Registering residence for longer stays by country
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
Whether and when you must register a new home with the authorities, and which document you may receive. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Duty to register | Deadline | Where to register | Document for EU citizens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Required on moving in | Within two weeks of moving in | Registration authority | The law provides only for a certificate of permanent residence right, issued on application; it does not provide a certificate of residence right for Union citizens before that. |
| Netherlands | Required for longer stays | By the 5th day of the stay | Municipality, in person | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United Kingdom | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Police registration ended 4 Aug 2022 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| France | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Card not needed; optional |
| Spain | Required for stays over 3 months | Within 3 months of entry | Foreigners' office, in person | Registration certificate, immediate |
| Italy | Required for stays over 3 months | Registration is requested once three months have passed since entry; this article gives no later date. | Municipality (anagrafe) | The municipality immediately issues an attestation of the registration request, showing name, residence and date of the request. |
| Ireland | Moving for a longer stay, EEA and Swiss citizens: Not required Moving for a longer stay, Non-EEA citizens: Required if staying over 3 months | Moving for a longer stay, Non-EEA citizens: Within 90 days of landing | Moving for a longer stay, Non-EEA citizens: ISD, Dublin (book online) | Moving for a longer stay, EEA and Swiss citizens: No card needed |
| Poland | Required for stays over 30 days | 30 days (EU/EEA/CH); 4 days (others) | Municipal authority | Certificate after 3 months |
| Portugal | Required for stays over 3 months | 30 days after the first 3 months | Municipal council of the place of residence | Certificate issued on registration, valid 5 years |
| Belgium | EU citizens: required over 3 months | EU citizens: within 3 months of arrival | The municipality of the place of stay | Annex 19, then registration certificate (Annex 8) |
| Austria | Required on moving in | Within 3 days | Mayor (Meldebehörde) | EEA nationals with a right of residence under EU law who stay longer than three months must notify the authority within four months of entry; on application they receive a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung). |
| Denmark | Required for longer stays | Within 5 days of the conditions being met | Municipality, in person | Residence certificate or exemption needed |
| Czechia | Required (EU citizens if over 30 days) | EU: 30 days; others: 3 working days | Police (or accommodation provider) | An EU citizen who intends to stay for more than 3 months can apply to the Ministry of the Interior for a registration certificate (osvědčení o registraci), valid for 10 years. |
| Hungary | Required after 90 days in 180 | By day 93 after entry | Immigration authority | On proof that the conditions are met, the immigration authority issues a registration certificate (regisztrációs igazolás) immediately. Permanent residence is certified by a permanent residence card (állandó tartózkodási kártya). |
| Finland | EU citizens: register if over 3 months | Move notice: 1 month before to 1 week after | DVV (move); Migri (EU registration) | Register within 3 months (EU citizens) |
| Norway | Required for stays of 6 months or more | 8 days (EU/EEA: 3 months + 8 days) | Skatteetaten (tax office) | Register with police if staying 3+ months |
| Croatia | Required after 3 months | Within 8 days after month 3 | Police administration or station | Certificate free; card on request |
| Romania | Registration for stays over 3 months | Within 3 months of entry | Immigration Office local unit | Certificate valid 5 years |
Before you rely on it
This comparison covers national rules. Regional or local rules can apply on top of them, and rules change. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details before you act.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.