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Do you want to settle abroad? Then you must have asked yourself the question-Is permanent residence the same as citizenship? Permanent Residency and citizenship are two distinct settlement pathways. They are not the same. Before you move abroad for studies you must be clear about the difference between PR and citizenship. This blog covers everything you need to know. You will learn about the main differences, the benefits, pathways to citizenship, and which one you should apply first.
This Blog Includes:
Is PR the Same as Citizenship?
Is Permanent Residence the Same as Citizenship? The answer is no. Permanent Residency (PR) refers to permanently residing in another country as a foreigner. As a permanent resident, you will receive several benefits. For example, you can live, study, and work in the county indefinitely. However, this does not mean that you have become a citizen. Typically, you will not be allowed to vote or to hold a public office.
On the other hand, citizenship means that you have obtained legal status in the country as a citizen. You will be treated the same way as someone born in the country, and get the same benefits. This means you have the right to vote, even hold public office, and enjoy several other privileges. Generally, if you become a citizen of another country you have to revoke your original citizenship. For example, if you become a Japanese citizen, you will no longer be called an Indian citizen. However, some countries permit dual citizenship.
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What is the Difference Between Citizenship and Permanent Residence?
Is permanent residence the same as citizenship? No Permanent residents and citizens are the same. The main difference between them is provided below:
| Particulars | Permanent Residency | Citizenship |
| Meaning | A foreigner legally residing permanently in another country | A person who has obtained full membership in another country or become a citizen. |
| Duration of stay | You are required to stay in the country for less time (a few years) to get a PR. | You are required to stay in the country as a permanent resident for a long time. |
| Benefits | You enjoy all the benefits just like a citizen except the right to vote and the right to hold public office | You can enjoy all the privileges just like the citizens of the country. This includes the right to vote, and the right to hold public office |
| Voting Rights | Is permanent residence the same as citizenship? No. It’s not. That’s why you cannot vote | You can vote |
| Permission to stay outside the country without losing status | As a permanent resident, you can stay abroad only for a specified period. If you stay longer than that, your PR is revoked. | It is not time-bound. You can travel abroad as long as you like without losing your status |
| Requirements | Fewer requirements to become a Permanent Resident | You have to meet the permanent residency requirements and additional requirements |
| Passport | You will continue to hold an Indian passport because you are an Indian. You are just living abroad | You will receive the passport of the country you have become a citizen of. |
| Military service | The country will not require you to undergo compulsory military training | You will have to undergo military training (if required) |
| Renewal | After a specified time you are required to renew your status. Otherwise, you will lose your PR status | You do not have to renew your status as a citizen. Once a citizen means you will always be a citizen |
| The requirement to revoke citizenship | You do not have to revoke your citizenship to become a permanent resident of another country | You may have to revoke your current citizenship status to become a citizen. This means you may no longer be considered an Indian. |
| Dual citizenship | Is permanent residence the same as citizenship? No. It’s not. That’s why dual citizenship is not allowed | May be permitted by the country |
| Time taken to get status | Fewer years | Equal years or more |
| Pathway to citizenship | PR is the only pathway (or one of the pathways) to citizenship | You are already a citizen. |
| Examples | US green card holder, becoming a permanent resident in Canada through Express Entry | Citizenship obtained in countries like US, Iceland, Finland, etc through naturalisation |
Note– Both permanent residents and citizens can stay in the country indefinitely. They can live, work, or study in the country for an indefinite period.
To learn about the top countries with easy PR process, watch this video:
Is permanent residence the same as citizenship? No. A permanent resident is not a citizen of that country. However, a permanent resident enjoys most of the benefits of a citizen. Generally, a permanent resident can access social security benefits. However, depending from country to country this differs. This means some countries keep certain requirements that permanent residents have to fulfil to get access to social security benefits.
| Country | Conditions to Access Social Security Benefits | Social Security Benefits |
| USA (Green card holders ) | Access social security benefits if you have worked in the country for 10 years (obtained 40 work credits) | Disability assistance, retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) etc |
| Countries in the European Union/Schengen area | Eligibility may depend on the duration of residence, and contribution to the social security system of the country | Healthcare benefits, unemployment benefits etc |
| Canada | Access all benefits if you have contributed to social security programs through employment | Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), etc |
| Australia | Access benefits if you meet the PR requirement | Get Medicare, age pension. etc |
Note- Most of the countries provide full social security benefits to permanent residents. However, certain countries wil only provide some benefits to the permanent residents.
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Can Permanent Residents be Deported?
Is permanent residence the same as citizenship? No. A PR holder is not a citizen. However, getting a PR protects you from easy deportation and political changes. You can stay in the country for an indefinite period as long as you renew the permit.
This does not mean that you cannot be deported. A permanent resident can be deported if he/she commits a serious offence. For example, if you commit a crime you can be deported. Those with a criminal record will be deported. For example, the USA deports people committing serious offences. However, those without a criminal record are asked to appear in immigration court to defend themselves.
Is It Possible to Lose Your PR?
Yes. It is possible to lose your PR. You can lose your PR in the following instances-
- You have stayed abroad for more time than permitted- A PR holder is only permitted to stay abroad for a specified time. Generally, 1-2 years. If you stay abroad for more than the time provided your PR is revoked.
- You do not renew your PR- PR comes with a validity period. You have to renew this PR before the validity period is over. If your do not renew your PR within the specified time you may lose your PR status.
- You commit a serious offense- If you break the fundamental rules of the country, you may lose your PR status. For example, wage a war, commit a criminal offense, etc.
Can Indians Have Dual Citizenship?
Is permanent residence the same as citizenship? No. PR holders are not citizens. Citizens are full members of the country. Getting citizenship means that you are treated the same way as regular citizens. Typically to acquire citizenship you have to revoke your current citizenship. For example, if you become a citizen of Japan you will be considered as a Japanese citizen with Indian roots. You will no longer be an Indian.
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Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship
Is permanent residence the same as citizenship? No. Citizenship is different. Around 49% of the countries permit dual citizenship. This means you do not have to give current status to become a citizen. Some countries give you a choice- you can become a citizen by revoking your citizenship, or become a dual citizen. Below is a list of some of the countries that permit dual citizenship.
| Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship | |||
| Australia | United States | Canada | United Kingdom |
| Germany | France | Italy | Ireland |
| Belgium | Portugal | Spain (under specific conditions) | Greece |
| South Africa | Philippines | New Zealand | Dominica |
FAQs
No. PR and citizenship are not the same in Germany. PR and citizenship is never the same. A PR in Germany is called a settlement period. You can apply for this if you stay in the country for 5 years. After you have stayed in the country for an additional 5 years on a settlement permit you can apply for German citizenship.
A resident is a person who is staying in another country temporarily, for a long term, or permanently. Therefore, several countries issue temporary residence permits, long-term residence permits, or permanent/settlement permits, Those holding a PR are not citizens of that country. They are just a foreigner residing in the country.
No. An Aadhaar card can only prove your identity. You can get citizenship of a country by birth, adoption, investment or through naturalization. Generally, for travel purposes, you can submit your passport as proof of citizenship.
No. A permanent resident in Australia is not a citizen of that country. You can become a citizen of Australia through naturalization, by birth/adoption, if one of your parents was an Australian citizen, and by conferral if you have been a permanent resident.
You are a citizen of Indian if you are born in India, or have obtained citizenship in the country through naturalization. Just by residing in the country, you do not become a citizen of India.
Those who are permanently settled in the US are called permanent residents. Permanent residents hold a PR card. This proves theri Permanent residency status. It is called a Green card in the US.
We hope you now have the answer to your question permanent residence the same as citizenship?? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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