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
Weekly update on June 12, 2026: Germany Proposes Tourist Visa Ban While Easing Skilled Worker Routes
Germany proposes an EU-wide ban on Russian tourist visas while simultaneously pledging to ease visa obstacles for skilled workers from Uzbekistan and clarifying post-study residency extensions.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on May 29, 2026: Germany Visa Delays, Strict Health Insurance Rules, and New EU Border Checks
Recent updates highlight severe visa processing delays in Germany, strict health insurance requirements, and new EU biometric border checks affecting expats and residency applicants.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on May 22, 2026: Berlin Freezes Integration Courses Amid Severe Visa Processing Delays
Berlin has frozen federally funded integration courses, leaving thousands without language training. Meanwhile, severe visa processing delays are causing legal challenges for expats navigating Germany's immigration system.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on May 15, 2026: Germany Visa Updates: Higher Financial Bars & Naturalisation Delays
Germany increases financial requirements for student visas and ends appeals, while applicants facing naturalisation delays explore legal action. Border checks within Schengen also continue.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on May 1, 2026: Germany’s 2026 Skilled Worker Overhaul & Schengen Border Rulings
Germany announces a three-pillar immigration overhaul for 2026 to attract skilled talent. Meanwhile, a recent court ruling on Schengen borders restores seamless travel for residents and investors.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on April 17, 2026: German Court Protects Schengen Borders & Online Permit Renewals
A German court has ruled prolonged border checks illegal, protecting Schengen travel. Meanwhile, mandatory online work permit renewals require strict HR compliance to avoid delays.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on April 10, 2026: Germany Hints at Remote Work Visa Amid Border and IT Delays
Germany's updated visa guidelines suggest a new remote work permit is coming. Meanwhile, travelers face extended land border controls and airport delays due to federal police IT outages.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on April 3, 2026: Germany Prepares for EU Biometric Borders and 2026 Tax Changes
Germany is aligning with stricter EU migration rules and preparing for the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Expats should also brace for increased aviation taxes and complex 2026 tax updates.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on March 11, 2026: Germany Extends Internal Border Controls & Prepares for EES Biometrics
Germany extends internal Schengen border controls until September 2026 and prepares for the new EES biometric system. Cross-border workers also get new tax rules for remote work.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on March 4, 2026: Germany Updates 2026 Blue Card Thresholds & Visa Platform
Germany updated its EU Blue Card salary thresholds for 2026 and announced a new digital Work-and-Stay visa platform. However, staffing shortages at immigration offices are causing significant processing delays.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on February 25, 2026: Germany Launches Digital Visas as Work Permits Double
Germany has introduced a fully digital visa portal for skilled workers as employment residence permits double over five years. Meanwhile, Berlin hits a naturalization record despite a 5% rejection rate.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on February 18, 2026: Germany Extends Internal Schengen Border Controls Until 2026
Germany extends internal Schengen border checks until September 2026, impacting commuters. Meanwhile, the EU introduces digital visas and fast-track options for in-demand professionals.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on February 4, 2026: Germany Overhauls Talent Immigration as EU Delays Digital Borders
Germany is preparing a major overhaul of its immigration procedures to attract global talent. Meanwhile, the EU has delayed its Entry/Exit System (EES) to September 2026, offering a reprieve for travelers.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on January 21, 2026: Berlin Immigration Portal Closed Amid Strikes & Visa Delays
Berlin's immigration office has closed its public appointment portal to combat bots, while strikes delay residence permits. Expats should request a Fiktionsbescheinigung to avoid overstaying.