European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Housing Crisis Dominates Spain's Snap Election
Spain's housing crisis has triggered snap general elections, making it the central campaign issue. Political parties will debate rent regulation, affordable housing, and tax incentives, potentially impacting rental conditions and property prices for residents and those planning to relocate.
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87% of Spaniards Concerned About Housing: Market Tensions and Policy Changes Expected
A recent report by The Local indicates that 87% of Spanish residents are concerned about housing prices and availability. This widespread concern suggests upcoming changes in housing policy and continued competition for rental properties, particularly impacting those relocating to Spain.
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IamExpat Fair in The Hague on November 7th: Your Hub for Housing, Careers, and Education
The 24th IamExpat Fair will take place at Grote Kerk in The Hague on November 7th. Exhibitors and three international centers from South Holland will offer consultations on housing, careers, education, and leisure. Free online tickets are available, otherwise tickets cost €6-€10.
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Portugal's AIMA Processes 6,000 Golden Visa Applications, Schedules 30,000 Biometric Appointments
Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) has processed 6,000 of 46,000 pending Golden Visa applications, with 30,000 biometric appointments scheduled. This represents 13% of the backlog. While average wait times reached 50 months, new applications are estimated at 14–18 months.
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Monthly update on September 2026: France residence permits, benefit restrictions, and EU qualification rules
September 2026 was defined by a deepening administrative crisis in French residence permit renewals, a stalled Senate bill on automatic renewals, and a wave of political proposals — including PM Lecornu's 2027 budget plan to restrict social benefits for foreign residents — that
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What Croatians Consider a 'Dignified' Salary: €2,000 Benchmark for Comfortable Living
A recent survey reveals that 75% of Croatians consider a salary of €2,000 or more to be 'dignified.' This amount allows for comfortable living, covering essentials, and also provides for savings, leisure activities, and unexpected expenses without financial stress.
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AmCham Cyprus Advocates for US Visa Waiver, Direct Flights, and Tax Treaty Modernization for Cypriots
The American Chamber of Commerce in Cyprus (AmCham Cyprus) has proposed five measures to strengthen ties with the US, including a visa waiver for Cypriot citizens, modernization of the tax treaty, and direct flights. These initiatives aim to boost economic relations and simplify travel for residents and businesses.
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Ukrainian Refugees Boost Poland's GDP by 2.4% (PLN 94 Billion) in 2025, Study Finds
A study by UNHCR and Deloitte reveals that Ukrainian refugees are projected to boost Poland's GDP by 2.4% in 2025, equivalent to PLN 94 billion (€21.5 billion). The report also indicates no negative impact on the local labor market, with no reduction in employment or wage pressure for Polish citizens.
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Norway's Public Sector to Actively Recruit Individuals with Immigrant Backgrounds
Norway's public institutions have been directed to increase the proportion of employees with immigrant backgrounds. While no specific quotas are set, the focus is on actively seeking candidates from this demographic, potentially opening new opportunities for qualified applicants.
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Denmark Lifts Citizenship Moratorium; New Criteria Negotiations Begin
Denmark has lifted its moratorium on citizenship applications, paving the way for negotiations on new integration criteria. The Social Liberal Party advocates for a 'tough but smart' screening system, emphasizing strict yet logical requirements for applicants.
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Denmark's Government Presents Legislative Program for Foreigners: Parliament to Debate from October 2026
Denmark's government has published its legislative program, 'A Safer, Greener and Fairer Denmark,' which includes draft laws on immigration, residency conditions, and work for foreigners. These proposals will be debated in parliament starting October 2026.
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Sweden Tightens Income Requirements for Family Reunification as of October 1, 2026
As of October 1, 2026, Sweden has increased the income requirements for family reunification visas. This new law aims to ensure financial independence for families and reduce the burden on social services, but has raised concerns from SULF regarding its impact on researchers and early-career professionals.
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Le Pen Proposes €1,000 Annual Tax on French Companies for Non-EU Foreign Workers
Marine Le Pen has included a proposal for an annual €1,000 tax per non-EU employee in her budget submission. This measure, currently under discussion, could impact all companies in France employing foreign workers, potentially increasing employer costs and signaling future changes to hiring rules.
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Spain Reintroduces Housing Bills with New Restrictions on Vulture Funds and Buyer Financing
Following the dissolution of parliament, the Spanish government has reintroduced two housing bills. These new versions include additional restrictions on 'vulture funds' and expanded financing options for buyers, aiming to stabilize the real estate market and improve housing affordability.
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César Teixeira Appointed New President of Portugal's AIMA
César Teixeira has been appointed the new President of Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), effective October 7, 2026. He replaces Pedro Portugal Gaspar, leading the agency responsible for visas, residency permits, citizenship, and integration processes.
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Estonia Proposes Stricter Penalties for Migrant Smuggling
Estonia's Minister of Justice, Liisa Pakosta, has proposed stricter penalties for migrant smuggling, aiming to increase fines and prison sentences. This initiative, submitted to the Riigikogu and government, targets individuals involved in illegally transporting foreign nationals across the border to combat irregular m
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Vienna's MA 35 Dismisses Employee Amid Residence Permit Corruption Probe
Vienna's MA 35 (Immigration and Citizenship Department) has dismissed an employee following a prosecutor's investigation into alleged corruption related to residence permit issuance. While specific charges remain undisclosed, the dismissal signals increased scrutiny for applicants.
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11 Austrian Citizenship Cases Under Investigation in Upper Austria
Eleven applications for Austrian citizenship in Upper Austria are currently under investigation. The scrutiny stems from suspicions of irregularities involving a former provincial administration employee during the processing of these documents.