Working abroad

The EU single permit: residence and work in one document

The single permit combines permission to stay and permission to work in an EU country in one decision. From 2026 the EU rules are more favourable to workers: here is what changes.

5 min read

Who this is for

For people with the citizenship of a non-EU country who apply to live in an EU country in order to work, or who are already there with a permit that allows them to work. It does not cover, among others, family members of EU citizens moving within the EU, posted workers, intra-corporate transferees, seasonal workers, self-employed people and EU long-term residents. [1] For highly qualified jobs there is also the EU Blue Card.

In short

  • One application for a permit that covers both residence and work.
  • A decision within 90 days of the complete application.
  • A right to change employer, with possible conditions and an optional minimum period of no more than 6 months.
  • Unemployment alone does not cost you the permit: up to 3 months, or 6 after two years.
  • Equal treatment with nationals on pay, working hours, leave, safety and more.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change and have exceptions. Always check the official text in the sources below and, for your own case, talk to a trade union, a qualified lawyer or the competent public authority.

The new Directive

Directive (EU) 2024/1233 is the recast of Directive 2011/98/EU, which is repealed from 22 May 2026. EU countries had to transpose the new rules by 21 May 2026. Denmark and Ireland do not take part. [1] The Directive does not affect each country’s right to decide how many people to admit (Art. 1): it sets the procedure and the rights. [1]

One application

Applications to issue, amend or renew a single permit follow a single procedure. Each country decides whether the worker, the employer or either of them files it. You can apply from outside the country or, if you are already there with a valid permit, from inside (Art. 4). [1]

A decision within 90 days

The competent authority must decide as soon as possible and in any event within 90 days of the complete application; this period includes any labour market check. If the application is incomplete, the authority must tell you in writing what is missing, and the deadline is suspended. If the employer files the application, it must keep you informed of its status and outcome (Art. 5). [1]

Changing employer

The country must allow you to change employer. It may, however, require (Art. 11(2)–(3)): [1]

Even during that minimum period you must be able to change employer in case of a serious breach of the working conditions by the employer. [1]

If you lose your job

Unemployment in itself is not a reason to withdraw the permit, as long as it does not exceed 3 months in total during the permit’s validity, or 6 months if you have held the permit for more than two years, and the start and end are notified to the authorities. Countries may allow longer periods. Beyond 3 months they may ask you to show sufficient resources (Art. 11(4)). [1]

Equal treatment

You have equal treatment with nationals at least on: working conditions (pay, dismissal, working hours, leave, safety), freedom of association and the right to strike, education and vocational training, recognition of diplomas, social security, tax benefits, access to goods and services including housing, and advice from employment offices. Countries may set some limits, for example on study grants or certain benefits (Art. 12). [1]

Countries must provide inspections and penalties for employers who breach equal treatment, and effective ways to complain, including through trade unions or associations, with protection against retaliation (Arts. 13 and 14). [1]

In Italy

In Italy, residence permits that authorise work bear the wording “perm. unico lavoro” (single work permit) (Art. 5(8.1) of the Consolidated Immigration Act). [3] Italy transposed the new Directive with Legislative Decree No 83 of 16 April 2026, in force since 4 June 2026. [2] How to enter Italy for work (quota decree, work authorisation, visa) is explained in Working in Italy from outside the EU.

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