Published: 18.08.2026
From 12 July 2026, people holding permits based on asylum, subsidiary protection, exceptionally distressing circumstances or long-term residence are no longer eligible for permanent residence under the new rules. After five years of continuous residence, they instead receive EU long-term resident status, which must be renewed every five years; eligibility for permanent residence remains for work migrants, entrepreneurs, self-supporting people and researchers.
This changes the long-term status outlook for several substantial migrant groups: instead of permanent residence, they will rely on renewable EU long-term resident status. For people planning to move on humanitarian or protection grounds, this means a less permanent settlement route and future renewals to factor into their plans. Work migrants, entrepreneurs and researchers remain in a more favorable position because permanent residence is still available to them. The change is particularly important when choosing an immigration route and assessing the status available after several years of residence.