The European Council adopted a single permit and a common set of rights for third-country nationals throughout the EU. The text aims to simplify the procedures for the admission of third-country nationals to reside and work in the EU and to facilitate the control of their status.

The Council adopted its first reading position on a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the EU which had been agreed upon with the European Parliament. The text aims to simplify the procedures for the admission of third-country nationals to reside and work in the EU and to facilitate the control of their status. It also lays down common rights for third-country nationals legally residing in a member state, based on equal treatment with nationals of that Member state.

The directive provides for a simplified, one-stop-shop system of admission and work of third-country nationals. A single application will be sufficient for a single residence and work permit. The application can be made by the third-country national or by his/her employer. A decision on the application must be taken within four months. In order to prevent the exploitation of third-country nationals and combat illegal employment, Member states have the possibility to include additional information on the employment relationship. This information may be contained in an additional paper document or may be stored in an electronic format.

In addition, the new Directive implies rights on the basis of the single permit. Among them, holders of a single permit have the right to enter and stay in the territory of the Member state issuing the single permit and exercise the concrete employment activity authorised under the single permit.