What's changed .

High-Speed Rail extension to Marrakech and Agadir approved

The extension of Morocco's high-speed rail network from Kénitra-Tangier to Casablanca-Marrakech-Agadir was approved in December 2024 for completion by 2030 ahead of the World Cup. Will materially reduce travel times along the Atlantic coastal corridor and has been cited as a factor in mover-destination appeal for Marrakech and Agadir.

Who it affects: Broader infrastructure context; indirect effect on mover-relevant destination appeal.

Gouvernement du Maroc ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 9 Nov 2028

Announced Housing

Barcelona tourist-flat licences to lapse by November 2028

The Ajuntament de Barcelona announced in June 2024 that it would not renew any of the approximately 10,100 existing tourist-rental (HUT) licences in the city when they expire by 9 November 2028, effectively ending short-term holiday rentals within Barcelona. Regional bodies published implementing decisions through 2024-2025.

Who it affects: Owners of licensed tourist flats in Barcelona; long-term rental supply expected to rise.

Ministerio de Vivienda y Agenda Urbana ↗ · Gobierno de España — La Moncloa ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2027

Announced Taxation

Box 3 wealth-tax reform to actual-returns basis from 2027

Following successive Supreme Court rulings against the deemed-return Box 3 system, the Dutch government confirmed in September 2024 that the replacement actual-returns system will apply from 2027. Taxpayers with paper gains on investments will from 2027 pay Box 3 tax on actual realised and unrealised returns. Interim relief mechanisms continued through 2024-2026.

Who it affects: All Dutch tax residents with Box 3 savings and investments.

Belastingdienst ↗ · Rijksoverheid ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2027

In force Taxation

30%-ruling phase-down reversed — returns to flat 27% from 2027

The 2025 Belastingplan, published on Prinsjesdag 17 September 2024, reversed most of the 2024 phase-down. From 1 January 2027 the ruling returns to a flat percentage (27%) for the full 60 months. The stepped 30/20/10 regime applies only to rulings commenced between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2026; a new salary threshold of €50,436 (2025 figure) also applied.

Who it affects: Newly arriving skilled migrants from 2027; existing ruling holders from 2024-2026 remain on the stepped regime.

Belastingdienst ↗ · Rijksoverheid ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2027

Announced Taxation

New Box 3 regime introducing capital-gains and capital-growth tax

Following successive Supreme Court rulings finding the current Box 3 deemed-return regime unlawful, the government committed to a new Box 3 system from 2027. The new regime taxes actual capital growth on savings and actual capital gains on investments annually, replacing the fictitious-return basis used since 2001. Interim measures under the Restoration of Rights Act continue to apply until 2027.

Who it affects: All Dutch tax residents with savings or investments above the tax-free allowance.

Ministerie van Financiën ↗ · Government of the Netherlands ↗ · Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2027

Announced Taxation

30% expat ruling reduced to 27% from 2027

Announced on Prinsjesdag 2024 and confirmed in the 2025 Tax Plan: the 30% ruling will become a flat 27% ruling from 1 January 2027 for all new and existing beneficiaries. The earlier 2024 tiered 30/20/10 reduction will be reversed — between 2025 and 2026 beneficiaries receive the full 30% allowance again. Salary thresholds for eligibility will rise from €46,107 to €50,436 (standard) and from €35,048 to €38,338 (under-30s with master's degree) from 2027.

Who it affects: Non-Dutch employees using or planning to use the expat tax allowance.

Ministerie van Financiën ↗ · Government of the Netherlands ↗ · Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 3 Apr 2026

Announced Visa & immigration

Proposed 2026 Express Entry reform — points shift toward earnings and Canadian job offers

IRCC proposed in April 2026 to reform the Comprehensive Ranking System to favour higher earnings and Canadian job offers over Canadian experience and language points. Currently in consultation; not yet enacted. Mover-relevant because it would materially rebalance who is invited through Express Entry.

Who it affects: All future Express Entry candidates if implemented.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · IRCC — Express Entry ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2026

Announced Visa & immigration

Sub-standard salary thresholds (healthcare, agri-food) phased out by 2030

The December 2025 roadmap formalised the phasing-out of sub-standard Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) thresholds for healthcare and agri-food sectors by 2030 (rather than 2026 as originally planned). Sub-standard thresholds rise by 9% in 2026 as the first step.

Who it affects: Employers in healthcare, care, and agri-food sectors relying on sub-standard employment permits.

DETE — Employment Permits Salary Thresholds Roadmap 2025 ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2026

Announced Visa & immigration

Salary-threshold roadmap: CSEP rises from €38,000 to €40,904 on 1 March 2026

DETE published a gradual-increase roadmap in December 2025 following a ministerial review. The Critical Skills Employment Permit minimum salary rises from €38,000 to €40,904 (a 7.66% increase) on 1 March 2026. The non-degree CSEP threshold rises from €64,000 to €68,911. Further increases are scheduled annually through to 2030.

Who it affects: Employers making CSEP applications from 1 March 2026 onwards; existing permit holders at the prior threshold are unaffected for the current permit cycle.

DETE — Employment Permits Salary Thresholds Roadmap 2025 ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 27 Feb 2026

In force Visa & immigration

H-1B lottery replaced by weighted (wage-based) selection

USCIS finalised a rule replacing the randomised H-1B lottery with a weighted selection system that prioritises higher-paid roles. Registrations are weighted at different rates depending on the prevailing-wage level (Level I receives the lowest weight; Level IV the highest). Effective 27 February 2026; applies to the FY2027 cap registration season.

Who it affects: All H-1B cap-subject employers and prospective registrants from FY2027 onwards.

USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · US Department of Homeland Security ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2026

In force Visa & immigration

TTPS eligible-university list expanded to 200 institutions

The aggregate list of eligible universities under TTPS was expanded from 186 to 200 institutions effective 1 January 2026 — adding institutions ranked top-100 in any of four major rankings (Times Higher Education, QS, US News, Shanghai Jiao Tong) plus specialist top-five lists for hospitality and arts/design. The 2024 expansion (from 176 to 198) and 2025 expansion (to 200) reflect a steady widening of the talent-attraction net.

Who it affects: TTPS Categories B and C applicants from January 2026.

Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · Government Information Services (HK SAR) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2026

In force Visa & immigration

EU Blue Card 2026 salary thresholds updated

The 2026 update to the EU Blue Card minimum gross-salary thresholds tracks the rise in the statutory pension-insurance ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze). Regular-occupation and shortage-occupation thresholds both rose; applicants should verify the current figures on BAMF or Make it in Germany before filing.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants for the EU Blue Card from 1 January 2026.

Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2026

Announced Visa & immigration

Further 2026 raises announced for Highly Skilled Migrant threshold

The government announced additional uplift to the Highly Skilled Migrant salary thresholds for 2026 — continuing a pattern of above-inflation increases. Practitioners should reconfirm the exact 2026 figures at IND closer to the transition date; the annual adjustment is published in December.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants planning Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card applications for 2026 onwards.

IND — Required income amounts ↗ · IND — Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2026

Announced Visa & immigration

COMPASS scoring updated — sector benchmarks, qualifications list, Shortage Occupation List

MOM published an updated COMPASS scoring round in September 2025: sector-specific salary benchmarks recalibrated (most upward), recognised institutions list refreshed (additions to top-tier and degree-equivalent professional qualifications), and the Shortage Occupation List updated with new eligible roles and tighter conditions.

Who it affects: New EP applicants from January 2026; renewals from July 2026.

Singapore Ministry of Manpower ↗ · Singapore Economic Development Board ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2026

Announced Labour

Decreto Flussi 2026–2028 announced — continuing at current volumes

The government announced the next three-year flows decree covering 2026–2028 with overall quota levels broadly similar to the 2023–2025 cycle. Implementing decree for 2026 is expected to retain the sector prioritisation and the controversial click-day allocation mechanism. Ongoing political discussion about replacing click-day with a merit- or date-based allocation.

Who it affects: Non-EU workers and Italian employers planning 2026-onwards hiring cycles.

Governo Italiano ↗ · Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2026

In force Labour

Statutory minimum wage rises to €13.90 per hour

The Minimum Wage Commission's recommended increase was adopted: the Mindestlohn rises from €12.82 to €13.90 per hour on 1 January 2026. The mini-job earnings threshold (currently pegged at 130 hours at the minimum wage) rises correspondingly.

Who it affects: Low-wage employees, mini-jobbers, and employers of both.

Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2026

Announced Residency

A2-level French required for most multi-year residence permits

From 1 January 2026, applicants for most multi-year residence permits must demonstrate A2-level French language proficiency (previously only A1 was required for some categories). The requirement rises to B1 for permanent residency and B2 for naturalisation. Talent permit holders are exempt from the A2 requirement but not from the higher thresholds for naturalisation.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants to multi-year residence permits from 1 January 2026, except Talent permit holders.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2026

In force Taxation

Constitutional Tax Reform enacted — CBS / IBS implementation begins

Emenda Constitucional 132/2023 (Reforma Tributária) enacted in late 2023 launched Brazil's comprehensive consumption-tax reform, replacing multiple legacy taxes (PIS, Cofins, ICMS, ISS) with a unified Contribuição sobre Bens e Serviços (CBS) and Imposto sobre Bens e Serviços (IBS). Phased implementation 2026–2033. Does not affect personal income tax directly but reshapes the cost-of-living and cost-of-doing-business environment.

Who it affects: All Brazilian tax residents and entities — phased implementation through 2033.

Diário Oficial da União ↗ · Receita Federal do Brasil ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 1 Dec 2025

Announced Other

USMCA joint review process opens in 2026

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, in force 2020) enters its first joint review in 2026 — determining whether the parties will extend the agreement beyond its 2036 sunset date. Immigration provisions are limited but the broader trade and investment framework affects mover-relevant employment markets (nearshoring-dependent employment, cross-border services).

Who it affects: Broader trade-and-migration environment; indirect impact on cross-border worker flows.

Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2025

In force Residency

Residence Card and My Number Card integration

Phased integration of the Residence Card (zairyū kādo) functions into the My Number Card from December 2025, reducing the need to carry two physical cards. Practical effect: simpler municipal interactions, fewer reprint cycles. Mandatory adoption from late 2026.

Who it affects: All non-Japanese residents holding both a Residence Card and a My Number Card.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan ↗ · Cabinet Office of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 29 Nov 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Migration Amendment (Skilled Visa Reform Technical Measures) Regulations 2025

Effective 29 November 2025, technical amendments to the Migration Regulations 1994 aligned the operational mechanics of the Skills in Demand visa — extending the Minister's power to cancel SID visas where sponsorship obligations are breached, updating sponsored-person definitions under labour agreements, clarifying employer-sponsor obligation termination circumstances, and ensuring overseas SID refusals are reviewable.

Who it affects: Technical compliance for SID 482 sponsors and applicants.

Parliament of Australia ↗ · Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 4 Nov 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Visa-free entry ports expanded to 65

Five new entry ports were added to the visa-free transit programme on 4 November 2025 — including Guangzhou, Zhuhai's Hengqin, Zhongshan, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and the West Kowloon Station — taking the total to 65 ports across 24 provinces. Materially improves cross-border accessibility from Hong Kong to Mainland China.

Who it affects: Travellers entering China at newly-added ports.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 22 Oct 2025

Announced Taxation

Proposed further increase of HNWI Flat Tax to €300,000 for 2026

The 2026 draft Budget Law published in October 2025 proposed raising the HNWI Flat Tax to €300,000 per year (from €200,000) and increasing the family-member add-on to €50,000 (from €25,000). As of April 2026 the proposal remains under parliamentary debate; not yet enacted. Movers planning to establish Italian residency before year-end should watch the final Budget Law text.

Who it affects: High-net-worth applicants planning Italian residency transitions in 2026.

Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Oct 2025

In force Healthcare

PRSI contribution rate raised in phased steps

As part of the 2024 pension-sustainability package, the employee and employer PRSI (social-insurance) contribution rates began a phased annual rise — 0.1 percentage points from October 2024, and further 0.15-point rises through 2028. The first tranche took effect on 1 October 2024; the next on 1 October 2025.

Who it affects: All employees and employers paying PRSI.

Government of Ireland ↗ · Revenue Commissioners ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Oct 2025

In force Visa & immigration

DV Lottery ineligible-country list updated for DV-2027

The Department of State's annual DV-lottery ineligibility list is recalculated each year based on prior-5-year immigration volumes. For DV-2027 (registration Oct-Nov 2025), several countries were added to the ineligible list (Brazil, Colombia joined the existing list of high-volume countries); some smaller countries previously ineligible became eligible. Practical effect: shifts in who can register for the 50,000 annual diversity visas.

Who it affects: Prospective DV-lottery registrants from countries added to or removed from the ineligible list.

US Department of State ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 Sept 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) pilot launched

DHA launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) pilot programme from late 2025 — applying initially to select visa-exempt countries as a pre-travel online authorisation (similar to ESTA or ETIAS). Expected to streamline border processing and enhance security screening. Full rollout expected through 2026.

Who it affects: Visa-exempt short-term visitors from specific participating countries.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 Sept 2025

In force Labour

Automatic enrolment pension ("My Future Fund") launched

The Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024 was signed into law in July 2024; the system launched on 30 September 2025. Workers aged 23-60 earning above €20,000 per year and not already in a workplace pension are automatically enrolled, with gradually rising employer, employee, and state contributions over ten years.

Who it affects: All eligible employees without a pre-existing workplace pension; their employers.

Government of Ireland ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 21 Sept 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Presidential Proclamation restricting entry of certain non-immigrant workers

A companion Presidential Proclamation to the H-1B fee order restricted entry of certain non-immigrant workers pending the Department of Homeland Security's publication of implementing guidance. The proclamation's practical scope has developed through 2025–2026 agency guidance; ongoing litigation contests several provisions.

Who it affects: Non-immigrant workers in categories specified by subsequent DHS implementing guidance.

The White House ↗ · US Department of Homeland Security ↗ · US Department of State ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 21 Sept 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Presidential Proclamation imposes US$100,000 fee per H-1B petition

Presidential Proclamation issued 19 September 2025 imposed a US$100,000 additional fee per H-1B visa petition as a condition of eligibility, effective immediately for new petitions submitted after 12:01 am EDT on 21 September 2025. Applies to FY2026 lottery petitions and any subsequent H-1B petitions. Litigation challenges filed; implementation continues pending court rulings.

Who it affects: All new H-1B petitions submitted after 12:01 am EDT, 21 September 2025.

The White House ↗ · USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · US Department of State ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 22 Jul 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Worker threshold raised again to £41,700

Second increase in 15 months: the general Skilled Worker salary threshold rose from £38,700 to £41,700 on 22 July 2025. Going-rate thresholds for specific occupations were similarly re-indexed to updated ASHE (Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings) percentiles.

Who it affects: New Skilled Worker applicants from 22 July 2025 onwards; sponsor employers planning hires.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 15 Jul 2025

Announced Visa & immigration

Proposed prevailing-wage level reform for H-1B and PERM

DOL issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on prevailing-wage levels for H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, and PERM labour certifications in mid-2025. The proposal would raise Level 1 prevailing wages to approximately the 35th percentile of OES data, Level 2 to the 53rd, Level 3 to the 72nd, and Level 4 to the 90th. The rule is in comment and review; implementation deferred.

Who it affects: Prospective H-1B workers and PERM green-card beneficiaries; sponsoring employers.

U.S. Department of Labor ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 3 Jul 2025

In force Other

IAATO Tourist Numbers: 2024–25 Season Down 5% vs 2023–24

IAATO's 2024–25 season statistics (published following ATCM-47 in July 2025) showed a 5% reduction in visitors versus the 2023–24 season, which had been the highest post-pandemic year. The decline is attributed to operator capacity adjustments and economic factors rather than regulatory tightening. Seasonal employment for expedition staff reflects the underlying vessel-capacity.

Who it affects: IAATO-member tour operators; expedition-staff employment context.

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 3 Jul 2025

In force Residency

ATCM 47 held in Milan, Italy (June–July 2025)

The 47th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Milan, Italy from 23 June to 3 July 2025. Continued development of the Antarctic tourism management framework (begun formally in 2022), adoption of several measures on site-specific guidelines and station-management, and admission of new observers to the ATCM process.

Who it affects: All ATS participants; continued tourism-framework discussions.

Antarctic Treaty System Secretariat ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Core Skills Income Threshold indexed to AUD 73,150 for 2025-26

The Core Skills Income Threshold rose to AUD 73,150/year for 2025-26 (indexed from AUD 70,000 initial) — an approximately 4.5% uplift. Specialist Skills threshold (AUD 135,000+) remains unchanged. Annual indexation is now the established pattern under the SID framework.

Who it affects: SID Core Skills applicants sponsored from 1 July 2025.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2025

In force Labour

National minimum wage raised to EGP 7,000/month for 2025

The National Council for Wages raised the minimum wage to EGP 7,000/month effective July 2025 — up from EGP 6,000. Continues the recent pattern of regular above-inflation minimum-wage adjustments as part of the state response to the EGP devaluation impact on household purchasing power.

Who it affects: Low-wage Egyptian workers; indirect context for foreign-resident cost-of-living.

Ministry of Finance (Egypt) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2025

In force Housing

National short-term rental registry (Registro Único de Alquileres) mandatory

From 1 July 2025 all operators of short-term rental accommodation (Airbnb, Booking, direct-bookings) must register with the national Registro Único de Alquileres and display the registry number in listings. Designed to enforce licensing compliance in major tourist cities. Related municipal moratoria (notably Barcelona's plan to eliminate tourist rental licences by 2028) continue separately.

