Vatican City is unusual: it has no ordinary immigration or residency system, so there is no standard long-term or permanent residence permit to apply for. The honest route to settling in Europe runs through neighbouring countries.

In short, there is no general residence permit in Vatican City because it is a tiny city-state without an open immigration policy. People who want long-term residence in Europe pursue it in surrounding countries, above all Italy and the wider EU.

Why There Is No Standard Route

Vatican City has a very small population and grants residence only in narrow, official circumstances tied to its institutions, not through a general immigration system. There is no five-year settlement route, no points system, and no public application process of the kind found elsewhere.

Where to Seek Long-Term Residence Instead

• Look to nearby countries with clear five-year routes, above all Italy and the wider EU.
• Compare the EU long-term resident permit, which gives mobility across most of the EU.
• Do not pay anyone offering a residence permit here, as no such general route exists.

A Word on Scams

Because there is no standard residence route, treat any paid offer of residence here as a likely scam, never pay upfront, and verify everything through official channels.

Official Sources

For long-term residence in Europe, start with the immigration authorities of countries with established routes, such as Italy.