European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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France Considers Criminalizing 'Administrative Abuse' Against Foreigners
A charity has urged the French government to introduce a new criminal offense: 'administrative abuse.' This aims to protect foreigners, including expats and students, from exploitation or pressure related to their visa or residency status. The Local reports on potential implications.
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Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez Calls Snap General Election for November 29, 2026, Amid Housing Crisis
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced a snap general election for November 29, 2026. The decision follows parliament's rejection of key housing crisis measures, leading to political instability and the dissolution of the Cortes. This election could reshape Spain's housing market and conditions for resident
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Portugal Residency Applicants Prioritize Visa Options and Taxation, Survey Shows
A September 2026 survey by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK reveals that 63.2% of potential immigrants seek information on resident visas (D7, Digital Nomad), while 49.1% focus on taxation. Interest in both areas has grown since March 2026.
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Monthly update on September 2026: Italy immigration — record EU permits, ERV pension tax risk, and EU-wide rule changes
September 2026 brought a record 3.9 million EU residency permits issued in 2025 (up 10% year-on-year), a sharp warning for Elective Residency Visa holders that foreign pensions are fully taxable in Italy, and two European Commission proposals that could reshape professional
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Norway: Parliamentary Year Begins, Debates on Budget, Taxes, and Foreigner Rules
Norway's parliamentary year has commenced, bringing debates on the national budget and potential legislative changes. Discussions include taxes, work permits (arbeidstillatelse), and residency conditions for foreigners. Stay informed on developments.
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Spanish Parliament Rejects Housing Decrees, Rental Market Regulations Unchanged
On October 2, 2026, the Spanish Parliament rejected two government decrees aimed at regulating the rental market and increasing affordable housing. This means proposed rent controls and new affordable housing programs will not be implemented, leaving the market without new regulations.
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UK Pensions to Face Inheritance Tax from April 2027, Affecting Expats
From April 6, 2027, unused UK pension funds and death benefits will become subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) for the first time. This significant change could substantially impact the inheritance for expatriates with UK pension savings, necessitating early financial planning.
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Croatian Bank Deposits Lose €430 Annually Due to Inflation
According to the Croatian National Bank (HNB), Croatian citizens hold €33 billion in current and savings accounts, plus €10 billion in time deposits as of June 2026. Inflation is reducing the real value of these savings by approximately €430 per person annually, impacting long-term financial planning.
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Six Arrested in Cyprus for Illegal Stay and Property Possession During Police Operations
Cyprus police operations on Friday night led to the arrest of six individuals for illegal residency and unlawful property possession. The checks also resulted in 280 traffic violations and 11 vehicle confiscations, highlighting regular enforcement across the island.
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Vienna Immigration Authority Clarifies: Residency Permit Probe, Not Citizenship Cases, Under Investigation
Vienna's immigration service, MA 35, has confirmed that an ongoing investigation specifically targets residency permits (ВНЖ) and does not affect citizenship applications. The authority itself initiated the probe by reporting the issue to prosecutors.
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Unemployment for Foreign Residents in Norway Higher Than National Average
While Norway's overall unemployment rate is 2.6%, foreign residents face a significantly higher rate. The Local explores how language proficiency and qualification recognition are key factors for job seekers.
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Dual Spanish Citizenship: Which Passport to Use at the Border
If you hold dual Spanish citizenship, knowing which passport to present at borders is crucial. The Local Spain clarifies the simple rule for entering/exiting Spain and third countries, emphasizing that incorrect usage can lead to significant delays.
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Swedish Migration Agency Resumes Processing Residency Cases for 18-20 Year Olds
Migrationsverket has restarted reviewing residency permit applications for young people aged 18-20. Processing was paused in March 2026 following a government promise to address 'teen deportations' for those who arrived as minors. This resumption offers clarity and potential acceleration for affected applicants.
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Sweden's Supreme Migration Court to Rule on Citizenship Denials Under New Rules for Applicants Who Applied Before June 2026
A case concerning Swedish citizenship denial, issued under new rules effective June 2026, has reached the Supreme Migration Court. The court will determine if transitional provisions are needed for applicants who submitted their applications before the rule changes but received a decision afterwards, potentially impact
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Travelling with a Récépissé in France: Understanding Risks Amidst Carte de Séjour Delays
French prefectures are experiencing delays in issuing carte de séjour. Applicants often receive a temporary récépissé, but relying on this document for international travel, especially across Schengen borders, carries significant risks and is not guaranteed for re-entry.
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Germany's Long-Term Care Insurance Reform: Contributions to Rise, Services to Change
Germany is reforming its long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) system. Contributions will be recalculated, and service conditions adjusted. This reform aims to stabilize system finances and will impact all insured individuals, including working relocators and current care recipients.
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Spanish Parliament to Vote on Housing Crisis Measures Amid Nationwide Protests
Hundreds of Spaniards have protested across major cities, demanding parliamentary action on the ongoing housing crisis. An upcoming vote in the Spanish Parliament is expected to address measures to stabilize rental prices and improve housing affordability.
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Housing Protests Highlight Rental Crisis in Madrid and Barcelona for Residents and Applicants
Recent protests in Madrid and Barcelona underscore Spain's deepening housing crisis. Renters face soaring costs and the constant threat of eviction, making it difficult to plan for the future. The Local Spain reports on the experiences of those affected, offering crucial insights for prospective residents.