What is a Residence Permit Abroad? A Detailed Guide

A residence permit (RP) is a necessary document for foreign nationals who are planning to reside in a specific country for an extended period. Also, this document allows an individual to stay longer for study, work, or other reasons. This detailed guide will help the aspirants of study abroad to get complete knowledge about residence permits, their types, how to apply for a permit, and also some of the easiest countries to get a residence permit. Students aiming to study or work for a career abroad should go through this guide to demystify all the details on residence permits.

What is a Residence Permit?

The government of the specific country issues an official document called a Resident Permit to the applicants who want to stay in the country. However, it is not a visa. Both residence permits and visas give different rights. The visa allows an individual to cross the border. On the other hand, a residence permit allows one to enter the country for a specific purpose such as study, work, etc. This permit confirms the right of a foreigner to live in a country.

What Does a Resident Permit Look Like?

These are some sample images of resident permits for reference.

Also Read: How to Apply for a Student Visa: A Complete Guide

Difference Between a Residence Permit and a Permanent Residence

Note the differences between a residence permit and a permanent residence in the following table.

Residence Permit	Permanent Residence
It is temporary and is valid only for up to 1 or 2 years.	It is permanent and is given only after a residence permit.
A residence permit allows the candidate to stay in a country for a limited period.	Permanent residency refers to the permit for living in a country for a long period or even permanently.

Types of Residence Permits Abroad

Residence permits can be divided into the following main types:

• Class A: Self-Employed 
• Class B: Working in a company or other private institutions.
• Class C: For researchers, retired persons, Missionaries, Volunteers, etc.

The Commissioner General of Immigration Service has the power to issue residence permits. In case the applicants are not satisfied with the Commissioner’s decisions they may appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs even while outside the country. Application for residence permits should also be submitted even when the applicant is outside the country.

Must Read: How to Apply for UK Visa Application

Validity of Residency Permit Abroad

The maximum validity of any class of Residence Permit is only two years, and it can be renewed. However, the validity of a residence permit depends upon:

• Contract of Employment
• License validity issued by relevant professional boards
• Work Permits validity

During the validity of a residence permit, a person can:

• Stay in a country
• Buy real estate
• Cross the border for unlimited times
• Start up a business
• Study in private or public institutions
• Use medical services
• Purchase a car and also get a driving license
• Travel without visas to the Schengen countries

How to Apply for a Residence Permit Online?

The host country is influential in the acceptance of online applications for residence permits. However, check below the general outline of steps involved in the online application:

• Directly visit the link: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/online/permit or the website www.immigration.go.tz.
• Students can select Go to e-services and then choose the option of Online Residence Permit Application;
• The applicant must first read the guidelines of the Residence Permit.
• The candidates must also create an account and fill in their phone number, email, postal address, and password.
• After filling in all the details the students are required to attach all the required documents, and finally submit their application
• Once the application has been approved for payment, it will be notified, and he/she will be required to pay the prescribed fee within 60 days. After the expiry of sixty days, if the candidate fails to make the payment the application will be canceled automatically
• Once the payment has been made, the applicant will receive a notification of Residence Permit Enrolment Notification, which requires the candidate to report to the nearest Immigration Office for fingerprints and photo capture
• Once the enrolment process is completed the applicant will have to wait for his/ her processing and issuance of residence permit processing. This usually takes a week’s time.
• The Residence Permit can be collected from the Regional Immigration Office where the company is located or at the Immigration Head Office Zanzibar, Immigration Headquarters, EPZA, TIC, or ZIPA as the case may be.

NB: In case the application has incomplete documents/information the applicant will be notified online (through the Residence Permit System) to rectify the important query so that the application can proceed.

Must Read: UK Student Visa Dependent: Requirements, Process

Easiest Countries to Get Residence Permits Abroad

Obtaining a residence permit in a foreign country can be a complex and lengthy process, but there are some countries where the requirements are relatively straightforward and the procedures are more accessible. In this guide, we will explore the five easiest countries to get residence permits.

