Updates & Policy Changes
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Two kinds of entries below. Site updates (additions, tooling, coverage milestones) and policy changes (actual government reforms to individual programmes, pulled from the recent_changes field on each programme, with source URLs). For errors or outdated information, see the corrections page.
Site Updates
Wave L shipped: 5 new reference matrices (inheritance tax, wealth tax, exit tax, dual citizenship, language tests) + 3 new tools (US exit tax simulator, Schengen overstay calculator, apostille checklist) + 4 new long-form guides (Moving to Portugal 2026, Moving to Spain 2026, US visa-free long-stay, second passport vs residency) + 4 specialist visas + 6 company-formation entries + 5 banking entries + 2 more reference matrices (military service, social security totalization, forced heirship). Site now ships 870+ pages.
View new references βCompleted Phase 1 data enrichment: all 82 visa programs, 20 citizenship pathways, 58 countries, 39 nationalities, 40 hospitals, and 32 directory entries now carry structured fields for costs, timelines, sources, and recent changes.
Methodology β15 persona landing pages launched at /personas β residency routes grouped by applicant type (retirees, digital nomads, HNWIs, families, entrepreneurs, crypto holders, Americans abroad, and more).
Browse personas β83 side-by-side comparison pages generated at /compare/{slug-a}-vs-{slug-b} β enables direct comparison of thresholds, timelines, and tax impact across explicitly paired programs.
Open compare tool β
Policy Changes from Programme Data (276)
Every dated policy change we have captured, newest first. Follow each programme link for full details and the official source.
Australia Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482): Visa application charges for subclass 482 increased across all three streams; the base applicant charge rose from AUD $3,210 to AUD $4,015 (the same charge applies to an accompanying partner/adult dependant; AUD $1,005 for a child).
source βFrench Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis via a French Parent): The fiscal stamp (timbre fiscal) fee for French nationality DECLARATIONS β a separate acquisition track from descent, e.g. birth-and-residence-in-France or marriage-based declarations β rose from EUR 55 to EUR 255. This fee applies to declaration-based nationality tracks, not to a Certificat de Nationalite Francaise request confirming pre-existing descent-based nationality under Article 18, which remains free.
source βCanada Express Entry Category-Based Selection: IRCC's scheduled biennial fee adjustment raised the Right of Permanent Residence Fee from CAD $575 to CAD $600, and the Express Entry principal-applicant processing fee (Federal High Skilled categories) from CAD $950 to CAD $990.
source βUnited States EB-2 National Interest Waiver: USCIS increased the Form I-907 premium processing fee for Form I-140 petitions (including EB-2 NIW, 45-calendar-day service) from $2,805 to $2,965, citing CPI-U inflation adjustment.
source βUnited States EB-1A Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability: USCIS increased the Form I-907 premium processing fee for Form I-140 petitions (including EB-1A) from $2,805 to $2,965, citing CPI-U inflation adjustment.
source βCanada Express Entry Category-Based Selection: IRCC held its first category-based Express Entry round under new 2026 occupational categories, headlined by a new 'Medical Doctors with Canadian work experience' category; new categories for researchers, senior managers, and transport occupations were also introduced (all requiring at least 1 year of Canadian work experience), while the agriculture and agri-food category was retired.
source βItaly Flat Tax Regime for High-Net-Worth New Residents: Budget Law 2026 (Legge di Bilancio 2026, published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale on 30 December 2025) raised the Art. 24-bis annual flat substitute tax from β¬200,000 to β¬300,000, and the per-family-member surcharge from β¬25,000 to β¬50,000, for individuals who transfer their tax residence to Italy from 1 January 2026. Those who transferred residence by 31 December 2025 keep their β¬200,000 (or grandfathered β¬100,000) rate, and the β¬25,000 family surcharge, for the life of the election.
source βItaly Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori): Budget Law 2026 (Legge di Bilancio 2026, published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale on 30 December 2025) raised the Art. 24-bis annual flat substitute tax from β¬200,000 to β¬300,000, and the per-family-member surcharge from β¬25,000 to β¬50,000, for individuals who transfer their tax residence to Italy from 1 January 2026. Those who transferred residence by 31 December 2025 keep their β¬200,000 (or grandfathered β¬100,000) rate, and the β¬25,000 family surcharge, for the life of the election.
source βLuxembourgish Citizenship by Descent: Article 89 Phase 2 closed: the final deadline to sign a reclamation declaration before a civil registrar expired. The entire 1900-ancestor recovery programme is now permanently closed.
source βPortugal D2 Entrepreneur / Independent Worker Visa: Portugal's nationality-law reform raised the general residency period required before naturalisation from 5 years to 10 (7 years for CPLP/Portuguese-speaking country nationals), directly affecting the long-term citizenship timeline for D2 holders even though the 5-year path to permanent residency was unchanged.
source βPortugal D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa): Portugal's nationality law reform extended the general residency requirement for naturalization from 5 to 10 years (7 years for CPLP nationals); permanent residency eligibility at 5 years is unaffected. Exact implementation date is approximate and should be reconfirmed given ongoing legal/administrative rollout.
source βPortugal D1 Visa (Subordinate Work / Dependent Employment Visa): Portugal's nationality law reform extended the general residency requirement for naturalization from 5 to 10 years (7 years for CPLP/Portuguese-speaking country nationals); permanent residency eligibility at 5 years is unaffected. Exact implementation date is approximate and should be reconfirmed given ongoing legal/administrative rollout.
source βMalta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment: Malta amended the Citizenship Act, discontinuing the direct-investment citizenship route for new applicants and replacing it with a discretionary, merit-based exceptional-services naturalisation framework. No citizenship-by-investment programme now operates in the EU.
source βFrench Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis via a French Parent): Decret n. 2025-648 amended the 1993 decree governing procedures for nationality declarations and decisions on naturalisation, reinstatement, loss, forfeiture, and withdrawal of French nationality. The decree is primarily procedural; specific practical effects on descent-based CNF requests have not been independently confirmed.
source βVietnamese Citizenship Restoration for Overseas Vietnamese: Law 79/2025/QH15 removed the six prior eligibility conditions for citizenship restoration, allowing any former Vietnamese national to apply. Presidential approval of each individual application remains mandatory.
source βItalian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): Law 74/2025 (converting Law Decree 36/2025 of 27 March 2025) imposed a two-generation limit on jure sanguinis: automatic recognition now requires a parent or grandparent born in Italy. Applications filed before 27 March 2025 are grandfathered under the prior no-generational-limit rules. The Constitutional Court upheld the reform on 12 March 2026.
source βUK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa: The UK Government's immigration white paper, 'Restoring Control over the Immigration System', proposed extending the standard qualifying period for settlement (ILR) from 5 to 10 years for most work-based routes, with a faster track for high-contributing/high-skill migrants β relevant to anyone using HPI as a bridge into a settlement-qualifying route. Measures were subject to consultation and phased implementation; confirm current status against gov.uk.
source βUK Graduate Route Visa: The UK Government's immigration white paper, 'Restoring Control over the Immigration System', proposed reducing the Graduate Route's standard post-study period from 24 to 18 months and introducing a levy on international student tuition fees to fund higher-education and skills spending. These measures were subject to consultation and phased Immigration Rules changes rather than taking effect immediately β confirm current status against gov.uk.
source βMalta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment: Court of Justice of the EU (Grand Chamber) ruled in Case C-181/23 that Malta's investor-citizenship scheme (CES) is contrary to EU law, holding that EU citizenship cannot be acquired through a predetermined financial transaction without a genuine link.
source βUK Ancestry Visa: UK abolished the non-domicile remittance basis; replaced by the FIG regime offering full foreign-income-and-gains exemption for the first 4 years of UK tax residence to new arrivals.
source βUK Skilled Worker Visa: Non-dom remittance basis abolished for new arrivals. 4-year FIG regime introduced.
source βNZ Active Investor Plus Visa: Active Investor Plus launched, replacing Investor 1 + Investor 2. Weighted-investment system introduced.