Who it affects: Short-term rental hosts and tourist-accommodation operators.

BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · La Moncloa — Spanish Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2025

In force Labour

Work Permit maximum employment age raised to 63

MOM raised the maximum employment age for Work Permit holders from 60 to 63 from 1 July 2025, with the maximum permissible employment period in Singapore extended in parallel for non-Malaysian Work Permit holders. Reflects continued structural labour shortages in lower-skill sectors.

Who it affects: Foreign Work Permit holders in construction, marine, manufacturing, and services.

Singapore Ministry of Manpower ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 19 Jun 2025

Announced Citizenship

Proposed Bill C-3 restores citizenship for "Lost Canadians"

The federal government introduced Bill C-3 in June 2025 to respond to the 2023 Ontario Superior Court ruling that struck down the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. The bill proposes restoring citizenship to certain Canadians born abroad to Canadian parents who also were born abroad, subject to a "substantial connection" requirement for future generations. Parliamentary passage in progress through late 2025.

Who it affects: Canadians born abroad to Canadian parents who were also born abroad; their children.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 16 Jun 2025

In force Visa & immigration

EU Blue Card intra-EU mobility streamlined from June 2025

Under the June 2025 decree, Blue Card holders arriving in France from another EU member state to work can begin their French employment up to 30 days before receiving their French Blue Card (short-term mobility), and transition to long-term mobility after 12 months as before. Reduces a practical friction for Blue Card holders already elsewhere in the EU.

Who it affects: EU Blue Card holders in other member states considering a move to France.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 16 Jun 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Decree adjusts Talent salary thresholds and processing timeframes

Decree in force 16 June 2025 updated Talent permit salary thresholds and operational procedures. Talent – Qualified Employee threshold reduced from €43,243.20 to €39,582 gross per year (making the route more accessible to recent graduates). Talent – EU Blue Card threshold raised from €53,836.50 to €59,373 gross per year. Streamlined procedures introduced for EU Blue Card spouses, including simultaneous processing of the applicant and accompanying family permits.

Who it affects: Talent – Qualified Employee and EU Blue Card applicants from 16 June 2025.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 15 Jun 2025

Announced Visa & immigration

Critical Skills List review announced for publication in 2026

Minister Schreiber announced a comprehensive Critical Skills List review in 2025, with consultation with business and labour-market stakeholders. Publication of the revised list is expected during 2026. Likely to add emerging-technology occupations (AI, quantum, advanced manufacturing) and potentially refine healthcare and engineering sub-categories.

Who it affects: Current and future Critical Skills Work Visa applicants.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 12 Jun 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Indonesia added to 240-hour visa-free transit; total reaches 55 countries

Indonesia was added to the 240-hour visa-free transit policy on 12 June 2025, bringing the total list to 55 countries. Reflects continuing post-pandemic opening and strategic engagement with major partner states.

Who it affects: Indonesian travellers transiting China.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 10 Jun 2025

Announced Residency

Migration Advisory Committee recommends reducing family-visa threshold

The MAC's statutory review of the family-visa financial requirement, published in June 2025, concluded that the £29,000 threshold is high by international standards and recommended a more reasonable range of £23,000–£25,000 for most partners. The Labour government is considering the recommendations; no implementation decision has been published as of April 2026.

Who it affects: UK residents planning future partner-visa applications; signals potential near-term reduction.

Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 9 Jun 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Proclamation suspending entry from 19 countries

A Presidential proclamation signed 4 June 2025 suspended most immigrant and non-immigrant entry of nationals of twelve countries and imposed partial suspensions on seven others, effective 9 June 2025. Exemptions apply for lawful permanent residents, certain dual nationals, specific visa categories, and individuals whose entry is in the national interest.

Who it affects: Nationals of the nineteen affected countries currently outside the US or seeking US entry.

The White House ↗ · U.S. Department of State — Bureau of Consular Affairs ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jun 2025

In force Residency

Permanent Residence revocation framework expanded under 2024 amendments

Diet amendments to the Immigration Control Act (June 2024, in force June 2025) expanded the grounds on which Permanent Residence (eijuken) can be revoked — explicitly including failure to pay tax or social-security contributions and certain criminal convictions. A controversial reform that critics argue erodes the security of long-term-resident status; supporters frame it as integrity enforcement.

Who it affects: Permanent Residence holders, especially those reliant on social-security or tax payment compliance.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan ↗ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 28 May 2025

In force Citizenship

Citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) restricted to two generations

Law Decree 36/2025 restricted the pathway to Italian citizenship by descent: applicants must now prove Italian ancestry within two generations (parent or grandparent born in Italy), closing the previously unlimited-generations route that had produced an estimated 60,000 annual citizenship grants. A contested reform: constitutional challenges are pending; existing applications filed before 28 May 2025 are processed under the prior rules.

Who it affects: Descendants of Italian emigrants (particularly in Argentina, Brazil, the US) seeking Italian citizenship.

Gazzetta Ufficiale (Italian Official Gazette) ↗ · Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 20 May 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Arraigo de segunda oportunidad (second-chance rootedness) created

The 2025 Reglamento introduced a new "arraigo de segunda oportunidad" path: third-country nationals who previously held legal residence for at least two years but lost it may regularise on demonstrating current Spanish ties and integration. The reform package is expected to regularise around 300,000 people per year over three years.

Who it affects: Former long-term residents who lost legal status; irregular residents who previously held status.

Boletín Oficial del Estado ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 20 May 2025

In force Visa & immigration

New Reglamento de Extranjería (Real Decreto 1155/2024) enters force

Real Decreto 1155/2024, approved by the Consejo de Ministros on 19 November 2024 and in force from 20 May 2025, replaces the 2011 Reglamento de Extranjería. Notable changes: simplified arraigo (rootedness) routes, new arraigo for re-entry, reduced documentation requirements, and an overhaul of the student-to-work transition. Transitional rules apply for pending cases.

Who it affects: All third-country nationals applying for residence or status change in Spain.

Boletín Oficial del Estado ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · Portal de Inmigración — Extranjería ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 20 May 2025

In force Residency

Family regrouping permitted after one year of residence

Under the 2025 Immigration Regulation, non-EEA residents with permits including the DNV, HQP, and NLV can apply for family regrouping after one year of residence — rather than waiting until the first renewal (typically two years). Materially shortens the timeline for reuniting with a spouse and dependent children.

Who it affects: DNV, HQP, NLV, and other non-EEA residence-permit holders seeking family regrouping.

Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 20 May 2025

In force Residency

New Immigration Regulation (Real Decreto 1155/2024) enters force

Real Decreto 1155/2024 — a comprehensive update of the Immigration Regulation — entered force on 20 May 2025. Material changes include: family regrouping permitted after one year of residence (previously at first renewal), updated definitions for several residence categories, and clarified pathways between permit types. Also implements changes to the Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa operational procedures.

Who it affects: All non-EEA residents and applicants to Spanish residence permits from 20 May 2025.

BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · La Moncloa — Spanish Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 11 Apr 2025

Announced Citizenship

Proposed citizenship residence-requirement increase

The Portuguese government announced in April 2025 a proposal to raise the residence requirement for naturalisation from five years to seven (and to ten for nationals of non-Portuguese-speaking countries), alongside stricter language and civic-knowledge assessment. The proposal is in parliamentary process; existing applications continue under the five-year rule.

Who it affects: Prospective naturalisation applicants arriving after adoption, if enacted.

Governo de Portugal ↗ · Ministério da Administração Interna ↗ · AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 10 Apr 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Reciprocal visa requirement restored for US, Canadian, Australian nationals

Brazil restored the reciprocal visa requirement for US, Canadian, and Australian tourists from 10 April 2025 after a multi-year visa-waiver extension. These three countries require visas from Brazilian citizens; Brazilian policy now reciprocates. Implemented via e-visa online platform — application process is simple but has added a cost and pre-trip planning step.

Who it affects: US, Canadian, and Australian tourists and short-term visitors to Brazil.

Itamaraty — Ministério das Relações Exteriores ↗ · Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública — Migrações ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 6 Apr 2025

In force Taxation

Non-dom tax regime abolished — replaced by 4-year FIG regime

The historic resident non-domiciled tax regime was abolished from 6 April 2025 by the October 2024 Budget. A new residence-based regime replaces it, offering 100% exemption on foreign income and gains (FIG) for new arrivals in their first four UK tax years of residence (after 10 years non-residence). Transitional rules applied to existing non-doms, including a Temporary Repatriation Facility.

Who it affects: High-net-worth new arrivals to the UK; existing non-dom holders transitioning from April 2025.

HM Treasury ↗ · HM Revenue & Customs ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 3 Apr 2025

In force Residency

Golden Visa abolished from April 2025

The Ley Orgánica 1/2025 was published in the BOE and eliminated Spain's Golden Visa ("Visado de Residencia para Inversores") from 3 April 2025 — ending the €500,000 real-estate-investment residency route that had run since 2013. Existing holders and applications lodged before 3 April 2025 continued to be processed under the previous rules.

Who it affects: Prospective investor-residence applicants; existing holders retain their status until renewal.

Boletín Oficial del Estado ↗ · Gobierno de España — La Moncloa ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 3 Apr 2025

In force Residency

Golden Visa (investor residency via real-estate) abolished

The Residence by Investment programme allowing residence in exchange for €500,000 in Spanish real estate was abolished on 3 April 2025, via modification of Ley 14/2013 under the Organic Law on the right to housing (Ley de Vivienda). Other investment routes (public-debt, business capital) remain, but the widely-used real-estate route is closed. Application submitted before the cut-off date continue to process under prior rules.

Who it affects: High-net-worth non-EEA applicants to the Spanish investor-residence route via real estate.

BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · La Moncloa — Spanish Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Apr 2025

In force Visa & immigration

ETA becomes mandatory for European visitors

From 2 April 2025, citizens of EU countries (and several additional European jurisdictions) require an ETA for short visits to the UK. Completes the phased rollout that began with Gulf states in late 2023. Irish citizens remain exempt under the Common Travel Area.

Who it affects: All European visa-free travellers to the UK from 2 April 2025 onwards.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Apr 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) extended to all non-visa nationals

The ETA scheme, first launched for Qatari nationals in late 2023, was rolled out to most non-visa-required countries through 2024-2025: Gulf Cooperation Council nationals from early 2024, remaining non-European visa-free nationals (including the US, Canada, and Australia) from January 2025, and European non-visa-required nationals from 2 April 2025. ETA costs £16 (rising to £10 then back) and lasts two years.

Who it affects: Short-stay visitors to the UK from non-visa-required countries.

Home Office ↗ · GOV.UK ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Apr 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Online Certificate of Eligibility application expanded to all categories

The ISA expanded the online Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application system to cover all categories of work and study visas from April 2025. Previously paper-only for several niche routes. Reduces typical COE processing time by 1–3 weeks for digitally-eligible applications.

Who it affects: Japanese employers sponsoring non-Japanese hires.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan ↗ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2025

In force Residency

Overseas Singaporean Unit talent-attraction programme expanded

The Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) under the Public Service Division expanded its return-to-Singapore programme for overseas Singaporean professionals — accelerated EP processing for foreign spouses, additional housing-search support, and signalling-targeted partnership with Contact Singapore. Indirect effect on the EP pipeline; explicit prioritisation of Singaporean-citizen-led talent flows.

Who it affects: Singaporean citizens overseas considering return; broader signal on talent attraction.

Prime Minister's Office, Singapore ↗ · Singapore Economic Development Board ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 28 Mar 2025

In force Citizenship

Iure sanguinis citizenship limited to two-generation ancestry

Decreto Legge 36/2025, published on 28 March 2025, restricted Italian citizenship by descent (iure sanguinis) to those with a parent or grandparent born in Italy. Previously unlimited-generation descent-based citizenship, one of the longest-standing ancestry-citizenship regimes worldwide, was thereby sharply narrowed. Applications already pending on the enactment date continued under the prior rule.

Who it affects: Diaspora descendants of Italian ancestors further back than grandparents.

Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana ↗ · Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · Ministero degli Affari Esteri ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 27 Mar 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Arranged-employment CRS points for LMIA-based offers removed

IRCC removed, with immediate effect on 27 March 2025, the arranged-employment points (50 or 200 CRS points) previously awarded in Express Entry for most LMIA-supported job offers. The change responded to evidence of LMIA misuse in for-sale job-offer arrangements. The 50 CRS points for provincial-nominee holders and certain other categories remained.

Who it affects: Express Entry candidates who previously relied on LMIA-based job offers for their CRS score.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · IRCC — Express Entry ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 12 Mar 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Care-worker overseas recruitment sharply restricted

From 12 March 2025, sponsors of overseas care workers on the Health and Care visa must first demonstrate that displaced care workers already in the UK have been considered for the role. The change, combined with earlier dependant-ban rules from March 2024, sharply reduced new Health and Care visas for care-worker occupations.

Who it affects: Care providers recruiting from overseas; overseas care workers pursuing UK placement.

Home Office ↗ · GOV.UK ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 7 Mar 2025

In force Visa & immigration

H-1B registration fee raised from $10 to $215

The USCIS fee rule published on 31 January 2024 raised the H-1B electronic registration fee from $10 to $215 per beneficiary registration, effective from the FY2026 cap season in March 2025. Other USCIS fees (Form I-129, I-140, I-485) also rose substantially under the same rule.

Who it affects: All H-1B-sponsoring employers; indirectly H-1B beneficiaries.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Mar 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Atypical Working Scheme processing times extended under volume pressure

ISD reported that the Atypical Working Scheme — used for short-term specialist assignments that fall outside standard employment permits — saw processing times extend to 8–12 weeks in early 2025 from the previous 2–4-week norm. Applicants are advised to build this into project timelines.

Who it affects: Short-term specialist assignments, locum medical workers, and employers using the Atypical Scheme.

Irish Immigration Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2025

In force Visa & immigration

2025 Express Entry pivots toward in-Canada applicants via CEC

59% of category-based 2025 Express Entry invitations went to Canadian Experience Class (in-Canada) candidates. Reflects the federal government's priority to convert temporary residents with strong Canadian ties to permanent residence over new overseas arrivals, in the context of housing-supply pressure.

Who it affects: Temporary residents with Canadian work experience; new overseas applicants face reduced invitation volume.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · IRCC — Express Entry ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2025

In force Visa & immigration

2025 priority categories: French, healthcare, trades, education (new)

IRCC's 2025 category announcement added an Education category (5 eligible occupations), sunset the Transportation category, and reworked all other categories with additions and removals. French language, healthcare and social services, trades, and education are the four active 2025 priority categories.

Who it affects: Prospective Express Entry applicants in the 2025 priority occupations.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · IRCC — Express Entry ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2025

In force Residency

Asylum and migrant-transit processing expanded at Mexico's southern border

Following the US Trump administration's January 2025 orders tightening US border enforcement, Mexico expanded its own asylum and transit-processing capacity at the southern border (Chiapas, Tabasco) through 2025 — expanded COMAR (refugee commission) processing, temporary migrant-transit cards, and integration programmes for those granted refugee status. Practical effect on mover-relevant immigration channels is indirect.

Who it affects: Transit migrants and asylum seekers; indirect impact on Mexican employers relying on migrant labour.

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Remote Work Visa added to Immigration Regulations; launched March 2025

The Remote Work Visa was officially added to SA's Immigration Regulations on 28 March 2024; publicly launched by Minister Schreiber on 9 October 2024; applications fully operational from March 2025. 12-month initial visa, renewable annually up to 3 years. Income threshold ZAR 650,976/year (reduced from initially-proposed ZAR 1M).

Who it affects: Non-SA remote workers earning ZAR 650,976+/year.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · Government Gazette ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 27 Feb 2025

In force Visa & immigration

AEWV median-wage threshold raised to NZD 31.61/hour

INZ raised the AEWV median-wage threshold from NZD 29.66/hour to NZD 31.61/hour (approximately NZD 65,750/year full-time) from 27 February 2025. The median-wage basis is updated periodically as Statistics NZ wage data is refreshed. Materially changes the minimum salary required for most AEWV roles.

Who it affects: All new AEWV applications and renewals from 27 February 2025.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 19 Feb 2025

Announced Labour

Cabinet approves digital working-time recording requirement

The federal cabinet approved draft legislation requiring most employers to record employee working hours electronically, in response to the 2022 Federal Labour Court ruling and the 2019 CJEU CCOO judgment. SMEs and collective-agreement exceptions are built in; parliamentary passage expected in 2025.

Who it affects: Employees and employers across most sectors.

Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 7 Feb 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Post-Graduation Work Permit limited to specified fields

From 7 February 2025, Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility at public colleges and specified non-degree programs was limited to students graduating in listed fields of study tied to long-term labour-market shortages (agriculture, construction, healthcare, skilled trades, STEM, transport). University-degree graduates remained eligible regardless of field.

Who it affects: International students in non-university programs; universities remained unaffected.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Feb 2025

In force Residency

UMA value updated for 2025 — residency income thresholds rise

The Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA) value rose to MXN 113.14/day on 1 February 2025 (MXN 3,439.46/month) — a 4.4% increase. All Mexican residency income-threshold tests (Temporary Resident financial solvency, Permanent Resident high-net-worth, Investor) are indexed to multiples of UMA. Practical dollar-equivalent thresholds update each year with this adjustment.

