European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Austria: Volunteer Work Can Accelerate Citizenship by Four Years
Foreign nationals in Austria may qualify for citizenship four years sooner by completing at least three years of voluntary work. This mechanism reduces the standard 10-year residency requirement to six years, provided the work is officially documented according to Austrian law.
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Norway Family Immigration Appeals: Processing Exceeds 310 Days
Applicants appealing family reunification refusals in Norway should prepare for processing times exceeding 310 days. The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) is experiencing significant backlogs, meaning families with spouses, children, or parents must plan for months, not weeks, of uncertainty.
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Italian Parliament Debates Stricter Citizenship Rules and Potential Revocation for Naturalized Citizens
The Italian Parliament has begun discussing a new bill that could make it more difficult to acquire Italian citizenship and easier to revoke it for those who obtained it through naturalization. Details are currently under debate.
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Canary Islands Propose 10-Year Residency Requirement for Non-Resident Property Buyers
The Canary Islands government is developing a bill that would require non-residents to establish 10 years of residency before being eligible to purchase property. This proposed measure aims to combat real estate speculation and rising prices, affecting both investors and individuals seeking homes in the archipelago.
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OmniForge Launches Local AI Translator for Dutch Documents, Enhancing Expat Data Privacy in the Netherlands
OmniForge has introduced a new tool for translating Dutch documents and conversations without cloud uploads. Co-founder Daniel G. Rios highlights that existing AI tools often require data transmission, posing risks for sensitive information like BSNs and employment contracts.
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Portugal Citizenship Law: Stability Matters More Than Text for Investors and Relocators
Recent changes to Portugal's Citizenship Law highlight that legislative stability is crucial for investors and relocators. According to Eco.sapo, frequent amendments create uncertainty, potentially outweighing Portugal's inherent attractions like climate and EU access, and influencing long-term residency and citizenshi
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Vienna's MA 35 Immigration Office Under New Corruption Allegations
Vienna's MA 35 immigration office, responsible for residency permits and citizenship, is facing new corruption allegations. This ongoing investigation may lead to processing delays, increased scrutiny, and requests for additional documents for current and future applicants.
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Portugal's Socialist Party Proposes Tax Breaks to Mobilize Empty Homes, Potentially Impacting Property Market
Portugal's Socialist Party (PS) has proposed a three-year package of tax breaks aimed at bringing vacant homes onto the market. The plan includes capital gains tax exemption for properties sold up to €300,000 and reduced rental income taxes, potentially increasing housing supply for applicants.
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Portugal Improves Tax Competitiveness Score, Ranks 33rd in OECD Index
The Tax Foundation's International Tax Competitiveness Index 2026 shows Portugal's score rising from 58.4 to 59.6, the third-largest improvement among OECD members. Despite this gain, the country maintains its 33rd position out of 38, indicating a gradual but slow shift in its tax environment.
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Wolt Croatia to Implement Mandatory Age Verification via mGrađani from October 18, 2026
From October 18, 2026, Wolt in Croatia will require mandatory age verification through the state's mGrađani system for alcohol and energy drink orders. This change replaces the previous simple checkbox and affects all users, including expats, who will need access to Croatian digital services.
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Italian Parliament to Discuss New Citizenship Bill This Week
The Italian Parliament is set to discuss a new citizenship bill this week. While specific details are not yet public, the proposed legislation could introduce changes to residency requirements, language proficiency, and other criteria for obtaining Italian citizenship.
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The Local Publishes Guide to French Citizenship: Pathways, Language, and Integration Requirements
The Local has released a comprehensive guide to obtaining French citizenship. It details the various pathways available, including naturalization, marriage, and birth in France, along with essential requirements for residency, French language proficiency, and societal integration.
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Portuguese Tax Residency: Common Mistakes by British Expats
British expats in Portugal frequently misunderstand their tax residency status, leading to errors. Some mistakenly believe they remain UK residents, while others incorrectly assume Portuguese residency. Portugal's Finanças and the UK's HMRC exchange data, ensuring these discrepancies are identified.
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Larnaca EOA Clears 92% of Overdue Residency Permit Applications
Larnaca's Local Government Organization (EOA) has made significant progress in clearing its backlog, processing 92% of overdue residency and other permit applications. New applications are now handled without delays, improving processing times for applicants.
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ETIAS Launch Delayed, Scam Websites Target British Travelers with Fake Authorizations
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), initially set for 2024, is delayed until at least 2025. Meanwhile, fraudulent websites are preying on British travelers, charging fees for non-existent ETIAS permits and collecting sensitive data.
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ETIAS Not Yet Launched: British Travelers Targeted by Scam Websites Offering Fake Visa Waivers
The official launch of the ETIAS visa waiver system has been delayed, but fraudulent websites are already preying on British travelers. Learn how to avoid these scams and protect your money and personal data when planning trips to Denmark or other Schengen countries.
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Warning: ETIAS Not Yet Launched, Scam Websites Targeting British Travelers
Fraudulent websites are already charging British travelers for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) applications, despite the system not yet being officially launched. Be aware that any current offer to process ETIAS is a scam, risking your money and personal data.
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ETIAS Launch Delayed to Mid-2025; Beware of Scam Websites Selling Fake Authorizations
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), required for visa-exempt entry to the EU, is now expected to launch no earlier than mid-2025. Despite the delay, numerous fraudulent websites are already targeting British travelers, charging money for non-existent ETIAS authorizations and risking person