An EU citizen can join his EU spouse in another EU country under the rights conferred by the EU, or as a dependent. This is also the case for children and grandchildren who are EU citizens and who join their family members who are EU nationals abroad.
An EU citizen has the right to move to any EU country to live, work, study, look for a job or retire.
It is possible to stay for up to three months in another EU country without registering there. In many EU countries, it is compulsory to carry your identity card or passport at all times, at the risk of having to pay a fine or being arrested, without being able to be returned. in your country of origin. After three months in the new host country, you must register and present the following documents to the town hall or the police station:
- a valid national identity card or passport;
- the registration certificate of the spouse or registered partner, or any other document proving that this person resides in the country concerned;
- proof of family ties, such as a marriage certificate;
- for unmarried partners, proof of their lasting or long-term relationship.
After having legally resided in another EU country for an uninterrupted period of five years, a right of permanent residence in that country is automatically obtained. Without the intention of working, looking for a job or studying in the new host country, it is still possible to join your spouse or registered partner as a dependent.
However, some EU countries do not recognize civil or registered partnerships as equivalent to marriage. These countries may not view them as a dependent partner. The rights and conditions of stay applicable to other relatives must be verified.
To join a spouse or registered partner who is an EU national in their country of origin, without having lived together in another EU country before, only national rules apply.
In the event of marriage to a person of the same sex and settling in another EU country, the host country must recognize the rights of residence, even if it does not recognize marriages between persons of the same sex.
Documents to be provided,
- for employees and posted workers: proof of employment or confirmation of recruitment from the employer;
- for self-employed workers: proof of self-employed status;
- for retirees: proof of full health insurance; proof that you have sufficient resources (whatever the source) to live without asking for financial assistance;
- for students: proof of your enrollment in an approved educational institution; proof of full health insurance; a declaration that you have sufficient resources (whatever the source) to live without asking for financial assistance.
The registration certificate must be issued to you immediately.
The registration certificate must not cost more than the identity card or similar documents intended for nationals of the country.
- duration, the registration certificate is valid for an indefinite period (it must not be renewed), but any changes of address may have to be notified to local authorities.
The host country can impose a fine, but cannot deport you if:
- you have not registered;
- you are not always in possession of your registration certificate and your identity card or passport.
If you have difficulty obtaining a registration certificate, you can contact the European support services.
For more info:
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/family-residence-rights/index_fr.htm