Who it affects: All residency applicants whose income-threshold tests are indexed to UMA.

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · Diario Oficial de la Federación ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 31 Jan 2025

Repealed Taxation

Proposed capital-gains inclusion-rate increase deferred indefinitely

The federal government's proposed increase in the capital-gains inclusion rate — from 50% to 66.7% for gains above $250,000 per year for individuals and on all corporate gains, first announced in Budget 2024 — was deferred and then formally withdrawn by March 2025. The inclusion rate remained at 50%. Relevant for new arrivals evaluating Canadian tax planning.

Who it affects: Individuals realising large capital gains; corporations with investment income.

Canada Revenue Agency ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 31 Jan 2025

In force Labour

Foreign worker count surpasses 2.3 million for first time

MHLW statistics published January 2025 reported that foreign workers in Japan had surpassed 2.3 million as of October 2024 — the largest single-year jump on record (~12% YoY). Vietnamese, Filipino, and Indonesian workers led the increase, concentrated in SSW and Engineer/Specialist categories.

Who it affects: Broader labour-market context — signals continued integration of non-Japanese workers across sectors.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ↗ · Cabinet Office of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 23 Jan 2025

In force Other

Expropriation Act enacted — constitutional property framework updated

The Expropriation Act signed into law on 23 January 2025 replaced apartheid-era expropriation legislation with a framework aligned to the post-1996 constitution. Permits expropriation at zero compensation in specific circumstances (abandoned land, speculative land, state land). Does not affect standard foreign real-estate ownership but the political symbolism has been contested; mover-relevant for property-investor visa applicants.

Who it affects: Primarily relevant to property investors; tangentially to foreign buyers.

Government Gazette ↗ · South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 22 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Study-permit cap tightened further to 437,000 for 2025

IRCC announced a 10% reduction in the 2025 study-permit intake cap to 437,000 (from 485,000 in 2024), expanded PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) requirements to graduate students, and further narrowed Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility. Effective from late January 2025.

Who it affects: International students planning to start studies in Canada in 2025; post-graduation work plans.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 22 Jan 2025

Repealed Taxation

Real Decreto-Ley 9/2024 tax measures repealed

RDL 9/2024, enacted in December 2024 with a broad package of individual-taxation amendments, was rejected by Congress during its mandatory convalidation vote on 22 January 2025 and therefore repealed retroactively. The net effect is that the tax rules in force before December 2024 (including the Beckham Law as constituted under the 2023 Startups Law) remained unchanged. A political signal of the Sánchez coalition's fragility during this period.

Who it affects: Beckham Law beneficiaries and other individual-tax regimes potentially affected by RDL 9/2024.

BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Authority) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 20 Jan 2025

Delayed Citizenship

Executive order attempting to limit birthright citizenship enjoined

A Presidential executive order signed on 20 January 2025 purported to deny automatic US citizenship to children born on US soil to parents who were either unlawfully present or in the US on temporary visas. Federal courts in Washington, Maryland, and Massachusetts issued nationwide injunctions in late January and February 2025; the order has not taken effect. The Fourteenth Amendment's Citizenship Clause is the primary legal obstacle.

Who it affects: Children born in the US to non-permanent-resident parents; situation unresolved pending litigation.

The White House ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 20 Jan 2025

In force Residency

Presidential executive orders on immigration issued on inauguration day

A series of executive orders issued on 20 January 2025 substantially reshaped US immigration policy — ending CBP One parole appointments at the southern border, ending Biden-era humanitarian parole programmes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, directing enhanced interior enforcement, and initiating a review of refugee-admission ceilings. Subsequent implementing orders and court rulings have tempered, expanded, or delayed various elements.

Who it affects: Broad immigration ecosystem — asylum, border enforcement, parole programmes, humanitarian protections.

The White House ↗ · US Department of Homeland Security ↗ · USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 17 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

H-1B Modernization rule — specialty-occupation definition updated

USCIS's H-1B Modernization final rule published on 18 December 2024 took effect 17 January 2025. The "specialty occupation" definition was clarified to allow multiple qualifying degree fields, deference to prior H-1B approvals was codified, cap-gap for F-1 students was extended to 1 April of the following year, and F-1 ownership of the sponsoring employer was explicitly permitted under conditions.

Who it affects: H-1B candidates and employers; F-1 students transitioning to H-1B; entrepreneurs sponsoring themselves.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 17 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

USCIS H-1B Modernization Rule — registration integrity, degree recognition

Effective 17 January 2025, the USCIS H-1B Modernization Rule introduced several changes: beneficiary-centric registration (each individual eligible for selection once regardless of multiple employer registrations), clarification of specialty-occupation standards (direct relationship between degree and role required), streamlined cap-gap student extensions. Pre-dates and is distinct from the 2025 Trump administration weighted-selection rule.

Who it affects: All H-1B cap-subject registrants and employers.

USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 15 Jan 2025

In force Healthcare

Electronic patient record (ePA) rollout begins nationwide

The opt-out electronic patient record (elektronische Patientenakte, ePA) was rolled out nationally by statutory health insurers from 15 January 2025, after pilot regions in early 2025. Insured residents automatically receive an ePA unless they opt out; doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies access the record via the Telematik-Infrastruktur with the patient's health card.

Who it affects: All residents covered by statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung).

Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Digital Nomad Visa income threshold rises with 2025 SMI

Because the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa income threshold is set at 200% of the SMI, the 2025 SMI increase raised the monthly minimum income benchmark for applicants to approximately €2,763 (gross, for a principal applicant), with incremental additions for accompanying family members. Applicants should verify current figures on the consular website.

Who it affects: Remote workers applying for the Digital Nomad Visa from 2025.

Portal de Inmigración — Extranjería ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

Salario Mínimo Interprofesional raised to €1,184 per month (14 pays)

The Real Decreto-ley published in the BOE raised the SMI to €1,184 per month across 14 annual payments (equivalent to €16,576 per year) from 1 January 2025, a 4.4% rise. The increase also flows through to the Digital Nomad Visa income threshold, which is pegged at 200% of the SMI.

Who it affects: Low-wage workers; Digital Nomad Visa applicants whose threshold is pegged to the SMI.

Boletín Oficial del Estado ↗ · Gobierno de España — La Moncloa ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI) raised 4.4% to €1,184/month for 2025

Retroactively effective 1 January 2025, the SMI rose from €1,134 to €1,184 per month (14 payments per year). This has flow-through effects on residence-permit income thresholds pegged to SMI — notably the Digital Nomad Visa minimum income requirement (200% SMI = €2,368/month) and derivative permits.

Who it affects: Low-wage employees; DNV applicants and other permit categories with SMI-linked income thresholds.

BOE — Boletín Oficial del Estado (Spanish Official Gazette) ↗ · La Moncloa — Spanish Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Residency

DACA programme remains under litigation; no new applications accepted

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) remains under continued federal court litigation following the 5th Circuit's September 2023 ruling upholding the July 2021 district-court order that found the programme unlawful. Existing DACA recipients continue to be able to renew; no new initial applications are being processed pending final judicial resolution. Congressional legislation remains the only reliable permanent-status path.

Who it affects: Approximately 580,000 current DACA recipients and a larger pool of potentially-eligible undocumented youth.

USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · US Department of Homeland Security ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

US W-2 employees confirmed eligible for Digital Nomad Visa

Consular practice in 2025 confirmed that US W-2 employees (employees on US payroll) can qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, clarifying an ambiguity from the original 2023 Startups Law that had caused inconsistent consular decisions. Eligibility requires the employer to provide documentation authorising remote work from Spain and evidence of social-security compliance.

Who it affects: US remote workers employed through standard W-2 arrangements with US companies.

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, UE y Cooperación ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

EU Blue Card 2025 salary thresholds updated

The annual update to the EU Blue Card salary thresholds for 2025 was published. Thresholds are indexed to the German statutory pension-insurance contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) and rise each year. Applicants should confirm the current figure on BAMF or Make it in Germany before applying; the practical rule of thumb is "regular" ≈ pension ceiling × 50%, "shortage" ≈ × 45.3%.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants for the EU Blue Card in 2025.

Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

National minimum wage raised to BRL 1,518/month for 2025

Presidential decree raised the 2025 national minimum wage to BRL 1,518/month (approximately US$260) from BRL 1,412 in 2024 — a 7.5% increase. Several Brazilian social-security and residency-adjacent calculations are pegged to multiples of minimum wage.

Who it affects: Low-wage workers; indirect on benchmarks for other residency income tests.

Diário Oficial da União ↗ · Receita Federal do Brasil ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Global Talent Attraction Initiative — multiple-stream package announced

The Yoon administration announced a Global Talent Attraction Initiative for 2025 covering multiple visa streams — expansion of the Top-Tier Visa, broader F-2-7 points-based eligibility, and proposed 18-month "Global Talent Visa" for individuals with peer-recognised exceptional achievement. Implementation began January 2025; full rollout extends through 2026.

Who it affects: Future foreign-talent applicants across multiple visa categories.

Office of the President of Korea ↗ · Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

National minimum wage raised to €870 per month

The national minimum wage (Retribuição Mínima Mensal Garantida) rose from €820 to €870 per month (14 payments per year) on 1 January 2025, in line with the tripartite agreement on income and competitiveness. The minimum wage anchors the D8 digital-nomad visa income threshold (4× minimum) at approximately €3,480/month.

Who it affects: Low-wage employees, self-employed workers, and D8 / other salary-threshold visa applicants.

Portuguese Government Portal ↗ · Diário da República ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Highly Skilled Migrant salary thresholds updated for 2025

IND's annual adjustment raised the Highly Skilled Migrant monthly gross salary thresholds by 6.70%: €5,688 for applicants aged 30 and over, €4,171 for under-30s, and €2,989 for recent graduates (within three years of graduation from a qualifying university or completion of the Orientation Year). EU Blue Card thresholds were adjusted to €5,688 standard and €4,551 for holders with a higher-education diploma obtained within the last three years.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants to the Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Blue Card routes from 1 January 2025.

IND — Required income amounts ↗ · IND — Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

Basic personal allowance and income tax brackets adjusted for 2025

The basic personal allowance (Grundfreibetrag) rose to €12,096 for 2025 (from €11,784 in 2024), and the income tax brackets were adjusted for cold-progression. The child allowance (Kinderfreibetrag) was also increased. Retroactive adjustment to 2024 values was included in the package.

Who it affects: All income tax payers; marginal effect on take-home pay.

Bundesministerium der Finanzen ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

Régime des impatriés parameters maintained; extended to 2030 arrivals

The French régime des impatriés was confirmed in the 2025 loi de finances: employees recruited from abroad by a French employer (or seconded to France) continue to benefit from income-tax exemption on the impatriation premium (up to 30% of net compensation) and 50% exemption on specified foreign-sourced income, for up to eight tax years. The regime was previously set to expire; its extension covers arrivals through 2030.

Who it affects: Foreign-recruited employees and intra-group transferees starting work in France.

Direction générale des Finances publiques ↗ · Légifrance ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

Minimum wage raised 12% to MXN 278.80/day (general zone)

The 2025 general-zone minimum wage rose 12% to MXN 278.80/day (MXN 8,480/month). The northern border zone (FBF) rate rose to MXN 419.88/day. Continues the multi-year recovery trajectory of the Mexican minimum wage following decades of real-terms stagnation.

Who it affects: Low-wage workers and employers in the general and northern border zones.

Diario Oficial de la Federación ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Post-study job-search residence permit extended to 24 months

The Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) for recent graduates — allowing international graduates to remain in France to seek employment aligned with their qualifications — was extended from 12 to 24 months from 1 January 2025. Accessible after a master's-level or professional-license qualification.

Who it affects: International graduates of French higher-education institutions.

Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · Légifrance ↗ · Service-Public.fr ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Citizenship

Naturalisation French-language requirement raised to B2

Applicants for French naturalisation by decree must now demonstrate B2 French proficiency (up from B1) from 1 January 2025. The civic-knowledge assessment was also strengthened. The change reduced the pool of eligible applicants materially in the first year.

Who it affects: Prospective French citizenship applicants, particularly those with functional but not advanced French.

Légifrance ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Residency

French-language requirement for multi-year residence cards

Under decrees implementing the 2024 Loi Immigration, from 1 January 2025 applicants for a multi-year carte de séjour (carte pluriannuelle) must demonstrate at least A2 French proficiency (up from A1), and applicants for a ten-year carte de résident must reach B1 (up from A2). Exemptions apply for specified health and age grounds.

Who it affects: Third-country nationals renewing short-term cards into multi-year or long-term residence.

Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · Légifrance ↗ · Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Highly Skilled Migrant salary thresholds raised for 2025

The IND's Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) minimum salary thresholds for 2025 were published: €5,688 gross per month for age 30+, €4,171 for under-30, and €2,989 for recent graduates. Thresholds are indexed annually.

Who it affects: Sponsored highly skilled migrant workers and recognised-sponsor employers.

Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) ↗ · Rijksoverheid ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

IRS Jovem youth tax exemption expanded

The State Budget for 2025 materially expanded IRS Jovem — Portugal's youth income-tax exemption. It now applies to taxpayers up to age 35 (raised from 30 and narrower prior thresholds), for up to 10 years, with 100% exemption in year one stepping down to 25% in years 8-10, subject to an earnings cap.

Who it affects: Residents under 35 earning employment or self-employment income in Portugal.

Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira ↗ · Diário da República Eletrónico ↗ · Governo de Portugal ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Healthcare

Statutory health-insurance supplementary contribution rate rises

The benchmark supplementary contribution rate (Zusatzbeitrag) for statutory health insurance rose from 1.7% to 2.5% on 1 January 2025, the sharpest single-year increase in over a decade, driven by hospital-funding reforms and rising pharmaceutical costs. Individual Krankenkassen set their own rate around this benchmark.

Who it affects: All residents enrolled in statutory health insurance.

Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

PNP provincial allocations reduced for 2025

Under the reduced 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, provincial PNP allocations were cut approximately 50% from 2024 levels. Individual provinces (Ontario, BC, Alberta in particular) immediately tightened their own PNP invitation criteria in response. Timelines for nomination invitations materially extended.

Who it affects: Prospective Provincial Nominee Program applicants across all provinces.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Residency

Permanent-residence admission targets reduced for 2025–2027

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan reduced PR targets from 500,000/year (prior plan) to 395,000 (2025), 380,000 (2026), 365,000 (2027) — a material reduction driven by the federal government's response to housing-supply and infrastructure pressure following record post-pandemic admission volumes.

Who it affects: Future permanent residents; sectors dependent on immigration-driven labour growth.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Healthcare

Krankenhausreform (hospital structural reform) enters force

The Krankenhausversorgungsverbesserungsgesetz passed the Bundesrat on 22 November 2024 and came into force on 1 January 2025. It overhauls hospital funding — shifting from per-case DRG payments toward a part-reserved "Vorhaltepauschale" funding floor — and tightens minimum case volumes for specialist treatments, which is expected to consolidate smaller hospitals over the coming years.

Who it affects: All residents; particularly relevant for patients of smaller regional hospitals.

Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

Announced Housing

Federal Mietpreisbremse (rent-rise cap) extension proposal

The federal government proposed extending the Mietpreisbremse — which caps new-contract rents in tight-market cities at 10% above the local reference rent — until 2029. The existing legal basis was otherwise set to expire in 2025; Länder retain authority over which districts are designated.

Who it affects: Renters signing new tenancy contracts in designated tight-market areas across Germany.

Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

Minimum hourly wage raised for January 2025

Statutory minimum hourly wage adjusted upward on the standard 1 January indexation cycle. For workers aged 21 and over the gross hourly wage was raised in line with inflation; lower tranches for younger workers were adjusted proportionally. Reconfirm the exact hourly figure at government.nl before relying on it for contract negotiation — the amount is formally gazetted each adjustment.

Who it affects: Low-wage workers; employers administering payroll and platform-work agreements.

Government of the Netherlands ↗ · Staatscourant (Dutch Government Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

National Minimum Wage raised to €13.50

The national minimum wage rose from €12.70 to €13.50 per hour on 1 January 2025, continuing the planned transition toward a Living Wage (target: 60% of median earnings by 2026). Sub-minimum rates for under-20 workers rose proportionally.

Who it affects: Low-wage workers, particularly in hospitality, retail, and care.

Government of Ireland ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

SARP threshold raised to €100,000

The Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP) minimum qualifying income threshold rose from €75,000 to €100,000 for employees arriving in Ireland from 1 January 2025. SARP offers a 30% income-tax exemption on income above €100,000 up to €1m for up to five years, for qualifying assignees relocated to Ireland by their existing employer group.

Who it affects: Inbound assignees relocated to Ireland by their multinational employers from 2025.

Revenue Commissioners ↗ · Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

Enforcement moratorium on false self-employment ends

The Belastingdienst's enforcement moratorium on false self-employment (schijnzelfstandigheid) ended on 1 January 2025. Tax audits of companies using ZZP contractors resumed in full, with retrospective assessment risk for demonstrable employment-relationship contracts. Companies and freelancers materially adjusted contracts through late 2024.

Who it affects: ZZP (self-employed) contractors and the companies engaging them.

Belastingdienst ↗ · Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

National Minimum Wage raised to €13.50 per hour

The National Minimum Wage rose from €12.70 to €13.50 per hour on 1 January 2025, continuing the stepped trajectory toward a Living Wage pegged at 60% of median hourly earnings (statutory target 2026).

