European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Finland Proposes Citizenship Test & Sweden Tightens Residence Rules
Scandinavian countries are tightening immigration policies. Finland plans a mandatory citizenship test, while Sweden introduces strict "honest lifestyle" requirements for residence permits.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Netherlands Updates MVV Visa Process & Integration Tests
The Netherlands is updating its provisional residence permit (MVV) application process and introducing stricter integration tests for citizenship. Expats should also prepare for 2026 tax filings amid changing benefits.
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Monthly update on April 2026: German Court Protects Schengen Borders & Online Permit Renewals
A German court has ruled prolonged border checks illegal, protecting Schengen travel. Meanwhile, mandatory online work permit renewals require strict HR compliance to avoid delays.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Spain's 500K Migrant Amnesty & Extranjería Strike to Delay Visas
Spain is launching a historic legalization program for 500,000 undocumented migrants in April 2026. Combined with an indefinite strike by immigration officials, investors face severe processing delays.
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Monthly update on April 2026: France Promises Faster Residence Permits Amid ANEF System Glitches
France aims to speed up residence permit processing, but applicants face severe delays due to ANEF portal glitches. Meanwhile, new guidelines clarify how graduates can transition to business creation visas.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Italy Prepares for 500K Workers Amid Residence Permit Delays
Italy is opening quotas for 500,000 foreign workers while attracting US retirees. However, applicants face severe residence permit delays, making early renewals essential.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Portugal Citizenship Delays Hit 40 Months Amid Strict New Laws
Portugal's parliament has passed a strict new citizenship law, while AIMA processing times now exceed 40 months. However, Golden Visa investors gain financial flexibility with new bank guarantee rules.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Finland Bans Non-Biometric Passports as Schengen Prepares for EES
Starting June 1, 2026, Finland will ban non-biometric Russian passports. Meanwhile, Finnish unions push for better expat protections, and the Schengen area prepares for the digital EES border system.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Germany Hints at Remote Work Visa Amid Border and IT Delays
Germany's updated visa guidelines suggest a new remote work permit is coming. Meanwhile, travelers face extended land border controls and airport delays due to federal police IT outages.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Spain Ends Real Estate Golden Visa While Legalizing 500K Migrants
Spain has officially closed its real estate Golden Visa program while launching an amnesty for undocumented workers. Investors must now pivot to startup or digital nomad visas, or look to alternatives like Hungary.
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Monthly update on April 2026: France Hires 500 Prefecture Staff to Clear Residence Card Backlogs
France is tackling severe residence card delays by hiring 500 new prefecture staff. Meanwhile, the EU's biometric border system (EES) faces another delay due to French infrastructure readiness.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Italy Immigration Update: EES Border Checks and Golden Visa Surge
Italy is rolling out strict biometric border checks under the new Schengen EES system while seeing a surge in Golden Visa applications from American retirees. Passive income visa rules are also under the spotlight.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Portugal Passes New Citizenship Law: CPLP Timeline Extended to 7 Years
Portugal's parliament has approved a new Citizenship Law, extending the timeline for CPLP applicants to seven years and removing transitional periods. The Golden Visa path remains, but details are pending.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Nordic Immigration: Finland Cuts Benefits & Denmark's Strict Model Gains Traction
Finland restricts social benefits for expired residence permits as its immigration boom slows. Meanwhile, Denmark's strict integration policies are becoming a model for Europe amid global citizenship delays.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Netherlands Updates Salary Thresholds Amid Stricter EU Immigration
The Netherlands has announced new minimum salary thresholds for skilled migrants and investors. Meanwhile, broader EU immigration policies are tightening, requiring strict compliance for residency renewals.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Germany Prepares for EU Biometric Borders and 2026 Tax Changes
Germany is aligning with stricter EU migration rules and preparing for the new Entry/Exit System (EES). Expats should also brace for increased aviation taxes and complex 2026 tax updates.
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Monthly update on April 2026: Spain to End Golden Visa Amid 500K Migrant Legalization
Spain is preparing to close its Golden Visa program while simultaneously launching a massive legalization plan for 500,000 undocumented migrants, causing severe processing delays.
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Monthly update on April 2026: France Pauses Asylum, Fast-Tracks EU Migration Pact & Talent Visas
France is urgently overhauling its immigration system to meet a June EU deadline. While asylum processing is paused, the country is prioritizing skilled professionals, students, and investors.