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Living in Europe
Verified 09 May 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Occupation the pursuit of which is subject to the authorization of a competent authority and to the possession of a specific diploma or training
Formality by which a procedural document or a decision is brought to the attention of a person
As a French or European citizen, you have the right to move to another country of the European Union (EU). The steps vary according to your situation: student, worker, job seeker or retired.
What applies to you ?
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Warning
since Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, or The European Economic Area (EEA).
You have the right to move to another EU country for your studies.
You can be accompanied by your family. The rules on the right of residence vary according to their nationality and your situation.
However, you must meet certain conditions and formalities during the First 5 years of your stay.
After 5 years of residence in the country, you can obtain a right to permanent residence and settle there permanently if you wish.
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For the first 5 years
Conditions to be fulfilled
- Be registered at a registered establishment
- Have sufficient resources to live in the host country without applying for financial assistance. However, national authorities cannot require your resources to be above the threshold for basic social assistance in the country (minimum income type).
- Have full health insurance in this country
If you're leaving for more than a year, you will no longer be insured with health insurance in France. You will have to ask the health insurance organization of your host country for the conditions of membership of the local social security scheme.
Before leaving, you can ask for information from the following organizations:
- Your student union
- Your health insurance fund (if it manages your file)
You can also contact the Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss).
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance in the application of individuals
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- mondays and wednesdays: 9am to 12.30pm
- tuesday and thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
Obligation to register
You don't need to have a residence permit.
However, after 3 months of residence, the host country may require you to register with the competent local authorities (usually the city council or the home police).
You can check with the consulate or the authorities of your host country before your departure or during the first 3 months after your arrival.
The registration certificate issued to you proves that you have the right to live in the country. It includes your name, address and date of registration. It shall be valid for a period unlimited and therefore does not have to be renewed.
However, you may be asked to report your changes of address to the local authorities.
Who shall I contact
Documents to be supplied for registration
- Valid identity card or passport
- Proof of enrollment in an accredited educational institution
- Declaration that you have sufficient resources
- Proof of health insurance
Cost
The amount differs from country to country.
Registration must not cost more than the identity card for nationals of the host country.
Absence of registration or failure to submit the certificate
Failure to comply with the registration requirement can result in a fine.
In addition, in some countries, you must always have your registration certificate and your identity card or passport. If you forget, you may also be fined.
Maintenance of the right of residence
You can live in the EU country where you study (as a student) for the duration of your studies as long as you continue to fulfill the conditions (university registration, resources and health insurance).
If this is no longer the case, the host country may ask you to to leave the country.
However, the use of social assistance may not automatically lead to your removal. Your host country must examine your personal situation (temporary or non-temporary difficulties, length of your stay, amount of aid received...).
If you have any questions about your approach in an EU country, you can contact Europe Direct.
Who shall I contact
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
Right of permanent residence after 5 years
You get it after 5 years of legal and continuous residence in the host country.
You no longer have to prove the conditions of your stay (studies, resources...) and you can live there permanently.
However, you may lose your right to permanent residence in the following 2 cases:
- You represent a serious threat to public order
- You are absent from the country for more than 2 consecutive years
Calculation of 5 years of residence
The following absences are authorized and do not call into question the continuity of the 5 years of residence:
- Temporary absences (maximum 6 months per year)
- Uninterrupted absence of up to 12 consecutive months for an important reason (pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness...)
- Absence not exceeding a total of 18 months during the entire period of uninterrupted residence of at least 5 years
However, the 5-year period will stop if you have been removal measure.
Permanent residence permit
This residence permit is not not obligatory.
However, if you wish, you can ask the competent authorities of your host country.
This title confirms that you have the right to live there permanently, without any other conditions.
He handed you over after checking the length of your stay.
The permanent residence permit shall be automatically renewable without further conditions or requirements. However, its validity may vary depending on the country of issue.
Documents to be supplied
To prove your residence for 5 years in the host country, you have to provide several documents (registration certificate, water, gas or electricity bill...).
Cost
The amount differs from country to country.
The residence permit must not cost more than the identity card for nationals of the host country.
Maintenance of the right of residence
You can live in the EU country where you study (as a student) for the duration of your studies as long as you continue to fulfill the conditions (university registration, resources and health insurance).
If this is no longer the case, the host country may ask you to to leave the country.
However, the use of social assistance may not automatically lead to your removal. Your host country must examine your personal situation (temporary or non-temporary difficulties, length of your stay, amount of aid received...).
Where to find out?
For questions about your steps in an EU country, you can contact Europe Direct.
Who shall I contact
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
For any questions about your procedures related to the social security abroad, you can contact the Cleiss:
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance in the application of individuals
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- mondays and wednesdays: 9am to 12.30pm
- tuesday and thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
You can freely settle in another country of the European Union (EU) to work there.
You do not need a residence or work permit.
You can be accompanied by your family. The rules on the right of residence vary according to their nationality and your situation.
However, you must meet certain conditions and formalities during the first 5 years of your stay.
After 5 years in the country, you can obtain a right to permanent residence and settle there permanently if you wish.
