European Citizenship & Residency News
English briefings for the European citizenship and residency tracks hosted on Prep2Go.
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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.
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British Expats in Spain: Reform UK's Benefit Policy Could Trigger EU Reciprocity
Reform UK's pledge to restrict social benefits for foreigners in the UK, including EU citizens, could prompt the EU to impose reciprocal measures. This might affect British expats in member states like Spain, potentially impacting those receiving pensions or disability benefits.
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AIMA Appointments in Portugal: Immigrants Face Long Journeys for Brief Meetings
Immigrants in Portugal are reportedly traveling hundreds of kilometers for AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) appointments that often last only a few minutes. This geographical disparity, with offices concentrated in major cities, imposes significant financial and time burdens on applicants seeking res
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Croatian Landlords Object to New Hospitality Act with EU Commission
On August 21, 2026, the Croatian association SMOi (Spasimo male obiteljske iznajmljivače) filed an official objection with the European Commission via the TRIS system against the draft Hospitality Act. Landlords argue certain provisions conflict with EU law, potentially impacting rental conditions for applicants.
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Danish Citizenship Applications Face Delays Amidst Government Rift
Thousands of Danish citizenship applications are stalled due to political disagreements between Denmark's ruling parties. Applicants face months of uncertainty, impacting employment, education, and future plans, with processing times remaining unclear.
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Foreign Names Can Be a Real Barrier to Job Search Success in Sweden, The Local Reports
The Local Sweden highlights that having a non-Swedish name can be a significant, real-world barrier when seeking employment in Sweden, even for highly qualified candidates. This isn't just a perception among applicants but a recognized issue discussed by both employers and researchers.
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Foreign Buyers Set New Record for Spanish Property Market Share
Latest data reveals foreign buyers now hold an unprecedented share of the Spanish real estate market, marking a historic record. This trend, coupled with a decrease in purchases by Spanish citizens, is reshaping market dynamics.
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Estonian Police Detain Six Individuals Suspected of Illegal Stay at Tallinn Islamic Center
On August 20, 2026, Estonian police conducted an operation at the Tallinn Islamic Cultural Center, detaining six individuals suspected of illegal entry and unlawful presence in Estonia. This action highlights ongoing migration control efforts.
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Croatia: Annual Leave More Affordable, But Overall Standard of Living Remains a Challenge
As of August 20, 2026, Croatia has improved its standing in Europe regarding annual leave affordability. While this enhances work-life balance for residents, economist Ivica Brkljača notes that the overall standard of living remains challenging, though the long-term outlook appears softer.
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Danish Citizenship Test Pass Rate Reaches Five-Year High in June 2026
Nearly 60% of candidates passed the Danish citizenship test in June 2026, marking the highest pass rate in five years. This indicates that with proper preparation, the mandatory test on Danish society, culture, history, and politics is an achievable step towards citizenship.
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Iranian Academics Criticize Sweden's Strict Family Reunification Laws
Iranian academics in Sweden have voiced strong criticism regarding the country's family reunification rules, calling them excessively strict and inflexible. They argue that these laws lead to years of separation for families, impacting highly skilled professionals. The Local reported their concerns on August 20, 2026.
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Spain's Government Proposes Housing Law to Cap Rents; Parliamentary Approval Uncertain in September
The Spanish government has drafted a housing bill aimed at limiting rent increases and providing greater stability for tenants. While the proposal is set to be sent to parliament for a vote in September, its approval is not guaranteed, introducing uncertainty for future rental market conditions.
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Foreign Investment Fuels Portugal's Economy: 22% of Jobs, 46% of Exports; Spain Leads Investors
According to Informa D&B, 17,000 foreign-capital companies in Portugal account for nearly a quarter of employment and almost half of the country's exports. Spain is the top investor, while U.S. firms offer the highest salaries, indicating a robust job market for applicants.
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Omiš Fire: Croatian Businesses Seek Government Tax Relief After Devastating Blaze
Following a fire in Omiš on August 19, 2026, which destroyed homes and businesses, the Glas poduzetnika (UGP) association has proposed that the Croatian government temporarily exempt affected entrepreneurs from taxes and tourist fees to aid recovery. A government decision is pending.