Moving to Another EU Country as an EU Citizen: Registration, Rights and Permanent Residence
EU citizens don't need a visa or work permit to move within the EU, but "free movement" still comes with paperwork: reporting, registering after three months, and eventually permanent residence. Here is what the rules actually require of you, and what the authorities are not allowed to ask for, from the European Commission's Your Europe service.
Quick answer
As an EU citizen you can live in another EU country for up to 3 months with just a valid ID card or passport; some countries ask you to report your presence on arrival. After 3 months you may have to register your residence (often at the town hall or police station) and get a registration certificate, which should be issued immediately and cost no more than a national ID card. Workers need only an ID and proof of employment. Jobseekers usually get 6 months to find work. After 5 years of continuous legal residence you automatically acquire the right of permanent residence, which you can lose by living outside the country for more than 2 consecutive years.
The first 3 months
During your first 3 months in a new EU country you cannot be required to apply for a residence document. Some countries do require you to report your presence within a reasonable time after arrival, usually at the town hall or local police station; all you need is your ID card or passport, and you shouldn't have to pay a fee. Failing to report can mean a fine, but you cannot be expelled for that alone. If you stay in a hotel, filling in its registration form is usually enough.
After 3 months: registering your residence
After 3 months you may be required to register and receive a registration certificate confirming your right to live there. The documents you can be asked for are limited by EU law:
| Your situation | What you need besides an ID card or passport |
|---|---|
| Employee or posted worker | Certificate of employment or confirmation of recruitment from your employer |
| Self-employed | Proof of your self-employed status |
| Pensioner or not working | Comprehensive health insurance and proof you can support yourself without income support (from any source) |
| Student | Proof of enrolment, comprehensive health insurance and a declaration of sufficient resources |
You do not need to provide any other documents. The certificate should be issued immediately and cost no more than what nationals pay for an identity card. You can also start work without waiting for it.
Moving to look for work
You have the right to take up residence and look for work in another EU country. If you register as a jobseeker, the authorities will usually give you 6 months to find a job, and they can't make you prove you can support yourself during that time. After 6 months they can assess whether you're actively looking and have a good chance of finding work, so keep copies of applications and interview invitations. As a jobseeker you are treated like nationals for access to work and employment services, but you don't have a right to non-contributory welfare benefits.
Permanent residence after 5 years
If you've lived legally in another EU country for a continuous period of 5 years, you automatically acquire the right of permanent residence. You can apply for a permanent residence document to prove it; it's optional, but it saves you from proving employment, resources or insurance again. Continuity isn't broken by:
- temporary absences of less than 6 months a year;
- longer absences for compulsory military service;
- one absence of up to 12 consecutive months for an important reason such as pregnancy and childbirth, serious illness, work, vocational training or a posting abroad.
Some people qualify sooner — for example, if you retire after working in the country for the last year and have lived there continuously for 3 years, or stop working because of incapacity after 2 years of continuous residence. You can lose permanent residence if you live outside the country for more than 2 consecutive years.
Bringing your family
Your family can join you, including a non-EU spouse or registered partner. Non-EU family members apply for a residence card after 3 months. See our guide to the rights of a non-EU spouse of an EU citizen.
Key takeaways
- 0–3 months: ID card or passport; some countries require you to report presence.
- After 3 months: registration certificate — issued immediately, priced like a national ID.
- Jobseekers: usually 6 months to find work.
- 5 years: automatic permanent residence; lost after 2+ consecutive years away.
FAQ
Do EU citizens need to register when moving to another EU country?
Not for the first 3 months, though some countries require you to report your presence. After 3 months you may be required to register your residence and get a registration certificate.
Can I start working before I receive my registration certificate?
Yes. As an EU national you can start work without waiting for the certificate, and the authorities must issue it immediately when asked.
How long can an EU citizen look for work in another EU country?
If you register as a jobseeker, usually 6 months. After that, the authorities can assess whether you're actively looking and have a good chance of finding a job.
When do I get permanent residence in another EU country?
Automatically, after 5 years of continuous legal residence. A permanent residence document confirming it is optional but useful.
Sources (official only)
- Your Europe — registering presence after the first 3 months
- Your Europe — reporting presence for short stays
- Your Europe — workers' residence rights
- Your Europe — jobseekers' residence rights
- Your Europe — permanent residence for EU nationals after 5 years
Verified against the official pages above on 26 September 2026. Information, not legal advice.