Please note
the rules are different if you are going to live in Switzerland.
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For the first 5 years
Conditions to be fulfilled
You have to prove that you have pursued a professional activity in the host country. You can exercise a paid employment (public or private) or self-employment. Your profession may be regulated or not.
Even if you are no longer active, you can retain your right to stay in certain situations.
For example:
- You cannot work temporarily as a result of illness or accident
- You are involuntarily unemployed under certain conditions
Obligation to register
You don't need to have a residence permit.
However, after 3 months of residence, the host country may require you to register with the competent local authorities (usually the city council or the home police).
You can check with the consulate or the authorities of your host country before your departure or during the first 3 months after your arrival.
The registration certificate issued to you proves that you have the right to live in the country. It includes your name, address and date of registration. It shall be valid for a period unlimited and therefore does not have to be renewed.
However, you may be asked to report your changes of address to the local authorities.
Who shall I contact
Documents to be supplied for registration
- Valid identity card or passport
- A promise of employment issued by your employer or a certificate of employment or proof of self-employment
Cost
The amount differs from country to country.
Registration must not cost more than the identity card for nationals of the host country.
Absence of registration or failure to submit the certificate
Failure to comply with the registration requirement can result in a fine.
In addition, in some countries, you must always have your registration certificate and your identity card or passport. If you forget, you may also be fined.
Equal treatment
A French worker must be treated in the same way as nationals of the host country.
For example, you may benefit from:
- Access to employment, job search assistance
- Conditions of employment, pay and work
- Trade union rights
- Access to housing
Where to find out?
For questions about your steps in an EU country, you can contact Europe Direct.
Who shall I contact
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
For any questions about your procedures related to the social security abroad, you can contact the Cleiss:
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance in the application of individuals
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- mondays and wednesdays: 9am to 12.30pm
- tuesday and thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
Right of permanent residence after 5 years
You get it after 5 years of legal and continuous residence in the host country.
You no longer have to prove the conditions of your stay (paid or self-employed work) and you can live there permanently.
However, you may lose it in the following 2 cases:
- You represent a serious threat to public order
- You are absent from the country for more than 2 consecutive years
Please note
you can obtain a permanent right of residence before the end of the 5-year period in certain situations. For example, if you retire.
Calculation of 5 years of residence
The following absences are authorized and do not call into question the continuity of the 5 years of residence:
- Temporary absences (maximum 6 months per year)
- Uninterrupted absence of up to 12 consecutive months for an important reason (pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness...)
- Absence not exceeding a total of 18 months during the entire period of uninterrupted residence of at least 5 years
However, the 5-year period will stop if you have been removal measure.
Permanent residence permit
This residence permit is not not obligatory.
However, if you wish, you can ask the competent authorities of your host country.
This title confirms that you have the right to live there permanently, without any other conditions.
He handed you over after checking the length of your stay.
The permanent residence permit shall be automatically renewable without further conditions or requirements. However, its validity may vary depending on the country of issue.
Documents to be supplied
You have to prove that you have been living in the country for 5 years. You may do so by any means of proof in use in the country concerned (for example, by presenting your registration certificate).
Cost
The amount differs from country to country.
The residence permit must not cost more than the identity card for nationals of the host country.
Equal treatment
A French worker must be treated in the same way as nationals of the host country.
For example, you may benefit from:
- Access to employment, job search assistance
- Conditions of employment, pay and work
- Trade union rights
- Access to housing
Where to find out?
For questions about your steps in an EU country, you can contact Europe Direct.
Who shall I contact
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
For any questions about your procedures related to the social security abroad, you can contact the Cleiss:
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance in the application of individuals
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- mondays and wednesdays: 9am to 12.30pm
- tuesday and thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
You can go to another country of the European Union (EU) to look for work.
You can be accompanied by your family. The rules on the right of residence vary according to their nationality and your situation.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
For the first 6 months
Right of residence
You must have a valid identity card or passport.
As a jobseeker, you are not required to register. However, some countries require you to report your presence to the relevant authorities (city hall or police station) within a reasonable time after your arrival.
You cannot be sent back to France as long as you can prove that you are still looking for a job and have a real chance of being hired.
Job search
You can call on employment services in your host country. Employment agencies provide the French with the same support as national job seekers.
Maintaining French Unemployment Benefits
You can continue to receive your unemployment benefits paid to you in France if you meet the following conditions:
- You're completely unemployed
- You are on unemployment benefits
You must do the following before you leave :
- Be registered since at least 4 weeks to Pôle emploi in France
- Request a U2 form (former E 303 form)
Upon arrival in the host country, you must do the following
- Sign up with your host country's employment service within 7 days of your ceasing to be under Pôle emploi
- Submit the U2 form when you register
- Accept any checks by the employment service of your host country
Compensation period
Pôle emploi pays you unemployment benefits for Maximum 3 months in your host country, unless your acquired rights in France have expired during that period.
To continue receiving the benefits, you must return to France and re-enroll in Pôle emploi before the 3-month period expires.
Where to find out?
For questions about your steps in an EU country, you can contact Europe Direct.
