European Union
The European Union is a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The EU sets policy that member states implement, many of which have important implications for immigration, citizenship, and human rights.
Member States
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
Political Situation for Trans People
Transgender rights vary greatly by member state. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in all EU member states and discrimination in employment has been banned since 2000. The EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. There are no specific protections at the EU-level for trans people, but case law regarding sex-based discrimination has been interpreted to apply to discrimination based on transition status.
Immigration Policy
There are some imporant-to-know policies regarding visas and long term residence.
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card[1] is a type of work visa offered by many EU countries. Whereas a typical work visa ties you to a specific employer and only grants you residency to the host country, the Blue Card allows you to effectively transfer your residence to another country if you are able to find a job in the new country.
There is an effort to harmonize the rules for getting a Blue Card in each country, but it is up to each country to define their own rules around Blue Card visas.
The Blue Card is typically valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed.
By Country
Long-Term Residence
AKA permanent residence, this is a status that allows you to transfer your residence to another country.[2] Once you have lived in any EU country for 5 years, you can apply for EU long-term residence. You can then relocate to another country and apply for long-term residence in the new country. Some countries have additional rules around who is granted residence. You can get EU permanent residence *in addition* to permanent residence status in the original country you stay in.[3]
The catch is that the ability for the residence to transfer and the conditions of the transfer vary greatly by country. But having this status gives you an advantage in acquiring residence in another country.