Definition

EU Long-Term Resident (EU LTR) is a unified long-term residency status established by EU Council Directive 2003/109/EC, valid in 25+ EU member states (excluding Denmark and Ireland). Holders may reside, work, and study in other EU member states with rights equivalent to local citizens. Greek Golden Visa holders may apply after 5 years of permanent residence plus 3 years of tax residency.

Detailed Definition

EU Long-Term Resident (EU LTR) status is a unified long-term residence status established under Council Directive 2003/109/EC, adopted by the EU Council in November 2003. Unlike national-level permanent residence permits issued by individual member states (such as the Greece Golden Visa), the EU LTR is valid in 25+ EU member states (excluding Denmark, Ireland, and post-Brexit UK), making it a true "EU-wide" residency status. EU LTR holders may: (1) reside, work, and study in other EU member states (with possible 12-month transition periods, but generally low entry barriers); (2) enjoy labor rights (equal pay), social security, healthcare, and educational rights (including children's enrollment in public schools and universities) equivalent to local citizens; (3) travel visa-free within the 29-country Schengen Area (same as Greek permanent residence); (4) include spouses and children simultaneously; (5) hold the status permanently — even after up to six years of residence outside Greece, the status may be retained (in contrast to national-level permanent residence). To apply for EU LTR from a Greek Golden Visa: (1) maintain lawful continuous residence in Greece for five years (no more than 6 consecutive months or 10 cumulative months abroad); (2) be a Greek tax resident in at least 3 of those 5 years (183+ days per year residence in Greece); (3) demonstrate stable income ≥€8,840 individual / €13,300 family (2026 threshold); (4) full health insurance coverage; (5) Greek language A1 proficiency (basic conversation); (6) pass Greek basic civic knowledge examination.

Key Facts

EU Coverage

EU 25+ member states (excl. Denmark, Ireland)

Residence Requirement

5 years continuous lawful residence in Greece

Tax Residency Requirement

3 of 5 years as Greek tax resident

Income Proof

≥€8,840 per year (individual)

Language Requirement

A1 Greek + civic knowledge exam

Processing Time

12–18 months

Family Inclusion

Spouse and children may apply simultaneously

Overseas Residence Tolerance

May retain status with ≤6 years outside Greece

Legal Basis

Legal foundation referenced from official Greek government and EU legal texts.

• 1

  EU Council Directive 2003/109/EC ↗

  Core EU directive establishing the EU LTR regime, adopted by the EU Council in November 2003.

• 2

  Greek Law 4251/2014, Article 89

  Greek national implementing law for EU LTR; establishes application procedures and documentation requirements.

Historical Timeline

1. 2003

   EU Council adopts Directive 2003/109/EC; EU LTR regime established.

2. 2006

   Greek national legislation (Law 3386/2005) introduces EU LTR into Greek system.

3. 2014

   Greek Law 4251/2014, Article 89 consolidates EU LTR application procedures.

4. 2024

   Early Greek Golden Visa holders (2019) begin to enter the 5-year EU LTR application window.

5. 2026

   Greek immigration authorities open EU LTR applications for Greek Golden Visa holders first approved in 2021.

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