If you are an EU citizen you need an MEU1. If you are a third-country national married to an EU citizen, your document is an MEU2, not a pink slip. The difference is huge: the MEU2 gives you the right to work, including self-employment.
MEU1 — citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
- File within 4 months of entry.
- The basis is employment or self-employment, or sufficient means plus medical insurance.
- The fee is €20 and the decision takes up to 1 month.
- The document has no expiry and access to the labour market is unrestricted.
- It is issued as a paper certificate.
MEU2 — third-country family members of an EU citizen
- Who: a spouse or registered partner, descendants under 21 or dependants, dependent parents.
- The first 3 months of stay need no formalities; after that you file within 4 months.
- The EU citizen must attend the filing in person and confirm that funds are available. The applicant's own income is not required.
- The fee is €20, processing takes up to 6 months, and biometrics are mandatory.
- A card for 5 years, with free access to work, including self-employment.
MEU3 — permanent residence
Issued after 5 years of continuous legal residence. The fee is €20 and processing takes up to 6 months. Third-country family members get a biometric card for 10 years, renewable. The EU citizen attends the filing.