Visa and residence permit - what is the difference?

A visa (Visa) and a national long-term residence permit (Residence Permit) are two different legal statuses that allow foreign nationals to stay in the country, but they have a number of significant differences.

Purpose and duration of stay:

• Visa. A visa usually grants the right to stay in a country for a short period of time for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business travel, study, work, etc. The duration of stay is usually limited and specified on the visa (e.g., 30, 60, 90 days).
• Residence permit. A residence permit allows a foreigner to stay in the country for a longer period of time and is usually granted for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, investment and others. The terms and conditions of a residence permit can vary significantly depending on the country and type of residence permit.

Procedure for obtaining:

• Visa. The process of obtaining a visa involves filling out an application, submitting the required documents and, in some cases, undergoing an interview or medical checks. A visa can be a single-entry visa (allowing you to enter the country once) or a multiple-entry visa (allowing you to enter and exit several times within a certain period of time).
• Residence permit.The procedure for obtaining a residence permit may be more complicated and involve more detailed verification and justification of the purpose of stay in the country. It may require additional documents, as well as passing medical and legal checks.

Rights and obligations:

• Visa. The visa holder has the right to stay in the country within the duration and purpose of the visa, but usually does not have the right to work unless the visa specifically provides for work authorization.
• Residence permit.A holder of a residence permit has the right to reside in the country for a longer period of time and, in some cases, to work. He or she may also be entitled to social benefits and access to education, health care and other services.

Validity period:

• Visa. A visa usually has a limited period of validity, after which it expires or must be renewed.
• Residence permit.A residence permit may have a longer term of validity and can be extended if conditions are met.

Please note that the terms and conditions of visas and residence permits may vary from country to country. It is important to always check with the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to travel to in order to properly apply for a visa or residence permit in accordance with their laws and requirements.