European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Austrian Digital ID App Expands Document Storage, But Physical Documents Still Required Abroad
Austria's digital ID application now allows users to store various documents beyond just driving licenses. While convenient for daily use within Austria, these digital versions lack international recognition and are not valid for travel or official purposes outside the country. Physical documents remain mandatory for i
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Moving to Austria: Initial Costs Vary by City, Job, and Residence Permit Type
The Local Austria highlights that initial relocation costs often exceed one month's rent. Expenses like housing deposits, agency fees, utilities, and proof of funds for visas depend on your chosen region, job contract status, and family size.
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Danish Liberal Party (Venstre) Accidentally Reveals Discussions on Stricter Citizenship Rules
Denmark's Liberal Party, Venstre, inadvertently disclosed internal talks about potentially tightening criteria for Danish naturalization. While no concrete proposals have been made, the discussions signal a potential shift towards more stringent requirements for obtaining citizenship.
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Sweden to Toughen Deportation Rules for Foreigners Convicted of Crimes from September 2026
New regulations taking effect on September 1, 2026, will introduce stricter criteria for the deportation of non-Swedish citizens convicted of criminal offenses. The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) will apply tougher standards, making it more difficult to appeal deportation decisions.
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Cyprus Building Permit Delays Drive Up Housing Costs by Tens of Thousands of Euros
Delays in planning and building permit issuance are exacerbating Cyprus's housing crisis, leading to significant price increases. In Q1 2026, housing prices rose 3.4% year-on-year, with the index now 50% higher than in 2015, impacting both purchase and rental markets.
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Six Arrested in Cyprus for Residing Without Valid Documents
Cyprus police operations led to the arrest of six individuals found residing without valid permits. The overnight checks included 446 drivers, 131 passengers, and 38 premises, highlighting strict enforcement of immigration laws.
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Vienna Rent Increases 2026: New Rules & How to Verify Legality
Starting 2026, Austria introduces stricter rules for indexed rent increases, particularly in Vienna. While restrictions are tighter, the legality of any increase still hinges on your specific rental contract and property type. Always verify your agreement before paying more.
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Danish Citizenship: New Law Vote Not Expected Before October 2027
A Danish Social Democrat MP indicates that a parliamentary vote on the new citizenship bill is unlikely before October 2027. Approximately 14,000 applicants are currently awaiting a decision, with new rules expected to be stricter once passed.
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Danish Liberal Party's Draft Document Reveals Stricter Citizenship Proposals
Denmark's Liberal Party (Venstre) inadvertently shared a draft document with journalists, revealing two stricter citizenship proposals beyond their public announcement. Officially, they proposed a five-year conditional citizenship status, but the draft included even more stringent options for consideration.
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Monthly update on July 2026: Sweden overhauls citizenship rules, Norway publishes new processing times, Denmark and Finland update
July 2026 brought the most significant Nordic immigration changes in years: Sweden simultaneously opened a citizenship route for temporary-permit holders and tightened income and conduct requirements, while Norway updated waiting times across residence, expulsion, and entry-ban
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Cyprus Police Detain 14 in Overnight Operations, Including for Illegal Stay
On August 24, 2026, Cyprus Police conducted island-wide overnight operations, resulting in 14 arrests. Detainees included individuals for illegal stay, drug possession, and traffic offenses. During the operations, 997 people were checked, 746 vehicles stopped, and 51 premises inspected.
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Sweden's Green Party Seeks to Reinstate Humanitarian Clause to Protect Elderly British Citizens from Deportation
Sweden's Green Party, led by Annika Hirvonen, is advocating for the reinstatement of a humanitarian clause, abolished in 2023. This clause would allow the Migration Agency to consider individual circumstances, potentially preventing the deportation of elderly British citizens and other long-term third-country residents
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American Faces Demolition Threat for €5,000 Croatian Home Due to Unregulated Status
An American musician who bought a house in Croatia's Zagorje region for €5,000 is now facing demolition due to its unregulated legal status. This case highlights the critical need for thorough legal due diligence when purchasing property in Croatia, especially for foreign buyers.
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Denmark: Social Democrats Open to 5-Year Provisional Citizenship
Denmark's largest government party, the Social Democrats, is considering a Liberal Party proposal for a 5-year provisional citizenship period. If adopted, new citizens could have their status revoked within the first five years for serious violations.
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Denmark Considers 5-Year Provisional Citizenship; Social Democrats Open to Liberal Party Proposal
Denmark's Liberal party has again proposed a five-year provisional citizenship period. With the Social Democrats, the largest government party, indicating openness to the idea, the proposal's chances of becoming law are increasing. This could impact future Danish citizenship applicants.
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Sweden Expels Long-Term British Residents Who Did Not Secure Post-Brexit Status
Sweden's Migration Agency is expelling British citizens who have lived in the country for decades but failed to secure a new residence permit or citizenship after Brexit. Their previous EU status no longer applies, and they are now subject to third-country national rules.
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Croatian Landlords Object to New Hospitality Act with EU Commission
On August 21, 2026, the Croatian association SMOi (Spasimo male obiteljske iznajmljivače) filed an official objection with the European Commission via the TRIS system against the draft Hospitality Act. Landlords argue certain provisions conflict with EU law, potentially impacting rental conditions for applicants.
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Danish Citizenship Applications Face Delays Amidst Government Rift
Thousands of Danish citizenship applications are stalled due to political disagreements between Denmark's ruling parties. Applicants face months of uncertainty, impacting employment, education, and future plans, with processing times remaining unclear.