Who it affects: Low-wage employees, part-time workers, and employers of minimum-wage labour.

Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

Universal Social Charge (USC) bands and rates adjusted for 2025

Budget 2025 adjusted the Universal Social Charge bands and cut the 4% rate to 3% on the second USC band — the first USC rate reduction in several years. The change modestly raises take-home pay for middle earners; the adjustment is designed to offset fiscal-drag effects of wage growth.

Who it affects: All employees and self-employed Irish tax residents.

Revenue — Irish Tax and Customs ↗ · Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Other

Deutschlandticket price rises from €49 to €58 per month

The monthly Deutschlandticket — a flat-rate nationwide pass covering regional and local public transport across Germany — rose from €49 to €58 per month on 1 January 2025 following agreement between federal and state governments on 23 September 2024.

Who it affects: All residents using regional and local public transport; a common cost-of-living input for movers.

Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · Deutsche Bahn — Deutschlandticket ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Employment Pass minimum salary raised to S$5,600 (S$6,200 financial services)

MOM raised the Employment Pass minimum monthly salary from S$5,000 to S$5,600 for general sectors and from S$5,500 to S$6,200 for financial services, effective for new applications from 1 January 2025 and renewals from 1 January 2026. Age-band progression also recalibrated — minimum for mid-40s applicants now S$10,700 / S$11,800.

Who it affects: New EP applicants from 1 January 2025; existing EP holders affected at next renewal.

Singapore Ministry of Manpower ↗ · Singapore Economic Development Board ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Healthcare

Federal mandatory health insurance for all private-sector employees and dependants

A federal mandate requires employers to provide health insurance to all private-sector employees and their dependants from 1 January 2025 — extending the mandatory-health-insurance regime that had previously applied federally only in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to all seven emirates. Materially strengthens employee health protection and adds a small administrative cost to employer compliance.

Who it affects: All private-sector employers nationwide and their employees / dependants.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation ↗ · UAE Government Portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

Minimum hourly wage raised to ₩10,030 for 2025

The Minimum Wage Council raised the minimum hourly wage to ₩10,030 for 2025 (from ₩9,860 in 2024) — the first time the threshold crossed ₩10,000. Continues a multi-year trajectory under both Moon and Yoon administrations.

Who it affects: All low-wage Korean and non-Korean workers.

Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · Office of the President of Korea ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Labour

Statutory minimum wage raised to €12.82 per hour

The Minimum Wage Commission's recommendation was adopted and the statutory national minimum wage (Mindestlohn) rose from €12.41 to €12.82 per hour on 1 January 2025. A further increase to €13.90 is scheduled for 1 January 2026.

Who it affects: Low-wage employees nationwide; mini-job thresholds also adjusted accordingly.

Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Housing

Superbonus 110% construction tax credit wound down

The generous 110% Superbonus tax credit for energy-efficient home renovations — a major driver of Italian construction activity 2020–2023 and a material fiscal cost — was progressively reduced through Law Decree 39/2024. From 1 January 2025, the credit rate drops to 65% for qualifying works in most cases, with earlier rates retained only for narrow categories (villages hit by 2016 earthquakes, some condominium works pre-existing at 17 February 2023).

Who it affects: Property owners planning renovations; construction-sector employment and cost of renovation services.

Gazzetta Ufficiale (Italian Official Gazette) ↗ · Agenzia delle Entrate ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

Partial non-resident tax status abolished for 30%-ruling holders

Expatriates using the 30% ruling can no longer elect partial non-resident status for Box 2 (substantial-interest income) and Box 3 (savings and investments) from 1 January 2025 — their worldwide income is now fully in scope of Dutch personal income tax. Transitional provision: those who applied the 30% ruling in 2023 may continue partial non-resident status until 31 December 2026.

Who it affects: All existing and prospective 30%-ruling holders with non-Dutch savings, investments, or substantial interests.

Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) ↗ · Ministerie van Financiën ↗ · Government of the Netherlands ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

Partial non-resident taxpayer status abolished

The partial non-resident taxpayer status for 30%-ruling holders — which had allowed them to be taxed only on Dutch-sourced income in Boxes 2 and 3 — was abolished from 1 January 2025. From that date, 30%-ruling holders are fully taxable on worldwide assets and substantial-interest holdings as Dutch residents. Transitional relief applied until end-2026 for rulings running before 2024.

Who it affects: Existing and new 30%-ruling holders with non-Dutch investments and substantial-interest holdings.

Belastingdienst ↗ · Rijksoverheid ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

Self-employed (autónomos) quotas continue income-based transition

The three-year transition to income-based social-security contributions for autónomos, introduced by Real Decreto-ley 13/2022, continued into 2025 with adjusted minimum and maximum monthly net-income brackets. Low earners pay less than under the flat-rate system; higher earners pay materially more. Further bracket updates are due for 2026.

Who it affects: All self-employed workers registered under the RETA regime.

Boletín Oficial del Estado ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Taxation

Property-tax (Grundsteuer) reform takes effect

The long-delayed Grundsteuerreform came into force on 1 January 2025 after the Federal Constitutional Court struck down the previous valuation basis. New assessed values are used by each Land — most use the federal "Bundesmodell" based on market rent proxies; Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg, Hessen, and Niedersachsen apply alternative models. Many homeowners and landlords saw notable changes in assessed tax.

Who it affects: All property owners in Germany; renters indirectly via Nebenkosten pass-through.

Bundesministerium der Finanzen ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 23 Dec 2024

In force Residency

"Flagpoling" — border-exit-and-re-entry work-permit activation — restricted

IRCC and CBSA restricted the long-standing informal practice of "flagpoling" (exiting at a US border and immediately re-entering to activate a new work permit) from December 2024. Most work-permit activations now must be processed at a Canadian port of entry via formal admission rather than same-day exit-re-entry. Materially changes the logistics of in-Canada status transitions.

Who it affects: Temporary residents in Canada seeking to activate new work permits without travelling abroad.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 17 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

240-hour visa-free transit policy launched (extended from 72/144 hours)

On 17 December 2024, the National Immigration Administration extended the visa-free transit policy from 72/144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). 21 new entry/exit ports were added (taking the total to 60); coverage expanded to 24 provinces (added Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan, Guizhou). Travellers must hold confirmed interline tickets to a third country.

Who it affects: Citizens of 55 eligible countries transiting through China for tourism / business / family visits.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China) ↗ · State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 11 Dec 2024

In force Other

FIFA World Cup 2030 co-hosting confirmed — infrastructure investment acceleration

Morocco was confirmed as a 2030 FIFA World Cup co-host (with Spain and Portugal) on 11 December 2024. The confirmation has accelerated major infrastructure investments — high-speed rail extensions (Casablanca-Marrakech-Agadir), stadium construction, airport upgrades. Practical mover impact: expanded employment in construction, hospitality, and infrastructure services through 2028.

Who it affects: Broad economic context; indirect effect on infrastructure, tourism, employment.

Gouvernement du Maroc ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 7 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Core Skills Occupation List replaces legacy skilled lists

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) — maintained by Jobs and Skills Australia — replaced the multiple legacy occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL) for SID Core Skills purposes. CSOL is designed to respond dynamically to labour-market-shortage indicators. Jobs and Skills Australia publishes updates at least annually; reconfirm before lodging.

Who it affects: Employers and applicants navigating the SID Core Skills stream.

Jobs and Skills Australia ↗ · Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 7 Dec 2024

In force Residency

ENS (subclass 186) qualifying period reduced under SID transition

The Employer Nomination Scheme qualifying period was reduced under the SID transition — SID holders can apply for ENS after just 2 years with their sponsor (previously 3 years under TSS). Further reduces the temporary-to-permanent pathway friction.

Who it affects: SID 482 visa holders seeking permanent residence.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 7 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Condition 8107 allows 180 days with other employers

The reformed Condition 8107 now allows SID 482 visa holders to cease work with their sponsor and work for any other employer for up to 180 days (or up to 1 year cumulatively over the visa's duration). Materially reduces the historic tied-to-sponsor vulnerability of employer-sponsored visa holders.

Who it affects: All SID 482 visa holders.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 7 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Work-experience requirement reduced from 2 years to 1 year

As part of the SID visa reform, the required prior work experience was reduced from 2 years to 1 year. Opens the SID pathway to applicants who would previously have been ineligible on work-experience grounds — particularly recent graduates and early-career specialists.

Who it affects: All SID 482 applicants.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 7 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaces TSS 482

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa replaced the former TSS visa on 7 December 2024 — the largest overhaul of employer-sponsored migration since 2018. Three streams: Core Skills (AUD 73,150 CSIT), Specialist Skills (AUD 135,000+), Essential Skills (Labour Agreement, rebranded for 2026). 4-year validity, direct path to PR via ENS, enhanced worker mobility.

Who it affects: All employer-sponsored temporary skilled migration from December 2024.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · Jobs and Skills Australia ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 7 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Global Talent visa (858) priority sectors realigned under SID

The Global Talent programme's priority sectors were realigned under the SID transition — confirmed focus on tech, health industries, agri-food, resources, defence/space, financial services, education. Salary benchmark updated in line with Fair Work High Income Threshold indexation. Core operational framework of the programme unchanged.

Who it affects: Exceptional-talent applicants in emerging priority sectors.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Green List of shortage occupations updated

INZ's Green List of shortage occupations was reviewed and updated in late 2024 — several tech and engineering occupations added to Tier 1 (Straight to Residence); some healthcare roles reclassified between tiers. The Green List is the direct-to-residence fast-track mechanism; periodic rotation reflects evolving labour-market shortages.

Who it affects: Applicants in newly-added or newly-removed Green List occupations.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Residency

DHA digital visa system rollout under Minister Schreiber

Minister Schreiber's major modernisation commitment launched in late 2024 — phased rollout of a fully digital visa and permit application system, integrated online appointment scheduling, and standardised turnaround-time targets. Material operational improvement across most visa categories through 2025, though backlog clearance from the pre-2024 era continues.

Who it affects: All visa and permit applicants processing through DHA.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Foreign-student post-study work residence permit pilot launched

A pilot programme launched in select cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen) from December 2024 to allow foreign graduates of Chinese universities to apply for a post-study residence permit (1-year duration) without requiring a Z visa Notification at the time of application. Material softening of the historic constraint that foreign students could not transition directly to employment without leaving the country.

Who it affects: Non-Chinese graduates of Mainland Chinese universities seeking employment in China.

National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Work to Residence — Straight to Residence pathway for Tier 1 Green List continuing

Operational confirmation that the Work to Residence — Straight to Residence pathway for Tier 1 Green List occupations continues unchanged through 2025–2026. Tier 1 applicants can apply for Permanent Residence directly from overseas with a qualifying NZ job offer. Tier 2 applicants retain the 2-year Work to Residence transitional pathway.

Who it affects: Prospective applicants on the Tier 1 Green List.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Other

Strengthened non-native species introduction-prevention guidelines adopted

ATCM-46 adopted strengthened guidelines on preventing non-native species introduction through transported cargo, clothing, and equipment — entered operational force in late 2024. Practical effect on expeditioners and tour operators: stricter pre-departure biosecurity (mandatory cleaning of outer clothing, boot cleaning on every landing) and refined cargo-inspection protocols at major gateway ports (Christchurch, Punta Arenas, Cape Town, Hobart, Ushuaia).

Who it affects: All personnel landing on Antarctic continent.

Antarctic Treaty System Secretariat ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Dec 2024

In force Residency

Republican Engagement Contract mandatory for first residence permits

From December 2024, applicants for a first multi-year residence permit must sign the Republican Engagement Contract, committing to respect "the principles of the Republic" (laïcité, equality, freedom of expression, etc.). Breach can ground residence-permit refusal or revocation. Criticised by civil-society organisations as introducing a vague and potentially arbitrary test.

Who it affects: All new applicants to multi-year residence permits from December 2024.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 Nov 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Unilateral 30-day visa-free entry extended to 30+ countries

A parallel programme of unilateral visa-free entry (30 days for tourism, business, family visit, transit) was progressively extended through 2024–2025 to over 30 countries — including most EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, Brazil, and several others. Distinct from the 240-hour transit policy: no onward-ticket requirement.

Who it affects: Tourists, business visitors, and short-term-stay foreign nationals from designated countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China) ↗ · National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 29 Nov 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Québec PRTQ invitation criteria reformed

Québec's Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration reformed the Arrima invitation process from late 2024 — greater emphasis on francisation (French-language ability), targeted shortage-occupation streams, and streamlined processing for in-Québec CSQ applicants. Implementation continued through 2025.

Who it affects: Prospective Québec permanent-residence applicants.

Gouvernement du Québec — Immigration ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Nov 2024

In force Labour

SMIC raised early to €11.88 gross per hour

The SMIC was raised early on 1 November 2024 to €11.88 gross per hour (€1,801.80 gross per month at 35 hours), a 2% automatic indexation rise, ahead of the usual January revaluation. The 2025 annual revaluation on 1 January 2025 held the figure steady as automatic indexation had already triggered.

Who it affects: Minimum-wage workers and employers of them.

Légifrance ↗ · Gouvernement de la République française ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Nov 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Visa renewal application window extended from 4 weeks to 3 months

Effective November 2024, all visa-holders may submit renewal applications up to 3 months before visa expiry (previously 4 weeks). Reduces the practical risk of overstay due to processing delays — a frequent applicant concern through 2023.

Who it affects: All visa-holders approaching renewal — TTPS, GEP, ASMTP, QMAS.

Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · Government Information Services (HK SAR) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Nov 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Mainland Talents Scheme (ASMTP) extended to certain Mainland degree holders

ASMTP eligibility was broadened from November 2024 to include certain Mainland degree-holders previously excluded due to qualification-recognition complexity. Specifically targets Mainland tech and engineering graduates servicing Hong Kong's I&T industry expansion strategy.

Who it affects: Mainland-Chinese graduates of Mainland universities seeking Hong Kong employment.

Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · Government of the Hong Kong SAR ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Nov 2024

In force Visa & immigration

QMAS Achievement-based Points Test broadened

The Achievement-based Points Test under QMAS was broadened in November 2024 to recognise additional categories of peer-recognised exceptional achievement (specific arts and sports awards, certain industry recognitions). Designed to attract globally-mobile talent who do not fit the traditional General Points Test framework.

Who it affects: Globally-recognised exceptional-achievement applicants under QMAS.

Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · Government Information Services (HK SAR) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Nov 2024

In force Other

IAATO visitor-site-guidelines compliance continuing

IAATO's visitor-site guidelines — covering approximately 30 frequently-visited landing sites — continue to be refined through 2024–2025 with updated capacity limits, wildlife-distance rules, and landing-sequencing protocols. IAATO operators face significant reputational and compliance risk for non-adherence; ATCM parties have the ability to escalate major breaches.

Who it affects: All Antarctic tourism operators and their passengers.

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators ↗ · Antarctic Treaty System Secretariat ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Nov 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Visitor Visa extended from 9 to 12 months for qualifying nationalities

Visitor Visa maximum duration was extended from 9 months to 12 months for qualifying visa-required applicants from specific partner countries from November 2024. Does not affect visa-waiver nationalities (who receive up to 3 months on arrival). Materially improves the long-stay visitor option for parents and long-term tourists from countries like India, Philippines, China.

Who it affects: Visa-required visitors from specific partner countries.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Nov 2024

In force Housing

Partial rollback of Mais Habitação under Construir Portugal plan

The Montenegro government's Construir Portugal housing plan partially rolled back several Mais Habitação provisions: the compulsory-leasing mechanism for long-empty properties and certain rental-market interventions were reversed or softened; short-term-let tax treatment adjusted; incentives re-weighted toward construction-side supply measures. Further legislative detail rolled through 2024–2025.

Who it affects: Landlords, investors, and tenants in Portuguese urban markets; further adjustments expected.

Portuguese Government Portal ↗ · Diário da República ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 28 Oct 2024

In force Visa & immigration

TTPS Category B mandatory third-party verification

From 28 October 2024, all TTPS Category B applications must include third-party verification of qualifications and employment history (typically via WES, ECCTIS, or comparable accredited credential-verification services). Designed to address concerns about document fraud that emerged in the 2023–2024 high-volume application phase.

Who it affects: TTPS Category B applicants from October 2024.

Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · Government Information Services (HK SAR) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 28 Oct 2024

In force Visa & immigration

TTPS Category A initial visa extended from 2 to 3 years

Effective 28 October 2024, the initial visa validity for TTPS Category A was extended from 2 years to 3 years, recognising that high-income relocators typically need longer to consolidate Hong Kong employment or self-employment income. Categories B and C remain at 2 years initially.

Who it affects: High-income TTPS Category A applicants and renewers.

Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · Government Information Services (HK SAR) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 16 Oct 2024

In force Visa & immigration

2024 Policy Address: further talent-scheme refinements announced

The Chief Executive's October 2024 Policy Address announced further talent-scheme refinements: ongoing expansion of the eligible university list, further QMAS achievement-points criteria, exploration of a "high-value technology" subset of TTPS, and continued integration of the I&T-sector pathways with the Greater Bay Area initiatives. Several measures implemented late 2024 and 2025.

Who it affects: Future TTPS / GEP / QMAS applicants — signals continuing widening of admission policy.

