EU citizens who have resided legally and continuously in Romania for at least five years qualify for permanent residence. The same provisions apply to non-EU citizens who have resided continuously in Romania for at least five years as family members of an EU citizen holding residence or permanent residence rights. Continuous residence means exercising the right of residence in accordance with the law during the five years preceding the decision on the permanent residence application. The following periods do not interrupt continuity of residence: Temporary absences from Romania not exceeding six months in a year. Absence to undertake compulsory military service. Absence for justified reasons, such as pregnancy and childbirth, serious illness, education or vocational training, or a work posting to another EU member state or a third country, for a maximum of 12 consecutive months. A period of imprisonment served in Romania lasting less than six months. Permanent residence rights are lost following an absence from Romania of more than two consecutive years. Sources: General Inspectorate for Immigration — Official announcement Emergency Ordinance No. 102 of 14 July 2005 — Romanian text
