European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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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.
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EU Issues Record 3.9 Million New Residency Permits in 2025, Up 10% from Previous Year
European Union countries issued 3.9 million new residency permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, marking a 10% increase from 2024 and the highest number recorded. This growth reflects demand for labor, family reunification, and economic opportunities across Europe.
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European Commission Considers Revisions to Schengen Visa Rules
The European Commission is reviewing its short-stay Schengen visa rules to enhance consistency, security, and efficiency. While details are pending, potential changes could affect application procedures, required documents, and fees, impacting travelers to Italy and other EU countries.
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France's Carte de Séjour Waiting Times Increase Due to Policy Changes and IT Issues
Applicants for France's *carte de séjour* (residency permit) are facing longer waiting times for both new applications and renewals. The Local reports that stricter policy requirements and persistent IT issues within prefectures are the primary causes.
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Marine Le Pen's 'French Preference' Policy: Implications for Foreigners in France
Marine Le Pen has reiterated her 'French Preference' policy, which would prioritize French citizens in various sectors. If enacted, this could lead to significant restrictions for foreigners in France regarding access to housing, employment, and social benefits.
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European Commission Considers Revisions to Schengen Visa Rules and Fees
The European Commission is reviewing rules for short-term Schengen visas, which could lead to changes in application procedures and fees. These potential updates would apply to all Schengen consulates, including those in France, aiming for more consistent and secure, yet simplified, travel.
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EU Issues Record 3.9 Million Residence Permits to Non-EU Citizens in 2025
EU member states issued a record 3.9 million first-time residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This historic high reflects Europe's enduring appeal for work, study, and family reunification, though conditions vary significantly across countries.
Published
EU Commission Considers Revisions to Schengen Visa Rules and Fees
The European Commission is reviewing its short-stay Schengen visa policy, potentially altering application procedures, processing times, and fees. While specific details are not yet public, the initiative aims to balance border security with simplifying legitimate travel to the Schengen Area.
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EU Issues Record 3.9 Million Residency Permits in 2025, Up 10% From Previous Year
The European Union granted 3.9 million residency permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, marking a 10% increase from 2024 and the highest number ever recorded. This surge is driven by demand for labor and family reunification across member states like Spain, Germany, and France.
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EU Commission Considers Changes to Schengen Visa Rules, Fees, and Processing Times
The European Commission is reviewing the rules for short-stay Schengen visas. The proposed changes could affect document requirements, application processing times, and fee structures. The aim is to unify EU visa policy, making it more transparent and efficient for legitimate travelers.
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Croatia: Landlord Association SMOi Opposes Short-Term Rental Restrictions
Croatia's Association of Small Family Landlords (SMOi) criticizes proposed restrictions on short-term rentals. President Vedran Tomić argues that limiting citizens' constitutional rights will not solve the structural housing crisis, emphasizing the need for data-driven decisions.
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Croatia to Implement New Rental Law on January 1, 2027
Croatia is set to introduce a new rental law on January 1, 2027, aimed at regulating tenant-landlord relations. The law will limit arbitrary rent increases and streamline eviction processes for contract breaches, reflecting a significant rise in long-term rental agreements from 100,000 to 240,000 over six years.
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Cyprus Police Operations: 14 Arrested, Emphasizing Residency Document Compliance
Cyprus police recently conducted operations, stopping 545 vehicles, checking 680 individuals, and searching 42 premises. Fourteen people were arrested, with some suspected of residing on the island without the necessary legal documents, underscoring the importance of always carrying proof of legal status.
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Denmark Pauses Citizenship Applications; Hundreds Sign Petition for Resumption
The processing of Danish citizenship applications has been halted for several months due to a legislative bill being postponed after spring elections. Hundreds of applicants are now in limbo, with a petition gathering signatures to urge the resumption of the process.
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Sweden's Election Deadlock: No Majority, What's Next for Immigration Policy?
Sweden's parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026, resulted in no clear majority for either the left or right bloc. This outcome signals prolonged government negotiations and leaves previously planned immigration policy tightening, including stricter rules for residence permits and citizenship, in an uncertain sta
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Report Reveals Undocumented Entry to Portugal Primarily Via Land Routes Through Schengen Area
A recent report by Observador indicates that most undocumented immigrants enter Portugal via land routes, primarily by bus and train, after initially entering the Schengen Area through another member state. This method bypasses direct border checks at Portugal's external borders.
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Poland Issued Nearly 500,000 Residence Permits in 2025, Ranking Third in EU
Poland granted almost half a million initial residence permits in 2025, placing third in the EU after Spain and Germany. However, permit issuance has declined for the fourth consecutive year due to tightening migration rules, signaling increased scrutiny for applicants.