European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Swedish Elections Unlikely to Reverse Recent Immigration Policy Changes
An opinion piece from The Local Sweden suggests that upcoming elections will not reset the country's immigration landscape. Policy has significantly tightened over the past four years, establishing a new baseline that any new government is likely to build upon rather than reverse.
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Sweden's Citizenship Law Changes: Applicants Who Applied Earlier May Have Benefited
Sweden has revised its citizenship requirements, making the process potentially stricter. Individuals who submitted their applications before the new rules took effect may have benefited from the previous, less stringent conditions. Others will now need to meet the updated criteria.
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Portugal's Housing Crisis: Shortages and Slow Construction Impact Relocation
The Portugal News highlights the country's housing crisis, citing a deficit of homes, slow construction, and a lack of long-term strategy. For those planning to relocate, this translates to higher prices and fewer available options, making early housing search crucial.
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Monthly update on August 2026: Spain's housing crisis, rent-cap bill heads to parliament, and record foreign property buying
August 2026 was defined by Spain's deepening housing shortage — analysts say eight years of non-stop construction are needed to close the deficit — while the government sent a rent-cap bill to parliament for a September vote whose outcome remains uncertain. Foreign buyers hit a
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New Stop Shop Retail Park Near Samobor, Croatia, Creates 100 Non-Seasonal Jobs
A new 14,000 sq. meter Stop Shop retail park opened near Samobor, Croatia, on September 12, 2026. Featuring 23 brands, this 22nd Stop Shop location in the country has created approximately 100 new non-seasonal jobs, offering opportunities outside major tourist centers.
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Cyprus Proposes Waiving 3-Year Residency for Foreign Spouses of Cypriot Citizens
Cyprus's Ministry of Interior has introduced a bill to remove the three-year residency requirement for foreign spouses of Cypriot citizens applying for citizenship. This change would benefit families where one spouse is Cypriot but they reside abroad, simplifying the application process.
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Denmark's National Bank Raises Key Interest Rate to 2.1% Following ECB Move
Denmark's National Bank has increased its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.1% as of September 11, 2026, aligning with the European Central Bank. This adjustment will likely lead to higher costs for new mortgages and loans in Denmark, affecting residents and those planning to borrow.
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Navigating Spain's Rental Market: Insights from American Expats
American expats share their experiences in Spain's competitive rental market. Key insights include smaller apartments, high demand requiring quick decisions, and landlords often offering more flexible contract terms, which can mean less formal protection.
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Portugal's Golden Visa Program Continues to Attract International Investors
According to The Portugal News, Portugal's Golden Visa program remains a highly attractive option for international investors. It offers a path to residency through economic investment, potentially leading to citizenship and Schengen Area access.
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AIMA Reports Halved Complaints, Union Questions Data Transparency
Portugal's immigration agency, AIMA, claims a significant reduction in complaints compared to 2024. However, the Union of Migration Professionals expresses skepticism, citing concerns about data completeness and methodology.
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Portugal's Golden Visa: €46.8 Million Invested in Culture, British Applicants Rising
Portugal's Golden Visa program has attracted €46.8 million in investments for cultural projects. The number of applications from British citizens is increasing, likely driven by post-Brexit interest in securing EU residency through investment.
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Austrians Define Integration: Language, Work, and Law Observance Are Key
A recent survey published by The Local Austria reveals that most Austrians link immigrant integration to three core factors: German language proficiency, employment, and adherence to laws. Personal contact with migrants often softens general perceptions.
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Swedish Parties Propose Tax Changes: What It Means for Residents and Foreign Workers
Ahead of upcoming elections, Swedish political parties are proposing various tax changes, as reported by The Local. These proposals range from cutting taxes for workers to raising them for social programs, potentially impacting foreign residents' annual income by thousands of kronor.
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Moving to Italy: Essential First Steps After Visa and Understanding Your Permesso di Soggiorno
Upon arrival in Italy, registering your place of residence and applying for a Permesso di Soggiorno (residency permit) are mandatory. Learn about key administrative steps and terms like Questura and Codice Fiscale to ensure a smooth transition for your long-term stay.
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Marine Le Pen's Immigration Program: Potential Changes for Foreigners in France
The Local reports on Marine Le Pen's immigration program. If the National Rally comes to power, foreigners in France could face significant tightening of rules regarding citizenship, residency permits, social benefits, and the job market.
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Germany's Post-Brexit Approach: Minimizing Deportations for British Citizens, Unlike Sweden
Following Brexit, thousands of British citizens in Sweden faced residency rejections and deportation threats. Germany adopted a different strategy, streamlining processes to minimize refusals and ensure settled British residents retained their status.
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Spain Approves Citizenship for Tens of Thousands of Sahrawis Born Under Spanish Rule
Spanish lawmakers have approved a new law granting citizenship to tens of thousands of individuals born in Western Sahara during Spanish administration. This measure aims to resolve the long-standing uncertain legal status for those born before the territory's transfer to Morocco, simplifying their path to an EU passpo
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Portugal: Landlords May Increase Rents by Up to 2.56% in 2027
Portugal's National Statistics Institute (INE) has confirmed August inflation, allowing landlords to increase rents by a maximum of 2.56% starting in 2027. This annual indexation is standard for the Portuguese market, impacting both existing and new rental agreements.