What is the difference between residency and citizenship?

Residency lets you live in a country, and often work there. It comes with conditions, such as income or time spent in the country. If you break them, you can lose it.

Permanent residency is the stronger form. In the EU, non-EU nationals can gain long-term resident status after five years of legal, continuous residence. They must also show stable income and health insurance, per the European Commission.

Citizenship goes further. Citizens hold the country's passport and can usually vote. They cannot be deported from their own country.

Many countries allow you to be a citizen of two countries. The US State Department says dual nationals owe allegiance to both countries and must obey both countries' laws.

This is educational research, not legal advice. Confirm your status with the official consulate or a qualified immigration professional.