source βUS H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: Trump administration's January 2025 executive orders restored prior immigration-enforcement priorities; H-1B programme rules unchanged at the regulation level but enforcement and Request-for-Evidence (RFE) rates expected to increase.
source βRomanian Citizenship by Descent / Reacquisition (Article 11): Romania became full Schengen member; Romanian citizenship now confers free movement across the entire Schengen Area, materially increasing the value proposition of the Article 11 descent route.
source βBulgarian Citizenship by Origin (Repatriation): Bulgaria became full Schengen member; Bulgarian citizenship now confers free movement across the entire Schengen Area.
source βGermany Student Visa: Sperrkonto minimum raised to β¬11,904/year (β¬992/month) for 2025, up from β¬11,208 in 2024, tracking BAfΓΆG living-cost rates.
source βThailand LTR Visa β Highly Skilled Professional: BOI eased Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa eligibility criteria across categories, as part of a package intended to increase LTR programme uptake following its 2022 launch.
source βThailand LTR Visa β Work-from-Thailand Professional: BOI eased Work-from-Thailand Professional eligibility criteria, including a reduced minimum revenue requirement for the qualifying overseas employer, as part of a broader relaxation of LTR programme requirements.
source βThailand LTR Visa β Wealthy Pensioner: BOI eased Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa eligibility criteria across categories, as part of a package intended to increase LTR programme uptake following its 2022 launch.
source βThailand LTR Visa β Wealthy Global Citizen: BOI eased Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa eligibility criteria across categories, as part of a package intended to increase LTR programme uptake following its 2022 launch.
source βSwitzerland B Residence Permit (Employment): Switzerland adjusted federal annual quotas for non-EU B and L permits; Confederation maintained ~8,500 B + 4,500 L Permits.
source βRomania Digital Nomad Visa: Romania became full Schengen member; DN visa holders gain free movement across Schengen during visa validity.
source βAustralia Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482): The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, introducing three streams (Specialist Skills, Core Skills, Essential Skills) with restructured income thresholds and a shortened 2-year pathway to permanent residency.
source βAustralia Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): Global Talent visa (subclass 858) officially renamed National Innovation visa. New more-restrictive criteria introduced targeting specific sectors including AgriFood & AgTech, Space & Advanced Manufacturing, FinTech, Energy, Health Industries, Defence, and Infrastructure. Some previously eligible pathways removed.
source βPhilippine Citizenship Reacquisition (RA 9225): Philippine Bureau of Immigration digitised the RA 9225 application portal, enabling online submission of supporting documents and reducing in-person appointment requirements. Processing times shortened materially.
source βCanada Study Permit: Permanent off-campus work cap set at 24 hours/week during academic sessions, replacing the temporary pandemic-era 40-hour/unlimited allowances.
source βCanada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Federal 2025-2027 immigration plan cut PNP allocations by ~50%, increasing competition.
source βCanada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker): Government announced 21% reduction in PR admissions targets for 2025-2027; fewer ITAs expected.
source βUnited States EB-2 National Interest Waiver: USCIS increased the automatic Green Card validity extension shown on Form I-90 receipt notices from 24 months to 36 months for permanent residents with a pending renewal application, reducing disruption from processing delays.
source βUnited States EB-1A Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability: USCIS increased the automatic Green Card validity extension shown on Form I-90 receipt notices from 24 months to 36 months for permanent residents with a pending renewal application, reducing disruption from processing delays.
source βUkrainian Citizenship by Origin / Repatriation: Ukraine's parliament passed the Multiple Citizenship Law (ΠΠ°ΠΊΠΎΠ½ ΠΏΡΠΎ ΠΌΠ½ΠΎΠΆΠΈΠ½Π½Π΅ Π³ΡΠΎΠΌΠ°Π΄ΡΠ½ΡΡΠ²ΠΎ) substantially permitting dual citizenship for ethnic Ukrainians abroad and descendants of Ukrainian emigrants. Implementation regulations are being finalised; the law represents a fundamental shift from the 2001 single-citizenship requirement.
source βArmenian Citizenship by Origin (Law of Return): Armenia simplified the consular processing of citizenship applications for diaspora applicants in countries with large Armenian communities (US, France, Lebanon, Russia, Argentina). E-application portal expanded.
source βUS F-1 Student Visa: USCIS clarified that STEM OPT is available to graduates of designated STEM CIP-code programmes; updated STEM CIP code list publicly maintained.
source βGreece Financial Independence Visa (Type D): Residence permit framework harmonised with new Migration Code (Law 5038/2023).
source βGreece Golden Visa: Golden Visa thresholds raised: β¬800k in high-demand zones (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini); β¬400k elsewhere; β¬250k only for heritage preservation.
source βItaly Flat Tax Regime for High-Net-Worth New Residents: Budget-Law decree doubled the annual flat substitute tax under Art. 24-bis from β¬100,000 to β¬200,000 for new elections made on or after this date; individuals who had already validly elected the regime before this date retained the β¬100,000 rate.
source βItaly Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori): Legge di bilancio amendment β HNWI flat tax raised from β¬100,000 to β¬200,000 per year for new regime entrants from 10 August 2024. Existing beneficiaries grandfathered at β¬100,000.
source βOverseas Citizen of India (OCI): India simplified the OCI re-issuance process for change of passport β re-issuance now no longer required for adult OCI holders changing passports, only for children up to age 20 and the 50-year milestone. Major friction reduction for diaspora.
source βSpain Non-Lucrative Visa: IPREM threshold updated; minimum funds requirement rose proportionally.
source βThailand Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Thailand Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) officially launched. 5-year multi-entry visa, 180 days per stay, for remote workers and freelancers with foreign-source income. Fee THB 10,000.
source βAustralia Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Visa application charge increased to AUD 4,640 for primary applicants (same fee schedule as Subclass 189). Several states refreshed their nominated occupation lists and introduced stronger evidentiary requirements around genuine commitment to the state.
source βCzech Digital Nomad Visa: Czech Republic launched the Digital Nomad visa programme as a pilot with 100-permit annual quota and restricted-nationality list.
source βCzech Employment Card: Czech Republic expanded the shortage-occupation list and streamlined Employment Card processing for IT and healthcare roles.
source βMauritius Permanent Residency (Property Purchase): Mauritius increased the property-purchase threshold for PR from USD 375,000 to USD 500,000 for IRS / RES / PDS schemes (G+2 and Smart City schemes maintained at USD 375,000). Existing pre-July 2024 commitments grandfathered.
source βHungary Guest Investor Programme: Hungarian Guest Investor Programme launched replacing prior Golden Visa scheme.
source βAustralia Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188): Business Innovation and Investment Program closed to new applications. Existing in-pipeline cases continue to be processed. Successor visa pathway announced Dec 2024.
source βAustralia Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Visa application charge (VAC) increased to AUD 4,640 for primary applicants. DHA also updated the MLTSSL, removing some over-supplied occupations and adding several healthcare roles.
source βGerman Naturalization Abroad under StAG Β§ 14 (Discretionary, Special Ties to Germany): Germany's modernized nationality law (Modernisierung des StaatsangehΓΆrigkeitsrechts) took effect, broadly liberalizing acceptance of dual citizenship across German naturalization routes, though it left Β§ 14's discretionary, ministry-consent structure unchanged.
source βGerman Citizenship by Descent (Β§ 4 StAG / Restoration under Art. 116 GG): The Nationality Reform Act (Gesetz zur Modernisierung des StaatsangehΓΆrigkeitsrechts) took effect on 27 June 2024. Germany now generally permits dual citizenship, reversing the previous rule that required renunciation of prior nationality in most cases. This dramatically increases the attractiveness of German citizenship by descent and Art. 116 GG restoration claims.
source βGermany Student Visa: Germany's reformed citizenship law took effect, generally permitting dual citizenship and reducing the standard naturalisation period to 5 years (3 years for well-integrated/highly qualified applicants) -- applicable once a graduate converts to a qualifying long-term permit.
