
Third-country foreigners must apply for a residence permit in Austria if they wish to stay for longer than six months. For third-country nationals wishing to reside in Austria for longer than six months, you must be a qualified worker and fulfil certain criteria for permanent immigration. There is a point system for different types/levels of qualifications in order to gain a skilled workers permit.
Key websites:
- Click here to find out more about Austrian Right of Residence permits.
- For EU citizens looking to relocate to Austria, find out more here.
- For third-country nationals wanting to permanently immigrate, read more information here.
Whether you need an apartment for your first three months in Austria or your first year before arranging permanent accommodation, we can source somewhere for you to call home.
Netherlands
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Residence Permit The Netherlands
You can stay in the Netherlands without a permit for 90 days while your permit is being processed. During this time, if you plan on staying for longer than three months your employer must submit a residence permit application. This should be submitted to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Applications will often require a sponsor – this can be your employer, a representative from your educational institute or the partner you plan to live with in the Netherlands.
Once issued, a residence permit in the Netherlands is valid for up to five years.
Key websites:
- To check whether you need a residence permit to live in the Netherlands, complete this short questionnaire.
- For more information on the process of applying for a residence permit, click here.
- Here is a handy and extensive list of all the things you might need to do before moving to the Netherlands.
Spend your first 90 days in the Netherlands, or stay as long as you need, in complete comfort in a SilverDoor serviced apartment.
Luxembourg
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Residence Permit Luxembourg
Anybody who wishes to stay in Luxembourg for a period of more than three months for salaried work, must complete two steps to gain a residence permit.
Before entering the country, you must submit an application for a temporary authorisation to stay to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. For this, you must have a valid passport, a type D visa if applicable, and meet a certain set of criteria.
After entering the country, you must make a declaration of arrival into your new place of residence. You also must undergo a medical check before applying for a residence permit for third-country national salaried workers.
Key websites:
- For more information on the declaration of arrival, click here.
- If you are an employer, click here to find out more about the declaration of vacant position that must be completed before offering a job to a third-country national.
This country may be small, but we have plenty of serviced apartments in Luxembourg to choose from - browse our collection and get sorting accommodation crossed off your to-do list.
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Feeling more clued up on European residence permits? Relocating can be a bit of a minefield, but with this handy guide we hope your residence permit research feels much simpler.
If you have plans to relocate to Europe, or anywhere else in the world, get in touch and allow us to find an ideal serviced apartment for when you arrive in your new country.
