European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Austria Updates Work Permit Rules for Third-Country Nationals on Job Loss or Employer Change
Effective September 3, 2026, Austria has revised work permit procedures for third-country nationals. New rules clarify notification deadlines and conditions for those who lose their job or change employers, aiming to prevent automatic loss of status but requiring timely action with migration authorities.
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Denmark Lowers Work Permit Salary Threshold for Specific Nationalities
The Danish Parliament has passed a law reducing the minimum salary requirement for work permits, but only for citizens of certain countries. This targeted change aims to attract skilled workers to shortage sectors. Applicants should verify if their country is included via SIRI.
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Denmark Lowers Salary Threshold for Work Permits for Workers from 16 Countries
Denmark's Parliament has passed legislation reducing the minimum salary threshold required for work permits. This change makes it easier for citizens from 16 specific countries to secure employment in Denmark, signaling a need for skilled professionals.
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Sweden's Social Democrats Plan Major Review of Immigration Legislation
Sweden's ruling Social Democratic party plans a government inquiry to analyze and simplify the country's complex immigration laws. This comprehensive review will cover visas, work permits, residence permits, and citizenship, potentially impacting both new applicants and those already in Sweden.
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Legal Complaint Filed Against French Préfecture for Delays in Carte de Séjour Renewals
A legal charity has filed a criminal complaint against a French préfecture due to significant delays in renewing carte de séjour (residency permits). Applicants are left without valid documents for months, facing issues with employment, healthcare, and banking, despite applying on time.
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Germany's Work and Stay Immigration Agency: Still Under Discussion a Year After Announcement
Germany's promised Work and Stay agency, intended to streamline visa processes for skilled immigrants, remains in the discussion phase nearly a year after its announcement. Applicants should expect current visa procedures to continue unchanged.
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Spain: PP-Vox Coalition Proposes Points-Based Visas, Stricter Citizenship & National Priority
A potential PP-Vox coalition government in Spain could introduce significant changes for foreigners, including a points-based visa system, stricter requirements for Spanish citizenship, and a 'national priority' for Spaniards in housing and social services, according to The Local.
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Portugal's AIMA to Boost Staff by 17% in 2026, Aiming to Reduce Visa and Residency Backlogs
Portugal's immigration agency, AIMA, is set to increase its staff by 17% in 2026. This expansion aims to accelerate the processing of visas, residency permits (ВНЖ), and renewals for expats, digital nomads, and investors, potentially easing current backlogs.
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Estonian Apartment Associations Seek Veto Power Over Tenants, Potentially Impacting Relocators
The Estonian Union of Housing Cooperatives proposes granting apartment associations the right to approve or reject long-term tenants, similar to New York's cooperative boards. This change could introduce new hurdles for property owners and prospective renters, including those relocating to Estonia.
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Cyprus Police Arrest 10 in Nationwide Checks, Including for Lack of Residency Documents
Cyprus police conducted nationwide checks, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals. Among the reasons for arrest were living without valid residency documents. The operations also targeted various offenses, including theft, assault, traffic violations, and unpaid court fines.
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How to Appeal a Swedish Citizenship Rejection After the New Law Took Effect on June 6
A new Swedish citizenship law, effective June 6, is expected to increase rejections among the 100,000 applicants awaiting decisions. If your application is denied, you have three weeks to appeal, first to Migrationsverket, then potentially to the Migration Court.
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Italy: Understanding the Permesso di Soggiorno for Long-Term Residency and Citizenship
Obtaining a Permesso di Soggiorno is a vital step for long-term residency in Italy and a prerequisite for citizenship. This guide outlines the application process, including document submission and interviews, emphasizing the necessity of Italian language proficiency for successful interaction with authorities.
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Essential First Steps for New Arrivals in Italy: Residency, Permesso di Soggiorno, and Codice Fiscale
The Local Italy has compiled six essential articles detailing the crucial administrative steps for new residents. Obtaining your residency registration (anagrafe), permesso di soggiorno (residency permit), and codice fiscale (tax code) are fundamental for accessing banking, healthcare, and employment.
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France Mandates Electronic Invoicing for All Businesses, Including Freelancers
France now requires all businesses, including individual entrepreneurs and freelancers, to register on approved government platforms for electronic invoicing. This measure aims to streamline tax administration and financial transparency, with free service options available.
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Portugal's IFICI Tax Regime: 20% Flat Rate on Local Income, Near Exemption on Foreign Income for 10 Years
Portugal's new IFICI tax regime replaces the former NHR, offering a 20% flat tax on Portuguese-sourced income and near exemption on foreign income for up to 10 years. Eligibility requires not having been a Portuguese tax resident for the past five years and fitting one of three specific professional profiles.
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Hungary Expands Asset Confiscation Powers, Allowing Seizure Without Criminal Conviction
The Hungarian government plans to broaden its asset confiscation powers, potentially allowing the seizure of property from individuals even without a criminal conviction, if the assets are presumed to be of criminal origin. Legal protections for good-faith owners remain unclear.
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British Chef Faces Deportation After Working Three Years in Sweden Without Post-Brexit Residence Permit
A British chef in Sweden discovered in April 2025 that he had missed the deadline to apply for a post-Brexit residence permit. After working illegally for three years, he lost his job and now faces deportation, highlighting the critical need for Britons in Sweden to verify their status.
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Sweden's Migration Minister: Brexit Obligations Met, Late British Applicants Responsible for Denials
Sweden's Migration Minister has addressed parliamentary concerns regarding the high rate of residency permit denials and deportations for British citizens post-Brexit. The minister affirmed that Sweden fulfilled its obligations, stating that application rules and deadlines were clear, and decisions are made strictly by