Immigration news updates for the EMEA region
Europe, Middle East and Africa
France: New government fees
Effective May 1, 2026, France will increase the government immigration fees across most immigration and nationality processes, affecting both new applications and renewals. The changes apply to first residence permits, renewals, regularisation cases, APS permits, naturalisation requests, and driver’s licence exchanges.
Key increases include first residence permits rising to EUR 350 (standard) and EUR 150 (reduced), renewals increasing to EUR 250 (standard) and EUR 100 (reduced), regularisation fees increasing to EUR 300, and the APS permit changing from free of charge to EUR 100. Naturalisation-related applications will increase from EUR 55 to EUR 255, and a new EUR 40 fee will apply for driver’s licence exchanges.
Employers and assignees should review upcoming France cases, consider submitting eligible applications before May 1, 2026, where possible, and update immigration budgets accordingly.
This summary was prepared using information provided from Legifrance and Legifrance (available in French)
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 Joanna Sogeke (European Client Services Manager- Immigration).
Sweden: Stricter requirements for Swedish citizenship
With reference to our previous release, the Swedish Government presented a draft legislative proposal (lagrådsremiss) introducing stricter requirements for acquiring Swedish citizenship.
The Government formally progressed this proposal by submitting it to parliament, confirming its intention to move forward with the reforms.
Key elements in the proposal include:
- Longer residence requirement: the standard residence requirement is proposed to increase from five to eight years.
- Higher standards for conduct: applicants must demonstrate a law‑abiding and responsible lifestyle, both in Sweden and abroad.
- Self‑sufficiency requirement: applicants must be able to support themselves financially, at a level corresponding to approximately SEK 20,000 per month.
- Language and civics knowledge: applicants will be required to show adequate Swedish language skills and basic knowledge of Swedish society.
- Reduced use of simplified procedures: the Government plans to phase out the notification procedure (anmälan), meaning more applicants will fall under the stricter rules.
Most of the proposed changes are intended to enter into force on June 6, 2026.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Government of Sweden (available in Swedish)
Migration Agency temporarily pauses certain deportation and permit decisions
The Swedish Migration Agency has announced a temporary pause in issuing certain rejection and deportation decisions while awaiting proposed legislative changes. The measure primarily affects young adults who previously held residence permits as family members and who turned 18 during the permit period or processing phase. According to the Agency, the pause is intended to avoid decisions that may need to be reconsidered once new rules are introduced, following the government’s announcement that it plans to present more flexible provisions for residence permits for close relatives.
The pause applies only to defined categories of cases. Individuals who have already received a final deportation decision are not covered by this measure. The Agency has emphasized that decisions made under current legislation remain legally correct, but that the temporary suspension is being applied in light of the anticipated legislative developments.
At the same time, the government has announced intended changes to the track change (spårbyte) framework. Under the proposal, certain work permit holders who meet the applicable salary requirements would be able to apply for a new work permit from within Sweden when their current permit expires. Until the content of the proposal has been finalized, the Migration Agency has instructed its operations to await decisions in relevant track change cases.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Swedish Migration Agency  (available in Swedish)
Ukrainian Temporary Protection: Extended flexibility
Holders of temporary protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (primarily Ukrainian nationals) will continue to benefit from extended flexibility measures. This includes extended temporary residence permits and improved possibilities to transition to work permits without leaving Sweden.
These measures aim to support labour market integration and provide greater stability for affected individuals.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Swedish Migration Agency
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 Fortune Mugororoka (Team Leader – Immigration).
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