source βGermany EU Blue Card: New citizenship law: dual citizenship permitted, 5-year residence path (3 with C1 + integration).
source βGermany Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler): Germany's new citizenship law took effect β naturalisation now generally permits dual citizenship and is available after 5 years (down from 8).
source βIsrael Aliyah (Law of Return): Israeli government tightened scrutiny of Aliyah applications from former-Soviet-Union states post-Russia/Ukraine war; processing times for these applicants extended.
source βGermany Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): Chancenkarte launched as part of broader Skilled Immigration Act reform package
source βSouth Africa Retired Persons Visa: DHA introduced remote-work visa category for digital nomads (separate from retired person visa).
source βSouth Africa Critical Skills Work Visa: Home Affairs launched Trusted Employer Scheme for faster processing for vetted corporates.
source βCanada Start-Up Visa: IRCC announced intake caps and 2-3 year processing target to reduce Start-up Visa backlog.
source βUK Ancestry Visa / British National (Overseas) β BN(O): The UK Ancestry visa application fee increased to Β£637 per applicant (main applicant and each dependant). The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is also payable: Β£1,035 per year per person (at 2024 rates). For a 5-year visa, the IHS component is Β£5,175 per person β a significant additional cost on top of the visa fee.
source βUK Ancestry Visa: UK Visas & Immigration increased Ancestry-visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
source βItaly Digital Nomad Visa: Italy Digital Nomad Visa became operational after 2+ year delay from law passage.
source βUK Skilled Worker Visa: Skilled Worker minimum salary raised from Β£26,200 to Β£38,700. Shortage Occupation List abolished; Immigration Salary List created with narrower scope.
source βUnited States EB-2 National Interest Waiver: USCIS raised the Form I-140 base filing fee from $700 to $715 and introduced a new Asylum Program Fee for employment-based petitions -- reduced to $300 for EB-1A/EB-2 NIW self-petitioners (vs. $600 for employer-filed petitions, $0 for nonprofits), per the agency's first major fee overhaul since 2016.
source βUnited States EB-1A Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability: USCIS raised the Form I-140 base filing fee from $700 to $715 and introduced a new Asylum Program Fee for employment-based petitions -- reduced to $300 for EB-1A/EB-2 NIW self-petitioners (vs. $600 for employer-filed petitions, $0 for nonprofits), per the agency's first major fee overhaul since 2016.
source βUS J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: State Department updated J-1 sponsor regulations including expanded health-insurance minimums for participants.
source βIndonesia Second Home Visa (B211B): Indonesia clarified property-purchase eligibility under the Second Home Visa: IDR 2B+ property purchase now an alternative to the bank deposit. Property must be in foreign-eligible scheme (HGB or Hak Pakai title).
source βCanada IEC Working Holiday: IEC fees increased: CAD 172 work permit, CAD 156 IEC participation; biometrics CAD 85.
source βUS H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: USCIS implemented the per-beneficiary H-1B selection process, reducing the multiple-registration gaming that inflated the lottery pool in prior years.
source βRomanian Citizenship by Descent / Reacquisition (Article 11): ANC implemented administrative reforms to reduce Article 11 application backlogs, including expanded online submission and digital civil-registry verification.
source βAlbanian Citizenship by Origin: Albania amended Law 113/2020 to further streamline diaspora applications and expand recognition of Albanian-language community organisation attestations as supporting documentation.
source βItalian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): The Italian Ministry of Interior issued a circular tightening interpretation of jure sanguinis: children born to Italian parents who had already naturalized as adults in a foreign country may be denied recognition at some consulates. This "minor issue" interpretation has created inconsistency across consular posts and has been challenged by applicant advocates.
source βGermany Student Visa: Skilled Immigration Act (FachkrΓ€fteeinwanderungsgesetz) reforms eased work-rights and part-time employment rules for international students and broadened recognition pathways into the EU Blue Card and skilled-worker permits after graduation.
source βJapan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa: Further expansion: SSW sectors count increased to 14, adding automobile transportation, forestry, and timber industries to the original 11 sectors.
source βJapan Digital Nomad Visa: Japan Digital Nomad Visa officially launched on 1 March 2024 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Services Agency. 6-month stay, single-entry, non-renewable. Open to nationals of 49 treaty countries. Income threshold: JPY 10,000,000 (approx. USD 65,000-70,000). Source: mofa.go.jp and isa.go.jp.
source βGermany Job Seeker Visa: FachkrΓ€fteeinwanderungsgesetz added new "Chancenkarte" (Opportunity Card) point-based job-seeker track alongside this permit, with longer stays and limited work rights.
source βGermany Freelancer Visa (Freiberufler): Germany's skilled-immigration reform (FachkrΓ€fteeinwanderungsgesetz) expanded freelance recognition for certain digital professions.
source βUK Global Talent Visa: Tech Nation endorsement route closed; tech talent must use alternative routes.
source βO-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa: USCIS clarified O-1A STEM criteria, making evidence standard more accessible for STEM researchers.
source βUK Student Visa: Immigration Health Surcharge increased -- the discounted student/under-18 rate rose to Β£776/year (from Β£470); the standard rate rose to Β£1,035/year.
source βFrance Talent Passport β Researcher (Chercheur): Loi Immigration of 26 January 2024 maintained the Chercheur track and the 2-year naturalisation eligibility for distinguished researchers.
source βFrance Talent Passport β Innovative Startup Founder (CrΓ©ation d'Entreprise): Loi Immigration of 26 January 2024 retained the Innovative Startup Founder track but tightened the recognition criteria; BPI France updated its assessment framework in early 2024.
source βFrance Talent Passport β Salaried Employee (SalariΓ© QualifiΓ©): Loi Immigration of 26 January 2024 reorganised the Passeport Talent tracks under Articles L421-9 to L421-16 CESEDA. Salaried-employee track preserved with the 1.5Γ SMIC threshold.
source βFrance Long-Stay Visitor Visa (VLS-TS Visiteur): France's Loi Immigration enacted β tightened family-reunification rules and language requirements for PR/citizenship; VLS-TS visitor visa itself unchanged.
source βCanada Study Permit: IRCC introduced a 2-year cap on new international student permits and required Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letters (PAL) for most study permit applications; spousal open work permit eligibility restricted to master's (16+ month), doctoral, and select professional programmes.
source βSaudi Arabia Premium Residency (Iqama Mumayazah): Saudi Arabia expanded Premium Residency with 5 new categories: Entrepreneur (USD 1.5M+ business), Investor (USD 1M+ real estate), Distinguished Talent, High-Skilled Professional, Gifted Student. The original Permanent and Limited Duration tracks remain.
source βIreland Critical Skills Employment Permit: Critical Skills Occupations List expanded; salary thresholds updated.
source βIndonesia Golden Visa: Directorate General of Immigration clarified that the Bank Indonesia (BI) deposit route for Golden Visa involves placement in state equity participation instruments through authorised banking partners (Mandiri, BNI, BRI). Updated guidance published on imigrasi.go.id regarding qualifying investment documentation requirements.
source βCroatian Citizenship by Descent / Origin: Croatia became full Schengen member; Croatian citizenship now confers free movement across the entire Schengen Area.
source βPortuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jewish Descendants: Portugal closed the Sephardic descent citizenship route to new applicants effective January 2024. The closure was enacted through Lei 26/2022 transitional provisions expiring. The program faced intense scrutiny following investigations into abuse of the route by applicants without genuine Sephardic ancestry, corruption allegations involving issuing communities, and pressure from the Portuguese government. Applications already on file before the closure deadline continue to be processed.
source βNorth Macedonia Citizenship by Investment: The European Commission's 2024 North Macedonia enlargement report noted the country's economic-citizenship (investor naturalisation) scheme had received only five applications since restandardisation, with none processed to completion, and urged more rigorous background vetting rather than reliance on investment alone.
source βNauru Citizenship by Investment (Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme): Nauru launched the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme, resuming CBI activity after historical suspension.
