European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Cyprus Consults on Stricter Minimum Tax Rules for Large Companies Until September 5, 2026
Cyprus has opened public consultations on amendments to its Pillar Two minimum taxation law. These changes aim to align national legislation with EU and international standards, potentially impacting tax strategies for large multinational and national business groups.
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Austrian Banks to Verify Residency for Non-EU Account Holders Under New EU Rules
Foreigners residing in Austria who hold bank accounts outside the EU (e.g., UK, USA) should expect requests from banks to verify their place of residence. This is part of new EU regulations aimed at enhancing transparency and combating money laundering.
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Sweden Implements Five Stricter Immigration Reforms Effective August 2026
Sweden has introduced at least five stricter immigration reforms, effective August 2026. These changes impact work visas, income requirements, family reunification, permanent residency, and citizenship. Applicants should review the updated criteria from the Swedish Migration Agency.
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Spain's Long-Term Rental Market: Scarcity and Rising Prices Impacting Residency Applicants
Expats and relocators in Spain are facing significant challenges finding long-term rental accommodation. A surge in demand combined with dwindling supply has driven up prices and intensified competition, complicating the process of obtaining or renewing Spanish residency permits.
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Portugal Targets 'Front Shops' Masking Illegal Accommodation Amid Crackdown
The Portuguese government is preparing a crackdown on businesses like restaurants and mini-markets that illegally rent out beds. Lisbon police have already identified 36 such establishments. City mayors are pushing for more local control, a move expected to impact anyone seeking affordable housing.
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Croatia Ranks Third Globally for Wealth Growth, Signaling Favorable Economic Climate for Applicants
Croatia's average net wealth per adult is projected to grow by 29% between 2020 and 2025, placing it third globally according to the UBS Global Wealth Report. This growth, surpassed only by South Korea (55%) and Russia (37%), indicates a stable economic environment.
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Cyprus Gaming Industry Projected to Reach €3.2 Billion by 2025, Enters Europe's Top 10
The Cyprus Gaming Association (CYGMA) has released its first industry report, revealing over 400 companies on the island are projected to generate approximately €3.2 billion by 2025. This signifies the sector's significant growth and official recognition within Europe.
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Native Language Classes in Austrian Schools: Support for Bilingual Children and Expats
Austrian schools offer native language classes for children whose first language is not German, including both expat children and Austrian citizens. These classes help children maintain their mother tongue while integrating into the Austrian education system.
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Sweden's First Citizenship Test: Applicants Found Language More Challenging Than Preparation Materials
Sweden recently conducted its first citizenship test. While the process was generally smooth, applicants reported that the language level and question phrasing were significantly more challenging than what was presented in official preparation materials. This discrepancy has raised concerns among candidates.
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Sweden Grants Fewer Than 100 Citizenships in July 2026 Following Stricter Rules
In July 2026, the first month under Sweden's new, stricter citizenship rules, fewer than 100 applications were approved, with only 20 via naturalization. This significant drop highlights the impact of increased requirements for residency, language, and integration.
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Swedish Migration Agency Denies Permanent Residency to Spouse of Citizen, Highlighting Application Challenges
The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) has denied permanent residency to Luisa Fernandez, despite her marriage to Swedish citizen Gustav Magnusson. This case, reported by The Local, underscores that family ties alone may not guarantee approval for permanent residence in Sweden.
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New EU Directive Impacts Non-EU Bank Accounts for Foreign Residents in Spain
Foreign residents in Spain with bank accounts outside the EU (e.g., UK, US) may receive notifications regarding a new EU directive. Non-EU banks serving EU clients might need to adapt services or provide more data, potentially affecting account access.
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Portugal Ranks 8th in InterNations Expat Insider 2026 Survey
InterNations' Expat Insider 2026 survey places Portugal 8th out of 31 countries. Expats praise its affordability, safety, and personal finances, with 78% reporting overall satisfaction, above the global average.
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US Citizens Retiring in Austria: Navigating Double Taxation on Pensions
US citizens retiring in Austria face dual tax residency, filing with both the IRS and Austrian authorities. While a tax treaty exists to prevent double taxation, its application to pension savings like 401(k)s and IRAs is complex, often requiring expert guidance to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
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Sweden Conducts First Mandatory Citizenship Test for Naturalization Applicants
Sweden has conducted its first mandatory citizenship test for naturalization applicants. This new requirement ensures individuals demonstrate basic knowledge of Swedish culture, history, and political system, marking a significant step in the country's stricter integration policies for new citizens.
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Sweden: Residence Permit Renewal Delays Impact Travel Plans for Expats
Expats in Sweden are experiencing significant delays in receiving renewed residence permit cards from Migrationsverket. This uncertainty makes international travel risky, as returning to Sweden without an updated card can lead to complications at the border.
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Estonia's Unemployment Falls Slightly, But Demand for Skilled Specialists Remains High
Estonia's unemployment rate saw a slight decrease in the second quarter, yet a significant demand for qualified specialists persists. Employers face fierce competition for skilled professionals, indicating a structural imbalance in the labor market.
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Estonian Police Detain 109 Foreign Nationals in Two Weeks; Over Half Claim to Be Minors
Estonian police detained 109 foreign nationals since July 21, with over 50 claiming to be unaccompanied minors. This situation places a significant burden on border control and migration services, requiring extensive age and status verification for each individual.