31 de January, 2025
One of the greatest advantages of holding European citizenship, such as Portuguese citizenship or Spanish citizenship is the freedom to live, work and study in any member country of the European Union. However, securing this right isn’t as simple as packing your bags and heading to your new destination. If you intend to stay for more than three months, you must notify the authorities in your destination territory by obtaining the European Registration Certificate. This document is also called Certificate of Registration of a Citizen of the European Union (CRUE). It serves to formalize your residence in the new country you have chosen to live in.
If you are planning to to move to another country within the European Union (EU) here’s how to comply with the legal requirements to avoid issues with the local authorities. In this guide, you’ll learn who needs to apply for the European registration, what documents are required, and how to complete the application process.
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If you already have European citizenship, you don’t need a visa or a permit to enter the country. But if you want to live in your new destination for more than 3 months, you will need to obtain a European Registration Certificate.
In a nutshell, we can say that the European Registration Certificate is an official document that formalizes the right of residence citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, as well as their family members, in European countries other than the one of which they are a national.
The CRUE is aimed at citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, the Principality of Andorra and Switzerland whose stay in the new destination has lasted more than three months.
It is important to clarify that the need for this document only applies to those who intend to live in the new destination for more than three months. For stays of up to 90 days, it is sufficient to have a valid identity card or passport.
Realizing your goal of living in Europe or obtaining European citizenship can be simpler than you think. We offer personalized support to make the immigration process more accessible and uncomplicated.
The CRUE can be requested after three months of entry into national territory, within a period of up to 30 days.
The document can be requested from the municipal or police services in your new area of residence. Check with your chosen country of residence for the exact location and opening hours.
In the case of the Certificate of Registration, you can apply for family reunification:
First, you need to check your status: worker, pensioner or student? As a rule, you’ll have to submit:
or
It is delivered at the time of ordering.
In Portugal the document costs 16€. The price of the EU Registration Certificate should not exceed the price of the identity document paid by nationals.
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You must not do this for periods longer than 3 months. Fines range from 500€ to 2500€.
The permanent permit document can only be granted after 5 years of legal residence in the country. In the meantime, you cannot leave your host country for more than 6 months a year.
You can only be absent for more than 6 months in special situations such as: fulfilling military obligations, pregnancy or childbirth, serious illness, studies, vocational training or secondment to another country for professional reasons. Even then, the absence limit is 12 months.
Your driving license is valid in other EU countries
When you move to another EU country, you retain the right to health and social security cover. To find out which country is responsible for this cover, your place of residence and employment situation will be taken into account, not your nationality. Here’s how to assess your case.
We recommend that you always obtain your European Health Insurance Card.
You will be able to vote and stand as a candidate in the local and European elections in the new country. However, you won’t be able to vote or stand as a candidate in other elections, such as the legislative and presidential ones.
If you plan to live in the new country for more than 6 months and decide taking a car with you, you will have to register the vehicle in that country and start paying the corresponding road and vehicle registration taxes.
In the new country you should:
In your country of origin:
As a rule, you will have to pay taxes in the country where you have your tax residency.
But be aware! There are many bilateral agreements that define the rules for taxation between the various countries, and they are different from each other. In some cases, your income may be taxed by two countries (double taxation), but most countries have made agreements to avoid this problem.
Even if you’re relocating within the European Union, it’s essential to understand the legal differences and agreements between member states, particularly regarding taxes, employment, and social security. Before your move, consult the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all regulations and avoid potential fines or complications down the road.
Atlantic Bridge can assist you not only in obtaining your European residency but also in navigating tax planning to optimize your strategic tax residency and ensure tax security when living abroad. Our experts handle all the bureaucratic aspects of the process, giving you peace of mind and ensuring full compliance with the law. Talk to our consultants today and take the next step with confidence!
Atlantic Bridge can help you not only to obtain your European residency, but also with your tax planning, as well as taking care of all the bureaucracy associated with the process. Talk to our consultants and rest assured that you are acting in accordance with the law, guaranteeing your peace of mind!
Author:
Atlantic Bridge