source βVanuatu Citizenship by Investment (DSP / VDSP): As of early 2024, the EU Schengen suspension remained in effect. The European Commission had not announced a timetable for review or reinstatement. Vanuatu continues to operate the DSP and market the reformed due-diligence standards to international applicants.
source βCommonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment: 2024 CARICOM Caribbean CBI minimum-price accord raised the EDF donation floor to USD 200,000 for a single applicant (previously USD 100,000), aligning Dominica with a region-wide effort to improve programme quality and reduce low-cost 'passport shopping' risks. Family-of-four pricing rose to approximately USD 250,000.
source βMalta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment: EU Commission infringement case (C-181/23) against Malta for alleged breach of EU citizenship rules remains active. Court of Justice of the EU ruling expected 2025β2026. Malta continues to accept and process applications while defending the program.
source βUK Student Visa: Dependant visa eligibility for the Student route restricted to postgraduate research students (9+ months) and government-sponsored students on courses of 6+ months; taught master's and undergraduate students can no longer bring dependants.
source βPortugal D2 Entrepreneur / Independent Worker Visa: NHR tax regime closed to new applicants; replaced by the narrower IFICI programme.
source βNauru Citizenship by Investment (Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme): Nauru launched the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme, resuming CBI activity after the country's historical passport-selling scandal and subsequent loss of visa-free access for its citizens.
source βThailand LTR Visa β Work-from-Thailand Professional: Thai Revenue Department Order Por. 161/2566 (clarified by Por. 162/2566) took effect, extending Thai tax residents' liability on foreign-sourced income remitted into Thailand to cover such income regardless of the tax year in which it was originally earned β a significant tightening of Thailand's remittance-based tax rules for ordinary tax residents that makes the LTR programme's foreign-income tax exemption comparatively more valuable.
source βThailand LTR Visa β Wealthy Pensioner: Thai Revenue Department Order Por. 161/2566 (clarified by Por. 162/2566) took effect, extending Thai tax residents' liability on foreign-sourced income remitted into Thailand to cover such income regardless of the tax year in which it was originally earned β a significant tightening of Thailand's remittance-based tax rules for ordinary tax residents that makes the LTR programme's foreign-income tax exemption comparatively more valuable.
source βThailand LTR Visa β Wealthy Global Citizen: Thai Revenue Department Order Por. 161/2566 (clarified by Por. 162/2566) took effect, extending Thai tax residents' liability on foreign-sourced income remitted into Thailand to cover such income regardless of the tax year in which it was originally earned β a significant tightening of Thailand's remittance-based tax rules for ordinary tax residents that makes the LTR programme's foreign-income tax exemption comparatively more valuable.
source βUAE Blue Residency Visa: UAE introduced the Blue Residency Visa, a renewable 10-year residency for individuals with outstanding contributions to environmental protection and sustainability, building on commitments highlighted at COP28 (held in Dubai, Nov-Dec 2023). Exact launch date is approximate and should be reconfirmed with ICP.
source βPortugal D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa): NHR tax regime closed to new applicants; replaced by the narrower IFICI programme, which some D3 holders in qualifying research, teaching, or innovation roles may access.
source βPortugal D1 Visa (Subordinate Work / Dependent Employment Visa): NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime closed to new applicants; replaced by the narrower IFICI programme, which most D1 holders in ordinary salaried roles do not qualify for.
source βThailand O-X Long-Stay Visa: Thai Revenue Department announced taxation of foreign-source income remitted to Thailand by Thai tax residents β major shift from prior treatment
source βSweden EU Blue Card: Expert Tax Relief extended from 5 to 7 years
source βGreece Skilled Worker Visa (Type D): EU Blue Card threshold for Greece raised to β¬41,650/year
source βPortugal HQA Visa (Highly Qualified Activity): NHR closed; IFICI replacement narrowed scope to research/innovation/high-value activities β HQA is the most direct route to IFICI
source βLuxembourg Salaried Worker Permit: Luxembourg adjusted the Inpatriate Tax Regime parameters in 2024 budget law.
source βAustria Red-White-Red Card: Austria expanded shortage-occupation list further; reduced barriers for IT, healthcare, and engineering roles.
source βMauritius Premium Travel Visa: Mauritius extended Premium Travel Visa eligibility list and digitised the renewal portal.
source βCroatia Digital Nomad Visa: Croatia became full Schengen member; DN visa holders now travel visa-free across Schengen during DN visa validity.
source βThailand Privilege (Elite) Visa: Revenue Department Por 161/2566: same-year foreign income remittance to Thailand now taxable for 180+ day residents.
source βThailand Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement) Visa: Revenue Department Por 161/2566: same-calendar-year foreign income remitted into Thailand now taxable for 180+ day residents, closing prior year-end deferral strategy.
source βSouth Korea Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation Visa): South Korea officially launched the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa (also referred to as Workation Visa). Eligible applicants: foreign nationals employed by non-Korean companies with annual income of KRW 85M (~USD 65,000) or more. Visa valid for 1 year with one renewal, maximum 2 years total. Family (spouse and minor children) eligible on F-3 dependent visa.
source βSingapore Employment Pass: COMPASS also applied to EP renewals from 1 September 2024, meaning existing EP holders whose passes come up for renewal must also pass the COMPASS framework, not just meet the salary threshold.
source βNetherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant): 30% ruling phased down: 30% first 20 months, 20% next 20, 10% final 20. (2025 budget partially reversed β verify at apply time.)
source βNetherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant): Salary thresholds raised to β¬5,331/mo (30+), β¬3,909/mo (under 30), β¬2,801/mo recent graduate.
source βNetherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty): 30% Ruling reduced from 8-year to 5-year maximum period.
source βMalaysia My Second Home (MM2H): Further MM2H revision clarifies Platinum tier (RM 5M FD), partial FD withdrawal rules (50% for property/education/medical), and annual reporting requirements.
source βThailand Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Revenue Department Instruction No. Por 161/2566: same-year foreign income remitted to Thailand is now taxable for 180+ day residents.
source βThailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: Revenue Department Instruction No. Por 161/2566 effective 1 Jan 2024: foreign income remitted to Thailand in the same calendar year is now assessable Thai income for residents (180+ days). Prior-year savings no longer tax-free on remittance.
source βMalta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP): MPRP government contribution increased; property thresholds adjusted.
source βPortugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa: NHR closed; IFICI replacement with narrower scope announced.
source βPortugal D7 Passive Income Visa: NHR tax regime closed to new applicants; replaced by narrower IFICI programme.
source βItaly EU Blue Card: EU member states, including Italy, were required to transpose the recast EU Blue Card Directive (EU) 2021/1883 by this date, which lowered salary thresholds relative to the original 2009 Blue Card Directive, shortened minimum contract-length requirements, eased family reunification, and allowed limited accumulation of qualifying residence periods across member states. Italy's specific national transposition decree details were not independently confirmed.
source βGermany EU Blue Card: EU Blue Card thresholds updated; shortage occupations expanded.
source βCanada Study Permit: Student Direct Stream (SDS) discontinued; all study permit applicants are now processed through the standard stream regardless of country of residence.
source βIndia Business Visa: India expanded the list of nationalities eligible for e-Business Visa and increased the validity for some categories to 5 years with multiple-entry. The e-BV system at indianvisaonline.gov.in updated to streamline applications with faster processing targets of 3-5 business days.
source βPortugal D2 Entrepreneur / Independent Worker Visa: SEF dissolved and replaced by AIMA (AgΓͺncia para a Integração, Migraçáes e Asilo). Transition caused significant appointment backlogs.
source βPortugal Family Reunification Visa (D6): SEF dissolved and replaced by AIMA (AgΓͺncia para a Integração, Migraçáes e Asilo), the agency now responsible for processing family reunification applications; transition caused significant appointment backlogs.
source βPortugal D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa): SEF dissolved and replaced by AIMA (AgΓͺncia para a Integração, Migraçáes e Asilo); transition caused significant appointment backlogs affecting D3 residence-card processing.
