Updated
GL-P-02
Glossary · Statuses, passports, travel
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.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- 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
02 / In plain words
What Permanent residence means
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.
A case from practice
An investor obtains Cypriot PR by buying property for about €300,000 plus VAT. The status is indefinite — there is no need to renew the card every year, and the family lives calmly on the island. If they wish, after several years of permanent residence they can move on towards Cypriot citizenship.
Why people get PR
- An indefinite status without annual renewals
- Life in the country on equal terms with citizens (except the passport)
- Free travel in the Schengen area (EU)
- A short path to citizenship
- Education and healthcare for the family
- A second home in Europe
03 / What it covers
What PR gives
Who receives it
- Principal applicant
- Spouse and children
- Sometimes parents
Rights
- Living in the country indefinitely
- Schengen (in the EU)
- Equal access to infrastructure
What it does not give
- Passports
- Usually the right to vote
- Work throughout the EU
Outlook
- A short path to citizenship
- A stable status
- A basis for relocating the family
04 / How it works
How to get permanent residence
Choosing the country and option
Due diligence
Investment (real estate/contribution)
Filing the application
Indefinite PR status
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01
PR is indefinite — unlike a residence permit, it is not renewed every 1-2 years
02PR is not citizenship
it gives no passport and usually no right to vote
03
You travel abroad on your existing passport
04
Investment PR (Cyprus, Malta MPRP) gives Schengen access but not the right to work throughout the EU
05
From PR to citizenship is one step, and the path is shorter
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
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
Be clear about what you need: a quick indefinite status through PR or a passport straight away — the choice of programme depends on it. Then calculate the full budget (investment, fees, property taxes), check the requirements for keeping the status and prepare documents on the origin of funds. Then PR is obtained without unnecessary detours.
What we do for you. 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.
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer for EU citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. The investment programmes of Cyprus and Malta (MPRP) give PR directly, bypassing years on an ordinary residence permit.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Tell us what outcome your family needs
We will design a solution for your case, choose the country and the right status, and take the whole process through to the result.
