European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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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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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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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
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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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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.