European Citizenship & Residency News
English summaries of the immigration, naturalisation, Golden Visa, and language-exam changes that matter for citizenship applicants.
Germany Fast-Tracks Work Visas Amid Airport EES Delays
Germany launched a 4-to-6-week fast-track work visa for skilled professionals. Meanwhile, new EES biometric checks are causing significant delays at German airports, and Schengen expands to include Balkan land borders.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Germany Extends Border Controls & Berlin Cancels Hybrid Study Visas
Germany is tightening immigration enforcement by extending internal Schengen border controls to 2026 and canceling visas for hybrid studies. Meanwhile, the EU prepares for ETIAS and faster deportations.
Germany Tightens Migration Laws While Opportunity Card Underperforms
The Bundestag has tightened asylum laws and expanded the list of "safe countries" by decree. Meanwhile, the new Chancenkarte visa is underperforming, and Germany prepares for strict EES biometric border checks.