You may stay up to 3 months abroad each year during the validity period of the residence permit, from the issue date of the residence permit.

If you stay longer, the residence permit may be cancelled. Longer stays may also affect your right to a permanent residence permit. If you register your domicile out of the country, the residence permit will be automatically cancelled.

Please note that even though a residence permit has been cancelled, it is possible to apply for a renewal if it is done within the period of validity of the previous residence permit and reasons of fairness recommend it.