What is the difference between permanent residence, residence permit and different types of visas?

People who are faced with the need to travel or stay abroad for the first time are often left at a loss. What is the difference between a residence permit and permanent residence? What kind of visa should I apply for to avoid being deported from the country? What rights does citizenship give and how to get it? Before contacting a consulate or visa application center, you should determine your goals.

Residence permit (residence permit)

A residence permit is a visa that grants the right to temporary residence in a country. The owner and his family, children are provided with the rights to medical services, education in schools and higher educational institutions of the country. They issue a residence permit for various reasons:

• business, work, including in the "digital nomad" format;
• investments in the country;
• studies, family circumstances.

As a rule, the validity period of a visa depends on the conditions of the specific type of card. For example, a student residence permit in Greece allows international students to live in the country for the duration of their studies at the university. A Digital Nomad Visa is valid for no more than 12 months, with the possibility of extension. At the same time, you can travel to other EU countries, staying there for a couple of weeks or months.

Permanent residence (permanent residence)

It is issued only if certain conditions are met.:

• long–term residence in the country - from 5 to 7 years;
• excellent knowledge of the language and laws of the country;
• the presence of large real estate, investments, and serious business in this state.

This type of document entitles you to permanent residence in the country. Its holders have equal rights with citizens of the state, can enjoy social benefits, buy real estate, work and study without restrictions.

Visa With

The Schengen visa is a short–term document. It is valid from a few days to 5 years. The owner can stay in the countries of the Schengen area for no more than 90 days every six months.

A C visa does not grant the right to long-term study or work in the country. It is convenient for tourists, people taking short-term courses or coming to a seminar, meeting with the right people. It is issued for business trips, medical treatment or recreation, attending concerts, exhibitions or sports, mass events.

Visa D

This type of visa opens up more opportunities and is comparable to a residence permit. Category D visas allow you to stay in the country from 90 days to several years. Their owners and their family members can study, work in their chosen country, rent or buy a house, and set up their own business. To apply for a D visa, you must submit a package of documents and meet certain conditions. For example, you can prove a stable monthly income, rent or buy a house in the country, provide documents confirming admission to a university in the country or a work contract.