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Guide

European Residence Options

What can support a longer stay in Europe?

There are several ways to make a home in Europe. Your citizenship may provide a starting point, or you may qualify through work, study, family, business, or independent income. Each route comes with its own residence conditions.

About this guide

A European move can mean a new career, time abroad with family, or a more lasting change of home. Choosing a destination is easier when you know which routes could support the life you have in mind.

This guide brings selected European residence options together by the basis for the move. Compare what is available to you now with what you may need later, including the ability to work and remain with family. The European relocation report helps connect those options to a practical relocation plan.

Pathways compared 104
Countries covered 35

Local jobs and highly qualified employment
Bulgaria Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Bulgaria that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Croatia Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Croatia that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Croatia EU Blue Card Employment Residency Residence for highly qualified employees with a qualifying job in Croatia, accepted professional qualifications, and pay meeting the Blue Card threshold. Yes At least 1.5 times the applicable average gross salary published by Croatia’s statistical authority. A recognized higher education qualification, or the specifically accepted ICT professional experience. A regulated profession needs the required Croatian recognition.
Cyprus EU Blue Card Employment Residency Residence for highly qualified employees with a qualifying job in Cyprus, accepted professional qualifications, and pay meeting the Blue Card threshold. Yes Gross annual pay of at least €43,632 under the published decree. A recognized higher professional qualification or an experience-based qualification accepted under Cyprus’s Blue Card rules.
Estonia Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Estonia that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Hungary EU Blue Card Employment Residency Residence for highly qualified workers with a Hungarian job contract of at least six months and pay meeting the current Blue Card threshold. Yes HUF 1,001,048 per month in 2026; listed healthcare exceptions HUF 800,838 Relevant qualification or qualifying ICT professional experience
Latvia EU Blue Card Employment Residency Residence for highly qualified employees with a qualifying job in Latvia, accepted professional qualifications, and pay meeting the Blue Card threshold. Yes €2,723 gross per month under the 2026 standard threshold; a reduced amount applies only to the specified shortage professions. Relevant higher education or the professional experience accepted by Latvia for the occupation; regulated work still needs the required professional recognition.
Malta Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Malta that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Malta EU Blue Card Employment Residency Residence for highly qualified employees with a qualifying job in Malta, accepted professional qualifications, and pay meeting the Blue Card threshold. Yes At least 1.5 times Malta’s current average gross annual salary. A recognized higher professional qualification relevant to the role, or professional experience accepted under the Maltese Blue Card legislation.
Romania D/AM2 Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Romania that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Slovenia EU Blue Card Employment Residency Residence for highly qualified employees with a qualifying job in Slovenia, accepted professional qualifications, and pay meeting the Blue Card threshold. Yes At least the latest officially published average annual gross salary in Slovenia. Higher professional qualifications appropriate to the position, with the required Slovenian recognition or assessment.
Slovakia Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Slovakia that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Serbia Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Serbia that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Montenegro Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Montenegro that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Liechtenstein Employee Residence Employment Residency Residence tied to a job with an employer in Liechtenstein that can complete the required hiring and immigration steps. Yes Applicable national and occupation-specific pay requirements Job-specific; regulated professions require recognition
Isle of Man Worker Visa Work Residency Non-British, non-Irish workers with a qualifying island job and Confirmation of Employment Yes — —
Jersey Long-Term Worker Visa Work Residency Workers with qualifying Jersey jobs and employer-supported permits Yes — —
Faroe Islands Work Permit Work Residency Non-Nordic applicants with qualifying local jobs and accepted labor-market evidence Yes — —
Faroe Islands EU-Citizen Work Permit Work Residency Eligible non-Nordic EU citizens with qualifying Faroese jobs Yes at least thirty hours per week — —
Faroe Islands Fast Track Work Permit Work Residency Non-Nordic workers recruited by currently approved Fast Track employers Yes normally forty hours per week — —
San Marino Senior-Professional Residence Skilled Worker Residency Senior professionals or managers in the specified important roles Yes a qualifying appointment — —
Ukraine Work Residence Permit Work Residency Foreign workers with a qualifying Ukrainian employment basis Yes — —
Gibraltar Work Residence Employment Residency A local employer can support an application to live and work in Gibraltar, subject to the required employment and residence approvals. Yes with employer support GIP 37,500 gross per year under the current standard route; approved exceptions exist Requirements depend on the job

No pathways match that filter.

