You have probably encountered terms like citizenship and residency on multiple occasions. Although they’re frequently used interchangeably, they don’t actually mean the same thing. Want to learn the answer to the question “what is the difference between citizenship and permanent residence”? Keep reading the article!
What is citizenship?
Citizenship is a status that’s granted to people who have met specific requirements set by a country’s government. Once you become a citizen, you have the right to live and work in that country indefinitely. You’re also entitled to certain government benefits, such as social security and access to education.
Citizenship can be obtained in a number of ways. For example, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent if one of your parents is a citizen of the country in question. Alternatively, you may be able to apply by naturalization, which typically requires you to live in the country for a certain, specified number of years.
What is residency?
Residency, on the other hand, is a status that allows you to live in a country for a set period of time. The length of time that you’re allowed to stay in the country may be indefinite, or it may be temporary. For example, some countries offer residency to retirees, while others grant it to people who are employed by local companies.
In order to obtain residency in a country, you typically have to meet certain requirements, such as having a job offer from a local employer, or proving that you have enough money to support yourself. Once you have residency, you’re allowed to live and work in the country for as long as your residency status is valid.
So, what is the difference between citizenship and permanent residency?
Citizenship vs residency – what makes them different?
The main difference between a citizen and resident is that the first one confers a permanent right to live and work in a country, while the latter is typically granted for a specific, limited period of time.
Once you become a citizen of a country, you’re typically allowed to stay there indefinitely, and you’re entitled to certain government benefits.
On the contrary, if you have residency in a country, you may only be allowed to stay there for a certain number of years, and you may not be eligible for government benefits.
How to apply for citizenship vs residency?
The requirements and application process for citizenship and residency can vary depending on the country and its regulations. In order to find out more, you’ll need to research the laws in the place that’s of interest to you.
Want to learn more about becoming a permanent resident in the USA? Check out our blog!
The takeaway
Knowing the difference between residence and citizenship is the first step to making an informed decision.
If you want to start a new life in a foreign country, benefit from the professional support of migration consulting specialists that will help you obtain a second citizenship or new residency, depending on your individual circumstances and what’s best for you.