EU to make it easier for migrants to work & live in Europe

The European Union aims to simplify the process for foreign workers to acquire both work and residency permits, says SchengenVisaInfo.

The move comes in an effort to promote legal migration of third-country nationals to the bloc for work purposes and to address the current EU labour shortages, SchengenVisaInfo reports.

The European Union Parliament supported the streamlining of regulations to acquire a Single Permit, enabling individuals to work and live within the EU. However, final approval of the new regulations is required from the Council before they can be implemented, says SchengenVisaInfo.


The new update introduces several changes aimed at enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of the Single Permit system.

The changes include faster decisions on applications, the possibility of changing the employer, and extended stay for unemployed Single Permit holders, says SchengenVisaInfo report.

Decision on Single Permit within 90 days
The European Union mandates Member States to process Single Permit applications within a 90-day timeframe, notably reducing the current four-month waiting period. For more intricate cases, a 30-day extension may be granted. Additionally, third-country nationals with existing residence permits can now apply for a Single Permit within the EU, eliminating the requirement to return to their home countries for application procedures.

Holders of Single Permits can now change their employer
Under the new regulations, third-country nationals holding a Single Permit can freely change their employer, occupation, and work sector through a straightforward notification process by the new employer. However, EU Member States may enforce a six-month restriction on employer changes, with exemptions granted in instances of employer contract violations, reports SchengenVisaInfo.

More protection for third-country nationals holding a Single Permit
The updated directive also offers greater protection for third-country nationals holding a Single Permit who find themselves unemployed, says SchengenVisaInfo report.

Single Permit holders will now have up to three months to find alternative employment before their permits are withdrawn, it adds.

Third-country nationals with a Single Permit for over two years are granted six months to secure employment and remain within the EU. Extensions are possible for those previously exploited. Financially, permit holders unemployed for long periods must demonstrate self-sufficiency to avoid relying on social assistance.

The new rules now need to be approved by the Council, and following the approval, the Member States will have two years to implement the changes to their national law. The changes will not be applied by Denmark and Ireland, the SchengenVisaInfo report adds.