News
Open Balkan Initiative – Current Status
In March 2024, the Open Balkan initiative was officially launched. This initiative allows nationals of Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia to live and work in any of other 2 countries for the duration of the permit, without requiring additional residence or work permits.
Croatia: The temporary protection for nearly 28,000 Ukrainians in Croatia is being extended
Temporary Protection Program has been extended by the Government of the Republic of Croatia on February 27, 2025. This extension applies to displaced persons from Ukraine and will remain valid until March 4, 2026.
Serbia’s Foreigners Portal: Streamlining Residence and Work Permits
Navigating work and residence permits in Serbia has never been easier! Since February 2024, Serbia’s Foreigners Portal has simplified the process of obtaining a Single Permit for residence and work.
Kazakhstan’s 2025 Worker Quota
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Labor has set quotas for foreign workers in 2025: the total quota is set at 0.2% in relation to the country’s total workforce.
Italy Mandates Fingerprints for Long-Term Visas
All applicants for Italy's long-term visas (employment, study, family reunification, among others) must submit biometric data, including fingerprints, in their home country.
Sweden Eased EU Blue Card Rules for Foreign Professionals
Sweden is making it easier for highly skilled foreign workers to obtain an EU Blue Card by lowering the salary threshold from 1.5 to 1.25 times the average gross annual income.
Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen Area
Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined the Schengen Area, with land border checks removed after more than a decade of waiting.