From May 2026 Europe Adopts a Single Permit for Non EU Workers
Here’s a detailed overview of the forthcoming rule in the European Union on a single permit / single card for third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) that will come into force in May 2026.
What is it
The rule is embodied in Directive (EU) 2024/1233 (“the recast Single Permit Directive”).
In essence it creates:
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a single permit which combines the right to reside and the right to work in a Member State for a third-country national.
a single application procedure, meaning one application is submitted (by the worker or employer) instead of separate residence and work permit procedures.
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a common set of rights for third-country workers holding the permit (for example rights around access to territory, possibility to change employer, unemployment periods under certain conditions) aligned across Member States.
Why this reform
Key motivations include:
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To make the EU more attractive to workers from outside the EU by simplifying procedures and shortening processing times.
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To modernise the existing rule (Directive 2011/98/EU) which had many national-specific variations and sometimes longer, complex procedures.
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To strengthen protection of third-country workers from exploitation (by allowing change of employer, longer unemployment periods in some cases, clearer rights).
Key elements of the new directive
Here are some of the major changes brought by the recast directive:
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Decision time-limit: Once a Member State receives a complete application, the decision must be made within 90 days. Member States may allow an extra 30 days in “complex cases”.
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Application from within the EU: A third-country national who already legally resides in a Member State (with a valid residence permit) may apply for a single permit (or change their permit) without having to go back to their home country.
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Change of employer: The holder of a single permit will have the possibility to change employer, occupation or work sector under certain conditions (notification requirement, possible labour-market check, minimum initial period with first employer).
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Unemployment periods: In case of job loss, the directive allows the worker to remain in the territory for up to 3 months (or 6 months if the permit has been valid for at least two years) before the permit is lost, under certain conditions.
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Uniform format and information: Member States must issue the single permit using a uniform format (based on Regulation (EC) No 1030/2002) and indicate the work authorisation details.
Rights: The holder will have, during validity: the right to reside and stay in the territory, to exercise the authorised employment, to be informed about their rights, and free access to the territory of the issuing Member State within national law limits.
Timeline and implementation
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The directive was adopted on 24 April 2024.
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It entered into force on 20 May 2024.
Member States (except Denmark and Ireland) must transpose it into national law by 21 May 2026.
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The old directive (2011/98/EU) will be repealed once the new one is applicable.
What it means in practice (for applicants, employers, Member States)
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If you are a non-EU national planning to live and work in an EU Member State, from May 2026 you should benefit from the streamlined “single permit” rather than separate procedures.
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If you are an employer seeking to hire a non-EU national, you will deal with one combined permit process (residence + work) and benefit from shorter decision timelines (90 days) once the law is fully in effect.
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Member States will need to adjust their national laws, procedures, and administrative practices (authorities, application formats, decision deadlines, rights of workers) to reflect the directive.
Limitations and things to watch
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The directive does not apply to Denmark and Ireland.
The “90-day decision” clock starts when the application is declared complete and admissible; if additional information is needed, the decision period may be suspended until the applicant provides that information.
While the directive sets minimum rights and procedures, Member States may have additional national requirements (for example labour market checks, priority to certain skills, sector-specific conditions). The “single permit” does not mean automatic admission regardless of national labour-migration policy.
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Even after the transposition deadline (21 May 2026), national implementation may take time, and actual practical effect may vary across Member States.
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Existing permits issued under previous rules remain valid under their conditions; the transition may involve overlapping rules.