Permanent residence
Permanent residence permit
The indefinite right to live in a country. The difference from a residence permit is that there is no need to renew it. An easier path to citizenship. Examples: Cyprus permanent residence (EUR 300K), Malta permanent residence (MPRP, EUR 150K). Not yet citizenship, but already very close.
- What it is
- A permanent residence permit — an indefinite right to live in the country
- Difference from a residence permit
- No need to renew every 1-2 years
- Cost
- From €150,000 (Malta MPRP) and ~€300,000 (Cyprus)
- Does it give a passport
- No: abroad you travel on your existing passport
- Can you prepare
- Yes: work out whether you need PR or a passport straight away, and calculate the budget
In plain words
Permanent residence (PR) is a permanent residence permit — an indefinite right to live in the country. The main difference from an ordinary residence permit is that it does not need to be renewed every year or two. You live, work and use local infrastructure on an equal footing with citizens in almost everything except the passport and, as a rule, the right to vote.
PR is the “almost home” status: one step remains to citizenship, and the path to it is noticeably shorter than from the starting position. At the same time, PR does not replace a passport — abroad you still travel on your existing one, not on a document of the country of residence.
PR can be obtained as the next step after several years on a residence permit or directly under an investment programme. Examples of direct investment PR: Cyprus — an investment of about €300,000; Malta (the MPRP programme) — from €150,000. Both give the right to live in the country and travel in the Schengen area, but not the right to work throughout the EU.
Why people get PR
What PR gives
- Principal applicant
- Spouse and children
- Sometimes parents
- Living in the country indefinitely
- Schengen (in the EU)
- Equal access to infrastructure
- Passports
- Usually the right to vote
- Work throughout the EU
- A short path to citizenship
- A stable status
- A basis for relocating the family
How to get permanent residence
- 01Choosing the country and option
- 02Due diligence
- 03Investment (real estate/contribution)
- 04Filing the application
- 05Indefinite PR status
What you need to know
- PR is indefinite — unlike a residence permit, it is not renewed every 1-2 years
- PR is not citizenship: it gives no passport and usually no right to vote
- You travel abroad on your existing passport
- Investment PR (Cyprus, Malta MPRP) gives Schengen access but not the right to work throughout the EU
- From PR to citizenship is one step, and the path is shorter
What PR costs: thresholds by country
- Malta (MPRP)from €150,000Renting or buying property plus a government contribution and a donation. Schengen, but not citizenship.
- Cyprusfrom ~€300,000A property purchase (plus VAT). An indefinite status for the family and, over time, a path to Cypriot citizenship.
Thresholds depend on the country and the option. On top come government fees, legal support and property taxes. Both options give the right to live in the country and travel in the Schengen area, but only citizenship allows you to work throughout the EU. We calculate the exact budget for your family composition.
Timelines
- Status
- Indefinite — no annual renewal required
- Who issues it
- The country’s migration service
- Residence
- The rules vary: some require minimal presence, others actual residence
- To citizenship
- Usually several years of permanent residence
Common mistakes
- Confusing PR with citizenship and expecting a passport
- Expecting to work throughout the EU on investment PR
- Not checking the requirements for keeping the status (presence)
- Counting only the investment and forgetting the fees and taxes
- Taking PR when the goal calls for a passport straight away
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We help you understand what you really need — a quick indefinite status through PR or a passport straight away — and choose a programme for your budget and family. We support the property deal, the check and the filing so that you get PR without unnecessary detours.
Frequently asked questions
01 /Is PR the same as citizenship?
No. PR gives an indefinite right to live in the country but no passport and usually no right to vote. You travel abroad on your existing passport. Citizenship is a separate next step.
02 /Can you work throughout the EU with PR?
No. Investment PR (Cyprus, Malta MPRP) gives the right to live in that country and travel in the Schengen area, but only EU citizenship gives the right to work throughout the European Union.
03 /Do you have to live in the country permanently to keep PR?
The rules vary: in some places entering once every few years is enough, in others actual presence is required. We always check the conditions for keeping the status for the specific programme in advance.
04 /How does PR differ from a residence permit?
A residence permit is temporary and must be renewed every 1-2 years. PR is indefinite and needs no renewal. A residence permit is usually the first step; PR is the next, closer to citizenship.
05 /Does PR lead to citizenship?
Yes, as a rule. From PR to citizenship is usually one step — several years of permanent residence and naturalisation. The exact requirements depend on the country.
06 /Can PR be obtained directly, without a residence permit?
Yes. The investment programmes of Cyprus and Malta (MPRP) give PR directly, bypassing years on an ordinary residence permit.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Obtain PR for your goal?
We will help you choose between PR and a passport, calculate the full cost including the family and take you through the deal and the filing.