For EU-citizens:microlab wrote:If I leave to work let`s say for 2 years outside EU would my wife loose her residence entitlement ?! I am sure there is a specific law in a case of prolonged absence,unfortunately could not find it.Any idea?!
For their family-members:2004/38/EC wrote:Article 11
Validity of the residence card
1. The residence card provided for by Article 10(1) shall be
valid for five years from the date of issue or for the envisaged
period of residence of the Union citizen, if this period is less
than five years.
2. The validity of the residence card shall not be affected by
temporary absences not exceeding six months a year, or by
absences of a longer duration for compulsory military service
or by one absence of a maximum of 12 consecutive months
for important reasons such as pregnancy and childbirth, serious
illness, study or vocational training, or a posting in another
Member State or a third country.
Which effectively means that the current residence-card would be no longer valid.2004/38/EC wrote:Article 16
General rule for Union citizens and their family members
1. Union citizens who have resided legally for a continuous
period of five years in the host Member State shall have the right of permanent residence there. This right shall not be
subject to the conditions provided for in Chapter III.
2. Paragraph 1 shall apply also to family members who are
not nationals of a Member State and have legally resided with
the Union citizen in the host Member State for a continuous
period of five years.
3. Continuity of residence shall not be affected by temporary
absences not exceeding a total of six months a year, or by
absences of a longer duration for compulsory military service,
or by one absence of a maximum of 12 consecutive months
for important reasons such as pregnancy and childbirth, serious
illness, study or vocational training, or a posting in another
Member State or a third country.
4. Once acquired, the right of permanent residence shall be
lost only through absence from the host Member State for a
period exceeding two consecutive years.
However, the entitlement to a new one would not be affected. (Provided 2004/38/EC remains in force)