European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Sweden to Toughen Deportation Rules for Foreigners Convicted of Crimes from September 2026
New regulations taking effect on September 1, 2026, will introduce stricter criteria for the deportation of non-Swedish citizens convicted of criminal offenses. The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) will apply tougher standards, making it more difficult to appeal deportation decisions.
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Spain's Rental Market: High Prices and Short-Term Contracts Challenge Residents
Spain's rental market is experiencing high prices, limited availability, and a prevalence of short-term contracts (3-6 months). This situation, reported by The Local, affects both new arrivals and long-term residents, making stable housing a significant challenge.
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Cyprus Building Permit Delays Drive Up Housing Costs by Tens of Thousands of Euros
Delays in planning and building permit issuance are exacerbating Cyprus's housing crisis, leading to significant price increases. In Q1 2026, housing prices rose 3.4% year-on-year, with the index now 50% higher than in 2015, impacting both purchase and rental markets.
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Six Arrested in Cyprus for Residing Without Valid Documents
Cyprus police operations led to the arrest of six individuals found residing without valid permits. The overnight checks included 446 drivers, 131 passengers, and 38 premises, highlighting strict enforcement of immigration laws.
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Vienna Rent Increases 2026: New Rules & How to Verify Legality
Starting 2026, Austria introduces stricter rules for indexed rent increases, particularly in Vienna. While restrictions are tighter, the legality of any increase still hinges on your specific rental contract and property type. Always verify your agreement before paying more.
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Danish Citizenship: New Law Vote Not Expected Before October 2027
A Danish Social Democrat MP indicates that a parliamentary vote on the new citizenship bill is unlikely before October 2027. Approximately 14,000 applicants are currently awaiting a decision, with new rules expected to be stricter once passed.
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Danish Liberal Party's Draft Document Reveals Stricter Citizenship Proposals
Denmark's Liberal Party (Venstre) inadvertently shared a draft document with journalists, revealing two stricter citizenship proposals beyond their public announcement. Officially, they proposed a five-year conditional citizenship status, but the draft included even more stringent options for consideration.
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Australia Suspends Working Holiday Visas for Spanish Citizens Indefinitely
Australia has temporarily halted the issuance of Working Holiday visas (subclasses 417 and 462) for Spanish citizens. The resumption date for the program remains unknown, impacting young Spaniards planning to work and travel.
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Australia Suspends Work & Holiday Visas for Portuguese Citizens
Australia has temporarily suspended its Work & Holiday (Subclass 462) visa program for citizens of Portugal, effective August 24, 2026. New applications are no longer being accepted, and existing applications may face delays or refusal. Portugal is one of 23 countries affected by this broader policy change.
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Monthly update on July 2026: Sweden overhauls citizenship rules, Norway publishes new processing times, Denmark and Finland update
July 2026 brought the most significant Nordic immigration changes in years: Sweden simultaneously opened a citizenship route for temporary-permit holders and tightened income and conduct requirements, while Norway updated waiting times across residence, expulsion, and entry-ban
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Cyprus Police Detain 14 in Overnight Operations, Including for Illegal Stay
On August 24, 2026, Cyprus Police conducted island-wide overnight operations, resulting in 14 arrests. Detainees included individuals for illegal stay, drug possession, and traffic offenses. During the operations, 997 people were checked, 746 vehicles stopped, and 51 premises inspected.
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Sweden's Green Party Seeks to Reinstate Humanitarian Clause to Protect Elderly British Citizens from Deportation
Sweden's Green Party, led by Annika Hirvonen, is advocating for the reinstatement of a humanitarian clause, abolished in 2023. This clause would allow the Migration Agency to consider individual circumstances, potentially preventing the deportation of elderly British citizens and other long-term third-country residents
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Portugal's Border Control Transition: First Year of UNEF PSP Marked by Airport Disruptions
Portugal's National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF PSP) completed its first year on August 21, 2026, a period described by its union as "very turbulent." The transition from SEF has led to significant airport delays, document processing issues, and long queues at passport control.
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Portuguese Bar Association Confirms AIMA Staff Shortages and Systemic Issues Hinder Immigrant Rights
Following an August 19 visit to AIMA's Lisbon office, the Portuguese Bar Association confirmed severe staff shortages, inadequate digital systems, and extensive queues. These systemic issues are impeding lawyers' work and undermining immigrants' right to effective defense and access to services.
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American Faces Demolition Threat for €5,000 Croatian Home Due to Unregulated Status
An American musician who bought a house in Croatia's Zagorje region for €5,000 is now facing demolition due to its unregulated legal status. This case highlights the critical need for thorough legal due diligence when purchasing property in Croatia, especially for foreign buyers.
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Denmark: Social Democrats Open to 5-Year Provisional Citizenship
Denmark's largest government party, the Social Democrats, is considering a Liberal Party proposal for a 5-year provisional citizenship period. If adopted, new citizens could have their status revoked within the first five years for serious violations.
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Denmark Considers 5-Year Provisional Citizenship; Social Democrats Open to Liberal Party Proposal
Denmark's Liberal party has again proposed a five-year provisional citizenship period. With the Social Democrats, the largest government party, indicating openness to the idea, the proposal's chances of becoming law are increasing. This could impact future Danish citizenship applicants.
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Sweden Expels Long-Term British Residents Who Did Not Secure Post-Brexit Status
Sweden's Migration Agency is expelling British citizens who have lived in the country for decades but failed to secure a new residence permit or citizenship after Brexit. Their previous EU status no longer applies, and they are now subject to third-country national rules.