> every country requires you leave and come back to change or renew visa status Not true for EU, either. In fact, how it works in EU is (for non-EU citizens):

> every country requires you leave and come back to change or renew visa status Not true for EU, either. In fact, how it works in EU is (for non-EU citizens): - Get a D visa (for residency) - Get into the country - Get a temporary residence permit which is for up to 5 years - Renew residence permit when it's about to expire or basis (employment, study) is changed - WHILE being in the country.