European Citizenship & Residency News
English summaries of the immigration, naturalisation, Golden Visa, and language-exam changes that matter for citizenship applicants.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 2026: France Implements New EU Migration Pact Amid Widespread Administrative Delays
In June 2026, France began applying the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, overhauling border and asylum procedures from June 12. Simultaneously, residents protested nationwide against severe processing delays at prefectures, while non-EU students now face higher financial
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on July 8, 2026: French court orders ANEF overhaul as permit delays force residents into court
A French administrative court ruled the Interior Ministry's inaction on ANEF platform failures illegal, giving the state 6–12 months to fix the system. Meanwhile, foreign residents facing months-long permit delays are increasingly turning to emergency legal procedures costing
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on July 1, 2026: France Talent Visa & Civic Exam Rules
France has updated its Talent visa salary thresholds for 2026, setting the EU Blue Card minimum at approximately €59,373 and the qualified employee route at €39,582. Additionally, the mandatory civic exam is now a strict requirement for multi-year residency and citizenship.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on June 24, 2026: French Visa Disputes & EU Migration Reforms
France passes a bill extending detention for dangerous foreigners, while a visa dispute with Spain impacts Russian citizens. Meanwhile, the EU approves stricter migration reforms including new return hubs.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 2026: French Residency Delays, EU Border Reforms, and the 2026 Blue Card Guide
Recent protests highlight severe residency card delays at French prefectures. Meanwhile, the EU introduces stricter border reforms, and France updates its 2026 EU Blue Card guidelines for skilled professionals.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 2026: France Immigration Update: Salary Thresholds, Schengen Rules & Bureaucracy Impacts
Recent updates highlight increased minimum salary thresholds for skilled workers, impending stricter Schengen visa rules for 2025, and the heavy toll of French administrative delays on foreign residents.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 2026: France Relaxes EU Blue Card Rules Amid Broader EU Migration Changes
France has eased its EU Blue Card requirements to attract experienced professionals. Meanwhile, the broader European Union has agreed on stricter measures to manage irregular migration.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on May 2026: France Proposes 3-Year Immigration Freeze Amid Residence Portal Fixes
France's Justice Minister has proposed a three-year freeze on legal immigration. Meanwhile, the highest court ordered the government to fix its malfunctioning online residence permit portal to prevent applicant delays.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on May 2026: France Immigration Updates: Talent Passport Tweaks & 2026 Naturalisation Changes
France is preparing to update its Talent Passport and naturalisation policies in 2026. From new biometric border checks to strict student work limits, here is what expats and citizenship applicants need to know.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on May 2026: France Immigration Update: ANEF Portal Fix, Blue Card Tweaks & 2026 Language Rules
France is overhauling its immigration landscape with a mandated fix for the ANEF portal, updated EU Blue Card rules, and a stronger focus on language proficiency for 2026 residency renewals.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on April 2026: France Immigration Updates: Fee Hikes & Stricter Court Reviews
France is raising state fees for residence permits and citizenship starting May 2026. Meanwhile, new legislation may allow judges to review classified files in immigration disputes.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on April 2026: France Immigration Update: Massive Fines for Illegal Hiring & Faster Residence Permits
France is cracking down on illegal hiring with fines up to €62,250 per employee while hiring 500 new prefecture staff to speed up residence permit processing.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on April 2026: France Promises Faster Residence Permits Amid ANEF System Glitches
France aims to speed up residence permit processing, but applicants face severe delays due to ANEF portal glitches. Meanwhile, new guidelines clarify how graduates can transition to business creation visas.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on April 2026: France Hires 500 Prefecture Staff to Clear Residence Card Backlogs
France is tackling severe residence card delays by hiring 500 new prefecture staff. Meanwhile, the EU's biometric border system (EES) faces another delay due to French infrastructure readiness.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on April 2026: France Pauses Asylum, Fast-Tracks EU Migration Pact & Talent Visas
France is urgently overhauling its immigration system to meet a June EU deadline. While asylum processing is paused, the country is prioritizing skilled professionals, students, and investors.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on March 2026: France Raises Immigration Fees Amid Growing Visa Backlogs
France has increased its immigration and citizenship fees while facing significant visa processing delays. Applicants must prepare for stricter rules and longer wait times.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on March 2026: France Immigration Update: Fee Hikes in May & EES Launch in April 2026
France is tightening its immigration system with higher visa and residence permit fees starting May 2026. Meanwhile, the new automated Entry/Exit System (EES) will strictly track Schengen stays by April.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on March 2026: France Pushes for EU Business Mobility Amid Schengen Visa Tightening
France is lobbying the EU to simplify business mobility for entrepreneurs while tightening standard Schengen visa rules. Meanwhile, a successful mass renewal of 40,000 resident cards highlights a stable local system.