Europe
Key trends shaping Europe's labor and immigration landscape
Increased salary thresholds and eligibility tightening
The UK, Netherlands, Norway, France introduced higher minimum salary thresholds for various visa categories, including Highly Skilled Migrants and Talent Status programs.
In the UK, plans were announced which would restrict sponsorship eligibility, requiring degrees for some roles and disallowing dependent sponsorship below degree level.
The Netherlands proposed stricter requirements for Highly Skilled Migrants, tightening both salary levels and employer compliance. These changes collectively signal the governments’ intent to prioritize higher-skilled migration and tighten the pool of eligible workers.
Stricter border controls and compliance measures
Belgium implemented intensified internal border checks at all points of entry and exit, requiring travelers to present ID and monitor their Schengen Area stay. Around the same time, the EU deployed the biometric Entry/Exit System to replace manual passport stamps for non-EU nationals, enhancing security.
Germany prepared for more rigorous enforcement against undeclared work using digital risk analysis and targeted sector inspections. These enforcement efforts indicate a shift toward stronger regulatory oversight and compliance.
Digitization of immigration processes
The UK phased out physical visa vignettes, adopting eVisas and share-codes for status verification to streamline the immigration process. Digital tools were also integral in Germany’s enforcement strategy against illegal employment. The government in Poland is discussing and will vote on an amendment to the Foreigners Act, introducing electronic submission of residence permit applications.
The EU continued its rollout of digital border controls, though the ETIAS travel authorization system has been postponed until late 2026.
Changes to temporary protection and residence rights
The EU extended the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians until March 2027, providing continued residence and work rights. However, the Netherlands ended temporary protection for third-country nationals (non-Ukrainian) from Ukraine, affecting their right to work and residence. Also in Poland, the Special Act extending the stay of Ukrainian nationals is expected to expire on March 4, 2026, while continuing to open opportunities for legalizing their stay through simplified procedures.
The Czech Republic alerted employers about risks related to loss of temporary protection status for some workers, and Denmark/Greenland improved permit durations and broadened permanent residency access, facilitating longer-term planning for workers.
Family reunification and long-term planning
Belgium tightened family reunification policies, limiting eligible family member categories, extending waiting periods, and increasing financial requirements. The UK announced plans to reform the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) eligibility criteria from 5 to 10 years.
These policy shifts reflect a broader trend toward stricter family immigration and long-term planning criteria.
United Kingdom
In Q3 2025, the UK tightened immigration rules by reducing eligible sponsorship job categories and increasing salary thresholds, requiring degrees for many roles, and limiting dependent sponsorship for lower-skilled jobs. The government phased out physical visa vignettes in favor of eVisas, improving process efficiency. Additionally, the Home Secretary announced reforms to the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) process, signaling forthcoming simplifications.
Netherlands
The Dutch government proposed the most significant reforms to the Highly Skilled Migrant program in over a decade, raising salary thresholds and enforcing stricter compliance for sponsoring companies. They ended temporary protection for third-country nationals (non-Ukrainian) from Ukraine, revoking their rights to work and reside, which impacted many employers. These changes emphasize a shift toward prioritizing higher-skilled migrants and compliance enforcement.
Belgium
Belgium implemented intensified internal border checks over the summer, requiring identification checks at all entry and exit points. The government passed a bill amending family reunification legislation, narrowing eligibility, extending the application waiting period to two years, and increasing financial requirements. These measures reflect heightened border security and stricter family immigration policies.
European Union
The EU extended the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainian nationals through March 2027, maintaining residence and work rights across member states. The rollout of the biometric Entry/Exit System replaced manual passport stamping for non-EU travelers, enhancing border security and data management. However, the launch of ETIAS has been delayed until late 2026, postponing travel authorization requirements for non-EU nationals.
Germany
On October 8, 2025, the German Bundestag voted to abolish the so-called “Turbo Naturalization,” which had allowed well-integrated migrants to obtain German citizenship after only three years of residence. From now on, a uniform minimum residence period of five years will apply to all applicants. The decision reverses one element of the 2024 nationality reform, which had temporarily introduced the accelerated pathway. While this fast-track option is now removed, the key features of the 2024 reform remain intact, including the general reduction of the residence period from eight to five years and the allowance of dual citizenship.
The German Federal Cabinet has also approved an increase of the annual pension insurance contribution ceiling from EUR 96,600 to EUR 101,400, effective January 1, 2026.
This adjustment, reflecting general wage growth, will also raise salary thresholds for key immigration categories such as the EU Blue Card and residence permits for skilled workers aged 45 and above. Employers should review affected cases to ensure compliance with the new limits.
Denmark/ Greenland
Greenland extended residence and work permit durations up to two years based on business needs and expanded access to permanent residency regardless of sector changes. These updates reduced administrative burdens and improved recruitment opportunities in the region.
France
France reformed its Talent Status program by increasing the minimum salary threshold and simplifying application processes for Blue Card holders and their spouses. The reforms aim to attract and retain highly skilled workers while enhancing intra-Schengen mobility during application processing.
Norway
Norway raised salary thresholds for work permits as of September 2025, with banded increases based on educational level. Employers were advised to review compensation packages to ensure compliance with the new minimum salary requirements.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic introduced new rules requiring employers to report foreign worker employment prior to their start date, with heavy penalties for non-compliance. The timeframe for employee card holders to change jobs was extended, offering greater labor market flexibility. Upcoming increases in minimum wage and health insurance contributions for minors were announced for early 2026. Employers were also warned of risks related to the loss of temporary protection status for certain workers.