SlavojZizek

HI,

I am moving to Malta in October, for a few months, and maybe more, I don't know yet.

Now, as far as I understand, as a EU citizen, I can stay for 3 months as a tourist, without reporting to anybody, and applying for anything. And, after that I should apply for residency, right?

What if I don't want to apply for residency, can I simply stay there as a tourist? Without reporting to anybody, and applying for anything? I am planning on probably traveling Europe for a few years, staying at places I like longer, moving on if I don't like it. I want to simply travel as a tourist, I am doing my work online, via internet, so I don't need to look for a job anywhere. So I don't want to apply for residency at every EU country I decide to stay more than 3 months, if that is possible. I want to keep my permanent address in my EU country.

And, if I do have to apply for residency, are there ways of getting around it - let's say, after 3 months I leave Malta, and come back the next day, am I then officially a tourist again for the next 3 months? Something like a "Visa run", which I read people are doing in Asian countries, for example.

And, finally, if this doesn't work how can they know when I arrived to Malta anyway? As a EU citizen, I can come and go as I please, no? I can just say, I arrived last week, no?

Thanks for any answers,
Slavoj

Gozit

You don't necessarily HAVE to abide by those regulations. Your right to freedom of movement trumps all. If you aren't intending to become resident, don't apply for a residence card. Its sort of a gray area as one cannot apply for an extended travel visa, as it isn't required because you have freedom of movement as an EU citizen.

So if you are just going for an extended vacation, don't worry about it and enjoy the sun!