All EU countries will introduce a residence permit card by 20 May this year. The cards will replace the current stickers and keep the same safety standard as passports.

The purpose of residence cards, so-called UT-card, is that they will be safer than today's stickers. The cards will therefore have a chip with the holder's biometrics in the form of a photo and of two fingerprints.
 
UT-cards will have the same format as an ordinary credit card. They will be issued for all forms of residence. Each card will carry the title RESIDENCE on the language of the country that issued the card. The cards are valid for five years.
 
The same rules are valid throughout the EU

EU countries have jointly decided that UT-cards are introduced and the rules of the cards are same throughout the EU.
 
At the boarder control both passport and the UT-card will be checked. The photographs and fingerprints will not be stored in any database but in a chip of the card.
 
Old stickers will be replaced gradually and must be replaced by 1 May 2015. Until this date stickers are valid until the end of their validity.

When you apply for residence permit at the Consulate General

When you apply we will also need your biometrical information (photograph, signature and fingerprints) for the residence card which you will receive if you are granted a permit. We will acquire your biometrical information at the Consulate using our photo station. It is therefore very important that you apply in person or visit us as soon as possible.

Last updated June, 29 2011.