Who shall I contact
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
For any questions about your procedures related to the social security abroad, you can contact the Cleiss:
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance in the application of individuals
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- mondays and wednesdays: 9am to 12.30pm
- tuesday and thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
Beyond 6 months
Right of residence
If you have not found a job after the first 6 months, your right of residence can be assessed.
It's important that you keep records showing that you are actively looking for a job.
Your host country may ask you to leave the territory if you cannot prove that you have a reasonable chance of finding a job.
The request to leave the territory must be sent to you notified state in writing the reasons given and indicate the remedies and time limits for appeal.
Where to find out?
For questions about your steps in an EU country, you can contact Europe Direct.
Who shall I contact
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
For any questions about your procedures related to the social security abroad, you can contact the Cleiss:
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance in the application of individuals
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- mondays and wednesdays: 9am to 12.30pm
- tuesday and thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
You can move to another country of the European Union (EU) as a retired or inactive person (without work).
You can be accompanied by your family. The rules on the right of residence vary according to their nationality and your situation.
However, you must fulfill certain conditions and formalities during the first 5 years of your stay.
After 5 years of residence in the country, you can obtain a right to permanent residence and settle there permanently if you wish.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
For the first 5 years
Conditions to be fulfilled
- Have sufficient resources to live in the host country without applying for financial assistance. National authorities cannot require your resources to be above the threshold for basic social assistance in the country (minimum income type).
- And have comprehensive health insurance in this country. If you are a pensioner under the French scheme, you can transfer your health insurance rights to your host country.
Obligation to register
You don't need to have a residence permit.
However, after 3 months of residence, the host country may require you to register with the competent local authorities (usually the city council or the home police).
You can check with the consulate or the authorities of your host country before your departure or during the first 3 months after your arrival.
The registration certificate issued to you proves that you have the right to live in the country. It includes your name, address and date of registration. It shall be valid for a period unlimited and therefore does not have to be renewed.
However, you may be asked to report your changes of address to the local authorities.
Who shall I contact
Documents to be supplied for registration
- Valid identity card or passport
- Proof of sufficient resources
- Proof of health insurance
Cost
The amount differs from country to country.
Registration must not cost more than the identity card for nationals of the host country.
Absence of registration or failure to submit the certificate
Failure to comply with the registration requirement can result in a fine.
In addition, in some countries, you must always have your registration certificate and your identity card or passport. If you forget, you may also be fined.
Maintenance of the right of residence
As an EU national, you can live in the EU country of your choice (as a pensioner or inactive person) as long as you continue to meet the conditions (resources and health insurance).
If this is no longer the case, the host country may ask you to to leave the country.
However, the use of social assistance may not automatically lead to your removal. Your host country must examine your personal situation (temporary or non-temporary difficulties, length of your stay, amount of aid received...).
Where to find out?
For questions about your steps in an EU country, you can contact Europe Direct.
Who shall I contact
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
For any questions about your procedures related to the social security abroad, you can contact the Cleiss:
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance in the application of individuals
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- mondays and wednesdays: 9am to 12.30pm
- tuesday and thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
Right of permanent residence after 5 years
You get it after 5 years of legal and continuous residence in the host country.
You no longer have to prove the conditions of your stay (resources...) and you can live there permanently.
However, you may lose it in the following 2 cases:
- You represent a serious threat to public order
- You are absent from the country for more than 2 consecutive years
Calculation of 5 years of residence
The following absences are authorized and do not call into question the continuity of the 5 years of residence:
- Temporary absences (maximum 6 months per year)
- Uninterrupted absence of up to 12 consecutive months for an important reason (pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness...)
- Absence not exceeding a total of 18 months during the entire period of uninterrupted residence of at least 5 years
However, the 5-year period will stop if you have been removal measure.
Permanent residence permit
This residence permit is not not obligatory.
However, if you wish, you can ask the competent authorities of your host country.
This title confirms that you have the right to live there permanently, without any other conditions.
He handed you over after checking the length of your stay.
The permanent residence permit shall be automatically renewable without further conditions or requirements. However, its validity may vary depending on the country of issue.
Documents to be supplied
You must prove your residence for 5 years in the country. You may do so by any means of proof in use in the State concerned (example: presentation of your registration certificate).
Cost
The amount differs from country to country.
The residence permit must not cost more than the identity card for nationals of the host country.
Maintenance of the right of residence
As an EU national, you can live in the EU country of your choice (as a pensioner or inactive person) as long as you continue to meet the conditions (resources and health insurance).
If this is no longer the case, the host country may ask you to to leave the country.
However, the use of social assistance may not automatically lead to your removal. Your host country must examine your personal situation (temporary or non-temporary difficulties, length of your stay, amount of aid received...).
Where to find out?
For questions about your steps in an EU country, you can contact Europe Direct.
Who shall I contact
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
For any questions about your procedures related to the social security abroad, you can contact the Cleiss:
Who shall I contact
Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss)
General information on social security abroad and assistance in the application of individuals
By telephone
+33 (0) 1 45 26 33 41
Hotline:
- mondays and wednesdays: 9am to 12.30pm
- tuesday and thursday: 1:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
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