Permanent residence lets you live, work and study in another country without an end date on your visa. For many applicants it is the reason for the move in the first place. If your current residence visa is linked to an employer, a sponsor, a business or a property and is renewed periodically, a permanent status elsewhere gives your family a longer planning horizon.
There are two broad ways to reach it. Some countries grant permanent residence directly, through points-based or nominated programmes such as Canada’s Express Entry or Australia’s Skilled Independent visa. Others expect you to live and work there on a temporary visa first, then apply to settle after a qualifying period, as in the United Kingdom, Germany and Ireland. Which suits you depends on your occupation, age, language results, family and how soon you need certainty.
Permanent status also carries obligations. Most countries expect you to spend a minimum amount of time living there to keep it, and citizenship, where it is available, has its own residence, language and character requirements. We explain these at the start, so the route you choose fits the life you plan to live. The information on this page is general orientation, not legal advice, and every decision rests with the government concerned.
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