residencystatus

Residencystatus refers to the official classification assigned by a government, employer, or institution indicating whether an individual may reside in a country and for what purposes. In common usage the term covers immigration status, tax residency, and eligibility for public services. It can also reflect a person’s long‑term ties to a place, such as domicile or habitual residence.

In immigration law, residence status determines permission to enter, stay, work, or study and may be linked to visas, permits, or citizenship processes. In taxation, residence status governs whether a person is taxed on worldwide income or only on income sourced within the jurisdiction. Many countries apply tests based on days of presence, ties to the country, and intent to remain. Residents for tax purposes typically have broader obligations than non-residents, and some regimes distinguish ordinary residents from deemed residents.

Determining factors vary by jurisdiction but commonly include length of stay, place of main home, employment, family connections, and intent. Public benefits, healthcare access, voting rights, and eligibility for social programs often depend on residency status, as do reporting obligations and compliance requirements.

Residence status can be acquired at birth, through naturalization or recognition of a long-term visa, or lost by relocation, visa expiration, or cessation of defined ties. It may be temporary or permanent and subject to review or revocation.

Related concepts include citizenship, domicile, visa or permit categories, and tax residency rules.