European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
Published
Malmö Migration Court: Waiting Times Do Not Expedite Swedish Citizenship Decisions
The Malmö Migration Court, led by Chief Judge Fredrik Löndahl, has confirmed that lengthy waiting times for Swedish citizenship applications are not grounds to expedite or alter a decision. Swedish law does not consider administrative delays as a factor in citizenship outcomes.
Published
Taxing Foreign Pensions in Italy: What Elective Residency Visa Holders Need to Know
If you hold an Elective Residency Visa and receive a pension from abroad, Italy may require you to declare and tax it. Double taxation is a real risk, making expert consultation crucial before your move to understand specific obligations and potential optimization.
Published
Germany Ranks Last for Tax Optimization, Yet Leads in Quality of Life
A recent ranking by The Local places Germany last for tax optimization for global citizens. This presents a paradox, as the country simultaneously ranks among the top for overall quality of life, offering a robust system for those willing to pay fair taxes.
Published
Spain Pre-Approves Ban on 'Vulture Funds' and Eviction Moratorium Until 2030
The Spanish government has pre-approved a ban on speculative investment funds (fondos buitre) and a moratorium on tenant evictions until 2030. For those relocating to Spain, this could signal a more stable rental market, particularly in major cities.
Published
Portugal Considers Requiring Non-Residents to Pay for SNS Healthcare Amidst €1.2M Unpaid Bills in Algarve
Portuguese MP Cristovao Norte (PSD/CDS-PP) has introduced Bill 786/XVII/2, proposing that foreign non-residents either pay for SNS healthcare services or provide proof of insurance. This follows €1.2 million in unpaid healthcare bills in the Algarve for 2023-2024.
Published
Portugal Proposes Loosening Rental Rules, Granting Landlords More Freedom
Portugal's government has proposed changes to the New Urban Lease Regime (NRAU) to remove rent caps and give landlords more control. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro defends the move, while critics warn of instability for tenants. This contrasts with Spain, which is strengthening tenant protections.
Published
Croatia and USA Economic Forum in New York Signals Potential for Relocants
An economic forum held in New York on September 29, 2026, brought together 105 Croatian and US companies to discuss investments, energy, and technology. This collaboration, organized by HGK and HTZ, may create new job opportunities for skilled professionals considering relocation to Croatia, particularly in IT, energy,
Published
Foreign Worker Influx at Mercedes, BMW, Audi Plants Reshapes Hungarian Housing Market
Major automotive plants in Hungary are actively hiring foreign workers, a trend that is already significantly impacting demand for apartments. The publication Világgazdaság forecasts a wave of new investments in housing construction and rental properties, particularly in regions surrounding these factories.
Published
Cyprus Police Operations Lead to Four Arrests, Including One for Illegal Residency
Cypriot police conducted extensive overnight operations, checking nearly 400 drivers and inspecting 33 premises. Four individuals were arrested, with one specifically detained for illegal residency, highlighting the strict enforcement of immigration laws and the risk of deportation for those without valid status.
Published
Austria Plans to Raise German Language Requirement for Citizenship from B1 to B2
Austria's Ministry of Interior is developing proposals to increase the German language proficiency requirement for citizenship from B1 to B2. While these are currently plans, they signal a potential future change for applicants.
Published
France's Carte de Séjour Renewal Delays Impact Foreign Residents' Travel and Services
Foreign residents in France are facing significant delays in Carte de Séjour (residency permit) renewals, as reported by The Local. These delays can prevent international travel and complicate access to essential services, leaving applicants in limbo for months.
Published
Immigrants Fill Key Roles in German Hospitality and Healthcare Sectors
As of 2025, over 50% of chefs and approximately one-third of nurses and dental assistants in Germany are immigrants. These figures highlight the critical role foreign professionals play in addressing the country's labor shortages, particularly in essential services.
Published
Germany's Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht Ends: Holders Must Apply for New Visa Type
Germany's "Opportunity Residence Permit" (Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht) program has concluded. Holders of this status can no longer extend it and must apply for a new type of residence permit, such as a work, study, or family visa, to maintain legal status.
Published
Spanish Immigration Official Sentenced to Prison for Bribery
A Spanish extranjería (immigration office) official has been sentenced to prison for bribery, The Local reports. While specific details like the official's name or sentence length were not provided, the case confirms that corruption within the Spanish immigration system is identified and punished.
Published
Amsterdam Makes Asylum Seeker Employment Program Permanent, Seeks Work Permit Exemption
Amsterdam City Council has approved making its asylum seeker employment program permanent after a pilot project successfully placed 332 individuals in jobs over 18 months. The council is also urging the national government to remove the work permit requirement for this group.
Published
Portugal Ranks 23rd for Taxes, 11th for Quality of Life in 48-Country Study
A recent study comparing 48 jurisdictions places Portugal 23rd for taxation levels, indicating a mid-range position. However, it ranks significantly higher at 11th globally for quality of life, suggesting that nominal tax rates are only one factor for those considering relocation.
Published
Cyprus Police Arrest Four, Including Illegal Residents, in Overnight Checks
Cyprus police arrested four individuals, including those residing illegally, during recent overnight operations. These checks also involved stopping 594 vehicles, inspecting 36 premises, and issuing 343 traffic fines, underscoring the police's active enforcement of residency and traffic laws.
Published
Madrid Housing Protesters Dig In, Demand Government Action on Affordability Crisis
Housing activists have set up camp in a central Madrid square, vowing to stay until the government addresses Spain's housing affordability crisis. This ongoing protest highlights persistent high rental and property purchase prices, signaling that market changes may depend on political intervention.