Government of the Hong Kong SAR ↗ · Government Information Services (HK SAR) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 15 Oct 2024

Announced Citizenship

Proposal to raise naturalisation language requirement to B1

The Dutch government introduced a legislative proposal in October 2024 to raise the civic-integration (inburgering) language requirement for naturalisation from A2 to B1 and to extend the residence requirement from five to ten years. Parliamentary passage and implementation dates remain uncertain as of 2026.

Who it affects: Prospective naturalisation applicants if and when the proposal enters force.

Rijksoverheid ↗ · Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Oct 2024

In force Other

Sheinbaum administration inaugurated

Claudia Sheinbaum was inaugurated as President of Mexico on 1 October 2024, continuing the MORENA-led government after AMLO's 6-year term. Early executive-branch priorities: security strategy, judicial reform (contested), continued social-programme expansion. Immigration and residency rules have seen no major substantive change in the first year of the administration but some operational modernisation continues.

Who it affects: Broad policy context for future changes — particularly on migration, security, and fiscal policy.

Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores ↗ · Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Oct 2024

In force Labour

Digital Morocco 2030 strategy launched

The Digital Morocco 2030 strategy launched in September 2024 committed to creating 240,000 tech-sector jobs by 2030, developing major offshoring and digital-services hubs, and positioning Morocco as a regional digital leader. Practical effect: expanded tech-sector employment pipeline, particularly at offshore-service centres serving European and Francophone-African clients.

Who it affects: Tech sector jobs and professionals in digital-economy roles.

Gouvernement du Maroc ↗ · AMDI — Moroccan Investment Development Agency ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Oct 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Global Talent Occupations List refreshed

ESDC refreshed the Global Talent Occupations List in late 2024 — added several AI and cloud-engineering occupations (reflecting post-2022 hiring patterns), maintained 2-week LMIA and work-permit processing commitment. Occupation-list rotation continues annually.

Who it affects: Employers hiring under the Global Talent Stream and their prospective hires.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Oct 2024

In force Labour

National weighted-average minimum wage raised to ¥1,055/hour for FY2024

The Central Minimum Wage Council's recommendation of a ¥50/hour rise — the largest single annual increase ever — was adopted, taking the national weighted-average minimum wage to ¥1,055/hour from October 2024. Tokyo: ¥1,163/hour. Continues a multi-year trajectory toward a ¥1,500/hour 2030s target.

Who it affects: All low-wage workers; SSW workers in particular as their thresholds are pegged to local minimum wages.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ↗ · Cabinet Office of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Oct 2024

In force Citizenship

Citizenship-by-Investment programme reformed — clearer pricing tiers

Prime-ministerial decree in mid-2024 clarified and repriced the Egyptian Citizenship-by-Investment programme: non-refundable Treasury contribution US$250,000; real-estate investment US$350,000; direct business investment US$500,000 creating local employment; bank deposit US$500,000 (3-year lock). Processing target 6–9 months. Volumes expanded materially in 2024–2025 from Gulf and East Asian applicants.

Who it affects: High-net-worth applicants seeking Egyptian citizenship.

General Authority for Investment and Free Zones ↗ · Ministry of Finance (Egypt) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Oct 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Seasonal Employment Permit introduced

A new short-term permit for seasonal employment (horticulture, soft-fruit picking, agriculture) up to seven months per calendar year. Initially piloted in late 2024 and rolled out formally in 2025. Designed to address targeted labour shortages without creating long-term residence pathways.

Who it affects: Non-EEA workers in seasonal agricultural sectors; horticulture and agri-food employers.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 26 Sept 2024

In force Labour

Temporary Foreign Worker Program tightened — low-wage stream restricted

In response to concerns about wage suppression, the government tightened the Low-Wage Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in September 2024 — cap lowered to 10% of a workforce for eligible regions (from 20%), and restrictions imposed on hiring in designated unemployment-rate regions. Additional changes through 2025 in the same direction.

Who it affects: Employers relying on low-wage TFWP hires; current TFWP workers.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 15 Sept 2024

Announced Visa & immigration

Dedicated digital-nomad visa proposed in Senate — not enacted

A dedicated digital-nomad visa bill was introduced in the Mexican Senate in September 2024 but did not progress to enactment by end-2025. The existing Temporary Resident Financial Solvency route continues to serve the same practical need (and is arguably more flexible than a dedicated DNV). The bill may be re-introduced.

Who it affects: Potential future remote-worker applicants; no change to existing pathways.

Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Stamp 4 after 2 years on CSEP — retained under the 2024 reforms

The 2024 Employment Permits Act retained the existing fast-track to Stamp 4 (indefinite residence, unrestricted labour-market access, no further permit renewal required) for Critical Skills Employment Permit holders after two years on the permit. This remains a material advantage of CSEP over the General Employment Permit (which requires five years).

Who it affects: Critical Skills Employment Permit holders approaching the two-year anniversary of their first permit.

Irish Immigration Service ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Reduced CSEP salary threshold for recent non-EEA graduates

A lower Critical Skills Employment Permit salary threshold was introduced for recent non-EEA graduates who have graduated in the previous 12 months with a relevant degree. Designed to retain international-student talent in the Irish labour market post-study.

Who it affects: Recent non-EEA graduates of Irish higher-education institutions transitioning to employment permits.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

First-time permit holders can change employer after 9 months (was 12)

Under the Employment Permits Act 2024, first-time employment-permit holders can change employer after nine months of permit holding, reduced from the previous 12-month restriction. The new role must be in a similar field to the original permit to preserve policy intent.

Who it affects: First-time Critical Skills and General Employment Permit holders.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Labour Market Needs Test simplified — newspaper ad removed

The long-standing requirement to advertise jobs in a national newspaper for three days was dropped. New requirement is simpler: two online platforms, one of which must be EURES (the European Employment Services portal), for 28 consecutive days.

Who it affects: Employers applying for General Employment Permits and other non-Critical Skills routes.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Employment Permits Act 2024 enters force — largest reform in over a decade

The Employment Permits Act 2024 entered force on 2 September 2024, consolidating and modernising the eight previous employment-permit types into a single statutory framework. Key operational changes: permit holders can change employer after 9 months (previously 12), agencies can be the employer of a permit holder, labour-market testing is simplified to two online advertisements (including EURES) for 28 days, and newspaper advertisement is no longer required.

Who it affects: All non-EEA employment-permit applicants, existing permit holders, and Irish employers.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) ↗ · Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Employment Permits Act 2024 consolidates and modernises permit system

The Employment Permits Act 2024 was signed into law on 3 July 2024 and commenced on 2 September 2024. It replaced the 2003/2006 framework, introduced a new Seasonal Employment Permit for agriculture/horticulture, modernised change-of-employer rules (after nine months without further approval), and created an intra-group transfer permit. Implementing regulations updated through late 2024.

Who it affects: All non-EEA workers and their employers using Ireland's employment-permit system.

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment ↗ · Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Healthcare

SUS universal-healthcare coverage continued for all legal residents

Brazil's Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) continues to provide universal-healthcare access to all legal residents including foreign residents on any visa category — a structural advantage compared to most other mover destinations. Practical quality varies materially by region; private health insurance is common in São Paulo and Rio professional/expat circles.

Who it affects: Foreign residents in Brazil on any residence permit.

Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública — Migrações ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Residency cards issued with chip and biometric verification

INM began issuing new residency cards with embedded chips and biometric data from September 2024 — replacing the legacy physical photo-laminate format. Existing cards remain valid through their expiry; renewals automatically issue the new format. Supports the broader federal ID-verification modernisation.

Who it affects: New Temporary Resident and Permanent Resident card issuances.

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Healthcare

Public Universal Health Insurance enrolment for long-term foreign residents clarified

NIA and the National Healthcare Security Administration clarified in September 2024 that long-term foreign residents (Z visa holders with 6+ months of consecutive employment) are eligible for and may be required to enrol in the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance scheme — depending on the locality. Implementation varies materially across cities; Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have stricter enforcement than secondary cities.

Who it affects: Long-term foreign residents on Z visa or work-permit holders.

State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Startup Korea programme — fast-track for foreign founders

The Startup Korea programme launched September 2024 to consolidate the various foreign-founder pathways (D-8-4 Technology Startup, OASIS programme, K-Startup Grand Challenge) under a single more-streamlined process. KOTRA-coordinated; integrates Korean Visa Center fast-track lanes for selected applicants.

Who it affects: Non-Korean founders considering Korea as a startup base.

Invest Korea (KOTRA) ↗ · Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Two-month visa amnesty launched September 2024

The federal government launched a two-month visa amnesty (September–October 2024, later extended to end-December 2024) allowing visa-overstayers to either regularise their status or leave the UAE without penalty. The largest such amnesty since 2018; widely-used by long-term overstayers.

Who it affects: Non-UAE residents with overstays seeking to regularise or exit without penalty.

ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · Emirates News Agency (WAM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Active Investor Plus Visa reformed with lower threshold

The Active Investor Plus Visa was reformed from September 2024 with a lowered threshold — NZD 5M under a new weighted investment-mix system, replacing the previous NZD 15M direct / NZD 50M passive thresholds. Allows more-flexible portfolio composition with weighting toward NZ-company-direct investment. Designed to revive the programme after low application volume under previous settings.

Who it affects: High-net-worth investors considering New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Taxation

Two-Pot Retirement Reform in force

The Two-Pot Retirement Reform took effect on 1 September 2024 — restructuring SA retirement-fund access into a "savings pot" (one-third of contributions, accessible during employment) and a "retirement pot" (two-thirds, preserved until retirement). Material for foreign workers contributing to SA pension funds — changes the liquidity of accumulated pension savings.

Who it affects: All SA tax residents with pension funds, including foreign workers.

South African Revenue Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Global Entry expanded to additional partner countries

CBP continued expansion of Global Entry partner-country eligibility through 2024–2025 — adding nationals of additional countries with reciprocal trusted-traveller agreements (notably Poland, Taiwan, and several others). Existing programme rules unchanged; expansion affects applicant eligibility rather than programme substance.

Who it affects: Frequent international travellers from newly-eligible partner countries.

US Department of Homeland Security ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Family-visa sponsor income thresholds clarified federally

ICP issued clarifying guidance in mid-2024 on family-visa sponsor income thresholds across emirates: AED 4,000+/month for spouse/children with employer-provided accommodation (or AED 4,000 plus accommodation evidence if not), and AED 20,000+/month to sponsor parents. Reduces the historic emirate-by-emirate variation in interpretation.

Who it affects: UAE residents sponsoring family members.

ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · GDRFA — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (Dubai) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Hi Korea digital-application platform expanded

The Hi Korea online portal expanded in September 2024 to handle most visa-extension and ARC-renewal applications digitally end-to-end, including biometric pre-collection scheduling. In-person immigration-office visits required only for biometrics and specific document verification. Reduces typical extension processing time by 1–3 weeks.

Who it affects: All non-Korean applicants and Korean employers sponsoring foreign workers.

Hi Korea — Korea Immigration Service ↗ · Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Questura permesso di soggiorno digitalisation pilot launched

The Ministry of the Interior launched a pilot digitalisation of the permesso di soggiorno (residence-permit) application process in selected major Questure from September 2024. Online pre-submission of documents, reduced in-person appointments, and digital status tracking. Processing times remain variable (4–18 months depending on Questura); the pilot does not yet extend nationally.

Who it affects: All non-EU residents renewing or applying for permesso di soggiorno.

Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Asylum Distribution Act (Spreidingswet) scheduled for withdrawal

The Asylum Distribution Act, which had required all Dutch municipalities to participate in housing asylum seekers on a per-capita basis, was committed for withdrawal in the coalition agreement. Implementation obligations on municipalities were suspended in practice; concrete repeal legislation entered the parliamentary process in late 2024.

Who it affects: Asylum-seeker capacity distribution across Dutch municipalities.

Government of the Netherlands ↗ · Hoofdlijnenakkoord — Coalition Agreement (May 2024) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Family reunification for recognised refugees sharply restricted

Under the coalition agreement, family reunification rules for recognised refugees were tightened: faster-track "Nareis" provisions were narrowed, and the previous one-year grace period for submitting applications without income-threshold assessment was re-examined. Civil-society organisations have flagged compatibility concerns with EU and ECHR family-reunion case law.

Who it affects: Recognised refugees seeking to bring family members to the Netherlands.

Government of the Netherlands ↗ · Hoofdlijnenakkoord — Coalition Agreement (May 2024) ↗ · European Commission — Migration and Home Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Blue Residency launched for environmental contributors

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security launched the "Blue Residency" — a 10-year residency for individuals making exceptional contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, conservation, or related fields. Eligibility via direct nomination by entities or self-application with supporting evidence. Distinct from the Golden Visa's broader categories.

Who it affects: Environmental scientists, conservationists, and recognised environmental contributors.

ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · Emirates News Agency (WAM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

S Pass minimum salary raised to S$3,150 (S$3,650 financial services)

MOM raised the S Pass minimum monthly salary from S$3,000 to S$3,150 (general) and to S$3,650 (financial services) effective 1 September 2024. Continuing the steady multi-year tightening of the lower-skill foreign-worker bands. Foreign Worker Levy and Dependency Ratio Ceiling rules unchanged in this round.

Who it affects: Mid-skilled foreign workers and Singapore employers using the S Pass.

Singapore Ministry of Manpower ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

e-Visa platform launched for specific country partners

Morocco launched an electronic visa (e-Visa) platform through 2024, initially for tourists from a limited set of visa-required countries (Israel, Thailand, India, and several others) before expansion. Replaces the previous consular-only model for those nationalities. Mover-relevant as a precursor to potential digital-visa expansion.

Who it affects: Visa-required visitors from participating countries.

Ministère des Affaires Étrangères ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Labour

Wages Protection System reformed — broader coverage and dispute remedies

The Wages Protection System (WPS) — mandatory salary-payment-routing through licensed banks/exchange houses — was reformed September 2024 to cover broader categories of private-sector employment, with strengthened employer-penalty regime for delayed payment and a dedicated MOHRE wage-dispute resolution stream.

Who it affects: Private-sector employers and employees subject to MOHRE oversight.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

K-Culture Training Visa launched

A specialised training visa for non-Korean trainees in K-pop, beauty, fashion, and cultural-industry training programmes was launched September 2024. Up to 2-year stay with mandatory affiliation with a registered Korean entertainment / training agency. Restricted purpose; cannot transition directly to general employment visas.

Who it affects: Non-Korean cultural-industry trainees (K-pop, drama, beauty industries).

Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Residency

Exceptional regularisation for workers in shortage occupations

Law 2024-42 created a time-limited, exceptional regularisation route (admission exceptionnelle au séjour) for non-EU workers without legal status who have been employed for at least 12 months in officially-recognised shortage occupations (métiers en tension) and have been in France for at least three years. Implementing decree issued August 2024; the route runs as an experiment through end-2026.

Who it affects: Non-EU workers in irregular status employed in French shortage-occupation sectors.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Study-permit national cap introduced and Post-Graduate Work Permit tightened

From September 2024, a national cap on new study permits was implemented with provincial allocations (approximately 360,000 new study permits vs roughly 400,000+ pre-cap). Post-Graduate Work Permit eligibility tightened — not all public-college programs now qualify. Materially reduces the historic Canada-as-backdoor-PR pipeline for students at lower-tier private-public partnerships.

Who it affects: International students and educational institutions; indirect on future CEC pipeline.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Sept 2024

In force Housing

National short-term-rental registration (CIN) required

The Codice Identificativo Nazionale (CIN) for short-term rentals and tourist-accommodation listings was introduced by the 2024 budget law and rolled out nationally from September 2024. Landlords must register each property and display the CIN on all listings; enforcement against unregistered listings began in 2025.

Who it affects: Short-term rental landlords in Italy; indirect on long-term rental supply.

Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 28 Aug 2024

In force Visa & immigration

In-Canada visitor-to-work-permit policy ended

IRCC ended, effective immediately on 28 August 2024, the temporary COVID-era policy that had allowed visitors in Canada to apply for an employer-specific work permit from within Canada upon receiving a job offer and LMIA. Applicants must now apply from outside Canada per the pre-pandemic rule.

Who it affects: Foreign nationals visiting Canada and receiving job offers; their employers.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 19 Aug 2024

Repealed Residency

Keeping Families Together parole enjoined and terminated

The Keeping Families Together parole-in-place program for non-citizen spouses of US citizens, announced 17 June 2024 and opened 19 August 2024, was blocked by a federal court on 26 August 2024 and permanently vacated on 7 November 2024. A change in administration in January 2025 confirmed non-revival. Applications filed during the brief window received no adjudication.

Who it affects: Non-citizen spouses of US citizens who would have qualified; included for historical context.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · The White House ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 11 Aug 2024

In force Taxation

Flat-tax for neo-residenti raised from €100k to €200k

Decreto Legge 113/2024 raised the flat substitute tax on foreign-sourced income under the Italian neo-residenti (high-net-worth) regime from €100,000 to €200,000 per year for taxpayers electing the regime from 11 August 2024. Existing elections prior to that date continue at the €100,000 rate.

Who it affects: High-net-worth individuals electing Italian residence from August 2024.

Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana ↗ · Agenzia delle Entrate ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 10 Aug 2024

In force Taxation

HNWI Flat Tax doubled from €100,000 to €200,000 per year

Law Decree 113/2024 ("Decreto Omnibus"), in force 10 August 2024, doubled the annual flat tax on foreign-source income for new applicants to the HNWI regime from €100,000 to €200,000. Existing beneficiaries retain the €100,000 rate for the remainder of their 15-year maximum benefit period. Applies only to individuals establishing Italian tax residency after 10 August 2024. Family-member add-on remains €25,000/year per spouse or child.

