European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Germany Visa Updates: Higher Financial Bars & Naturalisation Delays
Germany increases financial requirements for student visas and ends appeals, while applicants facing naturalisation delays explore legal action. Border checks within Schengen also continue.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Spain Delays Migrant Regularisation as EU Prepares 2026 Digital Nomad Visa Overhaul
Spain's Supreme Court has postponed hearings on mass migrant regularisation, leaving applicants in limbo. Meanwhile, Spain and other Schengen nations are preparing a major overhaul of Digital Nomad Visas for 2026.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: France Immigration Update: ANEF Portal Fix, Blue Card Tweaks & 2026 Language Rules
France is overhauling its immigration landscape with a mandated fix for the ANEF portal, updated EU Blue Card rules, and a stronger focus on language proficiency for 2026 residency renewals.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Italy Visa Scrutiny Increases as EU Tightens Citizenship Rules in 2026
Italy faces stricter Schengen visa processing amid intermediary scandals, while a planned 2026 overhaul of Digital Nomad rules could reshape residency paths for remote workers.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Portugal's New Nationality Law Extends Citizenship Timeline to 7 Years
Portugal's President has signed a new Nationality Law extending the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 7 years. The change has prompted lawsuits from Golden Visa investors and a strategic shift toward PR.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Sweden Extends Citizenship Wait to 8 Years as Finland Tightens Residency Rules
Sweden has officially passed a law extending the naturalisation wait time to eight years. Meanwhile, Finland is introducing strict income thresholds and language requirements for family reunification and student visas.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Netherlands Pushes to Criminalize Overstays Amid Stricter EU Residency Rules
The Dutch cabinet is advancing a law to criminalize undocumented stays. Meanwhile, stricter proof of funds and new ETIAS rules are reshaping the landscape for expats and investors in the Netherlands.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Italy Eases EES Border Checks as Citizenship by Descent Remains a Top EU Path
Italy successfully lobbied the EU to relax biometric border checks during peak times to ease airport delays. Meanwhile, Italian citizenship by descent remains a stable route as other EU nations double their timelines.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Portugal Doubles Citizenship Timeline: What the 2026 Nationality Law Means for Investors
Portugal's President has signed a new Nationality Law doubling the naturalisation timeline to 10 years. Set to take effect in April 2026, the changes leave pending Golden Visa applicants hoping for exemptions.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Sweden Extends Citizenship to 8 Years While Finland Tightens Income Rules
Sweden is extending its citizenship residency requirement to eight years and applying new rules retroactively. Meanwhile, Finland is raising income thresholds for family reunification and tying benefits to integration.
Published
Monthly update on May 2026: Germany’s 2026 Skilled Worker Overhaul & Schengen Border Rulings
Germany announces a three-pillar immigration overhaul for 2026 to attract skilled talent. Meanwhile, a recent court ruling on Schengen borders restores seamless travel for residents and investors.
Published
Monthly update on April 2026: Spain Updates 2026 Digital Nomad Visa Rules Amid Processing Delays
Spain has released updated 2026 guidelines for its Digital Nomad Visa, clarifying income and tax rules. Meanwhile, a new migrant legalization program is causing significant bureaucratic delays across municipalities.
Published
Monthly update on April 2026: France Immigration Updates: Fee Hikes & Stricter Court Reviews
France is raising state fees for residence permits and citizenship starting May 2026. Meanwhile, new legislation may allow judges to review classified files in immigration disputes.
Published
Monthly update on April 2026: Netherlands Immigration Update: EES Border Checks, Rent Increases & Tax Optimization
The Netherlands prepares for the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and centralized ID issuance. Meanwhile, expats face rising rent costs but can leverage fiscal partnerships for tax optimization.
Published
Monthly update on April 2026: Spain's Mass Legalization Triggers Strikes and Visa Delays
Spain's new mass legalization program has overwhelmed immigration systems, leading to staff strikes and political clashes. Expats and investors should expect significant processing delays for all visa types.
Published
Monthly update on April 2026: France Immigration Update: Massive Fines for Illegal Hiring & Faster Residence Permits
France is cracking down on illegal hiring with fines up to €62,250 per employee while hiring 500 new prefecture staff to speed up residence permit processing.
Published
Monthly update on April 2026: Italy Golden Visa Updates and Stricter Nomad Rules in April 2026
April 2026 brings new updates to the Italy Golden Visa program amid a global trend of tightening immigration rules. Digital nomads and investors face stricter requirements for long-term stays.
Published
Monthly update on April 2026: Portugal Nationality Law Awaits President's Approval Amid Golden Visa Audit Calls
Portugal's nationality law amendments await presidential approval, potentially changing the five-year naturalization countdown. Meanwhile, AIMA claims processing improvements despite ongoing biometric slot shortages.