European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Cyprus Police Arrest Eight, Including Four for Illegal Residency, in Overnight Operations
Cyprus police recently arrested eight individuals, with four detained for illegal residency, during overnight operations. Authorities checked 586 people and 280 vehicles. This highlights the importance for all residents and visitors to carry valid identification and residency documents.
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Portugal Considers Foreigners' Forum as Migrant Population Reaches 14%
Foreigners now constitute 14% of Portugal's population. Discussions are underway to establish a 'Portugal Foreigners' Forum' to provide the community with a collective voice, address common challenges, and facilitate integration with agencies like AIMA and Finanças.
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Portugal's Real Estate Taxes Mid-Range in Europe, Belgium Leads
A recent comparison by Global Property Guide reveals Portugal's real estate tax burden is in the mid-range across Europe, while Belgium faces the highest. For those considering residency or investment, this highlights the importance of factoring in all associated taxes beyond just the property purchase price.
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Portugal Golden Visa Remains a Key Option for Families Seeking Residency
The Portugal News highlights the continued popularity of Portugal's Golden Visa program for families. It offers a direct path to residency through investment in real estate, funds, or job creation, providing Schengen access and a route to citizenship.
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Cyprus Startup Ecosystem Grows 62.7% to $4.2 Billion, Driven by AI and Fintech
Cyprus's startup ecosystem has expanded by 62.7% in the past year, reaching $4.2 billion. Limassol now ranks among the top 200 global startup cities, signaling new opportunities for IT professionals in fintech, AI, and software development as the government actively attracts skilled talent.
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Austria Granted 13,700 Citizenships in First Half of 2026
New statistics from The Local reveal Austria issued 13,700 passports in the first half of 2026. A notable increase in naturalizations was observed among existing residents, particularly in Vienna, signaling active pathways to citizenship for those already living in the country.
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Norway Begins Six-Year ModUlf Project to Modernize Immigration System for Visas and Permits
Norway has initiated ModUlf, a six-year project to modernize its immigration system for visas, work permits, and residency. Product Manager Henrik Hansen states the goal is to make the process more transparent and less stressful for applicants, addressing current anxieties.
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Sweden's Government Approves Bill Tightening Family Reunification Requirements
On August 13, 2026, the Swedish government and the Swedish Democrats approved a bill introducing stricter requirements for family reunification. The opposition criticized two key provisions as "cruel."
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Spain's Extranjería Offices Introduce New Appointment Systems to Combat Scams
Some Spanish migration offices (extranjería) are implementing new appointment systems to bypass the 'cita previa' black market. This aims to prevent scammers from blocking and reselling slots, making the process fairer and more accessible for residency and visa applicants.
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Portugal Replaces NHR Tax Regime with IFICI, Narrowing Benefits to Science and Innovation
Portugal has replaced its popular Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime with the new Incentive to Scientific and Cultural Research/Innovation (IFICI) program. Tax benefits are now exclusively for professionals in science, culture, and innovation, excluding entrepreneurs, retirees, and general remote workers.
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Cyprus Tax Reform 2026: Outdated Calculations Still Used by Some Companies
New tax rules took effect in Cyprus on January 1, 2026, following parliamentary approval on December 22, 2025. However, six months later, many consultants and businesses are still applying outdated figures, potentially leading to incorrect assessments and penalties.
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Austria Sees 17% Increase in Citizenship Grants in First Half of 2026
Austrian citizenship grants increased by 17% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to The Local. While this indicates a faster naturalization process, it does not necessarily mean the requirements have become easier for applicants.
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Swedish Social Democrats Propose Transitional Rules for Citizenship Applications Started Before June
Sweden's opposition Social Democrats are preparing transitional rules for citizenship applications. This initiative aims to allow individuals who started their application process or intended to apply before stricter rules took effect in June to potentially complete under the previous conditions, responding to the 'Fai
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Criminal Offenses in Spain: How They Can Affect Your Residency Permit
A criminal record or serious offense in Spain poses a real threat to your residency permit (ВНЖ). Spanish law allows authorities to annul your resident status or deny renewal. While minor administrative infractions may not lead to immediate deportation, they can complicate the renewal process.
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Portugal Considers Ending Mandatory Salary Publication in Job Advertisements
The Portuguese government has proposed new rules that could remove the requirement for companies to publish salaries in job advertisements. This potential change is part of a broader review of pay transparency policies and could impact job seekers, especially those relocating to Portugal.
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Croatia Issues 106,400 Work Permits in Seven Months, Prioritizing Tourism and Construction
From January to July 2026, Croatia issued 106,400 work permits to citizens from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Two-thirds of these permits were for the tourism and construction sectors, with a notable increase in Filipino workers.
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Hungary Sees Significant Rise in Sole Proprietorships, Exceeding 578,000 by June 2026
Hungary's sole proprietorship sector is booming, with over 578,000 individual entrepreneurs projected by June 2026, according to OPTEN. This marks an increase of 30,000 in a year. For the first time in 2024, sole proprietorships outnumbered traditional companies, signaling a robust market for self-employment.
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Indians and Colombians Now Third and Fourth Largest Foreign Worker Groups in Poland
Poland's Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) reports that Indians and Colombians have become the third and fourth largest groups of foreign workers, respectively. Ukrainians and Belarusians continue to hold the top two positions, indicating a diversifying labor market.