Which European Countries Are Tightening Residency Rules in 2025?

In 2025, immigration policy across Europe is undergoing significant tightening. Several EU countries have revised the conditions for obtaining residency and citizenship, affecting both investment-based and employment, student, and humanitarian migration routes. Here's a detailed overview of the key reforms and stricter regulations across the region.

United Kingdom: Higher Financial Requirements

In 2025, the UK implemented major immigration reforms. Changes include increased visa fees, the transition to digital eVisas, stricter citizenship eligibility, and higher salary thresholds for work visas.

Skilled Worker Visa. The minimum salary threshold was raised to £38,700 per year (€44,505), up from £26,200. Care workers still qualify under the previous threshold. Family reunification for care workers is no longer allowed.

eVisa Transition. Since January 1, 2025, the UK has moved to a fully digital visa system. All BRP/BRC cardholders must register for an eVisa by March 31, 2025.

Citizenship Restrictions. From February 10, 2025, applications for citizenship are denied if the applicant previously entered the UK illegally (exceptions apply).

Visa Fees. As of April 9, 2025:

ILR application: £3,029 (€3,483)

Naturalization: £1,605 (€1,846)

Skilled Worker visa (<3 years): £769 (€884)

Spain: End of Golden Visas & Stricter Nomad Visas

Golden Visa Program. Spain officially ended its Golden Visa scheme on April 3, 2025. Previously, the program granted residency for investments starting from €500,000. Applications submitted before that date are still being processed.

Digital Nomad Visa. As of 2025, applicants must now prove a minimum monthly income of €2,762.66. Additional income is required for dependents.

Portugal: Tougher Investment & Residency Rules

D7 Visa. The minimum income requirement rose to €870/month due to a wage increase. Applicants must also show bank funds and proof of accommodation.

Golden Visa Reforms. Real estate investment no longer qualifies for residency. Valid options include €500,000 in venture capital or €250,000 in cultural funding.

Tourist Legalization Ban. Since June 2024, the Manifestação de Interesse process for legalizing tourists has been abolished. Residency must now be applied for from abroad.

Greece: New Minimums & Property Limits

Golden Visa. From 2025, new minimum investment thresholds:

€800,000 in high-demand areas like Athens or Santorini

€400,000 in other regions

€250,000 for renovated heritage buildings

Only one property of at least 120 m² is allowed per investor. Deadlines for old conditions apply to contracts signed before August 31, 2024.

France: Family & Work-Based Adjustments

France now strictly limits family-based residence permits. Planned cuts will reduce permits from 22,000 to under 10,000 annually. The focus shifts toward employment-based legalization, particularly in industries facing labor shortages.

Germany: Border Control & Family Reunification Halt

Germany will:

Suspend family reunification for those with subsidiary protection

Shut down refugee admission programs

Increase deportations and residency inspections

End fast-track citizenship after 3 years

Sweden: Refugee & Citizenship Path Reform

As of April 2025:

No “track change” from asylum refusal to work visa from within Sweden

Refugee residence permits now temporary

Citizenship will require 8 years of residency, language tests, and proof of financial independence

?? Finland: Longer Timelines for PR & Citizenship
Permanent Residency. Residency requirement increased from 4 to 6 years, unless high income or education conditions are met.

Citizenship. Since October 2024, 8 years of legal residence is now required, along with language, financial, and civic knowledge tests.

Norway: Higher Income Thresholds for Family Reunification

Family Immigration. New requirement of NOK 396,890 (€34,000) annual income from sponsors.

Permanent Residency. Language requirement raised from CEFR A1 to A2.

Netherlands: Income & Integration Tightening

Skilled Migrants. Income thresholds raised significantly. Exceeding monthly earnings required based on age and qualification.

Residency & Citizenship. Integration course and language exams are mandatory. Residency can be revoked if the person spends extended time abroad.

Latvia: New Rules for Russians & Belarusians

Latvia now requires personal data 48 hours before border crossing. Special restrictions for Russian and Belarusian nationals remain in force until at least December 2026. Latvian language proficiency is required for residence permit renewals.