Europe
Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, and more
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Latest Updates
Poland Transitions to Mandatory Digital Residence Permits
Poland is transitioning to a mandatory digital portal for all residence permit applications, with a deadline of late April 2026. After this date, paper or mailed applications will be legally invalid, creating a critical deadline for expats whose current permits expire in early 2026.
Understanding Spain’s Income Requirements for Digital Nomads
Spain has raised the minimum monthly income threshold for digital nomad visa applicants to €2,849 for individuals and €3,918 for those with one dependent. The update also introduces stricter scrutiny for business owners and tighter deadlines for social security registration after approval.
Poland Updates Residence Rules for Ukrainian Refugees
Effective March 4, 2026, Poland is transitioning Ukrainian refugees from special status to standard foreigner protection laws. Key changes include a 30-day PESEL-UKR registration window for new arrivals and stricter requirements for travel documents and collective housing eligibility.
Poland Updates Work Permit Rules to Cut Red Tape
Effective March 23, 2026, Polish employers will no longer need to prove a lack of local candidates before hiring foreign nationals for most roles. This change significantly reduces processing times and administrative hurdles for expats seeking employment in Poland.
Poland Extends Internal Border Checks with Germany and Lithuania
Poland has extended temporary internal border checks with Germany and Lithuania to manage migration and security. Travelers and expats should expect potential delays and must carry valid passports or residence permits when crossing these land borders.
Portugal Updates Immigration Enforcement and Detention Rules
The Portuguese government has approved a new Law on the Return of Foreigners, significantly increasing detention periods for those facing expulsion and removing mandatory voluntary departure notices. These measures also include entry bans of up to five years for individuals coercively removed from the country.
Inside the Netherlands's 30% Tax Ruling for Expats
The Dutch government will keep the expat tax discount at 30% for 2026, with new minimum salary requirements of €48,013 for general applicants. Starting in 2027, the benefit will decrease to 27% and feature higher income thresholds for eligibility.
Germany Streamlines Skilled Visas While Increasing Compliance
Starting in 2026, Germany will implement faster processing for skilled work visas and simplified Blue Card qualifications. However, expats should note that employment termination will trigger immediate notification to authorities, directly impacting residency status.
Understanding Netherlands's Updated Highly Skilled Migrant Requirements
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has confirmed the latest salary thresholds and sponsor requirements for the highly skilled migrant permit. Expats must ensure their employers are recognized sponsors and meet the updated 2026 income criteria to maintain or obtain residency.
Understanding Portugal's Tightened Residency and Naturalization Rules
Portugal is set to increase the residency requirement for citizenship to 10 years for most foreigners and restrict job-seeker visas to highly qualified professionals. Additional changes include a two-year residency mandate for family reunification and stricter security checks for CPLP nationals.
Czech Republic Tightens Path to Residence for Ukrainians
The Czech Ministry of the Interior is introducing stricter requirements for Ukrainians under temporary protection seeking long-term or permanent residence. Starting mid-2027, applicants must demonstrate A2 Czech proficiency, two years of legal stay, and stable employment earning at least 1.2 times the average wage.
Italy Updates Citizenship Declaration Deadlines
The Italian government has extended the deadline for eligible minors of Italian descent to file 'benefit-of-law' citizenship declarations until May 31, 2029. This extension provides more time for expat families with Italian heritage to secure EU passports and eases the administrative burden on consulates.
Understanding the EU Migration Pact in Czech Republic
The Czech Republic must adopt new EU migration rules, including mandatory three-day pre-entry screenings at borders and faster Dublin transfers. These changes may impact visa processing timelines for family members of third-country nationals entering via other EU member states.
Spain Updates Healthcare Access for Undocumented Residents
A new royal decree guarantees free public healthcare for undocumented migrants who can prove six months of residency in Spain. This policy shift reinforces Spain's commitment to universal health coverage and may impact those currently in the process of regularizing their residency status.
Inside Hungary's Updated EU Blue Card and Work Requirements
Recent legislative changes in Hungary affect family reunification rules, guest self-employment permits, and EU Blue Card eligibility. New minimum wage levels have also shifted the financial requirements for obtaining work permits ahead of the April 2026 elections.
Germany Updates Skilled Migration Rules and Digital Portals
Effective January 2026, Germany will implement revised salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card and expand eligibility for IT specialists and recent graduates. A new 'Work and Stay Agency' digital platform will also launch to streamline the visa process for skilled international workers.
Italy Updates Digital Nomad Visa Guidelines
New guidance confirms a €28,000 annual income requirement for Italy's digital nomad visa with no application quotas. Holders are prohibited from working for Italian entities and must provide proof of accommodation upon arrival to maintain residency status.
Making Sense of Germany's EU Blue Card and Residency Rules
Germany has increased the EU Blue Card minimum salary to €58,400, while shortening the path to permanent residency to 21 months for B1-level German speakers. Additionally, internal border controls have been extended through September 2026 as the country prepares a new points-based immigration system.
Italy Updates Consular Services and Digital Processing
Law No. 11/2026 introduces significant reforms to Italian consular services, promising faster passport renewals and more predictable visa processing times. The update also digitizes document legalization and integrates consular data with tax and pension systems for smoother administrative handling.
Germany Updates Entry Requirements for Visa-Exempt Travelers
Travelers from 60 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, will require an ETIAS authorization to enter Germany starting in Q4 2026. The permit will cost €7 and remain valid for three years, maintaining the standard 90-day stay limit within any 180-day period.