Immigration news updates for the EMEA region
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Denmark: System update
Nyidanmark.dk is transitioning all SIRI’s digital applications to a new IT system over the next 3-4 months. The new system will therefore look different than usual, and it will have some new functionalities – a redesigned interface, an improved application process, and enhanced language clarity. For two-part applications, applicants can now access part two using their email address, eliminating the need to share reference numbers and passwords.
Users can log in and view their applications for up to 30 days after submission. During the transition, ongoing applications can still be completed in the old system for up to three- four weeks after a specific application type, such as ST1, has been moved to the new system.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Nyidanmark (available in Danish)
Denmark: Improved security for Danish residence cards and visa
Starting from April 1, 2025, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) and the Danish Immigration Service will have a new supplier, Card Denmark, for residence cards, visas, and permits. The new residence cards will feature an updated design with improved security features, but their size will remain the same.
Residence cards, visas and permits issued before April 1, 2025, will remain valid until their expiration date or until the holder no longer meets the conditions for their issuance. The transition to the new supplier will not affect the processing or production time for these documents.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Nyidanmark (available in Danish)
Luxembourg: New EU Blue Card salary thresholds
The government in Luxembourg has increased the minimum salary threshold for EU Blue Card applicants to EUR 63,408. Employers of foreign nationals applying for or renewing a work permit after March 18, 2025, should evaluate and adjust their salary structures to ensure they comply with the updated regulations.
Third-country nationals who wish to settle in Luxembourg for more than 3 months to work as highly-qualified employees have to follow a two-step procedure:
Step 1: Before entering Luxembourg
- Apply for a temporary residence permit from the Directorate of Immigration of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Have a valid passport.
- If a visa is required to enter Luxembourg: after obtaining the temporary residence permit, apply for a type D visa.
Step 2: After entering Luxembourg
- Declare your arrival at the new municipality of residence in Luxembourg.
- Undergo a medical examination.
- Apply for a residence permit for highly-qualified third-country nationals (European Blue Card).
This summary was prepared using the information from the Guichet (available in French)
Poland: Restrictions on Intra-corporate transfers and workforce demand
As of May 1, 2025, Polish authorities intend to introduce several significant immigration restrictions as follows:
Intra-corporate transfers (ICTs) – to ensure that ICTs are genuinely part of the corporate structure:
- Shareholding or Management Connection: ICT work permits will only be granted if there is a direct or indirect shareholding or common management board members between the transferring and receiving corporate entities
- Actual Business Activity: the home entity must conduct actual business activities in its country of registration for the ICT work permit to be granted
- Employment Requirement: the to-be-transferred employee must be working for the transferring entity at the time of application
- Service Contract: applications for an ICT work permit will require a service contract signed directly by the transferring corporate entity
- Additional Documentation: new requirements for supporting documents confirming compliance with Polish labour laws, minimum remuneration, and authorized contact persons
Labour market test – to enhance oversight, ensure stricter compliance among employers, and protect workers’ rights:
- Protected Professions List: to protect certain occupations and ensure that local workers are prioritized for these roles. Instead of the labour market test, Poland has introduced a “protected professions” list, thus employers will be able to hire foreign workers for professions not present on such list.
- Streamlined Work Permit Process: simplifies the work permit application process. Employers no longer need to advertise open positions and provide evidence of local recruitment efforts. This change reduces administrative burdens and speeds up the hiring process.
- Stricter Contract Requirements: ensures that employment terms are clear and legally binding, reducing the risk of informal or exploitative work arrangements. Employers must submit signed employment contracts for employees holding work permits or special permission work permits.
- Enhanced Notification Requirements: helps maintain accurate records and ensures compliance with labour laws. Employers and workers must notify the government of specific changes, such as changes in residence, work hours, or termination of employment.
- Fast-Track Processing: designed to support businesses with urgent staffing needs and reduce waiting times for permit approvals. Certain employers can benefit from expedited processing for work permits.
This summary was prepared using the information from Crown’s service partners.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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