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: Netherlands Overhauls Asylum System and Proposes Stricter Residency Rules
In June 2026, the Netherlands implemented sweeping changes to its asylum system under the new EU Pact, abolishing permanent asylum permits and restricting family reunification. The government also proposed new legislation to more easily revoke residence permits for foreign
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on July 11, 2026: IND freezes family reunification decisions, Council of State orders fraud-case reassessments, and 45-day
The IND has suspended decisions on a large share of family reunification applications pending a court ruling on retroactive application of EU Migration Pact rules. Separately, the Council of State ruled the IND must always reassess asylum eligibility on other grounds even after
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on July 4, 2026: EU Asylum Pact reshapes Dutch work rights, start-up permit rules clarified, and IND deadline enforcement upda
The EU Asylum and Migration Pact, in force since June 12, 2026, cuts the work-waiting period for likely-approved asylum seekers from six months to three, while barring applicants from safe-origin countries from working at all. Separately, IND updated guidance on start-up personne
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Weekly update on June 27, 2026: Netherlands Tightens Visa Overstay Rules
The Netherlands joins other European nations in ending leniency for visa overstays. Strict enforcement of stay limits highlights the need for a flawless immigration record for future residency applicants.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 2026: Netherlands Backs Stricter EU Migration Rules: Impact on Expats
The Netherlands has joined other EU nations in supporting tougher migration and deportation reforms. While targeting undocumented migration, legal residents must ensure flawless compliance to avoid IND delays.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 2026: Netherlands Tightens Visas & Amsterdam Taxes Rise Amid New EU Border Checks
The Netherlands is backing stricter Schengen visa rules and preparing for the new EU Entry/Exit System, which may cause border delays. Meanwhile, Amsterdam plans tourist tax hikes to combat overtourism.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on June 2026: Netherlands Prepares 2026 Migrant Rules Amid Tighter Schengen Visa Push
The Netherlands is updating its Highly Skilled Migrant guidelines for 2026 while joining a European coalition to tighten Schengen visa rules by January. These shifts highlight the growing value of formal residency.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on May 2026: Netherlands Updates Skilled Migrant Travel Rules Amid New EU Migration Pact
The Netherlands clarifies an 8-month overseas stay allowance for skilled migrant families. Meanwhile, new EU asylum rules and VFS Global visa processing checks may impact overall immigration timelines.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on May 2026: Netherlands Immigration Update: India MoU, IND Delays & 2026 Naturalisation Reforms
The Netherlands introduces new mobility agreements for Indian professionals while preparing for broader 2026 European naturalisation updates. Meanwhile, IND processing delays continue to impact residency applicants.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on May 2026: Netherlands Pushes to Criminalize Overstays Amid Stricter EU Residency Rules
The Dutch cabinet is advancing a law to criminalize undocumented stays. Meanwhile, stricter proof of funds and new ETIAS rules are reshaping the landscape for expats and investors in the Netherlands.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on April 2026: Netherlands Immigration Update: EES Border Checks, Rent Increases & Tax Optimization
The Netherlands prepares for the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and centralized ID issuance. Meanwhile, expats face rising rent costs but can leverage fiscal partnerships for tax optimization.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on April 2026: Netherlands Updates MVV Visa Process & Integration Tests
The Netherlands is updating its provisional residence permit (MVV) application process and introducing stricter integration tests for citizenship. Expats should also prepare for 2026 tax filings amid changing benefits.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on April 2026: Netherlands Updates Salary Thresholds Amid Stricter EU Immigration
The Netherlands has announced new minimum salary thresholds for skilled migrants and investors. Meanwhile, broader EU immigration policies are tightening, requiring strict compliance for residency renewals.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on March 2026: Netherlands Raises Salary Thresholds & Tightens Tax Rules
The Netherlands is increasing salary thresholds for highly skilled migrants and enforcing strict tax deadlines. Meanwhile, the EU plans to transition temporary protection statuses to standard permits in 2026.
Published · By Laura Ferreira
Monthly update on March 2026: Netherlands Immigration Update: Naturalization, EES, & UAE Visas
The IND clarifies Dutch naturalization rules while Schengen visa approvals tighten for UAE residents. Meanwhile, experts debunk rumors of automatic three-year bans under the new EES system.