Foreign work, self-employment, and personal resources
Hungary White Card for Remote Workers Digital Nomad Residency The applicant must have verified employment with an employer outside Hungary, or own a share of a profitable company outside Hungary, and do the work remotely using digital tools. Hungarian employment and a share in a Hungarian company are excluded. 1 year, renewable once for up to 1 more year Living in Hungary while carrying out the approved work for the foreign employer or business. Family reunification is generally unavailable; a child born in Hungary is a narrow exception.
Montenegro Digital Nomad Residence Digital Nomad Residency The applicant must work electronically for a company outside Montenegro, or for their own company outside Montenegro. A company registered in Montenegro does not satisfy this foreign-company basis. Up to 2 years, with an extension of up to 2 more years Living in Montenegro while carrying out the approved work for the foreign employer or business. A spouse and minor children can apply for family reunification.
Serbia Self-Employment Residence Business Residency Residence and work permission for a foreign national running a registered, genuine business or self-employed activity in Serbia. Up to 3 years Living in Serbia and carrying out the self-employed activity covered by the single permit.
Serbia Residence for Homeowners Investment Residency Temporary residence for foreign nationals who own a qualifying home in Serbia and intend to live there. Temporary residence, up to the period approved Living in Serbia on the property basis. Serbia’s official guidance also recognizes work rights for holders of temporary residence based on property ownership.
Bulgaria Pensioner Residence Retirement Residency Residence for pension recipients who can document their pension, adequate support, accommodation, and health coverage in Bulgaria. — Residence in Bulgaria on the pensioner basis, subject to the visa, residence application, and continued conditions.
Monaco Self-Supported Residence Passive Income Residency Residence for people who can support a home in Monaco without relying on a local job, backed by accepted financial and accommodation evidence. As granted on the residence card Living in Monaco under the residence card granted by the Monegasque authorities.
Slovenia Digital Nomad Residence Digital Nomad Residency Non-European remote workers for foreign businesses or self-employed abroad Up to one year Residence while continuing foreign remote work
Bulgaria Digital Nomad Residence Digital Nomad Residency Foreign remote workers within the statutory employee, company or independent-service categories One year Temporary residence for the approved foreign remote activity
Cyprus Self-Funded Visitor Residence Passive Income Residency Self-funded non-European visitors with the required support and documents One year initially Renewable visitor residence subject to continuing eligibility
Liechtenstein Nonworking Residence Passive Income Residency Applicants with sufficient resources and an approved nonworking residence plan — Discretionary B residence permit
San Marino Foreign-Income Residence Passive Income Residency Applicants with sufficient foreign income and qualifying prior residence history — Special residence with a conditional foreign-income tax regime
San Marino Pensioner Residence Retirement Residency Pensioners from eligible countries with the required income, local assets and residence history — Special pensioner residence
Gibraltar Category 2 Residence Passive Income Residency People with substantial wealth can seek Category 2 certification and the associated Gibraltar residence permission. Conditional on maintained certification and residence permission Associated residence permission once the authorities approve it, while maintaining the required Category 2 status and immigration conditions.

No pathways match that filter.

Active business and qualifying assets
Hungary Self-Employment Residence Self Employment Residency Qualifying self-employed professionals and chief executives No universal capital figure; income or company-viability evidence applies Residence for the approved independent work or management activity
Azerbaijan Business Residence Entrepreneur Residency Qualifying foreign-invested company leaders or owners and active individual entrepreneurs Company route: normally AZN 50,000 paid-up capital; entrepreneur route uses staffing rules Temporary residence on an active business basis
Azerbaijan Property Residence Property Residency Foreign owners of qualifying Azerbaijani real estate AZN 100,000 in qualifying property Temporary residence based on property ownership
Azerbaijan Deposit or Securities Residence Investment Residency Foreign applicants maintaining an eligible deposit or specified securities AZN 100,000 Temporary residence supported by an eligible financial asset
Montenegro Business-Owner Residence Entrepreneur Residency Active entrepreneurs and executive directors with sole ownership or more than 51% ownership No universal entry amount stated; active business and renewal payment requirements apply Residence and work for the approved business role
Montenegro Property Residence Property Residency Foreign owners of qualifying Montenegrin property Normally €150,000 tax-assessed property value; specified nationality exemptions Temporary residence based on qualifying ownership
San Marino Business Residence Permit Entrepreneur Residency At least 25% company owners, sole administrators or board chairs in eligible businesses Ownership or management role in an eligible company; no universal entry amount stated A business-based stay permit
San Marino Business-Investment Residence Investment Residency Entrepreneurs with approved substantive business, employment and related property-investment commitments Project-specific; no universal amount in this provision Discretionary registered residence or the approved ordinary stay permission
San Marino Investment Residence Investment Residency Applicants approved for a qualifying property or financial investment €500,000 qualifying home or €600,000 specified financial investment Elective residence in San Marino
Isle of Man Innovator Business Visa Entrepreneur Residency Adult founders with an endorsed new business and required funds £50,000 per new-business applicant Residence to develop and work in the endorsed business
Gibraltar Business Residence Entrepreneur Residency Running an approved local business can support a residence application in Gibraltar. The business and your personal role must qualify. Activity-specific requirements; no universal residence price stated here Residence for the business activity and period accepted by the authorities, with any separate work or professional approval still required.

