Europe
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Latest Updates
Will Portugal require ETIAS for tourists by Dec. 2026?
The European Union has delayed the implementation of the ETIAS travel authorization system due to technical integration issues. Visa-exempt travelers, including digital nomads and tourists from over 60 countries, do not need to apply or pay fees for entry at this time.
Poland temporary residence waits hit 12 months under stricter June 1 rules
Stricter labor and residency rules in Poland and Hungary have extended processing times for work permits and residency cards to nearly a year. The policy shift reduces permit availability and increases scrutiny for foreign professionals and expats seeking to relocate to these Central European hubs.
Romania mandates online D/AM1 and D/AM2 visa filings as of Aug. 8
Romania has launched the WorkinRomania.gov.ro portal, requiring employers to submit all work permit applications digitally. The new system introduces stricter compliance checks and financial guarantee requirements for highly qualified and general labor visas.
Czech Republic hotel stays rose 6.3% as Prague demand hits 3.8 million nights
The Czech Republic has become the fastest-growing tourist destination in Europe, with hotel occupancy rates now exceeding 60%. Digital nomads and expats should prepare for increased crowding and rising accommodation costs as demand continues to surge.
Germany moves toward AI-assisted visa processing for 28 national categories
The German government has approved a bill to integrate artificial intelligence into the processing of visa and residence permit applications. This move aims to standardize decisions and significantly reduce wait times for foreigners applying to live or work in Germany.
Belgium Visa D fee rises to €250 as Flanders adds €180 charge Sept. 1
Belgium has increased the government handling fee for long-stay Visa D applications from €180 to €250. Additionally, a new €180 regional retribution fee applies to Single Permit work and residence applications in Flanders for non-EU workers and nomads.
Germany maintains spot checks at 9 land borders through Sept. 15
Germany is among eight Schengen countries extending land border controls to monitor entry through mid-September. Travelers and expats moving overland should carry valid passports and expect delays, though the standard 90/180-day stay rules remain in effect.
United Kingdom eVisa replaces physical residence cards for foreign nationals
The United Kingdom has officially phased out physical visa stickers and Biometric Residence Permits in favor of a fully digital immigration system. Expats and travelers must now use the online 'view and prove' service to verify their status for airlines and border officials.
United Kingdom applies stricter visa rules to filings made starting Aug. 3
The UK Home Office has clarified that immigration applications submitted before Aug. 3 will be processed under previous, less restrictive criteria. This provides a critical grace period for digital nomads and expats navigating the recent tightening of work, study, and family visa regulations.
Spain expects 43 million tourists through Sept. as summer spending rises 10%
Spain forecasts record-breaking demand with nearly 64 billion euros in visitor spending through September. Digital nomads and travelers should prepare for extreme crowding and reduced accommodation availability in major hubs like Barcelona, Madrid, and the Balearic Islands.
Portugal D8 visa income floor rose to €3,680 a month Jan. 1
Portugal has increased the minimum monthly income requirement for the D8 digital nomad visa to €3,680. Applicants must also provide a 12-month rental contract registered with the national tax authority to qualify for residency.
Poland travelers avoid ETIAS as EU delays launch beyond 2026 target
The European Union has officially scrubbed the Q4 2026 start date from its official ETIAS website, signaling a further delay for the pre-travel screening system. Travelers from visa-exempt countries will continue to enter the Schengen Area under current rules until a new operational timeline is confirmed.
Sweden revokes non-EU residence permits for unpaid debts under July 13 rules
Foreign workers and expats in Sweden must meet higher 'good conduct' standards to obtain or renew residence permits. Applicants risk refusal or revocation if they have unpaid debts, criminal ties, or involvement in extremist networks.
Denmark expands Skilled Work list to 63 roles as Positive Lists update July 1
Denmark has expanded its Positive Lists for Higher Education and Skilled Work, adding new eligible occupations for residence and work permits. This update provides additional pathways for foreign professionals and expats to secure legal residency through the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration.
Bulgarian draft law ends automatic residence loss for single permit holders
The Bulgarian government has approved amendments to the Foreigners Act to align with EU standards, introducing tighter oversight on permanent residency. Foreign workers must now also notify authorities within three days if their employment contract is terminated.
Croatia gives foreign workers 3 to 6 months to find jobs after June 4 shift
New immigration reforms in Croatia allow residence permit holders to remain for 60 days if they lose their job, up from 30 days. The changes also introduce a mandatory Croatian language test for permit renewals and allow for longer permit durations of up to three years.
New mandatory Czech Republic registration affects EU stays longer than 90 days
The Czech Republic is overhauling its residence laws with the new ICAS digital system, making registration mandatory for EU citizens and tightening quotas for all foreign residents. These reforms will phase in through 2027 and reach full enforcement by Jan. 1, 2029, impacting how nomads and expats maintain legal status.
Germany Opportunity Card allows job seekers to stay for 12 months
The Bundestag has finalized the Skilled Immigration Act, introducing the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) which uses a points system to allow foreigners to enter Germany for job hunting. The reform also streamlines visa processing and lowers salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card, making it easier for international talent to relocate.
Italy restricts citizenship by descent for claims filed after March 28
Italy's Constitutional Court has referred a major case regarding jure sanguinis citizenship to the EU's highest court. The ruling could redefine residency and passport eligibility for thousands of foreign nationals with Italian ancestry seeking to live and work in the EU.
Croatia requires health exams for visa-regime renewals as of April 30
Third-country nationals subject to Croatia's visa regime must now undergo a mandatory medical examination when extending their temporary residence permits. While the employer is responsible for the cost, the rule adds a procedural step for foreign workers and non-citizens maintaining legal residency.