European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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Cyprus Police Arrest 10 in Nationwide Checks, Including for Lack of Residency Documents
Cyprus police conducted nationwide checks, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals. Among the reasons for arrest were living without valid residency documents. The operations also targeted various offenses, including theft, assault, traffic violations, and unpaid court fines.
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How to Appeal a Swedish Citizenship Rejection After the New Law Took Effect on June 6
A new Swedish citizenship law, effective June 6, is expected to increase rejections among the 100,000 applicants awaiting decisions. If your application is denied, you have three weeks to appeal, first to Migrationsverket, then potentially to the Migration Court.
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Portugal's IFICI Tax Regime: 20% Flat Rate on Local Income, Near Exemption on Foreign Income for 10 Years
Portugal's new IFICI tax regime replaces the former NHR, offering a 20% flat tax on Portuguese-sourced income and near exemption on foreign income for up to 10 years. Eligibility requires not having been a Portuguese tax resident for the past five years and fitting one of three specific professional profiles.
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Hungary Expands Asset Confiscation Powers, Allowing Seizure Without Criminal Conviction
The Hungarian government plans to broaden its asset confiscation powers, potentially allowing the seizure of property from individuals even without a criminal conviction, if the assets are presumed to be of criminal origin. Legal protections for good-faith owners remain unclear.
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British Chef Faces Deportation After Working Three Years in Sweden Without Post-Brexit Residence Permit
A British chef in Sweden discovered in April 2025 that he had missed the deadline to apply for a post-Brexit residence permit. After working illegally for three years, he lost his job and now faces deportation, highlighting the critical need for Britons in Sweden to verify their status.
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Sweden's Migration Minister: Brexit Obligations Met, Late British Applicants Responsible for Denials
Sweden's Migration Minister has addressed parliamentary concerns regarding the high rate of residency permit denials and deportations for British citizens post-Brexit. The minister affirmed that Sweden fulfilled its obligations, stating that application rules and deadlines were clear, and decisions are made strictly by
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Portugal to Recognize Stateless Status from September 1, 2026, Granting Access to Key Rights
Portugal will officially recognize stateless status starting September 1, 2026, under Law No. 47/2026. This new legislation will allow individuals without citizenship to apply for formal status through AIMA, granting access to essential rights like residence, work, education, and social security.
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Portugal's President Enacts New Immigration and Asylum Law
On September 1, 2026, Portugal's President officially signed new legislation concerning immigration and asylum, effective immediately. The Constitutional Court had approved its previously disputed clauses three days prior. This law updates procedures for residency permits, work visas, and international protection.
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Split Tourist Rental Demand Drops August 2026: Potential for More Long-Term Options
Split landlords saw a drop in tourist bookings in August 2026. This shift, discussed by locals as a "burst bubble," could lead to more long-term rental availability and potentially more flexible pricing for individuals seeking residency or relocation in Croatia.
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Denmark to Host Annual Citizenship Day on September 6 at Christiansborg Palace for 2025 New Citizens
The Danish Parliament will host its annual Citizenship Day (statsborgerskabsdag) on September 6 at Christiansborg Palace. All individuals who obtained Danish citizenship in 2025 will receive an invitation to this official event, which serves as a traditional recognition of new Danes by the state.
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Sweden's 2026 Elections: Potential Impact on Foreign Residents and Applicants
Ahead of the August 31, 2026 elections, Swedish political parties are outlining their plans for immigration, work permits, and taxation. For those living in or planning to move to Sweden, it's crucial to examine the specific proposals rather than general statements.
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Spanish Residency Permit Denied? You May Have 15 Days to Leave, But It's Not Final
If your Spanish residency permit application is denied, you typically receive a letter requiring you to leave the country within 15 days. However, this is not an automatic deportation. You have the right to appeal the decision, which can potentially suspend the departure deadline.
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Foreign Buyers Acquire 80% of Homes in Some Costa Blanca Towns, Spanish Notaries Report
Data from the General Council of Notaries of Spain reveals that foreigners purchase up to 80% of homes in specific towns along Valencia's Costa Blanca. This high international demand is reshaping the market, leading to increased prices and fierce competition.
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Monthly update on August 2026: Portugal immigration enforcement, AIMA crisis, and expat rankings
August 2026 was defined by a confirmed institutional crisis at AIMA — Portugal's immigration agency — with the Bar Association documenting staff shortages and systemic failures after an August 19 inspection. Simultaneously, the newly formed UNEF PSP border unit completed a
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Serbian Citizen Deported from Croatia, Banned for Five Years Over Chetnik Tattoos
A 31-year-old Serbian citizen was arrested in Split on August 31, 2026, for publicly displaying tattoos of Chetnik leaders Draža Mihailović and Momčilo Đujić. He received a 15-day arrest sentence, followed by deportation and a five-year entry ban from Croatia.
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Portugal Sets World Record: 15.2% Real Home Price Increase in First Half of 2026
Portugal recorded the world's highest real home price growth in the first half of 2026, with a 15.2% increase. This significant rise is driven by foreign demand, limited supply, and overall economic dynamics, impacting those planning to buy property or relocate to Portugal.
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Cyprus Poised to Become a Hub for Senior Data Specialists Serving EU & US Tech Companies Remotely
Nikolay Valiotti, founder of Valiotti Data, suggests Cyprus could become a key center for exporting highly skilled data specialists. With growing demand for remote senior leadership in European and US tech firms, Cyprus offers a convenient time zone, favorable tax environment, and infrastructure for this role.
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Swedish Social Democrats Propose Combining Vocational Training with SFI Language Courses
Sweden's opposition Social Democrats have proposed integrating vocational training with SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) language courses. The aim is to reduce the time between arrival in Sweden and securing a first job, streamlining the integration process for newcomers.