Who it affects: New high-net-worth applicants establishing Italian tax residency after 10 August 2024.

Gazzetta Ufficiale (Italian Official Gazette) ↗ · Agenzia delle Entrate ↗ · Ministero dell'Economia e delle Finanze ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Aug 2024

In force Residency

Visa fraud backlog clearance and amnesty programme launched

The Schreiber-led DHA reform launched a comprehensive backlog clearance and anti-fraud programme from August 2024 — targeting the several-year processing backlog that had accumulated pre-2024. Parallel anti-fraud enforcement resulted in visa-agent deregistrations and employee dismissals. Operational improvement has been substantial through 2025, though applicants report variable experience.

Who it affects: Applicants with pending visa/permit processing for 12+ months.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Aug 2024

In force Visa & immigration

ASEAN-China expanded visa-free arrangements progressed

Bilateral visa-free arrangements with ASEAN member states were progressively expanded through 2024 — most prominently mutual permanent visa-free entry with Thailand (effective 1 March 2024), Singapore (effective 9 February 2024), and Malaysia (effective 1 December 2023). Part of the broader regional opening following the post-pandemic restoration of travel volumes.

Who it affects: Travellers from designated ASEAN countries (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China) ↗ · National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Aug 2024

In force Residency

Parent Category Resident Visa reopened with revised criteria

The Parent Category Resident Visa was reopened from August 2024 with revised criteria — income threshold for the NZ-based sponsor, age-based subcategories, and a modest annual quota. Had been closed to new applications since 2016; reopening restores a structural pathway for family reunification of skilled migrants' parents.

Who it affects: Parents of NZ citizens and residents seeking permanent residence.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Aug 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Working Holiday Scheme adjustments for several partner countries

Updates to the Working Holiday Scheme through 2024 — expanded age eligibility to under 35 for several additional partner countries (reciprocal agreements), modified visa caps, and small administrative simplifications. Programme remains broadly intact as a pipeline for young globally-mobile workers to experience NZ.

Who it affects: Young travellers from eligible countries considering NZ.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 22 Jul 2024

Repealed Residency

Rwanda removals scheme formally abandoned by Labour government

Shortly after taking office, the Labour government formally ended the UK–Rwanda asylum-removals scheme. Planned removals did not take place; Rwanda-scheme infrastructure and associated Treaty arrangements were wound down. Related components of the Illegal Migration Act that depended on the scheme became operationally inert.

Who it affects: Asylum-seeker processing; broader political signalling on asylum policy direction.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 2 Jul 2024

Announced Visa & immigration

Coalition agreement outlines broad migration restriction plan

The July 2024 PVV-VVD-NSC-BBB coalition agreement set out sweeping plans to restrict migration: stricter asylum rules under a proposed "emergency declaration," tightened family-reunification rules, a review of the Highly Skilled Migrant regime, and labour-market test reforms. Draft legislation appeared through 2024-2025; some measures were challenged in court.

Who it affects: Prospective migrants across all categories; current proposals under parliamentary scrutiny.

Rijksoverheid ↗ · Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 2 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Hoofdlijnenakkoord — coalition commits to "strictest asylum policy ever"

The four-party coalition of PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB published its Hoofdlijnenakkoord ("outline agreement") in May 2024, taking office 2 July 2024. The agreement commits to a tightening of asylum and migration policy including: the scrapping of the Asylum Distribution Act (Spreidingswet), reduction of temporary asylum residence permits from five to three years, and severe tightening of family reunification rules for recognised refugees. Many individual measures have faced legal and parliamentary contestation through 2025.

Who it affects: Asylum seekers, recognised refugees, and their family members applying for reunification.

Hoofdlijnenakkoord — Coalition Agreement (May 2024) ↗ · Government of the Netherlands ↗ · European Commission — Migration and Home Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Taxation

Personal Income Tax bands restructured for 2024–25

The 2024–25 Finance Law restructured personal income tax bands — modest increases in the middle-band thresholds to offset inflation effects. Top marginal rate remained at 27.5%. Basic non-taxable threshold raised to EGP 40,000 (from EGP 30,000). Foreign residents on work permits are subject to Egyptian PIT on Egyptian-source income; 183-day residence triggers worldwide-income taxation.

Who it affects: All Egyptian tax residents including foreign workers.

Ministry of Finance (Egypt) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Citizenship

Canadian citizenship process further digitalised

IRCC continued the multi-year modernisation of the citizenship application and test process through 2024 — online test booking, remote video citizenship-ceremony option, and streamlined document submission. Physical presence test (1,095 days in 5 years) and language/knowledge-test requirements unchanged.

Who it affects: Permanent residents applying for Canadian citizenship.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

OFII digital integration platform (Forum Réfugiés) rolled out

The French immigration and integration office (OFII) launched a new digital platform from July 2024 to manage the Contrat d'Intégration Républicaine (CIR) — the mandatory integration contract for new residents. Replaces paper-based booking and progress tracking for French-language and civic-education courses.

Who it affects: New non-EU residents subject to the CIR (most non-Talent permit holders).

OFII — Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Business Innovation and Investment programme paused pending review

Most streams of the Business Innovation and Investment programme (subclass 188) were paused to new applications from 1 July 2024 pending a broader review. Remaining approvals continue to be processed for applications already in the pipeline. The review is expected to substantially reform the programme; timeline for reopening unclear as of April 2026.

Who it affects: Prospective Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188/888) applicants.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Citizenship

Citizenship ceremony and affirmation moved online

From July 2024, routine citizenship affirmations (post-ceremony) could be completed online for most applicants, and the standard in-person ceremony schedule was expanded to clear the historic backlog. Processing times for straightforward applications fell substantially from mid-2024 into 2025.

Who it affects: Applicants for Irish naturalisation; historic backlog beneficiaries.

Irish Immigration Service Delivery ↗ · Department of Foreign Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Housing

Wet betaalbare huur — mid-segment rent regulation extended

The Wet betaalbare huur extended the points-based rent-cap system to the "middenhuur" segment (rents €880-€1,157 range in 2024 points) from 1 July 2024. Landlords exceeding the point-allowed rent in regulated contracts face enforcement. Applies primarily to new contracts; existing contracts transition over time.

Who it affects: Renters signing new private-sector contracts in the mid-rent segment.

Ministerie van Volkshuisvesting en Ruimtelijke Ordening ↗ · Rijksoverheid ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

INM appointment system digitalised with uniform online booking

From mid-2024 INM rolled out a uniform online appointment (cita) system across major cities, replacing the previous fragmented regional booking. Materially improved predictability of appointment availability — though Mexico City and Guadalajara INM offices have remained oversubscribed through 2024–2025 with several-month waits at peak times.

Who it affects: All INM residency applicants and those renewing permanent-resident cards.

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Polícia Federal migration-processing substantially digitalised

Polícia Federal's online migration-services platform was substantially expanded through 2024 — online RNM (residence card) renewal applications, digital appointment booking, and integrated document submission. Physical attendance required only for biometrics. Materially reduces the historic in-person-queuing friction.

Who it affects: All non-Brazilian residents and applicants interacting with Polícia Federal for RNM issuance.

Polícia Federal — Migração ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Visa & immigration

DOL prevailing-wage methodology refreshed

The Department of Labor refreshed its prevailing-wage methodology in mid-2024 — annual OES data refresh plus technical revisions to wage-level determinations for specific tech and healthcare occupations. Did not introduce the controversial 2020 proposed wage floors that were vacated by courts. Continues the stability of the Obama-era four-tier wage structure.

Who it affects: All H-1B, H-2B, PERM, and LCA applications relying on DOL prevailing-wage determinations.

US Department of Labor ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Foreign Worker Class A/B/C points system refined

The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs refined the Class A/B/C points-based foreign-worker classification in mid-2024 — slightly expanded eligibility for Class A (highest tier, R visa), broader inclusion of digital-economy and AI roles in Class B, and updated salary multipliers for points calculation. Material for foreign professionals at the borderline of upgraded classification.

Who it affects: Foreign professionals seeking Z / R visa classification.

State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Housing

Chonse (key-money) deposit-protection reforms continued

Following the 2022–2023 chonse-fraud crisis, additional tenant-protection rules were implemented from July 2024 — strengthened landlord disclosure, mandatory deposit-insurance for high-value chonse contracts, and improved Hi Korea-linked verification for non-Korean tenants. Practical effect: more documentation friction at lease signing, but better deposit security.

Who it affects: Tenant-protection updates affecting non-Korean residents using the chonse rental system.

Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Net Overseas Migration target reduced progressively

The Migration Strategy set a Net Overseas Migration (NOM) target trajectory stepping down from the 2022–23 peak of ~528,000 — targeting 260,000 for 2024–25 and broadly returning to the pre-pandemic ~235,000 trajectory by mid-2027. Combined with tightened student-visa rules and 188 pause, the effect has been material through 2024–2026.

Who it affects: All future Australian immigration volumes across categories.

Australian Government ↗ · Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Post-Study Work visa (subclass 485) eligibility narrowed

The Post-Study Work visa's eligibility was narrowed from July 2024 — age limit reduced from 50 to 35 for most applicants, duration standardised (2 years for bachelor's/master's coursework, 3 years for master's research, 4 years for PhD), and the additional 2-year regional-extension removed for most recent graduates. Reverses several pandemic-era expansions.

Who it affects: International graduates of Australian higher-education institutions.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Visa & immigration

International student visa compliance and eligibility tightened

A series of measures tightened international-student visa compliance from mid-2024: higher "genuine student" test threshold, increased financial capacity requirements, tightened Post-Study Work (subclass 485) eligibility, and provider-level caps on international enrolment via the ESOS Act amendments. Part of the Migration Strategy's broader response to post-pandemic student-visa volume surge.

Who it affects: International students and the higher-education sector.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · Parliament of Australia ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Digital RNM card / CRNM-Digital rollout

Polícia Federal began issuing the digital RNM card (CRNM-Digital) alongside the physical card from mid-2024 — allowing residents to present identification via a government-verified mobile application. Material for everyday interactions with banks, airlines, and service providers; some legacy systems continue to require the physical card.

Who it affects: New and renewing foreign residents in Brazil.

Polícia Federal — Migração ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Asylum fast-track procedure expanded

Law 2024-42 expanded the scope of the accelerated asylum procedure (procédure accélérée) to include applicants from a wider set of safe countries of origin, those posing a public-order threat, and re-applications following negative first decisions. OFPRA (French asylum agency) decision timelines targeted at 15 days under this route. Contested in administrative courts; key provisions remain in force.

Who it affects: Asylum applicants from designated safe countries or under fast-track triggers.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Residency

Family reunification income and language conditions tightened

Income conditions for family reunification were raised from the SMIC to the SMIC plus a margin indexed to household size. Language requirement for accompanying family members raised from A1 to A2. Minimum prior residence for the French-resident sponsor remains 18 months. Changes were contested by associations representing migrant families but were upheld in their core elements.

Who it affects: Non-EU residents seeking to bring family members to France.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · OFII — Office Français de l'Immigration et de l'Intégration ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jul 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Working Holiday Maker (417/462) programme continuing structural changes

The Working Holiday Maker programme continues to operate through reciprocal bilateral agreements with 40+ countries. 2024–2025 changes include expanded age-eligibility (under 35 now standard for several countries, up from under 30), updated visa caps for several reciprocal partners, and refined second/third-year extension rules tied to designated regional employment.

Who it affects: Young travellers from eligible countries considering Working Holiday in Australia.

Department of Home Affairs (Australia) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 Jun 2024

In force Residency

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) phase-out extended

The ZEP programme — operating since 2010 for Zimbabwean nationals working in SA — was set for phase-out. The final extension to 30 June 2024 required ZEP holders to apply for mainstream visa types. A significant proportion converted successfully; others faced tough decisions around legal status. Litigation and public-interest advocacy continued through 2024–2025.

Who it affects: Approximately 178,000 Zimbabwean nationals previously on ZEP.

Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 29 Jun 2024

In force Residency

Government of National Unity formed after May 2024 election

The 29 May 2024 election ended ANC's 30-year single-party majority. A Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed on 29 June 2024 with ANC, DA, IFP, and smaller parties. Home Affairs ministry went to the DA (Dr Leon Schreiber), producing a notable shift in tone and operational delivery. ANC retains dominant constitutional and economic ministries.

Who it affects: Broad policy direction; Home Affairs under DA minister.

South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 27 Jun 2024

In force Citizenship

Three-year fast-track naturalisation for exceptional integration

As part of the Staatsangehörigkeitsmodernisierungsgesetz, a three-year residence path to naturalisation was created for applicants demonstrating "special integration achievements" — typically C1 German, professional achievement, and volunteer engagement — alongside economic self-sufficiency.

Who it affects: Longer-term residents with strong language and integration track record.

Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 27 Jun 2024

In force Citizenship

Citizenship Modernisation Act — dual citizenship allowed, residency requirement cut

The Staatsangehörigkeitsmodernisierungsgesetz came into force on 27 June 2024. Multiple citizenship is now permitted (previously, most non-EU applicants had to renounce their prior nationality). The standard residency requirement for naturalisation was reduced from eight years to five, and to three years for applicants demonstrating exceptional integration. Children born in Germany to non-German parents acquire citizenship at birth if one parent has been lawfully and habitually resident for at least five years.

Who it affects: Non-German residents seeking naturalisation; children of foreign residents born in Germany.

BMI — New law on nationality takes effect (27 June 2024) ↗ · Bundesministerium des Innern und für Heimat ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 21 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Startup Japan strategy 2024 update — visa friction reductions

The Cabinet's "Startup Japan" strategic-policy update committed to a series of visa-friction reductions for foreign founders, including expanded participating municipalities for the J-Find/J-Start programmes and faster Business Manager visa renewal cycles for verifiable scaling startups. Several elements have been implemented through 2024–2025.

Who it affects: Foreign founders considering Japan as their startup base.

Cabinet Office of Japan ↗ · METI — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 20 Jun 2024

In force Citizenship

Constitutional Court ruling — dual citizenship by birth not lost through naturalisation in another country

The Constitutional Court ruled in DA v Minister of Home Affairs (June 2024) that SA citizens do not lose their SA citizenship by acquiring another country's citizenship — striking down the statutory provision that had automatically terminated SA citizenship on foreign naturalisation. Material for the SA diaspora and their children; application/re-registration processes developed through 2024–2025.

Who it affects: SA citizens who have naturalised in another country; broader citizenship pathway clarity.

South African Government ↗ · Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 10 Jun 2024

In force Taxation

Receita Federal clarified tax-residency tests for digital nomads

Receita Federal's Solução de Consulta clarified in mid-2024 that holders of the VITEM XIV Digital Nomad Visa become Brazilian tax residents after 184 days of residence in a 12-month period, triggering worldwide-income taxation. This matches the general test but had been ambiguous specifically for digital nomads; the clarification has been a material input into DNV holders' practical tax planning.

Who it affects: Digital Nomad Visa holders and foreign residents with extended Brazilian stays.

Receita Federal do Brasil ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 5 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

High Potential Individual eligible universities list updated

The Home Office updated the list of eligible universities for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa in June 2024. The HPI visa offers two- or three-year post-study work rights for recent graduates from a narrow list of globally top-ranked universities (graduates need not have studied in the UK).

Who it affects: Recent graduates of top-ranked non-UK universities seeking UK work rights without a sponsor.

Home Office ↗ · GOV.UK ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 4 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Invest Japan strategy targets foreign-investor visa friction

The Council on Investments for the Future approved the Invest Japan 2024 plan, committing to reduced friction in the Business Manager visa pathway for verified inward-investment cases — including expanded JETRO support, English-language application guidance, and pilot fast-track lanes at major immigration offices.

Who it affects: High-net-worth foreign investors and Business Manager visa applicants.

Cabinet Office of Japan ↗ · METI — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 4 Jun 2024

In force Residency

Lei dos Estrangeiros reform — "expressão de interesse" route ended

Decree-Law 37-A/2024 ended the Article 89(2) "manifestation of interest" (expressão de interesse) route — under which non-EU nationals could enter Portugal on a tourist visa and legalise their status from within the country after starting employment and registering with Segurança Social. New applications must now go through a consular visa in the country of origin. Transitional rules protected applications filed before the reform date; the change materially tightened the immigration route most heavily used by Brazilian and Asian workers.

Who it affects: Non-EU nationals planning irregular-to-regular transition from within Portugal, particularly from Brazil, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Portuguese Government Portal ↗ · Diário da República ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 3 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

"Manifestação de interesse" in-country regularisation route ended

The "manifestação de interesse" route, which had allowed third-country nationals who entered Portugal legally to regularise status in-country based on social-security contributions, was ended as part of the June 2024 migration package. New applicants must now apply through consular visa channels abroad. Already-lodged expressions of interest continue to be processed.

Who it affects: Third-country nationals arriving in Portugal without a prior long-stay visa.

Ministério da Administração Interna ↗ · AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 3 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

AIMA Mission Plan launched to clear 400,000-case backlog

The Portuguese government launched a dedicated AIMA "mission structure" in June 2024 tasked with clearing an inherited backlog of approximately 400,000 pending residence-permit and regularisation cases — the largest backlog in AIMA's first year. Triage offices were opened and additional staff seconded from other ministries.

