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Latest Updates
US maintains Level 1 travel advisory for Croatia nomads and tourists
The U.S. Department of State has confirmed Croatia remains at the lowest advisory level, requiring only normal precautions. This status reassures digital nomads and expats that there are no elevated security risks or nationwide travel restrictions currently in effect.
Croatia extends stay and work permits to 3 years for non EU expats
The Croatian parliament approved updates to the Foreigners Act, extending residence and work permit validity from one to three years. The law also introduces a Croatian language requirement for permit extensions and allows workers to switch employers more easily without a new permit.
Netherlands allows family of highly skilled migrants to stay abroad 8 months
Accompanying family members of highly skilled migrants can now remain outside the Netherlands for up to 8 months if the main permit holder is abroad for work. Additionally, the MVV entry visa process has been simplified for new residence permit applicants.
The small print in Germany's Sept. 15 border check extension
Germany will maintain internal border controls for the foreseeable future despite a drop in asylum claims. Travelers and expats should expect longer secondary inspections and may be required to show proof of health insurance or accommodation upon entry.
France orders ANEF to fix residence portal within 6 months
France’s top administrative court has mandated the government to resolve technical failures on the ANEF digital platform. The ruling aims to end persistent outages that have blocked expats from submitting residence permit applications and work authorizations.
Expect delays in the Netherlands until Sept. 30 under new border rules
The Dutch government has extended temporary internal border controls at all Schengen land and sea crossings to enhance security. Travelers entering the Netherlands from neighboring EU countries should carry valid passports and residence permits to avoid delays or entry denials.
Spain requires non-EU tourists to show 122.10 euros per day at the border
UK visitors to Spain must now provide proof of sufficient funds, onward travel, and accommodation at the border. Travelers are required to show at least 113.40 euros per person for each day of their stay to satisfy entry requirements.
Spain accepts regularisation applications for 500,000 people until June 30
The court postponed a decision on whether to suspend the 2026 extraordinary regularisation plan for undocumented foreigners. This delay creates continued uncertainty for those seeking legal residence through this specific route to stay in Spain.
Portugal doubles residency requirement to 10 years for citizenship
Portugal has increased the residency requirement for naturalization from 5 to 10 years for most non-EU citizens. The countdown to citizenship now begins only after a residence permit is issued rather than from the initial application date.
Italy expands 7% tax break to 74 more towns for foreign retirees
A new law effective April 7 raises the population limit for Italy's retiree tax incentive from 20,000 to 30,000 residents. This expansion adds 74 eligible municipalities in Southern Italy where expats can access a 10-year flat 7% tax rate on all foreign-source income.
Italy suspends EES biometric checks for 45 minute airport queues until Sept. 30
Italy has drafted an emergency decree allowing border police to revert to manual passport stamping during peak travel periods through Sept. 30. This measure aims to prevent gridlock at major airports as the EU transitions to the new Entry/Exit System.
France orders 500 staff to cut Carte de Séjour delays by Nov. 5
The Conseil d'État has ordered the French government to resolve abnormal processing delays for residence permits within six months. This ruling aims to end the legal limbo for expats and digital nomads currently waiting on renewals or initial Carte de Séjour applications.
Valencia caps tourist rentals at 2% per district to limit Spain holiday lets
Valencia City Council has approved a new regulation limiting short-term tourist accommodations to a maximum of 2% of total housing in each district. This measure significantly reduces the availability of legal apartment rentals for digital nomads and short-term visitors in popular areas.
Spain air traffic strikes disrupt 20,000 flights through May 31
An indefinite strike by air-traffic controllers at Saerco-managed towers began April 17, causing flight delays across Spain. Travelers and digital nomads should expect cascading disruptions at Seville and eight other regional airports despite mandated minimum service levels.
6 ways Spain baggage maintenance strikes impact Madrid travel through May 31
Maintenance staff at Madrid-Barajas Airport are conducting rolling two-hour strikes every Thursday and Sunday through May. Travelers should expect baggage handling delays and operational disruptions during the 05:00-07:00 and 13:00-15:00 time slots.
Spain grants 1-year permits to undocumented foreigners under Royal Decree 316/2026
Royal Decree-Law 316/2026 allows foreign nationals to regularize their status if they can prove five months of residency before Jan. 1. Eligible expats and irregular migrants have until June 30 to apply for the renewable one-year residence and work permits.
Croatia urges 10% to 20% price drops for summer travelers
Croatian tourism officials are calling for a 20% price reduction for the upcoming summer season to combat rising travel costs and economic uncertainty. This shift could significantly lower cost-of-living pressures for digital nomads and expats regarding short-term accommodation and local services.
New health and housing standards impact 105,000 foreign workers in Croatia
Effective April 2026, Croatia will implement mandatory health screenings and stricter accommodation standards for foreign work permit holders. These changes increase compliance requirements for expats and may complicate the transition for those moving from nomad status to local employment.
Croatia Airlines cuts 900 flights and drops 6 routes this summer
Croatia Airlines is cutting approximately 900 flights starting May 6 due to rising fuel costs, significantly reducing connectivity to Split and Dubrovnik. Digital nomads and travelers should expect higher ticket prices and limited availability for regional routes during the high season.
Spain reservoirs hit 82.5% to secure water supply for nomads despite record heat
Record-breaking April temperatures nearing 33°C in Seville have triggered widespread drought conditions across Spain. Digital nomads and expats should prepare for potential water restrictions and increased utility costs as the country faces heightened heatwave risks before summer begins.