Residence permits and visas: when to apply to renew

A residence permit or a visa is what lets you live in a country legally. Their deadlines do not forgive mistakes: being late, even by a few days, can cost you a fine, and sometimes your right to live in the country.

Every country has its own rules, so always check the exact dates on the website of the immigration office. But the general principles are similar, and this guide explains them.

How long a residence permit is valid

It depends on the country and on the reason for the permit: work, study, family or your own business. A first residence permit is often issued for 1 or 2 years, and the next ones for longer. The date of expiry is on the card or in the decision to issue it.

As a rule, a residence permit does not renew by itself. You need to apply in time and give new documents.

When to apply to renew

In many countries you can apply to renew only within a certain time before the permit expires, most often 1 to 3 months, sometimes earlier. An application that is too early may be refused, and one that is too late may not be decided in time.

Also think about what has to happen before you apply:

• you may have to wait weeks for an appointment at the immigration office
• you often need recent documents: about your work, income, home and insurance
• your passport must be valid long enough, or you will have to renew it first

So start getting ready about 3 to 4 months before your permit expires, and find out early when you can apply.

What happens if you are late

It depends on the country and on how late you are. Most often it means:

• a fine
• problems when you leave and next enter the country, up to a ban on entry
• losing your status: instead of renewing, you have to get a residence permit again, sometimes by applying from your home country

In many countries, an application made in time lets you stay while it is being decided. Keep the proof that you applied: you may need it at the border or for your employer.

Visas: validity and days of stay

A visa has two different limits, and it is easy to mix them up:

• its validity: the dates when the visa can be used
• the days of stay: how many days you can spend in the country during that time

For example, a Schengen visa may be valid for a year, but for a short stay you can spend no more than 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. When your days run out, the visa no longer helps, even if it is still valid.

With a multiple-entry visa, keep track of your trips: days in the Schengen area count across all its countries together.

Your passport, residence permit and visa are linked

Your passport must be valid for the whole time of your residence permit or visa, and often for longer. If your passport expires soon, you may get a residence permit for a shorter time, or not get one at all. So look at these dates together. The guide ‘Passport’ explains more about passports.

How to track these dates in Limer

• Create a timer called ‘Residence permit’: the start date is the date of issue, and the end date is the date of expiry.
• Turn on ‘Remind me in advance’ for 3 months before the end date. You will get an email when it is time to collect your documents and book an appointment.
• Also turn on ‘Remind me on the end date’ to get an email on the day it expires.
• Create a separate timer for a visa, and one more for your next trip with it, ending on the day your days of stay run out.
• Give all of them the type ‘Documents’ to see these dates together.

Limer can remind you

Create a timer with the end date and turn on an email reminder.

Create a timer