Schengen Countries That Revised Residence Permit Rules in 2024: A Recap
Changes to Residence Permit Rules Across EU Countries in 2024
In 2024, several EU countries introduced changes to their immigration systems, either to address labor shortages or tighten rules for residence permit applicants. These updates reflect diverse priorities, from improving integration to streamlining processes.
Germany
Germany introduced the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) in June 2024, a point-based system designed to attract foreign workers. Key requirements include:
- Professional qualifications or a university degree.
- Work experience.
- Basic German or English language skills (depending on the sector).
- Age under 35 years.
- Financial stability during the job search.
The recognition process for foreign qualifications was streamlined, and job-seeking visa durations were extended. However, Germany raised the salary threshold for EU Blue Card applicants in 2025, with general jobs requiring €48,300 annually and bottleneck professions needing €43,000.
France
France tightened rules for multi-year residence permits, requiring:
- A2 language level for certain permits.
- B1 level for 10-year permits.
- B2 or higher for citizenship applications.
Undocumented migrants can apply for regularisation if they have lived in France for three years and worked for two in a shortage profession. Habitual residence rules clarified that absence for three years risks renewal denial.
Hungary
Hungary implemented stricter rules from January 2024, increasing residence permit categories from 18 to 24, with eight for employment purposes. Key changes include:
- Guest worker permits tied to specific employers, countries, and occupations.
- Limited extension of guest worker permits to three years, with no eligibility for permanent residence or family reunification.
Spain
Spain ended its Golden Visa Program in December 2024 to address the housing crisis. Other updates include:
- Irregular migrants eligible for regularisation after two years of residence.
- New "Arraigo Sociolaboral" combining social and laboral permits for job offers of at least 20 hours per week.
- Simplified family reunification permits and extended job-seeking visa deadlines.
Finland
In September 2024, Finland tightened identity verification and disallowed status changes for certain categories while in the country. Starting January 2025:
- Residence permit applicants must meet a minimum income threshold.
- Fees for permits increased, with online renewals costing €20 and paper applications €40.
Italy
Italy simplified entry procedures for foreign workers in October 2024 and increased work visa quotas to address labor shortages. Family reunification rules were tightened in December 2024.
Sweden
In January 2025, Sweden reduced the income threshold for EU Blue Card applicants to 1.25 times the average gross annual salary.
Switzerland
Since June 2024, Switzerland allows foreigners with temporary status to apply for employment residence permits, easing access to the labor market.
Ireland
Ireland simplified the residence permit renewal process in November 2024, allowing foreigners to renew permits online.
Slovenia
Slovenia imposed language requirements for permanent residence applicants in 2024. Family reunification extensions now require proof of basic Slovenian language skills.
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