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Latest Updates
Montenegro aligns with EU standards by requiring visas for 5 nations from Nov. 1
Starting Nov. 1, Montenegro will require visas for travelers from Russia, Belarus, Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia to align its border policy with EU standards.
Sweden will reject non-biometric Russian passports starting Oct. 1
Sweden will reject non-biometric Russian passports starting Oct. 1 for all visas and permits. Travelers with existing visas have a transition window until Dec. 31.
Spain adds English interface to Plataforma ONE for remote workers
Spain added an English interface to Plataforma ONE so digital nomads can submit and track residence permit applications online without needing Spanish fluency.
Non-EU digital nomads face 15% property tax hike in Greece starting July 1
Greece is raising the residential property transfer tax from 3% to 15.45% for non-EU digital nomads and foreign residents without long-term status starting July 1.
Ireland ferry lines require passports for all travelers starting Sept. 28
Ferry operators Irish Ferries and Stena Line will mandate valid passports for all passengers traveling between Great Britain and Ireland starting Sept. 28. Alternative identification such as student cards, work IDs, and bus passes will no longer be accepted for boarding.
Czech Republic construction adds 60 minutes to Prague Airport border lines
Prague Airport began modernizing its Terminal 1 border control area to add five passport desks and four automated e-gates through April 2027. Non-Schengen arrivals may experience longer queue times and rerouted corridors during multi-stage construction.
Cyprus requires biometric passports for Lebanese visa filings since Sept. 1
The Embassy of Cyprus in Beirut now requires Lebanese citizens to submit biometric passports for all new visa applications. Travelers with valid long-term Cyprus visas in canceled non-biometric passports can still enter by presenting both their old passport and their new biometric booklet.
New health check rules for Cyprus Immigration Permit Categories A to F take effect
Cyprus now requires third-country nationals applying for Categories A through F permanent residency to submit certified medical examination results. Applicants and their dependants must provide clean test results for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and a tuberculosis chest X-ray.
The country of Georgia ends immediate permanent residence for spouses in Sept. 1 rule shift
Starting Sept. 1, Georgia enforces stricter documentation rules for foreign nationals applying for residence permits. Applicants must now provide official proof of legal stay, and certain categories require verified evidence of in-country legal income sources.
150,000 euro state fund route replaces Latvia property investment on Sept. 15
Latvia will end residence permits tied to real estate purchases and subordinated bank deposits on Sept. 14 under its new Immigration Law. Investors can still use the company share capital route, and the law adds a 150,000 euro state fund option that opens once the fund is set up.
Portugal resumes 100% EES biometric scans for non-EU arrivals Sept. 6
Portugal will begin collecting biometric data from 100% of non-EU citizens subject to EU Entry/Exit System checks starting Sept. 6. Non-EU digital nomads and visitors entering the country should anticipate longer border processing times during arrival.
United Kingdom expands visitor training and workshop rules starting Oct. 8
The UK Home Office published Statement of Changes HC 584, revising entry requirements for visitors, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) applicants, and EU Settlement Scheme holders. The updates take effect Oct. 8, introducing new application effective-date rules and compliance standards for foreign arrivals. International travelers and nomads planning UK stays must account for the updated procedural requirements before entry.
Netherlands EES queues reach 2 hours as biometric checks delay Schiphol arrivals
Non-EU passport holders arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol face 1- to 2-hour queues at border control following the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System. Digital nomads and third-country travelers entering the Netherlands should budget extra arrival time for biometric registration and passport processing. Passengers with tight international connections through the Schengen hub should adjust travel schedules accordingly.
Ireland logs 8 week wait for Employment Long Stay D visas as of Aug. 20
Ireland's Immigration Service Delivery is now issuing decisions on employment and study visa applications received in June. Foreign workers and students can use these timelines to plan arrival dates and travel schedules.
Portugal banks require D8 visa proof for non-resident accounts
Portuguese financial institutions are increasing compliance checks on non-resident accounts, requesting detailed verification of nationality, employment, and income sources. Some banks now require proof of a scheduled VFS visa appointment to open an account, complicating early relocation steps for expats and nomads.
Portugal ends in-country study residency pathways for foreign nationals
Portugal approved amendments to its Foreigners Law limiting the ability of foreign nationals to regularize status from inside the country via vocational study enrollment. The measure blocks visitors from transitioning to resident status through short-term study routes without obtaining consular visas beforehand.
Malta tripled the eco-contribution to 1.50 euros per night starting July 1
Malta is increasing its environmental contribution for international visitors aged 18 and older to €1.50 per night, capped at €22.50 per stay, starting July 1. The fee applies to hotels and short-term rentals across the country. Remote workers and travelers booking accommodation will see these costs added directly to their stay.
Hungary requires 250,000 euro minimum for the Guest Investor Program
Hungary has fully operationalized its Guest Investor Visa and residency program via the digital Enter Hungary platform. The route allows high-net-worth foreign nationals to secure long-term EU residency through qualifying investments after an initial consular application.
New requirements for Poland work authorization took effect Aug. 22
Starting Aug. 22, citizens of Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela staying in Poland under visa-free travel can no longer work solely on that basis. Affected foreign workers, contractors and expats must secure formal work visas to remain legally employed in the country. The rule change also applies to many individuals currently residing in Poland under visa-free status.
Italy's remote worker visa starts at a 24,790 euro income floor
Updated consular checklists outline standardized documentation, income minimums, and health insurance standards for Italy's digital nomad visa. The clarified guidance aims to streamline processing for non-EU remote workers and freelancers applying through Italian consulates.