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: France Pushes for EU Business Mobility Amid Schengen Visa Tightening
France is lobbying the EU to simplify business mobility for entrepreneurs while tightening standard Schengen visa rules. Meanwhile, a successful mass renewal of 40,000 resident cards highlights a stable local system.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Germany Updates 2026 Blue Card Thresholds & Visa Platform
Germany updated its EU Blue Card salary thresholds for 2026 and announced a new digital Work-and-Stay visa platform. However, staffing shortages at immigration offices are causing significant processing delays.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Sweden Tightens Citizenship Rules While Finland Gets €28B EU Boost
Scandinavia is tightening immigration rules with new citizenship tests in Finland and stricter requirements in Sweden. Meanwhile, Eastern Finland is set to receive a massive €28 billion EU investment.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Italy Tests Digital Schengen Visas Amid Stricter Border Checks
Italy is rolling out a paperless Schengen visa system to streamline entry, even as European consulates tighten application reviews. Meanwhile, local work permit quotas face processing delays.
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Monthly update on March 2026: Netherlands Immigration Update: Naturalization, EES, & UAE Visas
The IND clarifies Dutch naturalization rules while Schengen visa approvals tighten for UAE residents. Meanwhile, experts debunk rumors of automatic three-year bans under the new EES system.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Portugal Launches Online Golden Visa Renewal Portal as Demand Surges
AIMA has officially launched a new online portal to streamline Portugal Golden Visa renewals. Meanwhile, the program retains its top EU ranking amid surging interest from US and Indian investors.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Portugal Golden Visa 2026: Fund Costs Rise as AIMA Faces New Application Surges
Portugal remains a top choice for investors seeking EU citizenship in 2026 despite rising fund costs. Meanwhile, new EU Schengen visa rules offer alternatives for those only seeking travel freedom.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Italy Centralizes Overseas Citizenship & Launches Digital Visas
Italy is modernizing its immigration system by centralizing overseas citizenship applications and rolling out digital Schengen visas. Meanwhile, its digital nomad visa remains highly accessible.
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Monthly update on February 2026: France Immigration Update: Fee Hikes, Biometrics, and Prefecture Delays
France is raising residence permit and citizenship fees starting May 1. Applicants also face mandatory global biometrics and severe processing delays of up to nine months in certain prefectures.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Finland Extends PR to 6 Years as Sweden Tightens Migration Laws
Finland has officially extended its permanent residency requirement to six years, adding strict language and employment conditions. Meanwhile, Sweden prepares a major overhaul of its migration policies and social benefits.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Spain Immigration Update: TIE Delays, DNV Rules & EU Visa Strategy
Spanish immigration offices face severe delays in issuing TIE cards due to staff shortages. Meanwhile, the EU introduces a new visa strategy, and Spain's Digital Nomad Visa requirements see updates for 2026.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Germany Launches Digital Visas as Work Permits Double
Germany has introduced a fully digital visa portal for skilled workers as employment residence permits double over five years. Meanwhile, Berlin hits a naturalization record despite a 5% rejection rate.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Portugal Golden Visa: AIMA Resumes Renewals & Bond Funds Lead in 2026
AIMA has officially resumed processing Portugal Golden Visa renewals. Meanwhile, conservative bond funds remain the top choice for investors navigating the country's updated immigration framework.
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Monthly update on February 2026: EU Border Digitization and Portugal Real Estate Trends for Expats
Europe is digitizing its borders, meaning automated tracking of Schengen days. Meanwhile, Portugal's real estate market is shifting focus toward energy efficiency and tech.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Spain's Mass Legalization Plan and New EU Digital Borders: Impact on Investors
Spain's plan to legalize up to one million migrants is raising Schengen concerns and threatening bureaucratic delays. Meanwhile, the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will strictly track border crossings this summer.
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Monthly update on February 2026: French Residence Permit Delays: Strikes & Closures
Medical worker strikes and prefecture closures in Marseille are causing significant delays for French residence permits. Meanwhile, France aims to attract 30,000 Indian students, increasing competition for housing.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Germany Extends Internal Schengen Border Controls Until 2026
Germany extends internal Schengen border checks until September 2026, impacting commuters. Meanwhile, the EU introduces digital visas and fast-track options for in-demand professionals.
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Monthly update on February 2026: Portugal Golden Visa: Post-Election Updates, AIMA Delays & US Demand
Following recent elections, Portugal's Nationality Law faces new discussions while AIMA delays frustrate Golden Visa applicants. Meanwhile, US investor demand surges and the real estate market shows strong growth.