Freedom of movement and of residence

Every citizen of the Union has the right to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States.

Freedom of movement and residence may be granted, in accordance with the Treaties, to nationals of third countries legally resident in the territory of a Member State.

This right is enshrined in article 45 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The authorities of EU countries are bound to comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights only when implementing EU law. Fundamental rights are protected by your country's constitution.

Law

This right is conferred directly on every EU citizen by article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 

Directive 2004/38/EC on the right to move freely and live in another EU country.

Chapter 5 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is on citizens' rights. This chapter also contains the following rights

• right to vote and to stand as a candidate at elections to the European Parliament
• right to vote and to stand as a candidate at municipal elections
• right to good administration
• right of access to documents
• european ombudsman
• right to petition
• freedom of movement and of residence
• diplomatic and consular protection