source βPortugal D1 Visa (Subordinate Work / Dependent Employment Visa): SEF dissolved and replaced by AIMA (AgΓͺncia para a Integração, Migraçáes e Asilo); transition caused significant appointment backlogs affecting D1 residence-card processing.
source βPortugal Golden Visa (ARI): SEF dissolved; AIMA replacement caused massive processing backlogs.
source βPortugal D7 Passive Income Visa: SEF dissolved and replaced by AIMA (AgΓͺncia para a Integração, Migraçáes e Asilo). Transition caused significant appointment backlogs.
source βNew Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: Skilled Migrant Category fundamentally reformed. New 6-point system replaced old 160-point system. Core change: NZ employment or accredited job offer is now the foundation of eligibility. Green List retained and expanded. EOI pools drawn every 2 weeks instead of fortnightly random draws.
source βPortugal Golden Visa (ARI): Mais Habitação law eliminated real estate as qualifying Golden Visa investment. Fund investment (β¬500k), research contribution, arts/heritage, and job creation routes remain.
source βSouth Africa Critical Skills Work Visa: Critical Skills List reissued under Government Gazette notice β ICT, engineering, artisanal trades refined; some removals.
source βAntigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment: NDF contribution thresholds revised upward. Due diligence requirements enhanced following CARICOM regional review and international AML/CFT pressure. Updated programme documentation published by the CIU.
source βIrish Citizenship by Descent / Foreign Births Registration: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced a new online Foreign Births Registration system to partially replace the paper-based process, aiming to reduce the processing backlog. As of early 2025, the backlog remains approximately 30 months.
source βSt Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment: St Kitts and Nevis temporarily suspended acceptance of new applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals following international sanctions pressure applied to Caribbean CBI jurisdictions. The suspension remains in effect and is subject to ongoing policy review.
source βIsrael Aliyah (Law of Return): Nefesh B'Nefesh and Israeli government extended chartered Aliyah-flight programme to additional source countries.
source βSingapore Employment Pass: EP minimum qualifying salary raised to SGD 5,600/month (general) and SGD 6,800/month (financial services sector), up from SGD 4,500 and SGD 5,000 respectively. Older applicants require proportionally higher salaries.
source βSingapore Employment Pass: COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) became mandatory for all new Employment Pass applications from 1 September 2023. COMPASS adds a points-based assessment on top of the salary threshold, evaluating salary vs peers, qualifications, nationality diversity, and local employment support. Minimum 40 points required to pass.
source βSingapore EntrePass: Singapore expanded the list of accredited incubators qualifying for EntrePass to include more technology-sector incubators. Check current MOM list for latest accredited organisations.
source βItaly Elective Residence Visa: Italy tightened documentation of passive income source; consulates increased scrutiny of "active" income disguised as passive.
source βIndonesia Golden Visa: Indonesia officially launched the Golden Visa program under Government Regulation 22/2023 (implementing the 2011 Immigration Law). Investment thresholds: individual USD 350,000 (5-yr) or USD 700,000 (10-yr) via Bank Indonesia deposit; corporate USD 2.5M (5-yr) or USD 5M (10-yr). Visa grants multi-entry residence permit (e-KITAS/e-KITAP).
source βGreece Golden Visa: Short-term rental restrictions introduced in specific Athens districts.
source βEstonia Startup Visa: Startup Estonia expanded committee coverage and simplified scale-up definitions; evaluation process streamlined.
source βSt Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment: Major programme reform: the Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC) replaced the previous Citizenship by Investment Fund (CIF). The minimum donation was raised to USD 250,000 for a single applicant (from USD 150,000) and to USD 295,000 for a family of four. The real estate investment minimum was simultaneously raised from USD 200,000 to USD 400,000. Enhanced due diligence requirements were introduced, including mandatory in-person or virtual interviews for applicants meeting certain risk criteria. The 2023 reform aligned St Kitts pricing broadly with regional peers and responded to FATF and OECD scrutiny of Caribbean CBI programmes.
source βUK Student Visa: Graduate Route confirmed retained (following the Migration Advisory Committee review) at 2 years post-undergraduate/master's and 3 years post-PhD, without a minimum salary requirement.
source βAustralia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): Age limit for Working Holiday visa (417) extended to 35 years for nationals of UK, Ireland, Canada, France, and Italy. Previously 30 for all eligible nationalities.
source βThailand Privilege (Elite) Visa: Thailand Elite programme rebranded to Thailand Privilege Card. New membership tiers introduced: Privilege Entry (5yr), Privilege Residence (10yr), Privilege Reserve (20yr), Elite Ultimate Privilege (20yr). Prior tier names retired.
source βJapan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa: Japan announced expansion of SSW-2 eligibility from 2 sectors (construction and shipbuilding) to 9 sectors, significantly broadening the path to indefinite-renewal status and family accompaniment for SSW workers.
source βVanuatu Citizenship by Investment (DSP / VDSP): Vanuatu introduced a package of enhanced due-diligence reforms including mandatory third-party background checks by accredited screening firms and tightened document-authentication requirements, announced as part of an effort to address EU concerns and seek restoration of Schengen access.
source βParaguay Permanent Residency: Naturalisation (citizenship) applications after the 3-year residency period have faced stricter in-practice scrutiny, with authorities more consistently requiring proof of real-estate ownership or a long-term lease, an in-person interview, and demonstrated basic Spanish or GuaranΓ proficiency β requirements that exist in law but were inconsistently enforced in earlier years.
source βPhilippines Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV): Philippine Bureau of Immigration reaffirmed SIRV qualifying investment categories. Government securities and PSE-listed stocks remain eligible. BI updated processing procedures for SIRV applications to require BSP registration documentation as mandatory submission to reduce fraud risk.
source βSouth Korea D-8 Investor Visa: Korean immigration streamlined D-8 company formation requirements in coordination with KOTRA one-stop investment support centres. KOTRA now provides expedited foreign investment certificate for amounts above KRW 100M.
source βDubai Freelance Visa (TECOM / Free Zone Permit): UAE Corporate Tax Law effective June 2023. Freelancers operating as UAE sole establishments are subject to 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000/yr. Small Business Relief (revenue β€ AED 3M) provides effective 0% rate for most individual freelancers.
source βUAE Golden Visa: UAE Federal Corporate Tax Law effective 1 June 2023. 9% tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000/yr. UAE free zone entities with qualifying income may retain 0% rate if they meet substance requirements.
source βCanada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker): Category-based Express Entry draws launched: healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, French speakers.
source βUK Innovator Founder Visa: Β£50,000 minimum investment requirement removed. Replaced with stricter "innovative, viable, scalable" business plan assessment.
source βJapan J-Skip Visa (Highly Skilled Professional Fast-Track): J-Skip status was newly introduced, letting applicants earning at least Β₯20,000,000/year with a master's degree (or 10+ years' relevant experience) bypass the standard 70-point Highly Skilled Professional points calculation and qualify for a 1-year fast-track to permanent residency.
source βJapan J-Find Visa (Job-Seeking for Top University Graduates): J-Find status was newly introduced, allowing graduates of top-ranked global universities to enter Japan for up to 2 years to search for skilled employment or prepare a business without a prior job offer β a departure from Japan's historical employer-first work-visa model.
source βGreece Skilled Worker Visa (Type D): Law 5038/2023 consolidated and modernised the Greek immigration framework, including skilled worker and Blue Card routes
source βItaly Self-Employment Visa: Decreto flussi 2023-2025 adopted multi-year framework increasing visibility but quotas remain small
source βIndia Employment Visa: India FRRO switched to fully online e-FRRO registration system, eliminating in-person FRRO visits for Employment Visa registration. Applicants now register at indianfrro.gov.in with digital document upload. Processing time approximately 5-10 working days.
