Definition
The Single Permit is a unified authorisation introduced by EU Directive 2011/98/EU that combines the right to reside and the right to work in a single administrative decision and document. It eliminates the need for third-country nationals to obtain separate work and residence permits. The permit grants equal treatment with nationals in areas such as working conditions, pay, social security, and access to public services. Processing timelines and specific eligibility criteria vary by member state.
Official name
GVVA (Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid)
Official sources
Related terms
Labour Market Test
A requirement for employers to demonstrate they could not find a suitable EEA candidate before hiring a non-EU worker for a specific position.
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Residence Permit
An official document or authorisation that entitles a non-citizen to legally reside in a country for a specified period, often but not always including the right to work.
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Third-Country National
TCN
A person who is not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland — the primary applicant group for European work and residence permits.
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Work Permit
An official authorisation granting a non-citizen the legal right to be employed or self-employed in a country, usually issued alongside or embedded in a residence permit.
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