European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Cyprus Residence Permit Renewals Go Online for Specific Categories from January 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, Cyprus will transition certain residence permit (ВНЖ) renewal applications to an online-only format. This change will affect employees of foreign-owned companies, domestic workers, and individuals applying for family reunification, aiming to streamline the process.
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Cyprus FinTech Sector Nears 200 Companies, Driving Demand for IT and Finance Professionals
Cyprus's FinTech sector is rapidly expanding, with nearly 200 companies, over half specializing in payment services. This growth fuels demand for IT, finance, and cybersecurity experts. The island is also attracting foreign firms, particularly from India, as a strategic entry point into the EU market.
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Austrian Universities Introduce In-Person Entrance Exams for Applicants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
Austrian universities have implemented new requirements, mandating in-person entrance exams for applicants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This change affects the application process, requiring prospective students to plan for travel and additional logistics to complete their admissions.
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Norway to Significantly Reduce Free Legal Aid for Immigrants and Refugees
Norway is preparing to significantly reduce free legal assistance for immigrants and refugees. This change will impact consultations on residence status, family reunification, and administrative procedures, requiring applicants to seek paid alternatives or budget for legal services.
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Denmark to Lower Work Permit Salary Threshold by Nearly 20,000 DKK for 16 Countries Starting 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, Denmark will introduce a new work permit scheme tied to collective agreements. This will reduce the salary threshold by almost 20,000 DKK for citizens of 16 specific countries, aiming to attract skilled professionals.
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Danish Citizenship: Average Two-Year Processing Time Often Exceeded
While the official average processing time for Danish citizenship applications is two years, many applicants are experiencing significantly longer waits. High application volumes and administrative procedures are contributing to these extended timelines, according to The Local.
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Swedish MP Annika Hirvonen Proposes Changes to Deportation Rules for Minors and Citizenship Requirements
Green Party MP Annika Hirvonen has introduced parliamentary initiatives in Sweden to review rules for deporting minors, conditions for obtaining citizenship, and the status of Britons post-Brexit. A new parliamentary majority could potentially advance these proposals during the current term.
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German Federal Court Examines Constitutionality of Business Inheritance Tax Breaks
Germany's Federal Court is reviewing the constitutionality of its inheritance tax laws, specifically challenging the significant tax breaks currently granted to heirs of large business assets. This ongoing case could lead to substantial changes in tax obligations for business owners and expats.
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New Spanish Housing Laws Lead to Reduced Rental Availability, Agencies Report
Estate agencies in Spain are reporting a significant drop in long-term rental availability following the implementation of new housing laws. Landlords are withdrawing properties from the market, leading to increased competition and rising prices for prospective tenants, including expats and relocators.
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Netherlands Senate Abolishes Compensation for Asylum Application Delays
The Dutch Senate has voted to end penalty payments for asylum seekers whose applications exceed the six-month processing period. This change affects all applicants, both current and future, meaning no state compensation will be provided for delays.
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Portugal's Business Sector and Job Market Grew in 2025, Led by Construction
Portugal's business sector expanded in 2025, with an increase in companies, new job opportunities, and higher turnover nationwide. The construction industry showed the strongest growth, indicating a strengthening economy and favorable business environment.
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Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) Causes Up to Five-Hour Border Delays for Non-EU Citizens
One year after its launch, the EU's digital Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU citizens is causing significant delays at Schengen borders, with wait times reaching up to five hours. European airports and airlines are calling for an urgent review and redesign of the system due to "unacceptable" disruptions.
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European Airports Demand EES Rethink Amid Up to Five-Hour Delays at Schengen Borders, Affecting Norway Travel
European airports and airlines are urging the EU to revise the Entry/Exit System (EES) a year after its launch, citing "unacceptable" delays of up to five hours at external Schengen borders. As part of the Schengen Area, Norway is also affected, impacting non-EU travelers.
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Norway Job Interviews: Employers Cannot Ask About Nationality or Ethnicity
Norwegian law strictly prohibits employers from asking about nationality, ethnicity, religion, or political views during job interviews. This rule ensures hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications and experience, with rare exceptions only when citizenship is legally mandated for a specific role.
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EU Airports Call for EES Review as Non-EU Travelers Face Up to Five-Hour Border Delays
European airports and airlines are urging the EU to urgently address severe delays at Schengen's external borders caused by the Entry/Exit System (EES). Launched a year ago to replace manual passport stamps for non-EU citizens, EES is now causing queues of up to five hours, directly impacting travel to and from countri
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Swedish Citizenship Denial Overturned on Appeal: Anna Berglund's Case Offers Hope
AI consultant Anna Berglund successfully appealed an initial denial of Swedish citizenship by Migrationsverket. Her case, highlighted by The Local, demonstrates that a first 'no' is not always the final decision for applicants.
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Swedish Democrats Block Documents for Four Days to Pressure for Stricter Permanent Residency Rules
A new book reveals the Swedish Democrats (SD) party withheld signing state documents for four days to pressure the Tidö government into tightening rules for revoking Permanent Residency (PR). This incident highlights the party's influence and the potential for legislative changes affecting PR holders.
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Italy Tightens Visa Requirements, Applicants Explore Alternative Residency Paths
Italy has reportedly tightened its visa requirements, making traditional paths to residency more challenging. Applicants are now encountering rejections and exploring alternative routes, from marriage to investment, according to The Local Italy.