source βJapan Business Manager Visa: Japan's Startup Visa programme expanded in cooperation with specific municipalities (Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka). Allows entrepreneurs to enter Japan for up to 6 months without a full Business Manager CoE, to establish their company during that period. Separate from standard Business Manager visa.
source βJapan Highly Skilled Professional Visa: HSP point bonus added for graduates of Japanese universities and for candidates with N1/N2 Japanese language certification, raising bonus points and making the 70-point threshold easier to clear.
source βJapan Highly Skilled Professional Visa: J-Find pathway launched: graduates of top-ranked universities (QS/Times top 100) within 5 years of graduation may enter Japan on a dedicated job-hunting status for up to 2 years without a specific employer.
source βJapan Highly Skilled Professional Visa: J-Skip pathway launched: HSP applicants scoring 80+ points may enter Japan without a pre-arranged employer for up to 6 months (Activity Status: "Highly Skilled Professional (predefined activities)"). Replaces older "Job Seeker" concept for HSP-tier applicants.
source βEgyptian Citizenship by Investment: Egypt amended citizenship-by-investment thresholds following significant Egyptian pound devaluation. USD-denominated minimums were adjusted upward to maintain equivalent real-value requirements. Applicants should confirm current thresholds directly with GAFI as EGP-denominated figures have changed multiple times.
source βCommonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment: IMF Article IV consultation confirmed Dominica's CBI revenues represent a material share of government receipts. IMF noted improvements in AML/CFT compliance, transparent reporting, and due-diligence standards.
source βIreland Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP): Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applications.
source βAustrian Citizenship by Descent (Β§58c Victims of National Socialism + Β§10 Jus Sanguinis): BMI clarified guidance for Β§58c applications via foreign missions, standardising the evidentiary checklist and confirming that descendants of stateless persons rendered stateless by NS racial decrees are also eligible.
source βTurkish Citizenship by Investment: Turkey introduced enhanced AML/CFT due-diligence requirements for citizenship applicants, including more rigorous source-of-funds documentation, following FATF scrutiny of Turkish real estate market exposure to illicit finance.
source βSt Lucia Citizenship by Investment: St Lucia aligned its due-diligence framework with the CARICOM regional standard, introducing enhanced mandatory background checks and third-party screening for all adult applicants.
source βGrenada Citizenship by Investment: NTF donation amount for a single applicant revised upward to USD 235,000, bringing Grenada into line with the broader Caribbean CBI pricing adjustments of 2022-2023. The family-of-four rate was simultaneously updated to USD 270,000.
source βSt Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment: Caribbean-wide CBI pricing harmonisation began in earnest as St Kitts, Antigua, Grenada, and St Lucia each revised their minimum investment thresholds upward, partly in response to OECD Forum on Harmful Tax Practices peer reviews and FATF recommendations on AML/CFT standards applicable to citizenship-by-investment programmes.
source βUruguay Ordinary Residence Permit (Residencia Permanente): Uruguay's Ley de MigraciΓ³n (Law 19.254) framework remains in force; no material changes to the ordinary residency income threshold or documentation requirements were enacted in 2022-2023, though processing times have lengthened due to increased applicant volumes from Venezuela and Cuba.
source βSpain Startup Visa (Entrepreneur Visa β Law 14/2013): Law 28/2022 (Startup Act / Ley de Startups) amended Law 14/2013, introducing improved conditions including faster processing targets (20 business days), extension of initial authorisation period, and introduction of the separate digital nomad visa alongside the existing entrepreneur route.
source βPhilippines Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV): PRA updated SRRV Smile deposit requirements: Ages 35-49 require USD 20,000 deposit (unchanged). Ages 50+ reduced to USD 10,000 (previously USD 20,000 for non-pensioners). SRRV Classic remains USD 10,000 deposit with USD 800/mo pension. Annual fees unchanged at USD 360/yr principal.
source βGeorgia Small Business / Individual Entrepreneur Visa: Real-estate residence threshold reduced to USD 100,000 (from USD 300,000 earlier).
source βAustralia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): Third-year Working Holiday visa now available to those who complete 179 days of specified regional work across the first two years. Previously only two years of 417 were possible for most applicants.
source βSingapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass): ONE Pass spouse work rights: the dependent spouse of a ONE Pass holder is automatically authorised to work in Singapore without requiring a separate work pass application β an explicit new entitlement not available under the prior Personalised Employment Pass.
source βSingapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass): Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) officially launched in January 2023. Replaces the older "Personalised Employment Pass" (PEP) for the top talent tier. 5-year validity, renewable, allows multiple employers and business ownership simultaneously, SGD 30,000/month salary threshold.
source βSingapore EntrePass: MOM tightened EntrePass eligibility criteria, requiring that VC/angel investment be from MAS-licensed VCs or an updated list of Singapore-recognised business angels. Informal investment arrangements excluded.
source βSpain Digital Nomad Visa: Digital Nomad Visa launched under Startup Act 2023; provided first formal remote worker pathway.
source βCommonwealth of Dominica Citizenship by Investment: Dominica joined the CARICOM Enhanced Due Diligence framework, introducing standardised background-check requirements shared across Caribbean CBI programmes, including mandatory third-party screening for all adult applicants.
source βPortugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa: D8 Digital Nomad visa launched, formalising remote worker residency pathway.
source βColombia Digital Nomad Visa (NΓ³mada Digital): Colombia DN visa (V-13) introduced via Resolution 5477.
source βAustria Red-White-Red Card: Austria expanded the Red-White-Red Card with significant reforms: lowered salary thresholds, expanded shortage-occupation list, added regular-employee track for tourism/agriculture sectors, simplified points criteria.
source βMalaysia DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass: Malaysia DE Rantau Nomad Pass officially launched by MDEC. First digital nomad pass for Malaysia. Eligibility for tech/digital economy professionals with foreign income.
source βNew Zealand Investor 2 Visa: Investor 2 category closed; replaced by Active Investor Plus with weighted-investment model and emphasis on direct equity.
source βThailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa programme launched by BOI, replacing older Elite-style programs.
source βLatvia Real Estate Residence Permit (MPR): Latvia suspended issuance of new investment-based residence permits (including the real estate MPR route) to Russian and Belarusian nationals, as part of coordinated Baltic-region measures following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Exact effective date is approximate and should be reconfirmed with PMLP.
source βGreek Citizenship by Descent / Registration of Homogeneis: The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad launched a digital platform to support diaspora citizenship applications, reducing some paperwork burdens and enabling consular submissions to be partially completed online.
source βPortuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jewish Descendants: Lei 26/2022 introduced tighter due-diligence requirements for the Sephardic route, including stricter criteria for community certification bodies and enhanced documentation standards. This was the last substantive reform before the program's closure.
source βMalta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment: European Court of Justice Advocate General issued opinion that Malta's program may breach EU law by effectively selling citizenship without genuine links. Malta disputed the characterisation and continues to operate the program.
source βTurkish Citizenship by Investment: Presidential Decree raised the minimum real estate investment threshold from USD 250,000 to USD 400,000. The mandatory independent property appraisal requirement was simultaneously tightened to prevent inflated declared values.
source βSt Lucia Citizenship by Investment: St Lucia suspended acceptance of applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals in line with international sanctions pressure affecting Caribbean CBI programs broadly.
source βGrenada Citizenship by Investment: Grenada suspended processing of applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals in response to international sanctions pressure, consistent with the position taken by other CARICOM CBI jurisdictions at that time. Status subject to ongoing policy review.
source βAntigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment: Antigua and Barbuda suspended acceptance of applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and related international sanctions pressure.
source βTurkey Short-Term Residence Permit: Expanded "closed neighborhoods" list restricting where foreigners can register ikamet, especially in Istanbul.
source βMalaysia My Second Home (MM2H): Post-complaints revision: Silver tier introduced at RM 500,000 FD; income kept at RM 40,000/mo. Three-tier structure (Silver/Gold/Platinum) established.
source βUK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa: High Potential Individual visa launched, creating the UK's first unsponsored route specifically targeting recent graduates of elite overseas universities.
