For those who have completed 5 years of legal residency in Portugalbut are not yet ready - or do not wish – to obtain Portuguese nationality, the European Long-Term Residency may represent a valuable alternative for securing long-term stability, equivalent rights and enhanced mobility within the European Union.
This status represents the closest legal approximation to the rights enjoyed by EU citizens,without requiring the acquisition of nationality from an EU country.
While standard residency cards grant the right to live, work and study in Portugal, the European Long-Term Residency extends these rights to all EU Member States..
At the same time, the status of Long-Term Resident may also serve as a stable intermediate step for those who may later decide to apply for Portuguese nationality.
European Long-Term Residency is initially granted for five years and may be renewed online for successive five-year periods, benefiting from a fast-track application process..
One of its key advantages lies in the reduced minimum stay requirements,, both in Portugal and, more broadly, within the European Union. Holders may be absent from the European Union for periods up to twelve consecutive months,and from Portugal for periods up to six years.
Key Benefits
- Increased legal protection in case of forced removal or expulsion proceedings.
- Enhanced mobility within the European Union;
- Reduced minimum stay requirements in Portugal;
- Faster application processing;
- Five-year validity, with simplified renewal procedure;
- Equality of treatment in Employment, Education, Healthcare, Public Services, Social Security and Tax Benefits;
- Increased legal protection in case of forced removal or expulsion proceedings.
When should this to be considered? / Who is this for?
- Individuals who wish to live, work or study not only in Portugal, but in any EU Member State;
- Individuals who seek equivalent rights to those of an EU citizen, without obtaining Portuguese nationality;
- Long-term residents who travel frequently and do not wish to be bound by strict minimum stay requirements in Portugal;
- Applicants on track to obtain Portuguese nationality, while awaiting the conclusion of the process.
Comparison with Standard Permanent Residency, GV Permanent Residency and Citizenship
| European Long-Term Residency | Standard Permanent Residency | GV Permanent Residency | Portuguese Citizenship | |
| Right to live, work and study in Portugal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Freedom to live, work and study in Portugal | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Minimum stay requirements | Allowed absence for 12 consecutive months from EU / 6 years from Portugal | Allowed absence for 24 consecutive months or 30 non-consecutive months in a 3-year period | Minimum stay of 7 days in the first year, then 14 days in every successive 2-year periods | Unlimited |
| Cost | €315,40 | €355,30 | €9.269,90 | €250 |
