Significant Changes to EU Immigration Policies Implemented in 2024

Throughout 2024, numerous modifications to the immigration systems of EU countries have been enacted, primarily aimed at addressing labor shortages and filling market gaps with foreign workers. However, several EU nations have also tightened residence permit rules, added restrictions, or imposed additional requirements for those seeking residency, with a focus on enhancing integration for foreigners into local communities.

According to reports from 2024, we outline key changes to residence permit policies across various EU countries:

Germany

In response to labor shortages, Germany has intensified efforts to attract foreign workers. Notable changes introduced in 2024 include the Opportunity Card, or Chancenkarte, which took effect on June 1, 2024. This point-based system facilitates easier migration for eligible foreigners, who must meet several requirements: possessing valid professional qualifications or a university degree, relevant work experience, basic German or English language skills (depending on the sector), being under 35 years of age, and demonstrating financial stability to support themselves during the job search. Additionally, the German government has streamlined the recognition process for foreign qualifications, increasing the likelihood of foreign workers being hired across various sectors. Since 2024, foreigners have been granted extended periods to search for jobs, enhancing Germany's appeal as a migration destination. Conversely, the German government has raised the salary requirement for EU Blue Card applicants, with new rates to apply in 2025. Candidates for jobs at German companies will now need to earn a gross annual income of €48,300, equating to over €4,000 per month. This threshold may vary depending on the specific job; for bottleneck professions, the income requirement is set at around €43,000.

France

While Germany has eased some rules for non-EU citizens aiming for residency, France has tightened regulations for this group. Starting in 2025, applicants for multi-year residence permits will be required to have an A2 level of French language proficiency. A B1 level will be necessary for ten-year residence permits, while applicants for citizenship must demonstrate a B2 level. Additionally, France will permit undocumented migrants who fulfill specific criteria to regularize their status, provided they have lived continuously in France for at least three years and possess two years of work experience in sectors facing labor shortages. This provision will be available throughout 2025. The concept of "habitual residence" has been clarified, indicating that foreigners absent from France for three years risk having their residence permit renewal denied.

Hungary

As of January 1, 2024, Hungary has implemented a new immigration law that introduces stricter conditions for residence permits for third-country nationals. The number of residence permit types has increased from 18 to 24, with eight specifically designated for employment purposes. The residence permit for other purposes has been eliminated. Under the new regulations, the guest worker residence permit will only be granted to individuals employed by specified employers, from designated countries, and in particular occupations. Moreover, this permit can now only be extended for up to three years, requiring new applications for further extensions. Guest workers will not be eligible for permanent residence or family reunification in Hungary.

Spain

In December 2024, the Spanish Congress decided to abolish its “Golden Visa” program, which previously allowed foreign nationals to obtain residence permits through investments of at least €500,000 in real estate or Spanish businesses. Other changes implemented in November 2024 will significantly affect candidates for Spanish residence permits. Irregular migrants can now apply for regularization after two years of uninterrupted residence, a reduction from the previous three-year requirement. Between 2025 and 2027, the Spanish government aims to grant residence permits to 900,000 undocumented migrants to address labor shortages. The introduction of “Arraigo Sociolaboral” merges previous social and labor permits, allowing regularization for migrants with job offers of at least 20 hours per week. The “Arriago” permit offers a second chance for those who lost their residence permits in the last two years due to health, public order, or security reasons. Additionally, the “Arraiago Socioformativo” permit increases opportunities for migrants involved in vocational training programs, while the family reunification permit application process has been simplified, and deadlines for job-seeking visas have been extended.

Finland

The Finnish government has enacted several changes for residence permit applicants and holders, with some implemented in 2024 and others set to take effect in 2025. In September 2024, a new rule removed the right for certain foreign nationals to change their immigration status while in Finland, requiring such individuals to do so from their home countries. Identity verification requirements were also tightened, with good character now being a determining factor for permit eligibility. As of January 2024, applicants for employment-based residence permits must meet specific income requirements. Furthermore, the Finnish government raised residence permit fees; renewals now cost €20 for those applying online, while paper applications are more expensive at €40. An extension for voluntary return will incur a fee of €100.

Italy

In 2024, Italy made significant changes to its immigration policies, including streamlining entry procedures for foreign workers, which took effect in October. However, in December, new restrictions were imposed on family reunification permit candidates, affecting foreign nationals seeking to bring family members into the country. Due to ongoing labor shortages, Italy has also increased work visa quotas for third-country nationals, raising the number of visas issued from 30,850 in 2019 to a planned total of 452,000 from 2023 to 2025.

Additional Changes Across the EU

Sweden has lowered the income threshold for EU Blue Card applicants, effective January 2025, shifting from a requirement of 1.5 times the average gross annual salary to 1.25 times. Switzerland has eased regulations for working foreigners with temporary status; since June 2024, such individuals can apply for employment residence permits, gaining access to the Swiss labor market. In Ireland, the residence permit application process has been simplified, allowing foreigners to renew their permits online since November 2024, streamlining the application procedure. Conversely, Slovenia has tightened rules for residence permit applicants, imposing language requirements for those seeking permanent residence, while applicants extending residence permits for family reunification must demonstrate basic Slovenian language skills.

By fLEXI tEAM