source βHungarian Citizenship by Descent / Simplified Naturalization: The European Commission formally raised concerns about Hungary's simplified naturalization program in the context of EU citizenship integrity. The Commission's investigation into the program's due diligence standards has led some consulates to increase scrutiny of applications, particularly from applicants in non-neighboring countries.
source βSlovak Citizenship by Descent (Living Abroad Slovak Act): Slovakia amended the Act on Slovaks Living Abroad and lifted the prohibition on dual citizenship for naturalising Slovaks. Descendants of Slovak emigrants up to three generations may now apply for expedited naturalisation; previously dual-citizenship loss for naturalising Slovaks deterred many applicants.
source βUAE Golden Visa: UAE Golden Visa eligibility significantly broadened: investors, specialized talents, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, frontline workers, and humanitarian pioneers all added. Real estate investors with mortgages now eligible if equity β₯ AED 2M. Previous AED 5M investment threshold reduced to AED 2M.
source βArgentine Citizenship by Descent (OpciΓ³n de Nacionalidad) & Ancestry-Based Naturalization: Federal courts in Buenos Aires streamlined the carta de ciudadanΓa docket for applicants who can document at least one Argentine grandparent, reducing average judicial processing time in high-volume districts.
source βE-2 Treaty Investor Visa: EB-5 reform indirectly affected E-2: Grenada CBI route to E-2 remained, and some E-2-to-EB-5 upgrade paths clarified.
source βEB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa: EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act: reauthorised Regional Center program through 2027; raised TEA to $800k, non-TEA to $1.05M; reserved categories for rural (20%), high-unemployment (10%), infrastructure (2%); enhanced fraud protection.
source βUkrainian Citizenship by Origin / Repatriation: Wartime martial law (declared 24 February 2022) has affected administrative timing but not legal eligibility. Consular operations continued; Presidential decrees granting citizenship continue to be issued through the wartime period.
source βVanuatu Citizenship by Investment (DSP / VDSP): The European Union formally suspended visa-free Schengen access for Vanuatu passport holders under Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, citing due-diligence and integrity concerns about the DSP program. This suspension applies to all Vanuatu passports regardless of how citizenship was obtained. Vanuatu nationals must now apply for a Schengen visa in advance.
source βUS L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa: USCIS confirmed L-2 spouses are automatically authorised to work without separate EAD application β major practical improvement for transferring families.
source βBrazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV): CNIg Resolution No. 45 created Digital Nomad residence category.
source βCroatian Citizenship by Descent / Origin: Major amendment to the Croatian Citizenship Act came into force: removed the requirement for descent applicants to demonstrate active engagement with Croatian culture / language; expanded eligibility to descendants up to three generations; introduced fast-track procedures for the global Croatian diaspora.
source βLithuanian Citizenship by Descent (Restoration of Citizenship): Lithuania updated procedural guidance for foreign-resident applicants processing citizenship applications through Lithuanian consulates, streamlining the documentation submission process and introducing digital appointment booking for consular submissions.
source βJordanian Citizenship by Investment: Jordan tightened compliance and source-of-funds documentation requirements for CBI applicants, partly in response to FATF mutual evaluation findings. The General Intelligence Directorate (GID) expanded its security-screening protocols for citizenship-by-investment applicants.
source βPuerto Rico Act 60 (Individual Resident Investor & Export Services): Annual charitable-contribution requirement for Individual Resident Investor decree holders increased from USD 5,000 to a total of roughly USD 10,000/year, with a portion earmarked for Puerto Rico nonprofits addressing child poverty, amid criticism that the original programme extracted too little local benefit relative to the tax savings granted to newcomers.
source βCyprus Digital Nomad Visa: Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa introduced, allowing non-EU remote workers to legally reside and work remotely from Cyprus for up to one year, renewable.
source βBelgium Single Permit: Belgium introduced the New Expat Tax Regime (BBIK / RΓ©gime National ImpatriΓ©), replacing the prior Special Tax Regime. 30% of remuneration tax-free for 5 years extendable by 3.
source βMalaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP): Malaysia Premium Visa Programme (PVIP) launched as a new high-net-worth long-stay product by IMI. 20-year multiple-entry visa for MYR 1,000,000+ net worth applicants paying RM 200,000 fee.
source βUK Ancestry Visa / British National (Overseas) β BN(O): Post-Brexit, EU/EEA citizens lost free movement rights to the UK. Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparents became relatively more attractive candidates for the UK Ancestry visa route as a structured path to UK settlement, as EU nationals no longer have a free-movement alternative.
source βMalaysia My Second Home (MM2H): Major MM2H revision raised minimum fixed deposit from RM 150,000-300,000 to RM 1,000,000, and income requirement from RM 10,000/mo to RM 40,000/mo. Caused widespread non-compliance among existing holders. 2022 partially revised downward.
source βPanama Friendly Nations Visa: Executive Decree 197 tightened Friendly Nations β replaced "professional activity" proof with fixed options: employment contract, $200k+ real estate, or $200k+ bank deposit.
source βGerman Citizenship Restoration under StAG Β§ 15 (Nazi-Era Persecution Descendants): StAG Β§ 15 entered into force, converting Germany's prior declaratory, non-binding practice for descendants of Nazi-persecution victims into a full legal entitlement, and eliminating several restrictive conditions that had previously excluded matrilineal descendants and those affected by pre-1953 gender-based nationality rules.
source βGerman Citizenship by Descent (Β§ 4 StAG / Restoration under Art. 116 GG): The Second Act Amending the Basic Law Citizenship Restoration Act expanded Art. 116(2) GG eligibility to include maternal-line descendants, out-of-wedlock children of German fathers, and women who lost German citizenship by marrying a foreign national before 1953 β all previously excluded categories.
source βMexican Citizenship by Descent (Article 30 Β§II Constitution): Mexico amended Article 30 of the Constitution to expand recognition of Mexican nationality by birth, including some interpretations extending recognition to grandchildren of Mexican-born nationals. Implementation varies by consulate.
source βIndia Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card: The Government of India amended OCI regulations to require OCI cardholders to obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs for certain activities including research, missionary work, journalism, and mountaineering in protected areas. Ordinary residence, tourism, employment in the private sector, and study were unaffected.
source βUK Graduate Route Visa: Graduate Route launched, reopening unsponsored post-study work rights in the UK for the first time since the original Tier 1 Post-Study Work route closed in 2012.
source βItalian Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis): Italy ended visa-free access for applicants during consular proceedings; waiting periods for consular appointments in the US reached 5β10 years in high-demand districts (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles), accelerating use of the Italian court route.
source βOverseas Citizen of India (OCI): MHA issued clarification narrowing OCI rights of access to certain restricted protected areas (Andaman, parts of NE India, Sikkim) β OCI holders now require additional permits previously not needed.
source βBulgarian Citizenship by Origin (Repatriation): Bulgaria tightened the documentary standard for proof of Bulgarian origin, raising the evidentiary bar for Certificate of Bulgarian Origin applications. Previous practice of relying on declarations from Bulgarian community organisations alone was curtailed.
source βUAE Virtual Working Programme (Remote Work Visa): Dubai Virtual Working Programme launched, making Dubai one of the first Gulf destinations to offer a formal remote work visa for employees of foreign companies.
source βPolish Citizenship by Descent (Confirmation of Polish Citizenship): Poland's updated administrative guidelines clarified that voluntary naturalization in a foreign country before 1951 generally caused automatic loss of Polish citizenship under the 1920 Citizenship Act, but that naturalization after 1951 under the 1951 Citizenship Act required an explicit release from Polish citizenship β meaning many post-1951 emigrants may have retained Polish citizenship unknowingly.
source βNorth Macedonia Citizenship by Investment: North Macedonia standardised investor naturalisation into the current two-track structure (EUR 200,000 fund donation, or EUR 400,000 direct investment with job-creation requirements) under the existing Law on Citizenship's discretionary-naturalisation provisions (Articles 9 and 11).
