Is the Long-Term Residence – EU permit truly permanent, or do I have to renew it?

The Long-Term Residence – EU status is intended as a durable, long-term right of settlement. However, the document (card) evidencing that status is issued for five-year periods.

In practice this means the underlying right is stable, but you must renew the card itself when each five-year period ends. Renewal is an administrative formality that confirms your details rather than a fresh qualification from scratch.

To keep the status secure, avoid very long absences from the EU and keep your card up to date, since the long-term right can be affected by extended periods spent outside the relevant territory.