Europe
Key trends shaping Europe's labor and immigration landscape
Modernization and digitization
Ireland
In Ireland, all first-time Irish Residence Permit (IRP) appointments are now centralized in Dublin, meaning individuals must travel to Dublin for registration as part of the ongoing digitization process via the Digital Contact Centre.
United Kingdom
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, right-to-work checks are transitioning to digital residence permits, with eVisas and digital share codes now required. Employers must also conduct repeated right-to-work checks for individuals under the Ukraine Refugee Scheme.
Additionally, the United Kingdom has announced a phased approach for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) automation process, which will automatically grant Settled Status to eligible individuals on Pre-Settled Status. Until then, Pre-Settled Status holders will have their status extended by five years automatically.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg has digitized the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees, which has been extended until March 2026, replacing physical cards with digital proof of status and the right to work.
EU
At the EU level, the upcoming rollout of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and the Entry/Exit System (EES) is set for 2025, which will include biometric data requirements for travelers crossing EU borders.
Salary threshold adjustments
Luxembourg and Austria
Luxembourg and Austria have increased their salary thresholds for foreign workers, with Luxembourg specifically addressing the EU Blue Card salary threshold and Austria adjusting both the Blue Card and Red-White-Red Card thresholds. In Luxembourg particularly, applicants’ failure to meet the threshold means that they will need to undergo a labor market test. Additionally, Luxembourg has seen an increase in the minimum social wage, which has contributed to higher salary thresholds for foreign workers.
Denmark
Denmark has made similar moves, increasing its salary thresholds as part of an update to the shortage occupation list that will impact employer eligibility for hiring foreign workers. Pending work permit applications will be impacted.
Sweden
Sweden, on the other hand, has lowered its EU Blue Card salary threshold and simplified the transition process for Blue Card holders switching jobs.
Broader policy trends
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is enhancing its immigration opportunities, expanding the Digital Nomad Program and providing more benefits for Blue Card holders. In addition, new sectors and nationalities are being welcomed under these initiatives.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is also taking steps to expand its immigration pathways by proposing an extension of the Youth Mobility Scheme to EU nationals, offering a self-sponsored visa for 18-30/35-year-olds with no work or study restrictions.
Luxembourg
Meanwhile, Luxembourg is updating its shortage occupation list, allowing eligible applicants to bypass the labor market test, which will help shorten processing times.
Austria
In Austria, the new coalition government has emphasized reducing irregular migration while simplifying skilled worker pathways, with digitization and adjustments to the shortage occupation list.
Germany
Germany is preparing for potential immigration policy changes following the federal election, which could impact employer compliance, processing times, and eligibility criteria for foreign workers.
Portugal
Portugal has taken steps to address the backlog of applications by closing the 'Expression of Interest' program, which allowed third-country nationals to apply for residence permits after entering the country.
Spain
In Spain, the Golden Investor Visa program will end in April 2025, closing off an important pathway for non-EU nationals seeking residence through investments.
Poland
Poland is set to implement significant immigration reforms on May 1, 2025, aimed at modernizing labor market regulations in response to the growing influx of foreign workers. The new legislation, signed by the President, will tighten control over foreign employment while streamlining some processes through the abolition of the labor market test and digitalization. However, it also imposes new compliance obligations on employers and introduces additional restrictions based on visa type, profession, or nationality, granting authorities greater discretion. Overall, the changes are designed to support businesses vital to the Polish economy.
Travel and document requirements
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is implementing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors staying less than six months, including those in transit. The ETA is valid for multiple entries over two years. Starting April 2025, the ETA is also required for non-visa EEA nationals traveling to the UK. The European Union is preparing for the launch of ETIAS and EES by 2025, which will include biometric data requirements and an increased emphasis on border controls.
Internal Schengen border checks will continue in several countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, and Germany, with some checks extending until September 2025.
Increased compliance and employer responsibility
Denmark
Denmark has introduced new scrutiny measures and document requirements, placing additional compliance responsibilities on employers. Companies must now ensure that foreign employees' identification and work eligibility documents are properly maintained and available for inspection, with on-the-spot checks increasing the risk of penalties for non-compliance.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, employers sponsoring foreign workers are now prohibited from passing on fees for the Sponsor Licence and Certificate of Sponsorship, with potential consequences for non-compliance, including revocation of the sponsor licence.
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Melissa Rowsell Messchaert
Director
Ashton Porter
Associate