source βSingapore Tech.Pass: Tech.Pass launched by EDB with an initial cap of 500 places, targeting senior tech leaders, founders, and investors as part of Singapore's push to attract top global tech talent.
source βMalta Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment: Programme renamed from Malta Individual Investor Programme (MIIP) to Citizenship by Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (CES). MIIP closed to new applications. Contribution thresholds revised: β¬600,000 for 36-month residency, β¬750,000 for 12-month residency. Legal Notice 437 of 2020.
source βAustrian Citizenship by Descent (Β§58c Victims of National Socialism + Β§10 Jus Sanguinis): Β§58c entered into force, granting descendants of NS persecutees a declaratory right to Austrian citizenship with no generational cap and no renunciation requirement.
source βEgyptian Citizenship by Investment: Law 190 of 2020 formally established Egypt's citizenship-by-investment framework, creating the legal basis for the real estate, bank deposit, business investment, and donation routes.
source βEstonia Digital Nomad Visa: Estonia introduced the Digital Nomad Visa as one of the first in the EU, allowing remote workers to legally reside and work in Estonia for clients or employers outside Estonia.
source βAlbanian Citizenship by Origin: Albania enacted Law 113/2020 on Citizenship, fundamentally reforming the descent / origin route. Provides expedited naturalisation for persons of Albanian origin globally without generational caps. Replaces the previous 1998 Law on Albanian Citizenship.
source βUS TN Visa (Trade NAFTA / USMCA Professional): USMCA replaced NAFTA, continuing the TN professional-worker category essentially unchanged in occupation list and structure (now Appendix 2 to USMCA Chapter 16, previously NAFTA Annex 1603).
source βJordanian Citizenship by Investment: Jordan published updated ministerial instructions clarifying eligible investment routes, minimum thresholds, and documentation requirements for citizenship by investment under the existing nationality law framework.
source βNorwegian Citizenship by Descent: Restoration (re-acquisition) notification pathway opened. Former Norwegian citizens who lost their status before 1 January 2020 may reclaim by simplified notification to UDI.
source βIrish Citizenship by Descent / Foreign Births Registration: Following Brexit, demand for Irish FBR surged significantly from British residents with Irish-born grandparents, contributing to the multi-year processing backlog.
source βNorwegian Citizenship by Descent: Norway amended the Nationality Act effective 1 January 2020 to permit dual citizenship. Norwegian citizens acquiring a foreign nationality no longer lose their Norwegian status.
source βGreek Citizenship by Descent / Registration of Homogeneis: Greece updated its Citizenship Code under Law 4674/2020, introducing streamlined procedures for ethnic Greeks abroad to apply for citizenship. The reform also clarified requirements for the "special naturalization" route under Article 14, and modernized the documentation standards expected from applicants in diaspora communities.
source βPuerto Rico Act 60 (Individual Resident Investor & Export Services): Act 60-2019 (the Puerto Rico Incentives Code) consolidated dozens of prior incentive laws β including Act 20 (Export Services) and Act 22 (Individual Investors) β into a single unified code, effective January 1, 2020. Decrees issued under the earlier Acts 20/22 remain grandfathered under their original terms.
source βVietnam DT Investor Visa: Law No. 51/2019/QH14 on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam took effect, formalising the DT investor visa tier structure and extending maximum validity periods for DT1 holders to 10 years
source βThailand Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement) Visa: Thailand imposed mandatory health insurance requirement for all new Non-Immigrant OA visa applicants (issued from abroad). Minimum THB 40,000 inpatient / THB 4,000 outpatient.
source βSpanish Citizenship for Sephardic Jewish Descendants: Spain's Sephardic citizenship route closed permanently to new applicants. Ley 12/2015 (the Law for Granting Nationality to Sephardic Jews of Spanish Origin) expired after its four-year period was not renewed by the Spanish legislature. No further extensions have been made and the route is not available to new applicants.
source βLithuanian Citizenship by Descent (Restoration of Citizenship): Lithuania amended its Law on Citizenship to extend restoration-route dual citizenship rights to descendants of pre-1940 Lithuanian citizens (or residents of ethnic Lithuanian origin) regardless of how many generations back. This opened the descent pathway to a significantly larger global diaspora, including Lithuanian-Americans and communities in Argentina, South Africa, Australia, and elsewhere.
source βJapan Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Visa: Specified Skilled Worker (SSW / Tokutei Ginou) programme launched under revised Immigration Control Act, creating SSW-1 and SSW-2 categories to address Japan's severe labour shortage in 14 designated sectors.
source βLuxembourgish Citizenship by Descent: Article 89 Phase 1 closed: the deadline to submit an initial ancestry-certification request to the Ministry of Justice expired. No new certification requests have been accepted since this date.
source βTurkish Citizenship by Descent (Article 43): Turkish nationality law widely used for post-2018 restoration under Article 43; documentation standards tightened.
source βComoros Economic Citizenship Programme: Programme faced multiple audits and suspensions after the 2008 Bidoon-issuance controversy; current programme status disputed.
source βComoros Economic Citizenship Programme: Programme faced multiple audits and suspensions after the earlier Bidoon-issuance controversy, in which citizenship was reportedly granted in bulk to stateless Gulf-state residents rather than through individual investment applications; a parliamentary inquiry followed and the programme's current operating status remains disputed.
source βSammarinese Citizenship by Descent: Law No. 114 of 28 June 2017 amended the 2004 citizenship law to progressively allow dual nationality for descent-based citizenship acquisitions, removing the previous requirement to renounce a foreign nationality upon registration.
source βDanish Citizenship by Descent: Denmark re-introduced dual citizenship after over 80 years of prohibition. Danish citizens acquiring a foreign nationality no longer forfeit Danish citizenship, and a five-year transitional window (2015β2020) allowed those who had previously lost Danish nationality to foreign naturalisation to apply for restoration.
source βSpanish Citizenship for Sephardic Jewish Descendants: Ley 12/2015 came into force, opening the Spanish Sephardic descent citizenship route for a four-year period. The law was described as a historic reparation for the expulsion of Sephardic Jews from Spain in 1492 under the Alhambra Decree.
source βSwedish Citizenship by Descent: SFS 2014:481 amended the Citizenship Act 2001 to abolish automatic forfeiture of citizenship for persons born abroad under the former Β§14 rule, and introduced a notification-based restoration right for those who had already lost citizenship under that provision.
source βCzech Citizenship Reacquisition / Declaration: Czech Republic enacted Law 186/2013 (the 2014 Citizenship Act), permitting dual citizenship and establishing Β§31 reacquisition and Β§35 descent declaration routes. Replaced the prior 1993 framework that required renunciation of foreign citizenship.
source βLatvian Citizenship Restoration for Descendants of Pre-1940 Citizens: Amendments to the Latvian Citizenship Law expanded the list of countries with which Latvian citizens, including those who restore citizenship as descendants of pre-1940 citizens, may hold dual citizenship, easing a major historical barrier for the diaspora.
source βHungarian Citizenship by Descent / Simplified Naturalization: Act LV of 1993 was amended to introduce simplified naturalization for ethnic Hungarians abroad, removing the prior 8-year residency requirement for those who can demonstrate Hungarian ancestry and Hungarian language ability. This created the current large-scale descent program.
source βBrazilian Citizenship by Descent (Consular Registration & Opção de Nacionalidade): Constitutional Amendment No. 54/2007 restored automatic Brazilian citizenship to children born abroad to a Brazilian parent even without consular registration or residency in Brazil, correcting a gap left by a 1994 amendment that had briefly required residence in Brazil to consolidate citizenship.
source βChilean Citizenship by Descent (Article 10 No. 2, Post-2005 Constitutional Reform): Law No. 20.050 reformed Article 10 No. 2 of the Chilean Constitution, removing the prior requirement that descendants of Chilean citizens born abroad establish physical residence ('avecindamiento') in Chile before their citizenship could be confirmed, allowing descent claims to be finalized entirely through consular registration.
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