European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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US Citizens: Apply for EU Long-Term Residency in Italy After Five Years of Legal Residence
After five years of legal residence in Italy, US citizens become eligible to apply for EU long-term resident status. The Local highlights key requirements including stable income, suitable housing, and a clean record.
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Germany's Qualification Recognition Process: Doctors and Engineers Face Significant Delays
Skilled professionals, including doctors and engineers, are experiencing significant delays in Germany's qualification recognition process. Expats report months-long waits, repeated document requests, and an inability to work in their specialized fields, as highlighted by The Local Germany.
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Portugal to Recognize Stateless Status from September 1, 2026, Granting Access to Key Rights
Portugal will officially recognize stateless status starting September 1, 2026, under Law No. 47/2026. This new legislation will allow individuals without citizenship to apply for formal status through AIMA, granting access to essential rights like residence, work, education, and social security.
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Portugal's President Enacts New Immigration and Asylum Law
On September 1, 2026, Portugal's President officially signed new legislation concerning immigration and asylum, effective immediately. The Constitutional Court had approved its previously disputed clauses three days prior. This law updates procedures for residency permits, work visas, and international protection.
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Split Tourist Rental Demand Drops August 2026: Potential for More Long-Term Options
Split landlords saw a drop in tourist bookings in August 2026. This shift, discussed by locals as a "burst bubble," could lead to more long-term rental availability and potentially more flexible pricing for individuals seeking residency or relocation in Croatia.
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Denmark to Host Annual Citizenship Day on September 6 at Christiansborg Palace for 2025 New Citizens
The Danish Parliament will host its annual Citizenship Day (statsborgerskabsdag) on September 6 at Christiansborg Palace. All individuals who obtained Danish citizenship in 2025 will receive an invitation to this official event, which serves as a traditional recognition of new Danes by the state.
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Sweden's 2026 Elections: Potential Impact on Foreign Residents and Applicants
Ahead of the August 31, 2026 elections, Swedish political parties are outlining their plans for immigration, work permits, and taxation. For those living in or planning to move to Sweden, it's crucial to examine the specific proposals rather than general statements.
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AfD in Saxony-Anhalt Proposes Stricter German Citizenship Test
The AfD's Vice-President in Saxony-Anhalt has suggested making Germany's citizenship test more difficult, a proposal made ahead of regional elections. While specific changes are unclear, this indicates a potential increase in naturalization requirements. Applicants should monitor official updates.
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Spanish Residency Permit Denied? You May Have 15 Days to Leave, But It's Not Final
If your Spanish residency permit application is denied, you typically receive a letter requiring you to leave the country within 15 days. However, this is not an automatic deportation. You have the right to appeal the decision, which can potentially suspend the departure deadline.
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Foreign Buyers Acquire 80% of Homes in Some Costa Blanca Towns, Spanish Notaries Report
Data from the General Council of Notaries of Spain reveals that foreigners purchase up to 80% of homes in specific towns along Valencia's Costa Blanca. This high international demand is reshaping the market, leading to increased prices and fierce competition.
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Netherlands Housing Minister Identifies Sites for 30,000 New Homes by 2035
Dutch Housing Minister Eleonora Bukholt-O'Sullivan has designated five National Large-Scale Housing Locations (NGW) in Friesland, North Holland, South Holland, and Limburg. These 30,000 homes are part of a broader plan to build 400,000 units over the next decade.
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Monthly update on August 2026: Portugal immigration enforcement, AIMA crisis, and expat rankings
August 2026 was defined by a confirmed institutional crisis at AIMA — Portugal's immigration agency — with the Bar Association documenting staff shortages and systemic failures after an August 19 inspection. Simultaneously, the newly formed UNEF PSP border unit completed a
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Serbian Citizen Deported from Croatia, Banned for Five Years Over Chetnik Tattoos
A 31-year-old Serbian citizen was arrested in Split on August 31, 2026, for publicly displaying tattoos of Chetnik leaders Draža Mihailović and Momčilo Đujić. He received a 15-day arrest sentence, followed by deportation and a five-year entry ban from Croatia.
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Portugal Sets World Record: 15.2% Real Home Price Increase in First Half of 2026
Portugal recorded the world's highest real home price growth in the first half of 2026, with a 15.2% increase. This significant rise is driven by foreign demand, limited supply, and overall economic dynamics, impacting those planning to buy property or relocate to Portugal.
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Cyprus Poised to Become a Hub for Senior Data Specialists Serving EU & US Tech Companies Remotely
Nikolay Valiotti, founder of Valiotti Data, suggests Cyprus could become a key center for exporting highly skilled data specialists. With growing demand for remote senior leadership in European and US tech firms, Cyprus offers a convenient time zone, favorable tax environment, and infrastructure for this role.
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Swedish Social Democrats Propose Combining Vocational Training with SFI Language Courses
Sweden's opposition Social Democrats have proposed integrating vocational training with SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) language courses. The aim is to reduce the time between arrival in Sweden and securing a first job, streamlining the integration process for newcomers.
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Hungarian Wage Growth Slows in June 2026, But Real Purchasing Power Increases
In June 2026, Hungary's KSH reported slower wage growth. Average gross wages reached 754,700 HUF (€2,080) and net 529,700 HUF (€1,460). Despite slower nominal growth (+7.1% gross, +9.4% net), real wages increased by 7.6% year-on-year due to falling inflation, boosting purchasing power.
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Lower Austria Offers €1,000 Care Grant for Foreign Residents in 2026, No Citizenship Required
Lower Austria will accept applications for an annual €1,000 care grant in 2026. Austrian citizenship is not required; foreign residents are eligible if they meet specific residency status and care need criteria. This initiative supports expats and permanent residents alike.