Immigration news updates for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Brazil: Visa-free entry for Chinese citizens
The Brazilian government has announced that visa-free entry is granted to Chinese citizens holding valid ordinary passports, effective from May 11, 2026.
It aims to facilitate travel for purposes including tourism, business, transit, and participation in cultural or sporting events.
Under the principle of reciprocity, holders of ordinary passports from the People’s Republic of China will be permitted to stay in Brazil for up to 30 days without a visa. Extensions will not be permitted.
The visa waiver measure will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
This summary was prepared using information provided by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Poland: Launch of MOS digital platform for residence permit applications
The Polish authorities have now officially launched the MOS system (Moduł Obsługi Spraw), a digital platform designed to streamline the submission of applications under Article 225a (1) of the Act on Foreigners.
As of the launch date, applications for the following residence permits must be submitted exclusively in electronic form via the MOS portal:
- Temporary residence permits
- Permanent residence permits
- Long-term EU resident permits
Despite the broader shift to digital processing, certain categories of temporary residence applications must still be submitted in paper form under existing procedures. These include applications for:
- Intra-corporate transfers (ICT)
- Long-term mobility of managers, specialists, or trainee employees within intra-corporate transfers
- Family reunification, where the foreign national is outside Poland
- Family members of Polish citizens, EU citizens, or UK nationals covered by Article 10(1)(b) and (d) of the Withdrawal Agreement, when the applicant resides outside Poland
- Foreign nationals maintaining family life (as defined by the European Convention on Human Rights) with Polish, EU, or eligible UK citizens, provided the applicant is outside Poland
This summary was prepared using information provided by the Government of Poland
United Arab Emirates: Update on property investor visa
Dubai authorities have revised the rules for property-linked residency visas, introducing more flexible eligibility criteria for investors applying for the two-year permit.
The most notable change is the removal of the minimum property value requirement for sole owners. Previously, individual investors were required to own property valued at no less than AED 750,000. Under the updated framework, sole ownership alone is sufficient to qualify, regardless of the property’s value.
For jointly owned properties, the criteria have also been relaxed, although a minimum threshold still applies at the individual level. Each co-owner must hold a share valued at no less than AED 400,000 to be eligible, even where ownership is split equally.
Applicants must meet several documentation requirements, including:
- A Dubai-issued title deed
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Emirates ID
- A compliant digital photograph
- Valid UAE health insurance
A certificate of good conduct issued by Dubai Police is also required, along with national ID documents for applicants from certain countries, including Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. The name on the title deed must exactly match the passport details.
Additional conditions apply to properties that are mortgaged or purchased through instalment plans. In such cases, applicants must provide a no-objection certificate from the bank confirming payment details, outstanding balance, and mortgage status. For completed properties (no longer under construction), proof that at least 50% of the property value, or AED 375,000, has been paid is required.
Medical insurance remains mandatory for all applicants, and successful investors may sponsor their family members under the residency scheme.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Khaleej Times
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).
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