No pathways match that filter.

Study and the period after graduation
Austria Student Residence Study Residency Residence for international students admitted to qualifying higher education in Austria, with funds and health coverage for their stay. Usually up to 1 year; some mobility programs allow longer Living in Austria for the approved course. An employer generally needs a work permit; study remains the main purpose.
Croatia Student Residence Study Residency Residence for international students admitted to qualifying higher education in Croatia, with funds and health coverage for their stay. Usually up to 1 year; special mobility rules can allow 2 years Living in Croatia for the approved course. Students may work up to 20 hours a week outside study time.
Slovenia Student Residence Study Residency Residence for international students admitted to qualifying higher education in Slovenia, with funds and health coverage for their stay. Temporary permission linked to the studies Living in Slovenia for the approved course. Work must fit Slovenia’s student-employment rules.
San Marino Student Residence Study Residency Residence for international students admitted to qualifying higher education in San Marino, with funds and health coverage for their stay. Up to 12 months, with renewal subject to continued eligibility Living in San Marino for the approved course. This stay permission does not establish unrestricted employment rights.
Liechtenstein Student Residence Study Residency Residence for international students admitted to qualifying higher education in Liechtenstein, with funds and health coverage for their stay. Up to 12 months at a time; further permission while studies continue Living in Liechtenstein for the approved course. Limited employment can be approved; nationality, study connection, and hours matter.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Student Residence Study Residency Foreign students in qualifying higher education Temporary residence tied to the approved study period Residence for qualifying studies
Faroe Islands Student Residence Study Residency Non-Nordic students admitted to approved full-time higher education Up to one year at a time Residence for the approved studies with limited work permission
Ukraine Student Residence Permit Study Residency Foreign students with qualifying enrollment and institutional support The documented study period under the applicable rules Residence for the approved studies
Czechia Residence After Study or Research Study To Work Residency Holders of Czech study or research residence who completed qualifying work Up to nine months; not extendable Time to find work or start a business; Czech graduates have labor-market access
Spain Residence After Higher Education Study To Work Residency Graduates of qualifying Spanish higher education at degree level or above Up to 24 months Residence to seek suitable work or prepare a business project
Gibraltar Student Residence Study Residency Admission to a qualifying higher-education course in Gibraltar can support an application for student residence. For the authorized student period; confirm renewal with the university Stay for the approved studies and permit period, while continuing to meet the conditions.

No pathways match that filter.

Family residence under national rules
Malta Family Residence Family Residency Residence to join an eligible close relative in Malta, subject to the family relationship and the sponsor’s status. Limited to the approved family permission and sponsor’s status Living with the sponsoring relative in Malta under the approved family permit. Permission to work depends on the category and any additional employment requirements.
Hungary Family Residence Family Residency Residence to join an eligible close relative in Hungary, subject to the family relationship and the sponsor’s status. Limited to the approved family permission and sponsor’s status Living with the sponsoring relative in Hungary under the approved family permit. Permission to work depends on the category and any additional employment requirements.
Lithuania Family Residence Family Residency Residence to join an eligible close relative in Lithuania, subject to the family relationship and the sponsor’s status. Limited to the approved family permission and sponsor’s status Living with the sponsoring relative in Lithuania under the approved family permit. Permission to work depends on the category and any additional employment requirements.
Serbia Family Residence Family Residency Residence to join an eligible close relative in Serbia, subject to the family relationship and the sponsor’s status. Limited to the approved family permission and sponsor’s status Living with the sponsoring relative in Serbia under the approved family permit. Permission to work depends on the category and any additional employment requirements.
Kosovo Family Residence Family Residency Residence to join an eligible close relative in Kosovo, subject to the family relationship and the sponsor’s status. Limited to the approved family permission and sponsor’s status Living with the sponsoring relative in Kosovo under the approved family permit. Permission to work depends on the category and any additional employment requirements.
Azerbaijan Citizen-Family Residence Family Residency Specified close relatives of Azerbaijani citizens — Temporary family-based residence
Ireland British-Family Residence Family Residency Eligible non-European relatives of a self-sufficient British sponsor According to the family permission granted Residence with the British sponsor under the dedicated scheme
Ireland Resident-Family Residence Family Residency Spouse, civil partner or unmarried minor child of an eligible non-EEA sponsor Depends on the sponsor and permission granted Family residence; work access depends on sponsor and stamp
San Marino Family Residence Family Residency Qualifying spouses and dependent children of eligible resident sponsors — Family stay permission or registered residence, depending on the sponsor
Liechtenstein Family Residence Family Residency Qualifying relatives of eligible foreign residents in Liechtenstein — Residence to live with the sponsor
Isle of Man Partner Visa Family Residency Qualifying partners of British or settled sponsors Published guidance: two and a half years Permission to live with the sponsor
Isle of Man Dependent-Family Visa Family Residency Eligible partners and dependent children of qualifying workers or business migrants Normally linked to the sponsor’s current permission Family permission linked to the sponsor
Jersey Partner Visa Family Residency Qualifying partners of British, Irish or settled sponsors Two years and nine months initially Time-limited partner residence
Jersey Worker-Dependent Visa Family Residency Qualifying partners and minor children of eligible long-term workers — Dependent residence linked to a qualifying worker
Faroe Islands Family Residence Family Residency Qualifying relatives of eligible resident sponsors — Family-based residence in the Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands Worker-Family Residence Family Residency Qualifying partners and minor children of eligible Faroese workers Up to one year, within the sponsor’s permission Family residence with permission to work
Ukraine Spouse Residence Permit Family Residency Foreign spouses of Ukrainian citizens Normally up to one year Temporary residence based on the recognized marriage
Ukraine Citizen-Family Permanent Residence Family Residency Parents or children of citizens, or spouses married to citizens for more than two years Permanent status; biometric card normally valid ten years Outside-quota immigration approval followed by permanent residence
Ukraine Resident-Family Permit Family Residency Recognized family members of eligible foreign residents — Temporary residence for the approved family purpose
Gibraltar Sponsored Spouse Residence Family Residency A spouse or civil partner can accompany an employee or self-employed person admitted under Gibraltar’s new residence framework. Linked to the approved sponsor and family permission Residence as the approved spouse or civil partner, subject to the family permission and sponsor’s continuing status.
Gibraltar Unmarried Partner Residence Family Residency An unmarried partner of a person with Gibraltarian Status can apply through a separate relationship-based residence process. As granted through the direct partner process Residence with the qualifying partner if the relationship application is approved.

