Permanent Residency in the EU in 2026: Where Can You Get It the Fastest?

Permanent resident status allows you to live in an EU country without having to renew your permit annually and without being tied to a single employer. The time required to obtain this status varies by country, and in 2026, some countries tightened their rules. MoveMap EU reports on this.

In this article, we’ll explain which EU countries grant permanent resident status the fastest, where there’s also a fast track to citizenship, and what has changed this year.

Are you planning to move to an EU country and want to understand the requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit in advance?

The migration guide from the Visit World portal will help you navigate the requirements of your chosen country.

How many years do you need to live in the EU to qualify for permanent residence?

In most EU countries, you need five years of legal residence to obtain a permanent residence permit. This requirement applies in 25 of the 27 member states. You’ll have to wait longer in only two countries: in Finland, the standard period is 6 years, and in Denmark, 8 years. These figures are approximate, as the actual duration depends on the basis for your stay and the continuity of your residence.

A permanent residence permit allows you to live in the country long-term, change employers, or stop working without the risk of losing your status. Holders of permanent residence permits have access to most public services under conditions similar to those for citizens. Additionally, this status paves the way to citizenship and to the status of a long-term resident of the EU, which simplifies moving to another member state.

Where a child’s birth grants parents the right to reside—find out more at the link.

Where is the fastest way to obtain a permanent residence permit and citizenship in the EU?

The fastest path from a permanent residence permit to citizenship can be found in seven EU countries: Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. In each of these countries, it takes approximately 5 years of residence to obtain both permanent residency status and a passport. In other countries with a 5-year period to permanent residency, citizenship can be obtained after 7, 8, or 10 years.

Below is a breakdown of the 25 countries with a 5-year period to permanent residency, listed by the number of years required to obtain citizenship:

• 5 years until citizenship: Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Germany, France.
• 7 years until citizenship: Greece, Cyprus.
• 8 years until citizenship: Estonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Sweden.
• 10 years before citizenship: Austria, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic.

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Finland and Denmark: Where is the wait for a permanent residence permit the longest?

The wait for a permanent residence permit is longest in Denmark and Finland. In Denmark, it takes about 8 years, and citizenship becomes available after approximately 9 years. In Finland, as of January 8, 2026, the standard waiting period for a permanent residence permit was increased from 4 to 6 years, and as of October 1, 2024, 8 years of residence will be required for citizenship.

In addition to the longer waiting period, Finnish regulations now require work experience and proficiency in Finnish or Swedish. A shortened 4-year path remains available for foreigners with an annual income of at least 40,000 euros, as well as for certain graduates and individuals who are fluent in the language and have work experience in Finland.

Read about 6 countries that will pay for relocation in 2026 in this article.

Changes in 2026: Sweden and Portugal Have Tightened Their Rules

In 2026, the conditions for permanent residence and naturalization became stricter in Sweden and Portugal. As of July 12, 2026, Sweden will no longer issue permanent residence permits to people with protection status and long-term residents; they will receive permits with a limited duration. For work permit holders, the possibility of obtaining permanent residence has been retained.

As of June 6, 2026, the waiting period for citizenship in Sweden is 8 years. As of May 19, 2026, Portugal has increased the requirement for most non-EU nationals to 10 years. For citizens of the EU and Portuguese-speaking countries, the waiting period is 7 years.

The best cities in Europe for quality of life in 2026 — are listed here.

What determines the actual time it takes to obtain permanent residence in the EU?

The number of years listed in the rankings is only a guideline. The actual processing time depends on the reason for relocation (work, family, or study), the continuity of legal residence, income requirements, integration conditions, and language exams. Due to these factors, two foreigners in the same country may receive permanent residence permits at different times.

All timeframes mentioned in this article are approximate and do not constitute official data. Before submitting your documents, you should verify the requirements on the official websites of the immigration authorities in your chosen country.

The Best Countries for Digital Nomads in 2026 — find out more in this article.

How to Prepare for Moving to an EU Country?

Preparing for the move starts with choosing a country and a basis for residence, as these factors determine how many years it will take to become eligible for permanent residency and citizenship. Next, you should gather your documents in advance, assess the income and language proficiency requirements, and stay informed about changes in the immigration laws of your chosen country. The immigration guide from the Visit World portal will help you navigate the conditions for moving.

Order the guide to plan your move to the EU based on current requirements and your personal goals!

Reminder! We previously discussed how much it will cost to live for a month in various European cities in 2026.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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