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: Germany Overhauls Asylum System and Sets New Blue Card Salary Thresholds
Germany implemented major changes to its asylum system in June 2026, adopting new national and EU-wide laws to accelerate procedures and tighten border controls. The government also announced the 2026 salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card, while a parliamentary vote took place
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on July 10, 2026: Quiet policy week — official German residence rules still in force
No major headline immigration changes this week. Below are the official German residence and naturalisation rules still in force. A quiet policy week for Germany immigration: no new legislation passed. EU Blue Card, Opportunity Card, and employer-sponsored permits remain the acti
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on July 3, 2026: Germany skilled-worker salary thresholds in force since January
A quiet policy week for Germany immigration. No new rules broke this period — but the January 2026 salary floor increases for skilled-worker permits remain the operative standard every applicant must meet.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on June 26, 2026: Family Reunification & Visa Limits
Germany is expanding family reunification benefits in 2026 while tightening short-term visa limits. Meanwhile, high visa demand continues to strain processing capacities.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 2026: Germany Backs Stricter EU Migration Rules Amid Freelance Visa Updates
Germany supports tougher EU border controls and return hubs, but legal pathways like the Freelance Visa and student residency remain viable for applicants who meet strict financial and documentation requirements.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 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
Monthly update on May 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
Monthly update on May 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
Monthly update on May 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
Monthly update on May 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
Monthly update on April 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
Monthly update on April 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
Monthly update on April 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
Monthly update on March 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
Monthly update on March 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.