European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Germany's Skilled Labor Shortage: Opportunities and Challenges for Foreign Workers
Germany is experiencing a significant skilled labor shortage driven by an aging population, declining birth rates, and reduced immigration. This creates opportunities for foreign workers, particularly in Eastern Germany, though the political climate and increasing competition are key considerations.
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Portugal Among Europe's Toughest for Home Ownership on an Average Salary
Portugal is listed among European countries where an average salary makes home ownership nearly impossible, according to The Portugal News. Prices in popular regions like Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve have become detached from local budgets, posing challenges for both residents and expats.
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Denmark Welcomes New Citizens in Mandatory Naturalization Ceremony
On September 9, 2026, Denmark held a naturalization ceremony, officially granting citizenship to individuals who successfully completed the multi-stage process. This mandatory final step confers full rights and obligations.
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Swedish Social Democrats Call for Review of Residence Permits for Long-Term Residents
Sweden's Social Democratic Party has initiated an accelerated investigation into the residence status of long-term residents. The focus is on teenagers facing potential deportation and British citizens whose status has become complicated post-Brexit.
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France's Carte de Séjour Delays: What Non-EU Residents Need to Know About Residency Permit Processing
Non-EU citizens in France are experiencing significant delays in obtaining and renewing their carte de séjour (residency permit), according to The Local. Prefectures are overwhelmed, leading to months-long processing times and difficult appointment bookings. Without a valid permit, working or traveling can be problemat
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Starting a Business in Portugal: A Guide for Foreigners to Company Formation and Residency
The Portugal News outlines the process for foreigners to register a business in Portugal, covering company types (LDA/SA), NIF, bank accounts, and commercial registry. Learn how a qualifying business can also support a Portuguese residency application.
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Croatia: Fiscalized Receipt Value Jumps 17% in August 2026, Driven by Tourism
Croatia's Tax Administration reported a 17% increase in the value of fiscalized receipts in August 2026 compared to the previous year, totaling €6.56 billion. The significant rise, particularly in accommodation and catering, suggests higher average spending, likely due to the peak tourist season.
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Cyprus President Pushes for Schengen Entry; European Commission Confirms Readiness
On August 6, 2026, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides met with European Council head António Costa to accelerate Cyprus's entry into the Schengen Area. The European Commission has already confirmed the island's technical readiness for membership.
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EU Commission Questions Sweden on Deportations of Vulnerable British Citizens
The European Commission has formally requested explanations from the Swedish government regarding the deportation of vulnerable British citizens, including a 78-year-old woman and a man with Alzheimer's. Internal correspondence, obtained by The Local, reveals pressure on the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
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Four BiH Citizens Expelled from Croatia for Glorifying Ratko Mladić
Four citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) were expelled from Croatia after being investigated for glorifying Ratko Mladić in Dubrovnik. The investigation, conducted between August 28 and September 2, 2026, also involved a Croatian citizen. Croatian law strictly prohibits such actions, leading to the expulsion of th
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Austria's AMS Shifts Focus to Foreign Jobseekers: What It Means for Your Job Search
Austria's Public Employment Service (AMS) is reorienting its strategy to actively integrate recently arrived foreigners into the labor market. This shift aims to accelerate integration and reduce welfare dependency. Learn how this impacts your job search and qualification recognition in Austria.
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Denmark to Open Non-EU Deportation Centers by End of 2027
Denmark's Migration Minister Morten Bødskov announced plans to establish deportation centers outside the European Union. By the end of 2027, individuals without valid residence permits in Denmark will be sent to these centers for long-term detention prior to expulsion.
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Sweden's Centre Party Pledges to Abolish Salary Threshold for Work Permits
Sweden's Centre Party leader has announced that if they form a government, removing the minimum income requirement for work permits would be a priority. This change could make Swedish work visas more accessible for those in entry-level or lower-paying sectors, and for young professionals.
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AfD's Promises in Saxony-Anhalt: Limited Impact on German Residency Status
The AfD's promises to tighten immigration rules in Saxony-Anhalt face legal limits. State governments in Germany cannot unilaterally revoke residency permits or change immigration laws, as these powers are reserved for the federal level in Berlin.
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Webinar on Portugal's Golden Visa and New Nationality Law: September 15, 2026
Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club will host a webinar on September 15, 2026, to discuss recent changes to the Golden Visa program and the new Nationality Law. The session will cover their implications for current and prospective applicants, including timelines for obtaining a Portuguese passport.
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Monthly update on August 2026: Italy citizenship rulings, banking rules, and tightening proposals
August 2026 was a landmark month for Italian immigration: the Supreme Court issued two rulings reopening citizenship cases for thousands of previously rejected applicants, while a far-right legislative proposal to double the residency requirement to 20 years and new EU banking
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Croatian Citizenship: A Strategic Retirement Plan for Diaspora Millennials
For US-raised millennials, a Croatian second passport is evolving from a sentimental connection to a calculated financial strategy. Rising living costs, healthcare expenses, and political shifts in the US are prompting professionals to explore European alternatives.
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Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos Denies Corporate Exodus Amid Global Minimum Tax Rumors
Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos has refuted claims of a mass corporate departure from the island due to the OECD/G20 Pillar Two global minimum tax. He stated this week that there are no signs of large companies leaving, emphasizing Cyprus's continued stability and attractiveness for business.