Residency vs Citizenship

When moving to another country, you get two options; residency and citizenship, it is mandatory to understand the difference between them, as most individuals do not know the contrast. Although they may sound similar, both terms have different definitions and come with distinguished benefits, rights, and responsibilities.


Let's dive into the breakdown of these differences: Residency vs Citizenship

What is Residency?

Residency is a legal status that allows you and your family to stay in a particular country for a specific period of time. If you want to keep staying in the country, you must renew it from time to time. The Residency permit gives you access to buy real estate, educate your children, obtain health insurance, and get employment.

What are the types of Residency?

There are two types of residency:


  • Temporary residency

  • Permanent residency

Temporary Residency

Temporary residency permits are limited-duration authorizations that enable foreign nationals to reside in the country for designated purposes.


These permits are contingent upon a particular activity, which may include employment, investment, family reunification, or similar reasons.


Once the designated activity concludes, the residency permit becomes ineligible for renewal.


Additionally, holders of these permits are generally required to maintain a physical presence in the country for a minimum of six months each year.

Permanent residency

Permanent residency permits (PR) confer an enduring right to reside in a country. These permits are not contingent upon any specific role or employment; however, the issuing government may impose requirements regarding physical presence.


A permanent resident generally possesses rights comparable to those of citizens, with the notable exception of political rights, which include voting and eligibility for public office.


Typically, permanent residents benefit from the same services as taxpayers, including access to healthcare and education. However, these benefits may only be applicable if they meet the criteria for tax residency, which usually entails residing in the country for a minimum of six months each year, although exceptions to this rule exist.

What is Citizenship?

A citizen is an officially recognized member of a nation. The criteria for citizenship vary from one nation to another. Individuals may acquire citizenship through various means, such as being born within the country's borders, residing there for a period ranging from five to ten years, or receiving refugee status from the government. Citizenship gives complete membership within the country, you get the right such as vote, eligibility for public office, and the ability to get a national passport.

Ways to Obtain Citizenship

Citizenship by Descent

Citizenship by descent, often referred to as citizenship by ancestry, is a legal provision that permits individuals to acquire citizenship in a specific nation based on their familial lineage. This implies that if one or both of your parents or even your grandparents hold citizenship in a particular country, you may be eligible to obtain citizenship there, regardless of your place of birth.

Citizenship through Marriage

Citizenship through marriage allows an individual to attain citizenship in a country by entering into matrimony with a citizen of that nation. To be eligible, one generally must demonstrate the authenticity of the marital relationship, fulfill residency criteria, and complete language or knowledge assessments.

Citizenship through Naturalization

Citizenship through naturalization refers to the procedure by which a person becomes a citizen of a country through lawful means, usually after satisfying certain conditions established by the nation's laws and regulations. These conditions often include residing in the country for a designated duration, demonstrating language proficiency, passing a citizenship examination, exhibiting good moral character, and taking an oath of allegiance.


Citizenship vs Residency: Eligibility Criteria for a Passport

A residency permit doesn’t provide the right to obtain a passport, however, an individual can reside and engage in employment within the country. Citizenship allows applicants to apply for a passport granting them all political rights. Holding a passport from the European Union gives access to travel to other European countries and makes it easy to get employment and study abroad. Usually, permanent residency is only valid for 5 years and citizenship is for a lifetime.


Residency vs Citizenship: Voting Rights

One of the crucial differences between residency and citizenship is the right to vote. Residents do not have the right to vote or be involved in any particular elections. Citizenship enables individuals to have full voting rights and to engage in the democratic process.

Key Difference - Residency vs Citizenship


Citizen

Resident

Get the right to vote and stand for public office

Cannot vote or stand for public office

Citizenship can’t be canceled or renewed

Permanent residency can be canceled at any time

No residency requirement

Requirements required to live in the country for a specific period of time

Citizenship is for a lifetime

The residency card can be renewed

Citizenship can be passed onto your children or say descent

Your children get residency depending on the circumstances and eligibility 


To obtain one of these permits, Go-Global Immigration Services is one of the best immigration consultants in India who can assist you throughout the process. We ensure you land in your desired country hassle-free and get the best guidance for your visa. Get in touch with us today!


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