Does the D8 lead to permanent residence and citizenship?

After entering on the D8 visa you convert it to a residence permit with AIMA and renew it on the normal cycle. Time held lawfully counts toward permanent residence, which remains available after five years of legal residence.

Citizenship rules changed for applications from 2026: naturalisation now generally requires seven years for EU and CPLP nationals and ten years for others, with stricter counting of residence time. Maintain continuous, valid status and verify the rules in force before planning around a particular date.