A residence permit allows a foreigner to stay in a country for a period of usually 1- 5 years. The country can offer residency on various grounds such as economic solvency, real estate ownership, and investment.

Country	Region
Malta	Europe
Montenegro	Europe
Greece	Europe
Cyprus	Europe
Portugal	Europe
Mexico	America
Antigua and Barbuda	America
Belize	America
Nicaragua	America
Argentina	America
Malaysia	Asia
Thailand	Asia
Cambodia	Asia
United Arab Emirates	Middle East & Near East
Turkey	Middle East & Near East

Best Countries to Have a Residence Permit

These are the countries that everyone dreams of having a residence permit in and a little overview of the process of getting one.

Residence Permit UK

A residence permit in the UK is known as a BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). A BRP is usually given in case a person comes to the UK for more than 6 months or extends the visa longer than 6 months and is planning to settle in the UK. A BRP will include the following details:

• Name, date & place of birth
• Fingerprints and photo of face
• Immigration status and condition of stay
• If the person can access public funds such as health & other benefits 

Must Read: UK Spouse Visa 2023: Fees, Documents, Rules

Canada Residence Permit

Persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may be authorized to enter Canada as temporary residents. The maximum validity of temporary residents is three years depending on various conditions. Check the following conditions:

• Students should satisfy the conditions imposed on the TRP (Temporary residence permit)
• Students must not work or study without a work or study permit
• Cannot re-enter Canada without prior authorization
• Students must leave Canada at the end of their authorized period of stay

Permit for France

A France residence permit is a document that allows its holder to stay in France and is mandatory for every foreigner who comes to France to stay more than three months. Without a French residence permit, one will not only be considered an illegal resident in France but will be unable to get access to many state services and aids.

To apply for a France, the students should prepare the following documents for submission:

• A valid passport stamped with the French long-stay visa on it.
• A copy of the important pages of your passport, including the pages with stamps.
• Birth Certificate of your home country.
• Two photographs as per the ICAO standards.
• Proof of residence can be an electricity bill, domicile statement, rent receipt, etc.
• Proof of income:
  • if employed – work contract and latest payment slips.
  • if self-employed – proof of their status.
  • retired or unemployed: proof of having the adequate financial means to live in France.
• Medical Insurance
• Authorities require the translations of every document that is not in French.

Also Read: How to Get a PR in France?

Germany Residence Permit:

You need a German residence permit to stay in the country longer than 90 days. A residence permit can be given for educational, marriage, and employment purposes. You can get a temporary residence permit if for a short period for a specific purpose. The following documents are required for a German residence permit.

• You must have a valid passport 
• You must be proficient in German (at least B1 level)
• Must have no criminal record 
• You must have health insurance 
• Clear a health checkup to prove that you are healthy enough to study or work
• You must be financially stable 
• If you are applying for employment purposes you must have an offer letter from an employer 
• If you are applying for educational purposes you must have an offer letter to study from a recognised German university
• If you want to join your spouse in Germany, you need to present proof of your relationship. For example, the submission of a marriage certificate.

What is an EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is given to a specific section of people. The Blue card is similar to the temporary residence permit but has longer validity. The blue card is given to non-EU nationals who are highly skilled and are seeking employment in Germany. These individuals have completed a higher education degree. For example, a BA, or MA. However, those who are likely to get this card is a person with IT or STEM backgrounds.

You need to find a job in Germany that allows you to practise the skills you have learned during your education to obtain this card. The job must be in the same discipline as the education you have completed. Moreover, you should receive a salary of 45,300 Euros per year and must have German proficiency. 

The validity of the EU Blue card is 4 years. After getting this card, you can immediately apply for Permanent Residence. That is, if you maintain your job. Generally, you will qualify for PR right after 33 months of obtaining this card. If you have German language skills then you will get the same in 21 months. You can also bring your spouse to Germany on an EU blue card.

FAQs

We hope you now understand what a residence permit is and how to apply for it! Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu and we will guide you on your dream journey!