Who it affects: All third-country nationals in the AIMA backlog since late 2022.

Ministério da Administração Interna ↗ · AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Governo de Portugal ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 3 Jun 2024

In force Residency

AIMA backlog resolution plan announced (400,000+ pending files)

The Montenegro government announced a structured plan to clear the backlog of roughly 400,000 pending residence-permit cases inherited from the SEF-to-AIMA transition. The plan included dedicated processing task-forces ("Grupo de Missão") and later automated-decision procedures for specified application categories. Processing times for residence-permit renewals remained well above AIMA's target throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Who it affects: Non-EU residents awaiting residence-permit issue or renewal; an important context for arrival planning.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Portuguese Government Portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Residency

Anagrafe residency declarations fully digitised through ANPR

All comuni completed migration to the Anagrafe Nazionale della Popolazione Residente (ANPR) platform by mid-2024, enabling residence-declaration (cambio di residenza) requests to be filed nationally online. The change reduced in-person municipal appointments for movers registering residence and streamlined codice fiscale issuance for EU residents.

Who it affects: All new residents registering residence in Italian municipalities.

Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Other

IAATO membership and operator compliance rules continuing

IAATO's membership framework and operator compliance rules continue to evolve through 2024–2026 — refined environmental protocols, enhanced passenger-to-staff ratios at landing sites, and additional staff-qualification requirements. Membership remains the practical prerequisite for tourism operations in Antarctica; non-IAATO commercial operators are effectively unable to operate.

Who it affects: Tour operators seeking IAATO-member status; prospective expedition-staff employees.

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Healthcare

Station medical and evacuation capability — continuing enhancements

Station medical capability continues to be enhanced through 2024–2026 via COMNAP-coordinated protocols — including telemedicine links to home-country hospitals, standardised in-station surgical capability at larger stations, and refined winter-evacuation protocols. Overwintering medical evacuation remains possible only in narrow winter weather windows; most medical issues are managed on-station.

Who it affects: Overwintering staff at all national Antarctic stations.

Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 1 Jun 2024

Announced Visa & immigration

Digital Nomad Visa feasibility study announced; no implementation yet

The Egyptian government announced a feasibility study for a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa in mid-2024 as part of the broader Tourism 2030 strategy. No formal DNV framework enacted as of April 2026. Prospective remote workers continue to operate on tourist visas (for short stays) or long-stay visas through the investor/business route.

Who it affects: Prospective remote-worker applicants.

State Information Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Shenzhen Qianhai foreign-talent fast-track expanded

The Shenzhen Qianhai pilot free-trade zone expanded its foreign-talent fast-track programme in 2024 — 5-year work permits for designated industries, simplified residence-permit conversion, and dedicated immigration-office processing windows. Part of the broader Greater Bay Area integration strategy with Hong Kong and Macau.

Who it affects: Foreign professionals in tech, financial services, and biotech roles based in Qianhai pilot zone.

State Council of the People's Republic of China ↗ · State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Labour

Western Balkans Regulation quota doubled to 50,000 per year

The annual quota under the Western Balkans Regulation (Westbalkanregelung) — which allows nationals of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia to take up any employment in Germany regardless of qualification — was doubled from 25,000 to 50,000 places per year and was made permanent.

Who it affects: Workers from the six Western Balkans countries seeking any category of employment in Germany.

Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) comes into force

The points-based job-seeker residence permit introduced under Stage 3 of the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz reform came into force, allowing qualified non-EU nationals to enter Germany for up to one year to look for employment, with points awarded for qualifications, age, German/English language ability, and connection to Germany. Holders may work up to 20 hours per week or take two-week trial employment during the search.

Who it affects: Qualified non-EU nationals looking to enter Germany to search for qualified employment.

BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Taxation

Qualifying Free Zone Person criteria clarified

The Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority issued clarifying guidance in mid-2024 on the Qualifying Free Zone Person criteria — the conditions under which free-zone entities retain the 0% corporate-tax rate on qualifying income (versus the 9% mainland rate). Clarifications cover substance requirements, qualifying activity definitions, and de minimis non-qualifying income thresholds. Material for the practical tax position of free-zone-resident professionals.

Who it affects: Free-zone-based founders, consultants, and entities relying on the 0% qualifying-income regime.

UAE Ministry of Finance ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Top-Tier Visa for tech founders substantially expanded

The Top-Tier track within the D-10-2 visa was substantially expanded in 2024 — broader institutional eligibility (top-100 universities globally per QS / THE), expanded fields beyond pure software to include biotech and advanced manufacturing, and faster processing through the dedicated KOTRA / Invest Korea pipeline. Part of the Yoon administration's talent-attraction initiative.

Who it affects: Senior tech founders and high-skilled professionals.

Invest Korea (KOTRA) ↗ · Hi Korea — Korea Immigration Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Residency

Alien Registration Card renewal window extended

The renewal window for ARC and re-entry permits was extended from June 2024, allowing applications up to 4 months before expiry (previously 2 months). Reduces overstay risk caused by Korea Immigration Service processing delays — a recurrent applicant complaint through 2023.

Who it affects: All long-term non-Korean residents holding Alien Registration Cards.

Hi Korea — Korea Immigration Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 expanded from 2 to 11 sectors

Cabinet decision of 29 March 2024 expanded the Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 (which permits unlimited renewal, family sponsorship, and a path to permanent residence) from the original 2 sectors (construction and shipbuilding) to 11 — adding agriculture, fishery, food service, accommodation, automobile maintenance, aviation, manufacturing of materials, industrial machinery, and electric/electronic information industries.

Who it affects: SSW Type 1 holders in newly-included sectors gaining a path to long-term residence and family sponsorship.

Cabinet Office of Japan ↗ · Immigration Services Agency of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Pilot regularisation for shortage-occupation workers

Article 27 of the 2024 Loi Immigration created a pilot path for irregular migrants working in designated shortage occupations (métiers en tension) to obtain a one-year temporary residence card ("salarié étranger dans un métier en tension"), subject to employer registration and a minimum period of past work. The pilot runs through end-2026.

Who it affects: Irregular migrants currently employed in listed shortage occupations.

Légifrance ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 30 May 2024

In force Other

Seven new Historic Sites and Monuments adopted at ATCM-46

ATCM-46 adopted seven new Historic Sites and Monuments (HSMs) across different Antarctic regions — bringing the total to over 90. HSMs are protected under the Madrid Protocol and cannot be disturbed without consultation with the designating Party. Expedition planners must be aware of HSMs near proposed routes or landing sites.

Who it affects: Expedition planners and station operations — protected sites cannot be disturbed.

Antarctic Treaty System Secretariat ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 May 2024

In force Residency

ATCM 46 held in Kochi, India (May 2024)

The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Kochi, India from 20–30 May 2024 — India's first time hosting after becoming a Consultative Party. Delegates from 56 nations and 10 observer organisations attended. Key topics: tourism framework development (no consensus reached), environmental protection enhancements, and seven new Historic Sites and Monuments.

Who it affects: All ATS participants; particularly relevant for tourism-management framework development.

Antarctic Treaty System Secretariat ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 21 May 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Spousal Open Work Permit eligibility tightened

From May 2024, spouses of international students can only obtain a Spousal Open Work Permit if the student is enrolled in a graduate or professional program. Spouses of temporary workers narrowed to those with sponsors in high-skill (TEER 0 or 1) occupations from March 2025. Materially narrows the historic family-work-permit pipeline.

Who it affects: Spouses of international students and temporary workers.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 16 May 2024

Announced Citizenship

Naturalisation residency requirement proposed to increase from 5 to 10 years

The Hoofdlijnenakkoord included a proposal to double the standard residency requirement for Dutch naturalisation from five to ten years, and to require applicants to renounce any other nationality "where possible". The proposal remains in the parliamentary pipeline and has not yet been enacted as of 2026; the current five-year requirement continues to apply.

Who it affects: Future applicants for Dutch citizenship — monitoring only; not yet in force.

Hoofdlijnenakkoord — Coalition Agreement (May 2024) ↗ · Government of the Netherlands ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 14 May 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Graduate Route retained after MAC review

Following a commissioned Migration Advisory Committee rapid review, the Graduate Route — which grants post-study work rights for two or three years — was retained unchanged in May 2024, resisting earlier pressure to restrict it. The MAC found the route was working as intended, with evidence of limited abuse.

Who it affects: International students on or entering UK-degree courses; their post-study work options.

Home Office ↗ · GOV.UK ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 14 May 2024

In force Visa & immigration

MAC review of Graduate Route concludes it should be retained

The Migration Advisory Committee's rapid review of the Graduate Route, commissioned by the Conservative government amid speculation it would be closed, concluded in May 2024 that the route should remain. The MAC found that the Graduate Route supports the financial sustainability of UK higher education and that evidence of widespread abuse was not present. The review recommended tighter compliance on student-recruitment agents but not route closure.

Who it affects: International graduates of UK universities and the institutions that depend on them.

Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 May 2024

In force Residency

Stamp 0 (financially independent residents) criteria updated

ISD updated the eligibility criteria for Stamp 0 — the residence permission for financially independent non-EEA nationals — in May 2024. The required minimum guaranteed annual income rose to €50,000 per applicant, private health insurance must be continuous, and renewals require proof of maintained financial resources.

Who it affects: Retirees and financially independent non-EEA residents of Ireland.

Irish Immigration Service Delivery ↗ · Department of Foreign Affairs ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 May 2024

In force Housing

Mexico City Condesa/Roma gentrification — rental-price monitoring introduced

Mexico City administration introduced a rental-price monitoring system in designated gentrification-affected alcaldías (Cuauhtémoc, Benito Juárez) from mid-2024 in response to political pressure from long-term tenants displaced by short-term-let and remote-worker demand. Does not impose rent caps — operates as a transparency and enforcement mechanism for existing tenancy law.

Who it affects: Tenants and landlords in specific gentrification-affected zones of Mexico City.

Diario Oficial de la Federación ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 May 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Dependant's Pass Letter of Consent (LOC) work pathway tightened

From May 2024, MOM further tightened the Letter of Consent pathway under which Dependant's Pass holders could work in Singapore. New LOCs are issued only in narrowly-defined situations; most DP holders seeking work must apply for a substantive work pass (EP/S Pass) in their own right. Existing LOCs remain valid for the duration of the underlying DP.

Who it affects: Dependant's Pass holders previously working in Singapore via LOC.

Singapore Ministry of Manpower ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 30 Apr 2024

In force Labour

Temporary Foreign Worker Program median-wage threshold redefined

ESDC redefined the split between the Low-Wage and High-Wage streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program on 30 April 2024 to use a 20%-above-median-wage cutoff by region, and applied successive further restrictions through late 2024 and into 2025 — including refusing low-wage LMIAs in regions with unemployment above 6%.

Who it affects: Employers hiring low-wage temporary foreign workers; prospective applicants in affected regions.

Employment and Social Development Canada ↗ · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 30 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Employer compliance fee and work-permit fees uprated

IRCC updated work-permit and employer-compliance fees from 30 April 2024 under its periodic cost-recovery review. The main work-permit fee rose in line with the Service Fees Act adjustment mechanism; employer-compliance fee under the International Mobility Program remained CAD 230 but with updated processing standards.

Who it affects: Applicants for closed and open work permits; IMP-category employers.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 30 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Start-up Visa cap per designated entity introduced

IRCC capped each Designated Organization at 10 Start-up Visa endorsements per year and introduced points-based prioritisation among endorsed applicants, including for private-sector venture-capital-backed startups. The change was in response to backlog and file-quality concerns and materially reduced throughput.

Who it affects: Entrepreneurs and startup founders considering the Start-up Visa pathway.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 15 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Talent – Medical and Pharmacy Profession (PADHUE) permit created

A new four-year multi-annual Talent permit was created specifically for non-EU doctors, dentists, midwives, and pharmacists (Praticiens à Diplôme Hors Union Européenne, PADHUE) who hold the French practice certification. Addresses structural workforce shortages in French public hospitals and regional healthcare systems. Implementing decree published 15 April 2024.

Who it affects: Non-EU medical professionals with French practice certification.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 11 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Family (partner) visa minimum income rises to £29,000

The minimum-income requirement for Family visas sponsoring a spouse or partner rose from £18,600 to £29,000 on 11 April 2024, with a further phased rise to £38,700 previously indicated. The 2024 general election outcome paused further rises pending a Migration Advisory Committee review reporting in 2025.

Who it affects: British and settled residents seeking to sponsor a non-UK partner.

Home Office ↗ · GOV.UK ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 11 Apr 2024

In force Residency

Family visa minimum income threshold raised from £18,600 to £29,000

Effective 11 April 2024, the income threshold for sponsoring a partner on a family visa rose from £18,600 (in place since 2012) to £29,000. The previous Conservative government committed to further increases — to ~£34,000 and then ~£38,700 — which were not implemented. The Labour government has paused further increases pending the Migration Advisory Committee review.

Who it affects: UK residents sponsoring non-UK partners on family visas from 11 April 2024 onwards. Not retrospective.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 9 Apr 2024

In force Labour

Department rebranded: DETE (from DETE) — Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment was renamed the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in April 2024 under a ministerial reshuffle. Employment-permits functions and staff remained unchanged; only the brand and tourism-policy consolidation are new. Existing URLs are redirecting correctly at enterprise.gov.ie.

Who it affects: Employers and applicants interacting with the employment-permits service — minor administrative context.

Government of Ireland ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 8 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

EAD automatic extension period lengthened to 540 days

USCIS published a temporary final rule on 8 April 2024 lengthening the automatic extension of expiring Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for eligible categories from 180 to 540 days. The rule was made permanent by a final rule in December 2024, addressing chronic USCIS processing backlogs.

Who it affects: EAD-dependent workers including H-4, L-2, and certain asylum and adjustment-of-status applicants.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 7 Apr 2024

In force Labour

AEWV median-wage role holders limited to 3-year continuous stay then 12-month stand-down

From April 2024, AEWV holders in roles paid below a specific higher wage threshold are limited to a maximum 3-year continuous stay before a mandatory 12-month stand-down period out of New Zealand. Roles paid above the threshold (approximately 1.3× median wage) are not subject to the stand-down. Designed to prevent indefinite low-wage temporary-migrant pipelines.

Who it affects: AEWV holders in roles paid below specified thresholds.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 6 Apr 2024

In force Taxation

ISA rules reformed — allow multiple same-type ISAs per year

From 6 April 2024, savers may subscribe to more than one ISA of the same type in a single tax year (e.g., two Stocks and Shares ISAs with different providers), and partial transfers of current-year contributions between providers became possible. The £20,000 annual allowance remained unchanged. Relevant to mid-moves and new residents starting UK tax planning.

Who it affects: All UK tax-resident savers using ISA accounts.

HM Revenue & Customs ↗ · GOV.UK ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 5 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Digital Nomad / Remote Worker visa operational

The interministerial decree operationalising Italy's Digital Nomad / Remote Worker visa was published and the visa became available from 5 April 2024, nearly two years after the primary legislation. It requires proof of at least six months of remote-work activity, a minimum annual income (approximately three times the national health-exemption threshold, ~€28,000), and valid private health insurance.

Who it affects: Non-EU remote workers and highly qualified freelancers seeking Italian residence.

Ministero dell'Interno ↗ · Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana ↗ · Ministero degli Affari Esteri ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 4 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Shortage Occupation List replaced by Immigration Salary List

On 4 April 2024, the Shortage Occupation List was replaced by a narrower Immigration Salary List (ISL) that retains a 20% salary discount for roles on the list but does not discount fees. The ISL covers fewer occupations than the SOL it replaced; MAC reviews the list annually.

Who it affects: Sponsored workers in occupations previously on the SOL; sponsoring employers.

Home Office ↗ · GOV.UK ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 4 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Digital Nomad Visa launched — April 2024

Italy's Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa came into force on 4 April 2024 following the inter-ministerial implementing decree of 29 February 2024. Created under Article 27-quater of Legislative Decree 286/1998 — outside the annual Decreto Flussi quota, removing the most significant bottleneck of the traditional self-employment route. Minimum income €28,000/year; restricted to "highly qualified" workers (post-secondary degree or 3+ years specialist experience).

Who it affects: Non-EU remote workers and qualified self-employed professionals considering Italy.

Gazzetta Ufficiale (Italian Official Gazette) ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · Esteri.it — Ministero degli Affari Esteri ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 4 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Immigration Salary List replaces the Shortage Occupation List

On 4 April 2024 the Immigration Salary List replaced the long-standing Shortage Occupation List. The new list grants a 20% discount on the general Skilled Worker salary threshold (not on the going rate for the role). Scope is deliberately narrower than the old SOL; many roles previously listed — including some tech and creative roles — are no longer included.

Who it affects: Skilled Worker applicants in shortage occupations; employers in sectors that previously enjoyed SOL concessions.

Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 4 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Worker minimum salary raised to £38,700

From 4 April 2024, the general Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold rose from £26,200 to £38,700 — a 48% increase. The "going rate" for each occupation was also updated to the 50th (rather than 25th) percentile. Transitional arrangements protect most existing Skilled Worker holders on extensions and change-of-employment applications.

Who it affects: New Skilled Worker applicants and sponsoring employers; health and care visa holders remained on separate rules.

