A permanent residence visa (or permanent residency) lets you live in a country on a long-term, settled basis without time-limited visa renewals. It is usually obtained after a qualifying period on a temporary visa and meeting set conditions.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Updated 2026-09-15
Find requirements by country
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Destination
Passport
Purpose
Long-term settled residence in a country.
Who it’s for
People who have met a qualifying period and conditions on a temporary visa.
How you apply
Application from within the country with residence, integration and support evidence.
How Krosz helps
Krosz can help you understand the general permanent residence landscape and point you to specialist advisors. We are a private service and not a government authority.
Destinations
Researched from official immigration sources. Each country has its own detailed guide.
Permanent Residence via Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades) and Provincial Nominee Program
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Employment-Based Green Card (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR / settlement)
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
Long Term Residency (Stamp 4) for employment permit holders
Singapore Permanent Residence (PR)
UAE Golden Visa (long-term residence; UAE has no PR)
Residence permit for long-term EU residents (and permanent regular residence permit)
Figures come from each country's official immigration source, linked on every guide. Always confirm before applying.
Overview
Permanent residence is a long-term status that lets you live, work and study in a country without the time limits of a temporary visa. It is not citizenship but often a step toward it.
It is usually obtained after living legally in the country on a qualifying visa (work, family, study, investment) for a set number of years and meeting integration, support and good-character conditions.
It differs from a temporary visa, which is time-limited and often tied to a sponsor or purpose. Permanent residence is broader and more secure.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, destination and circumstances — always confirm for your exact case.
Activities
Long-term residence
Living in the country without visa renewals.
Open work rights
Working for any employer without sponsorship.
Travel in & out
Entering and leaving freely (with residence-card rules).
Family inclusion
Sponsoring close family in many routes.
What you normally cannot do
Documents
Only documents relevant to this category. Exact requirements vary by country — confirm for your destination.
Passport
Valid with sufficient validity and blank pages.
Photograph
Recent photo meeting the destination's rules.
Application form
Completed permanent residence application.
Residence proof
Evidence of continuous lawful residence for the qualifying period.
Language & integration
Language test and integration evidence where required.
Support evidence
Proof of income and accommodation.
Character checks
Police clearance and good-character evidence.
Process
Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Meet the qualifying period
Complete the required years of lawful residence.
Pass language/integration
Complete any required language or integration tests.
Gather evidence
Collect residence, income, accommodation and character proof.
Apply & pay
Submit the permanent residence application from within the country.
Assessment
The authority verifies residence, integration and character.
Decision
Receive permanent residence, often as a card.
Need help with your Permanent Residence Visa?
Tell us where you're going — a Krosz visa expert will walk you through it.
Comparison
| Point of comparison | Permanent Residence | Temporary Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Long-term, not time-limited | Time-limited, renewable |
| Work | Open, any employer | Often tied to a sponsor |
| Path | After qualifying residence | The starting route |
| Toward citizenship | Often a prerequisite | Usually not directly |
Be prepared
Practical
FAQ
About the Permanent Residence Visa, answered by Krosz visa experts.
A long-term residence status that lets you live, work and study in a country without time-limited visa renewals, usually obtained after a qualifying period.
No. It is a secure residence status but not citizenship. Citizenship is a separate later application in most countries.
Each country sets a qualifying period, often several years of lawful residence. Confirm the requirement for your route.
Yes. Long absences, serious crimes or fraud can lead to loss of status and removal.
Many routes require a language or integration test. Check the required level for your destination.
Usually yes. Permanent residence typically comes with open work rights, unlike a sponsored work visa.
Many permanent residence routes allow sponsoring close family, subject to conditions.
Krosz can help you understand the landscape and point you to specialist advisors. We do not provide legal counsel.
Share your trip and a Krosz visa expert will explain the permanent residence visa process for your destination. No documents or payment needed at this stage.
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Krosz is a private visa & travel assistance service — not a government website, agency or embassy. Visas are granted solely by the relevant government authorities.
Krosz is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Last reviewed: 2026-09-15.
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