RIGHTS OF THE EU CITIZEN

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RIGHTS OF THE EU CITIZEN
• As an EU citizen, to enter any EU country for visits of up to 3 months you need only a valid passport or identity card.
• Every EU citizen has the right to move to take up employment in another EU member state under the same conditions as citizens of that country.
• You have the right to live in another EU country while you are seeking employment – usually for up to 6 months. (You may have the right to claim Unemployment Benefit from your home country whilst doing so.)
• You have the right to settle in another EU country if you are employed or self-employed; or you are enrolled at a private or public educational or training institution following a course of study or training; or you are taking part in a youth or voluntary activity; or you are retired or unemployed and are able to finance yourself and your family and have comprehensive health insurance.
• Members of your family have the right to go with you whatever their nationality (although non-EU citizens may need an entry visa). This includes a worker’s husband or wife, children under the age of 21, and dependent parents of the worker and/or spouse. Students have the right to take their spouse and children up to the age of 21.
• You can apply for a Residence Permit if you stay longer than 3 months in another EU country. This is a means of proof and not a condition of your entitlement to live in a country. In Portugal, this is currently known as the Certificate of Registration of an EU Citizen (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) You need to apply in person at your local Câmara Municipal with your passport or identity card and whichever of the following is applicable: proof of employment (if employed or self-employed); proof of registration at an educational/training establishment (if a student); proof of medical insurance (if a student, retired, unemployed or taking part in a voluntary activity); proof of financial resources (if a student, retired or unemployed); proof of kinship – i.e. birth and/or marriage certificate (if family members are also requiring permits). The permit is valid for 5 years, and a student’s permit for 12 months. Both are automatically renewable.

Europe Direct has copies of guides on travelling, living, working and studying in another EU country, buying goods and services, data protection, equal opportunities, enforcing your rights and settling cross-border financial disputes. (see Your Europe website)
For printed copies call: 00800 67891011 or e-mail: http://europa.eu/europedirect
Citizens Signpost Service offers a free service of advice and information concerning your rights. Contact them at: http://ec.europa.eu/citizensrights/fron ... dex_en.htm
SOLVIT is a network of national problem solving centres created by the European Commission. SOLVIT offers a free service dealing with cross-border problems in cases involving application of EU rules by public authorities. Contact them at: http://europa.eu/solvit
The European Commission can look into complaints regarding rights based on EU law, and can take cases to the European Court of Justice. Contact: http://ec.europa.eu/secretariat_general/sgb/lexcomm/
The European Parliament can put questions to the Commission and the Council.
Contact: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/parliamen ... /submit.do
The European Ombudsman deals with complaints arising from administrative irregularities or omissions by the European Parliament, Council or Commission (but not national or local administrations).
Contact: http://www.ombudsman.europa.eu