How You Can Lose Your Residence Permit or Permanent Residency in Europe — and How to Avoid It

Many people believe that once they obtain a residence permit in Europe, their future is secure. In reality, even residence permits (RP) and permanent residency (PR) can be revoked. The reasons are not always obvious — from long absences abroad to something as simple as a mistake in paperwork. Let’s review the main risks and explain why support from Visa Dan is your best protection.

The most common reason for losing residency status is staying abroad for too long.

• Germany: Any RP or PR becomes invalid after 6 months of absence. Exceptions exist, but only under special circumstances.
• Spain: Rules were recently eased. A temporary RP can now be retained even with absences longer than 6 months. For PR, the limits are softer: up to 12 months consecutively or 30 months in total within 5 years.
• Italy: The “golden middle.” Temporary RP is lost after more than 6 months abroad, PR after more than 12 consecutive months.
• Latvia: Special conditions apply. To renew PR, foreigners often need to pass a Latvian language exam. Failure to do so means no extension.

Each country has its own specifics. Many people lose their status simply because they are unaware of the rules. With Visa Dan, you’ll always know the nuances and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Many residence permits are issued on specific grounds such as work, study, or business. If those grounds disappear, your status is at risk.

• Lost your job and couldn’t find a new one? Renewal of your work RP may be denied.
• Expelled from university? Your student RP is canceled.
• Closed your business? Your documents may be revoked.

Some countries are stricter than others. For example, in Germany, a student who leaves to study abroad automatically loses their RP. To avoid such issues, it is crucial to plan ahead and, if necessary, change your residency grounds. Visa Dan helps you with the right strategy and guides you through status transitions.

Serious crimes, involvement in extremist groups, or actions that threaten national security can lead not only to the cancellation of RP or PR but also to deportation. Even permanent residency will not protect you.

Although such cases are rare, there are more “ordinary” risks: expired residence cards, translation mistakes, or incomplete documents. Any of these can formally result in a denial. At Visa Dan, we track deadlines and paperwork to avoid such problems.

If it turns out that RP or PR was obtained with forged documents or by concealing information, the status is automatically revoked. In most cases, restoring it is impossible. That’s why it’s so important to prepare your application correctly. At Visa Dan, we thoroughly check every client’s documents before submission to eliminate risks.

Even permanent residency in Europe does not guarantee lifelong security. However, problems can be avoided if you:

• Monitor deadlines and procedures,
• Renew documents on time,
• Choose the right legal grounds for your stay,
• Consider the legal specifics of each country.

With Visa Dan, you’ll have a clear plan and full support at every step — from obtaining your first RP to citizenship.

We don’t just process paperwork. Our mission is to deliver real results. With us:

• You won’t lose status over a technicality,
• You’ll always know the exact restrictions in your chosen country,
• You’ll get guidance when changing status,
• You’ll move confidently toward PR or citizenship.

A European residence permit gives you the chance to live, work, and plan your future. But it’s essential to know the rules to keep your status secure. With Visa Dan, you’re protected from bureaucratic traps and free to plan your life with confidence.

If you are considering relocation or worried about losing your current status, contact us. We’ll find the optimal solution and deliver results.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!