EU citizenship is granted automatically to anyone who holds the nationality of an EU country. Some rights and benefits derive from national law, and these may differ from country to country. Other rights derive from EU law and are therefore the same in all EU countries. These EU rights extend to everyday life – from shopping and driving to healthcare and family/relationship issues.
As an EU national, you have the right to live and move within the EU without being discriminated against on the grounds of nationality. You can also benefit from greater consumer protection than in your home country and, provided you meet certain requirements, can access healthcare anywhere in the EU.
The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (Article 18) and theCharter of Fundamental Rights(Chapter V) spell out your EU citizenship rights.
Follow the links below for more information on your rights as an EU national living in the EU and learn what to do if your rights have been infringed.
EU residency rights
Information on your rights to live in another EU country, the rights of any of your family members to join you, and the paperwork needed if you and/or your family move to another EU country.
Healthcare across the EU
Information on your rights to planned or unplanned medical treatment in another EU country, the documents you’ll need, reimbursem*nt rules, and how to buy medicines in another EU country and get reimbursed.
Consumer rights & refunds
Information on your rights and the rules on buying goods and services in the EU. How to request refunds and resolve disputes.
Family law in other EU countries
Information on your rights, and EU rules and principles on all aspects of family/relationship issues. This includes adoption and child abduction, marriage, divorce, child maintenance obligations, and planning/managing cross-border inheritances. There’s also advice on how to get public documents accepted in another EU country.
Cars & driving licences
Information on your rights and EU rules on cars – from buying or selling a car to getting or exchanging a driver’s licence. There’s also advice on the documents needed and formalities to follow to use your vehicle.
FAQs
As an EU national, you have the right to live and move within the EU without being discriminated against on the grounds of nationality. You can also benefit from greater consumer protection than in your home country and, provided you meet certain requirements, can access healthcare anywhere in the EU.
What are the rights of the European Union? ›
EU citizens have the right to live, work, study and get married in other EU countries. The EU works to keep Europeans' personal data safe and empowers them as consumers. Citizens have legal protection in any EU country, and criminals can be pursued across borders and repatriated, thanks to the European arrest warrant.
Do you have the right to live and work in any EU EEA country? ›
If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), you have the right to live and work in any other EU country. You may need a valid identity card or passport. If your family are not citizens of the EU or EEA, they may need a visa before travelling.
What is the European Union EU Quizlet? ›
European Union. an organization whose goal is to unite Europe so that goods, services, and workers can move freely among member countries.
What is the easiest EU passport to get? ›
Countries in Europe that are easiest to get citizenship
Portugal, Spain, and Greece offer more accessible citizenship options, especially through investment or Europe Golden Visa programs. Malta and Cyprus also have investment citizenship alternatives.
Which country benefits most from the EU? ›
Poland was the biggest monetary benefactor from the EU, coming out with 11.9 billion euros earned, far ahead of Greece (4.3 billion euros) and Hungary (4.1 billion euros). But being on top of this list doesn't have to send a country scrambling to leave the political union.
What are the 4 rights of the EU? ›
The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union sets out all the personal, civic, political, economic and social rights enjoyed by people in the European Union.
What rights do EU citizens have? ›
Know your rights
- right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the European Parliament.
- right to vote and to stand as a candidate at municipal elections.
- right to good administration.
- right of access to documents.
- european ombudsman.
- right to petition.
- freedom of movement and of residence.
For most EU member states, it means that there is passport-less travel to any other European country through the Schengen Treaty. It has granted European citizenship to all citizens of member states, allowing them to live freely across the EU.
Is EU citizenship worth it? ›
What are the benefits of an EU passport? Having a European passport means you can travel freely throughout Europe and to many other countries visa-free. Having an EU passport is also a powerful document in its own right, guaranteeing you the rights and privileges of an EU citizen.
EU law says nothing of the kind. EU law says that citizens of EU countries are allowed to stay up to 90 days in another EU country without further bureaucratic hassle. Most countries will require you to register as a resident after these 90 days.
How can I buy citizenship in the EU? ›
According to the legislation of the European Union, you cannot buy citizenship. However, in some countries it is easier for investors to obtain citizenship. In Portugal, you can apply for citizenship five years after obtaining a residence permit for investment.
What is the difference between the EU and the European Union? ›
The European Union is a unique partnership between 27 European countries, known as Member States, or EU countries. Together they cover much of the European continent. The EU is home to around 447 million people, which is around 6 % of the world's population.
What is the European Union Short answer? ›
The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries. The EU that we know today has its roots in several treaties signed in the aftermath of the Second World War.
What is the European Union What is the purpose of the EU? ›
The aims of the European Union within its borders are: promote peace, its values and the well-being of its citizens. offer freedom, security and justice without internal borders, while also taking appropriate measures at its external borders to regulate asylum and immigration and prevent and combat crime.
Can an EU citizen live in any EU country? ›
An EU citizen has the right to reside in any part of the EU without any visa requirements or residence permits.
What would be a benefit of being a member country in the European Union? ›
stable institutions that can guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities. a functioning market economy and the ability to cope with the competitive pressure of the EU market.
Can EU citizens get benefits? ›
If you have settled status, you are allowed to claim benefits as long as you meet all the other qualifying conditions. Your family members can be included in your claims, but they may also need to have either settled or pre-settled status themselves.
Which of the following are benefits that citizens of European Union nations receive? ›
Expert-Verified Answer. Final answer: Belonging to the European Union offers benefits such as free travel, a common currency, and free trade.
