European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Italy's Golden Visa Remains Stable as EU Competitors Close Doors
Italy's Golden Visa continues to process applications on time, offering a reliable route for investors as Spain nears a ban and global naturalization timelines face potential extensions.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Portugal Tightens Migration Rules While Golden Visa Funds Thrive
Portugal has introduced stricter immigration and deportation measures, but the Golden Visa remains strong. Investors are flocking to investment funds despite ongoing AIMA delays and debates over citizenship timelines.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Portugal Golden Visa Thrives Despite AIMA Delays & Reform Rumors
Portugal's Golden Visa remains a top global choice for investors despite severe AIMA processing delays and unconfirmed rumors of citizenship law changes.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Sweden Debates Citizenship Rules as Finland Faces Migrant Job Shortages
Sweden considers transitional rules for its upcoming citizenship law while tightening internal migration controls. Meanwhile, Finland's tough job market is driving away young migrants amid stricter EU deportation policies.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Netherlands Raises Salary Thresholds & Tightens Tax Rules
The Netherlands is increasing salary thresholds for highly skilled migrants and enforcing strict tax deadlines. Meanwhile, the EU plans to transition temporary protection statuses to standard permits in 2026.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Portugal Golden Visa 2026: Fund Investments Surge Amid AIMA Delays
Investment funds dominate Portugal's 2026 Golden Visa landscape as the Optimize Fund surpasses €350 million. Meanwhile, applicants face ongoing AIMA delays and must proactively secure renewal slots.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Portugal Golden Visa 2026: Low-Density Rules & UK Demand Surge
Portugal's 2026 Golden Visa updates highlight low-density investment rules and a surge in UK applicants. The five-year path to citizenship remains unchanged, keeping the program highly competitive.
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Monthly update on March 2026: France Raises Immigration Fees Amid Growing Visa Backlogs
France has increased its immigration and citizenship fees while facing significant visa processing delays. Applicants must prepare for stricter rules and longer wait times.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Spain Shifts Focus to Digital Nomads as EU Tightens Migration Rules
Spain is prioritizing its Digital Nomad Visa with attractive tax benefits over the traditional Golden Visa. Meanwhile, the EU's new Migration Pact and stricter Schengen rules make residency permits essential for mobility.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Scandinavia Immigration Update: Higher Salary Thresholds & EES Biometrics
Sweden raises salary thresholds for work permits while the Nordic region tightens visa rules and prepares for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Finnish businesses push back, citing labor shortages.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Italy Immigration Update: Visa Delays, TLScontact Glitches, and Golden Visa Rules
Italy maintains its Golden Visa and Elective Residency programs without tightening rules, but applicants face severe consular delays. A recent TLScontact glitch and passport return backlogs are disrupting entry timelines.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Portugal Immigration Update: Golden Visa Stability Amid Stricter Visa Rules in 2026
Portugal's Golden Visa remains a top European option in 2026 despite tightening general immigration policies. While D7 and Nomad visas require tax residency, the €500k fund route offers flexibility without relocation.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Portugal Golden Visa Demand to Surge as Spain Exits Market
Spain's official closure of its Golden Visa program is set to drive investors toward Portugal. Meanwhile, Portugal's AIMA tightens application rules and D7 visa income checks.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Italy Immigration Update: Consular Reforms, Strikes & Visa Routes
Italy faces a 300,000-worker shortage and immigration service delays due to strikes. Meanwhile, consular reforms and stricter compliance rules are reshaping visa processing for investors and expats.
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Monthly update on March 2026: France Immigration Update: Fee Hikes in May & EES Launch in April 2026
France is tightening its immigration system with higher visa and residence permit fees starting May 2026. Meanwhile, the new automated Entry/Exit System (EES) will strictly track Schengen stays by April.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Germany Extends Internal Border Controls & Prepares for EES Biometrics
Germany extends internal Schengen border controls until September 2026 and prepares for the new EES biometric system. Cross-border workers also get new tax rules for remote work.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Scandinavia Immigration: Border Fines, Deportation Rules & EU Talent Pool
Scandinavian countries are tightening border controls and deportation rules while the EU prepares a new Talent Pool for skilled workers. Finland also introduces strict fines for border zone violations.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Portugal Golden Visa: AIMA Fee Hikes & 2026 Election Outlook
AIMA increases regularisation fees amid criticism, while Portugal's Golden Visa remains a top European residency route. Plus, new in-person visa rules for Brazilian applicants take effect in April 2026.