Directive 2004/38/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States amending Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 and repealing Directives 64/221/EEC, 68/360/EEC, 72/194/EEC, 73/148/EEC, 75/34/EEC, 75/35/EEC, 90/364/EEC, 90/365/EEC and 93/96/EEC

This Directive brings together into a single legal act many existing pieces of legislation
lays down the conditions for the right of free movement and residence (both temporary and permanent) for EU citizens and their family members. It also sets out the limits to those rights on grounds of public policy, public security or public health as well as clarifies the status of people who are employed, self-employed, students or not working for payment.