Home Office ↗ · GOV.UK ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 4 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Worker general salary threshold raised from £26,200 to £38,700

The largest single uplift in the history of the Skilled Worker route. The general threshold rose from £26,200 to £38,700 on 4 April 2024 (a ~48% increase), aligned with the 50th percentile of UK full-time earnings. Existing Skilled Worker visa holders before the change retain a reduced threshold of £29,000 under transitional rules.

Who it affects: New Skilled Worker visa applicants from 4 April 2024 onwards.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Residency

Hard-currency-earning Egyptians abroad programme launched

The Ministry of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates launched programmes targeting Egyptians abroad through 2024 — hard-currency-denominated property-purchase schemes, car-import concessions, and facilitated investment routes. Designed to strengthen foreign-currency inflows. Mover-relevant as indicator of state priorities and as practical context for Egyptian-passport-holder returnees.

Who it affects: Egyptian diaspora returning or maintaining ties; property-market context.

State Information Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Taxation

Permanent-resident-for-tax test clarified — 5-year non-permanent status

National Tax Agency guidance clarified the threshold at which a foreign resident becomes a "permanent resident for tax purposes" — generally after 5 of the previous 10 years residing in Japan. Permanent-tax-residents are taxed on worldwide income; non-permanent-tax-residents are taxed on Japan-source income plus foreign income remitted to Japan. Material for HSP and long-term Engineer-visa holders.

Who it affects: Long-term foreign residents and Highly Skilled Professionals approaching their 5-year-of-residence anniversary.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan ↗ · METI — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

J-Find / Future Creation Startup Visa extended to 2 years

The Future Creation startup-visa programme — operated by Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and other participating municipalities — was extended from 1 to 2 years for selected innovative-founder applicants. Provides a longer runway to register a company and transition to the standard Business Manager visa without leaving Japan.

Who it affects: Foreign founders launching startups under the participating-municipality programmes.

METI — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ↗ · Immigration Services Agency of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Other

Cannabis Act (KCanG) enters force — partial legalisation

The Konsumcannabisgesetz came into force on 1 April 2024. Adults may possess up to 25g of cannabis in public and 50g at home, grow up to three plants for personal use, and from 1 July 2024 access cultivation associations ("Anbauvereinigungen"). Public consumption remains restricted near schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities; driving-under-influence rules apply.

Who it affects: All residents; particularly relevant context for movers researching drug policy and employer testing regimes.

Bundesministerium für Gesundheit ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Labour

SSW intake target raised to 820,000 over five years

The Cabinet approved a five-year SSW intake target of 820,000 workers (2024–2028), more than double the original 2019–2023 target. Reflects continued severe labour shortages in care work, construction, and hospitality alongside Japan's aging-population trajectory.

Who it affects: Labour-shortage-sector employers and prospective SSW workers from key origin countries (Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines).

Cabinet Office of Japan ↗ · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Residency

Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) closed to new applicants

The CUAET emergency programme, launched in March 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion, closed to new applicants from 1 April 2024. Existing CUAET holders retained their three-year work/study authorisation. Replaced by standard humanitarian and general-immigration pathways for further Ukrainian applicants.

Who it affects: Ukrainian nationals seeking emergency travel authorisation to Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada ↗ · Government of Canada ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Taxation

Two-tier salaries-tax structure on top of standard rate from 2024–25

Budget 2024–25 introduced a two-tier standard-rate structure for salaries tax on net income above HKD 5 million: 15% on the first HKD 5 million, 16% above. The progressive-rates option remains for lower incomes. The change marginally raises tax for top earners (top effective rate ~16% rather than the old flat 15%) while maintaining Hong Kong's globally-low personal-tax position.

Who it affects: High-income Hong Kong tax residents.

Inland Revenue Department ↗ · Government of the Hong Kong SAR ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

USCIS Trusted Employer Pilot Programme launched

USCIS launched a Trusted Employer Pilot Programme in April 2024 to streamline adjudication for a defined set of high-volume, low-risk petitioners. Enrolled employers receive expedited review of eligible petitions. Pilot operated for 2 years; outcomes published in 2026 inform potential expansion of permanent-programme status.

Who it affects: Large-volume USCIS petitioners enrolled in the pilot; indirect benefit to their beneficiaries.

USCIS — US Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Investor Visa thresholds clarified in updated Portaria

Updated Portaria in early 2024 clarified and marginally adjusted the Investor Visa thresholds — business investment BRL 500,000+ (approximately US$85,000 at current exchange), real-estate BRL 1,000,000+ (approximately US$170,000). Reduced-threshold pathways for investment in the Northeast and Amazon regions (approximately BRL 150,000 / BRL 250,000) retained and clarified.

Who it affects: Prospective Investor Visa applicants and Brazilian investment counsel.

Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública — Migrações ↗ · Diário Oficial da União ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Labour

IND recognised-sponsor scheme tightened

IND tightened oversight of its recognised-sponsor scheme for Highly Skilled Migrant and Intra-Corporate Transferee employers, including enhanced review of sponsor cost structures, abuse-risk indicators, and annual reconfirmation requirements. Employers already on the register continue to operate normally; new applicants face longer review cycles (typically 8–12 weeks).

Who it affects: Employers applying for IND recognised-sponsor status; indirectly their Highly Skilled Migrant hires.

IND — Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst ↗ · Government of the Netherlands ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Labour

AEWV employer accreditation tightened against exploitation

Following 2023 revelations of widespread AEWV employer-accreditation abuse, INZ tightened accreditation procedures from April 2024: more robust financial checks, verification of job offers, enhanced in-compliance auditing, and faster revocation of accreditation for breaches. Several high-profile employer deregistrations followed. A structural operational strengthening of the AEWV framework.

Who it affects: Employers seeking to obtain or maintain AEWV accreditation.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Passeport Talent renamed and restructured

The multi-category Passeport Talent residence permit was reorganised under the 2024 Loi Immigration. The "salarié qualifié" (qualified employee) category was updated, the "création d'entreprise" path narrowed to genuine entrepreneurial projects, and a new "profession médicale ou de pharmacie" track was created for foreign-trained doctors and pharmacists. Implementing decrees phased changes through 2024-2025.

Who it affects: Skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and foreign-trained medical professionals seeking French residence.

Légifrance ↗ · Ministère de l'Intérieur ↗ · Service-Public.fr ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Citizenship

Dual-citizenship rules softened for foreign-Korean ancestry

Dual-citizenship eligibility was modestly broadened in April 2024 for applicants with verifiable Korean ancestry — particularly Korean-Americans and second-generation diaspora seeking dual nationality without renouncing their existing citizenship. Implementation administered through Hi Korea's Citizenship office.

Who it affects: Korean-American and other Korean-ancestry foreign nationals seeking naturalisation.

Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · Hi Korea — Korea Immigration Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Foreign Worker's Work Permit fully digitalised

The Foreign Worker's Work Permit system migrated to a fully digital workflow from April 2024 (in development through 2023) — applications, supporting documents, and the resulting Notification all handled via the integrated SAFEA platform. Material reduction in administrative friction; physical document submission largely eliminated for most application types.

Who it affects: Foreign workers and Chinese employers using the work-permit framework.

State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs ↗ · National Immigration Administration of China ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Labour

E-9 Employment Permit System expanded to restaurant industry

The E-9 EPS programme — historically restricted to manufacturing, agriculture, and certain other low-skill sectors — was expanded to include the restaurant industry from April 2024. Specifically targets cooks and kitchen-assistant roles in Korean restaurants, addressing chronic understaffing.

Who it affects: Restaurant employers and prospective E-9 workers from origin countries.

Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

E-7 visa quota system reformed for designated industries

The E-7-4 (skilled-trade workers in designated industries) quota system was reformed from April 2024, with significantly expanded annual limits for shipbuilding, manufacturing, and certain construction-adjacent roles experiencing structural domestic-labour shortages. Designed to address the demographic-decline-driven labour gap.

Who it affects: Manufacturing, shipbuilding, and skilled-trade employers; their non-Korean hires.

Korea Ministry of Justice ↗ · Hi Korea — Korea Immigration Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Labour

Workplace fairness and Tripartite Guidelines updated

The Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices issued updated workplace-fairness guidance in early 2024 ahead of the upcoming Workplace Fairness Legislation (expected 2025-2026). Strengthened guidance on hiring discrimination based on nationality and the obligation to consider Singaporeans first under the Fair Consideration Framework — which remains foundational to the COMPASS sector-diversity criterion.

Who it affects: All Singapore employers and employees, including foreign hires.

Singapore Ministry of Manpower ↗ · Prime Minister's Office, Singapore ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Apr 2024

In force Housing

Rent-adjustment shield (bouclier loyer) extended through March 2024

The "bouclier loyer" — which capped the legal reference IRL rent-update index at 3.5% in mainland France — was extended through its final applicable quarter ending 31 March 2024. From the second quarter of 2024 the full IRL indexation resumed for new contract anniversaries.

Who it affects: Tenants on indexed rental contracts through 2022-Q1 2024.

Légifrance ↗ · Service-Public.fr ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 31 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Digital Nomad Visa launched as new "Designated Activities" status

Introduced under the "Designated Activities" status of residence on 31 March 2024. Six-month stay, no renewal, ¥10 million annual income, restricted to nationals of 49 jurisdictions. Outside the standard work-visa framework — does not lead to permanent residence. Designed primarily as a tourism-spending and soft-power instrument.

Who it affects: Remote workers from 49 eligible jurisdictions earning ¥10M+/year.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan ↗ · Immigration Services Agency of Japan ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 29 Mar 2024

In force Taxation

IMF Extended Fund Facility expanded to US$8 billion

Following the March 2024 EGP float, the IMF Extended Fund Facility was expanded to US$8 billion in late March 2024 (from the original US$3 billion December 2022 agreement). The expanded programme conditionality includes fiscal consolidation, reducing the state's role in the economy, and structural reforms around subsidies and privatisation. Regular programme reviews continue through 2026.

Who it affects: Broad macroeconomic trajectory; structural reform programme continuation.

Central Bank of Egypt ↗ · State Information Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 28 Mar 2024

In force Taxation

Growth Opportunities Act (Wachstumschancengesetz) enters force

A significantly reduced version of the Growth Opportunities Act passed the Bundesrat on 22 March 2024 after mediation, entering force the following day. Key provisions: expanded loss-offset rules, increased thresholds for small-business simplified accounting, extended degressive depreciation on moveable assets, and mandatory e-invoicing for domestic B2B transactions from 2025.

Who it affects: Businesses and self-employed residents; affects bookkeeping and invoicing obligations from 2025.

Bundesministerium der Finanzen ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 26 Mar 2024

In force Other

Sustained easing of Eskom load-shedding from 2024

After the worst load-shedding period in SA history (2022–2023), Eskom's operational performance materially improved from March 2024, with sustained periods of reduced or absent rolling blackouts. Caused by improved Eskom operations, private-sector renewable-energy investment (rooftop solar, utility-scale independent power producers), and demand-side management. Not yet permanently eliminated but the operational backdrop for remote workers is dramatically improved.

Who it affects: All SA residents, with significant impact on home-based remote work feasibility.

South African Government ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 23 Mar 2024

In force Other

Article 23 National Security Ordinance enacted (Safeguarding National Security Ordinance)

The Hong Kong SAR's own Article 23 national-security legislation (Safeguarding National Security Ordinance) was enacted on 23 March 2024, supplementing the 2020 National Security Law imposed by Beijing. Important context for movers — the law substantially expands sedition, treason, and state-secrets offences with extra-territorial reach. Practical impact for ordinary skilled workers is generally limited but worth understanding before relocation.

Who it affects: Broad context for any non-resident considering long-term Hong Kong residency.

Government of the Hong Kong SAR ↗ · Government Information Services (HK SAR) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 15 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Immigration Act — Stage 3 (regulation) completes reform package

The implementing regulation for Stage 3 of the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz was published, setting the detailed rules for the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) points system, the short-term employment track for recognised qualifications, and the simplified family-reunification rules for skilled workers. It completes the staged 2023-2024 reform package.

Who it affects: Non-EU skilled workers and their families using any of the new reform tracks.

BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

Announced 14 Mar 2024

Announced Citizenship

Proposed constitutional amendment to tighten citizenship rules — no movement

A proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) to tighten Brazilian citizenship rules — longer residency requirements, stricter Portuguese-language testing — was introduced in the Chamber of Deputies in March 2024 but has not progressed through committees. Current citizenship rules (4 years residence for non-Lusophones; 1 year for Portuguese-speakers with Brazilian ties) remain in force.

Who it affects: Current and future naturalisation applicants.

Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública — Migrações ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 13 Mar 2024

In force Housing

Reference rental-price index published for tight-market zones

The Ministerio de Vivienda y Agenda Urbana published the "sistema estatal de referencia del precio del alquiler de vivienda" on 13 March 2024. Under the Ley por el Derecho a la Vivienda, Autonomous Communities that designate "zonas tensionadas" may cap new-contract rents in those zones at reference-index levels for large landlords. Catalonia was first to apply the rule; uptake elsewhere has been uneven.

Who it affects: Renters and landlords in designated tight-market zones (primarily Catalonia in 2024-2025).

Ministerio de Vivienda y Agenda Urbana ↗ · Boletín Oficial del Estado ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 11 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Care workers and senior care workers can no longer bring dependants

From 11 March 2024, new applicants to the Health and Care Worker visa in care-worker or senior-care-worker roles cannot bring their partner or children as dependants. Care sponsors must also be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Aimed at reducing net migration via what the Conservative government described as "the social care route". Does not affect nurses, doctors, or other clinical roles.

Who it affects: New care-worker and senior-care-worker visa applicants from 11 March 2024.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

Announced 8 Mar 2024

Announced Residency

Family Code (Mudawana) reform announced; consultation ongoing

King Mohammed VI publicly committed to reforming the Family Code (Mudawana) in 2024 — addressing topics around marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance. Consultation ongoing through 2025. For foreign mover-relevant impact: expected clarifications on inter-faith marriage, property registration under marriage contracts, and inheritance between non-Moroccan and Moroccan spouses.

Who it affects: Foreign-Moroccan marriages, family reunification, inheritance.

Gouvernement du Maroc ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 6 Mar 2024

In force Taxation

Major EGP devaluation — CBE adopts floating exchange rate

The Central Bank of Egypt allowed the EGP to float freely on 6 March 2024, producing an immediate ~60% devaluation against the USD. Foreign-currency-earning residents experienced an immediate and substantial improvement in local purchasing power; EGP-earning residents faced import-driven inflation. Part of the IMF-backed macroeconomic adjustment programme.

Who it affects: All Egyptians and foreign residents; materially affects cost-of-living and import costs.

Central Bank of Egypt ↗ · Ministry of Finance (Egypt) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Taxation

SARS tax residency confirmed for Remote Work Visa holders exceeding 183 days

SARS confirmed in 2024 that Remote Work Visa holders are subject to SA tax residence rules — tax residence is triggered by either the "ordinarily resident" test OR physical presence for 91+ days in the current tax year plus 915+ days over the preceding 5 years. Remote Work Visa holders exceeding 183 days must register with SARS. Double-taxation agreement relief may apply for applicants from treaty-partner countries.

Who it affects: Remote Work Visa holders and other long-term non-SA residents.

South African Revenue Service ↗ · Department of Home Affairs (South Africa) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Immigration Act reform — Stage 2 enters force

Second stage introduced the "experienced worker" path — non-EU workers with at least two years of relevant qualified professional experience (and a qualification recognised in their country of origin) can work in Germany without prior German recognition of their credentials, provided a minimum salary threshold is met. Also introduced the "recognition partnership" enabling arrival while the formal recognition process runs in Germany.

Who it affects: Non-EU skilled workers without formally recognised German credentials; IT specialists in particular.

BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Residency

New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) launched

A revamped Capital Investment Entrant Scheme launched on 1 March 2024 — distinct from the original CIES which was suspended in 2015. Minimum investment HKD 30 million (~US$3.8M) into a portfolio of permissible investments (Hong Kong-listed equities and debt, qualifying CIES-eligible investment funds, plus a HKD 3 million contribution to the CIES Investment Portfolio). Initial 2-year residence; renewable; path to Permanent Residence after 7 years.

Who it affects: High-net-worth investors considering Hong Kong residency.

Government of the Hong Kong SAR ↗ · Hong Kong Immigration Department ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Visitor Visa remote-work policy clarified — 90 days permitted

INZ clarified in early 2024 that Visitor Visa holders may work remotely for non-NZ employers or clients during the 90-day standard visa-waiver stay (or longer visitor visa) — formally acknowledging what had been tolerated in practice. New Zealand does not operate a dedicated digital-nomad visa; longer-term remote work requires AEWV or another substantive visa category.

Who it affects: Remote workers considering short-term stays in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

H-1B beneficiary-centric registration rule

USCIS finalised a rule, published 2 February 2024, changing the H-1B cap-season registration process so that each beneficiary is counted once regardless of how many employers register for them. Multiple registrations for the same beneficiary were a primary driver of cap-selection distortion; the new rule applied from the FY2025 cap season.

Who it affects: H-1B-sponsoring employers; workers subject to the annual 85,000 H-1B cap.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ↗ · Federal Register ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Virtual Working programme harmonised at federal level

The Virtual Working programme — originally a Dubai-specific 2020 initiative — was harmonised under the federal ICP framework from March 2024, with consistent processing across all seven emirates. Income threshold (US$5,000/month) and 1-year duration unchanged.

Who it affects: Remote workers using the Virtual Working Programme.

ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · GDRFA — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (Dubai) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Residency