No pathways match that filter.

Family of a citizen exercising European residence rights
Austria Residence for European Family Eu Family Residency Qualifying non-European relatives of a citizen exercising EU or EEA residence rights Normally a five-year card, or shorter if the sponsor’s stay is shorter Family residence with access to employment and self-employment
Bulgaria Residence for European Family Eu Family Residency Qualifying non-European relatives of a citizen exercising EU or EEA residence rights Normally a five-year card, or shorter if the sponsor’s stay is shorter Family residence with access to employment and self-employment
Cyprus Residence for European Family Eu Family Residency Qualifying non-European relatives of a citizen exercising EU or EEA residence rights Normally a five-year card, or shorter if the sponsor’s stay is shorter Family residence with access to employment and self-employment
Greece Residence for European Family Eu Family Residency Qualifying non-European relatives of a citizen exercising EU or EEA residence rights Normally a five-year card, or shorter if the sponsor’s stay is shorter Family residence with access to employment and self-employment

No pathways match that filter.

Residence based on European citizenship
Austria European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Austria for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Austria on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Bulgaria European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Bulgaria for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Bulgaria on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Croatia European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Croatia for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Croatia on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Cyprus European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Cyprus for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Cyprus on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Denmark European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Denmark for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Denmark on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Estonia European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Estonia for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Estonia on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Finland European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Finland for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Finland on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Greece European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Greece for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Greece on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Hungary European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Hungary for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Hungary on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Latvia European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Latvia for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Latvia on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Lithuania European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Lithuania for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Lithuania on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Malta European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Malta for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Malta on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Romania European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Romania for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Romania on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Slovakia European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Slovakia for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Slovakia on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Slovenia European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Slovenia for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Slovenia on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Sweden European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Sweden for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Sweden on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Norway European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Residence in Norway for eligible EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who will work, study, or support themselves under the applicable European mobility rules. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Norway on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.
Switzerland European Residence Regional Mobility Residency Swiss residence for EU and EFTA citizens taking employment, running a genuine business, studying, or living on sufficient resources with health coverage. No if another qualifying residence basis applies Living in Switzerland on the accepted basis, with access to employment or self-employment under the applicable mobility arrangements. Family members have their own documentation requirements.

No pathways match that filter.

Permanent residence through history or a qualifying connection
Serbia Permanent Residence Permanent Residence Residency At least three years of continuous approved temporary residence or single-permit residence immediately before applying. Student years count only half after changing to another qualifying residence basis. 3 qualifying years Long-term residence in Serbia, subject to the conditions for keeping the status and renewing the identity document.
Türkiye Long-Term Residence Permanent Residence Residency At least eight years of continuous qualifying residence. Half of student-permit time counts; protected and humanitarian categories cannot use the ordinary transfer described here. 8 qualifying years Long-term residence in Türkiye, subject to the conditions for keeping the status and renewing the identity document.
Ukraine Origin-Based Permanent Residence Ancestry Residency Eligible territorial-origin applicants within the outside-quota immigration category — Immigration approval followed by permanent-residence documentation

No pathways match that filter.