Belgium
New single permit fee imminent
Effective 1 September 2026, the government of Flanders will introduce a new fee of EUR 180 for the processing of single permit applications.
The new fee applies to both initial and renewal permit applications and is additional to the existing contribution fee of EUR 152 for an initial application only, payable to the Immigration Office.
Cyprus
New online service for residence permit renewals
On 6 July 2026, the government announced the launch of a new digital service for the renewal of residence permits of third-country (non-EEA) nationals, effective immediately.
The service is intended for third-country nationals who already reside legally in the Republic of Cyprus and wish to renew their residence permit, for employers who wish to submit a renewal application for persons they employ, as well as for authorised representatives, such as organisations, law firms or other natural or legal persons acting on behalf of interested parties, where the relevant authorisation exists.
At this stage, the service covers renewal applications for the following categories:
- temporary residence permits for the purpose of remunerated employment,
- temporary residence permits for the purpose of domestic employment,
- temporary residence permits for employees in companies of foreign interests,
- temporary residence permits for family reunification, for family members of long-term residents and employees in companies of foreign interests,
- residence permits for long-term residents.
The new digital service currently enables only renewals of existing permits and not initial applications. For the employment categories, it concerns cases where the employee continues to work for the same employer or in the same company, depending on the category of permit.
Through the service, applicants can carry out almost all stages of the procedure, such as completing and submitting the renewal application, attaching the required documents, submitting or managing authorisation where the application is submitted by a representative, receiving updates on the progress of the application, paying the prescribed fees electronically after completion of the relevant review, as well as selecting a service point for the next stages of the procedure and for the collection of the permit.
The physical presence of the applicant will be required only for the collection of the signature and biometric data.
Access to the service is through a verified CY Login profile. More information and user instructions are available through the government portal.
Denmark
New digital application for applicants for family reunification with a Danish citizen under EU regulations
On 8 July 2026, the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) launched a new digital application, OD2A-C, for applications for family reunification with a Danish citizen under EU regulations.
Accompanying family members of a Danish citizen who has used their right to free movement and established actual and real residence in another EU country can use the new online application to apply for a residence document.
The new digital application looks different from the printable version. Applicants can log in and see all their ongoing applications, including completed applications, for up to 30 days.
Alternatively, it is still possible to submit the printable version of the form.
Hungary
Expiry of certain permanent residence cards
The National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) has announced that permanent residence cards issued to family members of EEA citizens and third-country family members of Hungarian citizens between 3 August 2016 and 2 August 2021 will expire on 3 August 2026. Holders of these permanent residence cards will therefore be required to apply for a new Hungarian residence permit.
The authorities state that all affected parties will receive detailed information by post to their valid place of residence or stay.
According to Article 8 (1) of Regulation (EU) 2025/1208 of the European Council on strengthening the security of identity cards of Union citizens and of residence documents issued to Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement, “residence cards of family members of Union citizens who are not nationals of a Member State, which do not meet the requirements of Article 7 shall cease to be valid at their expiry or by 3 August 2026, whichever is earlier”.
Iceland
New residence and work permit rules take effect
The Directorate of immigration has confirmed that, on 8 July, amendments to the Icelandic Act on Foreign Nationals and the Foreign Nationals’ Right to Work Act entered into force. The amendments, which were passed by Parliament on 18 June, transfer responsibility for processing work permit applications and issuing work permits from the Directorate of Labour to the Directorate of Immigration.
In recent weeks, additional amendments to the Regulation on Foreign Nationals have also taken effect. These concern short-term residence permits, as well as the prioritisation of applications and the use of risk assessments in the processing of residence permit applications.
The main changes are outlined below.
Transfer of work permit processing to the Directorate of Immigration
From now on, applications for work permits will be processed by the Directorate of Immigration.
For the time being, guidance and information for applicants and employers will continue to be available on the information pages Residence permits based on work and Apply for a work permit. These pages will be consolidated and updated over the coming weeks.
Satisfactory academic progress required for every permit renewal
Holders of student residence permits must now demonstrate satisfactory academic progress each time they renew their permit, rather than only at the first renewal. Satisfactory academic progress means completing at least 75% of a full-time course load during the academic year.
Employment without a work permit
Student residence permit holders may work in Iceland without a work permit for up to 60% of full-time employment while studying. The 60% limit applies to the student’s total employment. If a student works for more than one employer, the combined workload may not exceed 60%.
Students may work more than 60% if one of the following applies:
- The work takes place during scheduled breaks between academic terms in accordance with the institution’s academic calendar.
- The individual has completed a university degree in Iceland and is residing in the country while seeking employment based on their specialist qualifications.
- The work forms part of a formal workplace training or internship programme.
When renewing a student residence permit, applicants must provide information about their employment to confirm that they have not exceeded the permitted working hours.
The Directorate of Immigration may also request employment information during the validity period of the residence permit and may obtain relevant information from other public authorities and employers. If the employment does not comply with the legal requirements, the Directorate may review or revoke the individual’s right to work.
Extended stay after graduation
Foreign nationals who have completed a university degree in Iceland may now renew their student residence permit for up to 18 months after graduation to seek employment based on their qualifications. Previously, this was possible for up to three years.
To qualify, applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree at an Icelandic university.
In addition, foreign nationals who have completed a doctoral degree in Iceland may renew a specialist residence permit for up to 12 months to seek employment based on their specialist expertise. A work permit is not required in order to obtain this residence permit.
Changes to family reunification rights for students
The right of student residence permit holders to family reunification with spouses and children is now limited to those undertaking full-time university studies leading to a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree.
Students enrolled in diploma programmes are no longer eligible for family reunification. The right to family reunification with parents has also been removed.
Prioritisation of applications and risk assessment
New provisions in the Regulation on Foreign Nationals provide the Directorate of Immigration with clearer authority to prioritise residence permit applications.
Complete applications based on employment may now be processed ahead of other applications. The Directorate may also temporarily prioritise complete applications where specific deadlines apply, such as:
- new student residence permit applications before the start of the academic year; and
- residence permit applications for athletes during official transfer windows.
The regulation also introduces provisions on document reliability and risk assessment. It explicitly states that the Directorate may not base a decision to grant a residence permit on documentation where there are reasonable grounds to doubt its authenticity or the credibility of its origin or content.
Short-term residence permits
A new chapter in the Regulation on Foreign Nationals sets out the legal basis and conditions for short-term residence permits.
These permits are intended for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Iceland for more than 90 days but no longer than 180 days, either to visit a close family member or to visit Iceland as an artist, scientist or athlete.
