European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Monthly update on August 2026: Germany extends border controls, record qualification recognitions, and new EU banking rules
August 2026 brought three major developments for Germany residents and newcomers: border controls on all nine land frontiers were extended to March 2027, a new EU banking directive began affecting non-EU accounts held by German residents, and qualification recognition hit a
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Cost of Living Rises in Austria, Outpacing Salaries for Foreign Residents
Foreign residents in Austria, some living there for over 30 years, report a significant increase in the cost of living, including rent and services, while salaries lag. The Local highlights observations on digital bureaucracy and the evolving language landscape.
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Norway Strengthens Protections Against Exploitation: What to Do If Affected
Norway has strengthened its legislation to protect foreign nationals in vulnerable situations from exploitation by employers or landlords. If you face pressure, know where to seek help and how to document your case to safeguard your status.
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Norway Strengthens Protections and Penalties Against Foreign Worker Exploitation
Norway has enacted a new law to combat the exploitation of foreign workers. The legislation specifically targets situations where a worker's residency status is tied to an employer or landlord, a common vulnerability. Penalties for violations have been significantly increased.
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EU Residency Permits Hit Record High in 2025: What This Means for Sweden Applicants
The European Union issued 3.9 million residency permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year and the highest number on record. While this signals opportunities, applicants for Sweden should check specific Migrationsverket requirements.
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Sweden Democrats Blame Coalition's Citizenship Policy for Election Setback
A prominent Sweden Democrat MP attributes the party's election underperformance to the ruling coalition's failure to freeze new citizenships in 2022. The party's logic suggests that more new citizens led to more votes against them, highlighting citizenship as a key political issue in Sweden.
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EU Issues Record 3.9 Million Residence Permits in 2025; France Applicants Face Increased Competition
The European Union issued a record 3.9 million new residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year. While this marks an all-time high for the EU, applicants for French residency should be aware that local competition may intensify, and requirements could adjust.
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Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) Financial Requirements May Increase in 2027
Financial thresholds for Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) have remained stable for several years, but they could be revised in 2027. This potential change depends on the annual IPREM index and decisions by the Spanish government, impacting applicants like retirees and those with passive income.
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Spain Activates EES Biometric Entry/Exit System for Non-EU Citizens; Nine Schengen Nations Delay Rollout
Spain has launched the EES (Entry/Exit System) at its borders, requiring biometric data from non-EU citizens. This contrasts with nine other Schengen countries, including France, Portugal, and Italy, which have postponed their full implementation, particularly at busy airports.
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AIMA Reports Improved Service and Fewer Complaints in H1 2026
Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) announced increased processing capacity and a reduction in complaints during the first half of 2026. This suggests potentially shorter waiting times for visas and residency permits, though queues may still exist.
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Portugal's Decree-Law No. 97/2026 Introduces Major Housing Tax Reform on May 20
Portugal's Decree-Law No. 97/2026, part of the 'Construir Portugal' package, was enacted on May 20, introducing the most significant housing tax reform in years. Aimed at increasing affordable housing, these new rules will impact property ownership costs and rental conditions for all, including expats.
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Croatia's Rental Market: Zagreb Sees Lower Prices and More Supply, While Coastal Areas Become More Expensive
Croatia's rental market shows a clear divide: Zagreb offers more apartments at lower rates, a rare trend. Meanwhile, coastal regions face rising prices and reduced long-term availability due to tourism. Understanding these regional differences is key for residency applicants.
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Navigating Austria's Rental Market: Deposits, Documents, and Competition for Expats
Expats seeking rental housing in Austria frequently encounter significant deposits (2-3 months' rent), extensive documentation requirements, high competition, and the necessity of German language skills for successful negotiations. Prepare for a competitive market.
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European Commission Considers Revisions to Schengen Visa Rules and Fees
The European Commission is reviewing its short-stay Schengen visa policy. This initiative aims to enhance consistency, security, and efficiency without complicating travel for legitimate visitors. Potential changes include application procedures and fee structures, affecting non-EU citizens planning trips to Austria an
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European Commission Reviews Schengen Visa Rules: Fees and Procedures May Change
The European Commission has initiated a review of short-stay Schengen visa rules, aiming to modernize policies for security and efficiency while simplifying legal travel. Changes could affect application procedures and visa fees, though specific details are not yet published. Non-EU citizens traveling to Norway should
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EU Issues Record 3.9 Million Residence Permits in 2025, Up 10% From Previous Year
European Union countries granted a record 3.9 million residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This surge, the highest since statistics began, reflects the EU's continued appeal, including Denmark.
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European Commission Considers Revisions to Schengen Visa Rules and Fees
The European Commission is preparing potential changes to Schengen short-stay visa policy. The focus is on making rules more consistent, enhancing security, and digitalizing application processes for non-EU citizens traveling to Denmark and other Schengen countries.
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EU Commission Reviews Schengen Visa Rules: Fees, Processing Times, and Document Requirements Under Scrutiny
The European Commission has initiated a review of short-stay Schengen visa rules, impacting application procedures, document requirements, processing times, and fees. Details are expected soon, with Sweden included in these potential changes.