What's changed .

Salary-threshold roadmap: CSEP rises from €38,000 to €40,904 on 1 March 2026

DETE published a gradual-increase roadmap in December 2025 following a ministerial review. The Critical Skills Employment Permit minimum salary rises from €38,000 to €40,904 (a 7.66% increase) on 1 March 2026. The non-degree CSEP threshold rises from €64,000 to €68,911. Further increases are scheduled annually through to 2030.

Who it affects: Employers making CSEP applications from 1 March 2026 onwards; existing permit holders at the prior threshold are unaffected for the current permit cycle.

DETE — Employment Permits Salary Thresholds Roadmap 2025 ↗ · Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2026

Announced Visa & immigration

NLNetherlands

Further 2026 raises announced for Highly Skilled Migrant threshold

The government announced additional uplift to the Highly Skilled Migrant salary thresholds for 2026 — continuing a pattern of above-inflation increases. Practitioners should reconfirm the exact 2026 figures at IND closer to the transition date; the annual adjustment is published in December.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants planning Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card applications for 2026 onwards.

IND — Required income amounts ↗ · IND — Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 22 Jul 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Worker threshold raised again to £41,700

Second increase in 15 months: the general Skilled Worker salary threshold rose from £38,700 to £41,700 on 22 July 2025. Going-rate thresholds for specific occupations were similarly re-indexed to updated ASHE (Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings) percentiles.

Who it affects: New Skilled Worker applicants from 22 July 2025 onwards; sponsor employers planning hires.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 16 Jun 2025

In force Visa & immigration

EU Blue Card intra-EU mobility streamlined from June 2025

Under the June 2025 decree, Blue Card holders arriving in France from another EU member state to work can begin their French employment up to 30 days before receiving their French Blue Card (short-term mobility), and transition to long-term mobility after 12 months as before. Reduces a practical friction for Blue Card holders already elsewhere in the EU.

Who it affects: EU Blue Card holders in other member states considering a move to France.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 16 Jun 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Decree adjusts Talent salary thresholds and processing timeframes

Decree in force 16 June 2025 updated Talent permit salary thresholds and operational procedures. Talent – Qualified Employee threshold reduced from €43,243.20 to €39,582 gross per year (making the route more accessible to recent graduates). Talent – EU Blue Card threshold raised from €53,836.50 to €59,373 gross per year. Streamlined procedures introduced for EU Blue Card spouses, including simultaneous processing of the applicant and accompanying family permits.

Who it affects: Talent – Qualified Employee and EU Blue Card applicants from 16 June 2025.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Apr 2025

In force Visa & immigration

ETA becomes mandatory for European visitors

From 2 April 2025, citizens of EU countries (and several additional European jurisdictions) require an ETA for short visits to the UK. Completes the phased rollout that began with Gulf states in late 2023. Irish citizens remain exempt under the Common Travel Area.

Who it affects: All European visa-free travellers to the UK from 2 April 2025 onwards.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2025

In force Visa & immigration

Atypical Working Scheme processing times extended under volume pressure

ISD reported that the Atypical Working Scheme — used for short-term specialist assignments that fall outside standard employment permits — saw processing times extend to 8–12 weeks in early 2025 from the previous 2–4-week norm. Applicants are advised to build this into project timelines.

Who it affects: Short-term specialist assignments, locum medical workers, and employers using the Atypical Scheme.

Irish Immigration Service ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

ESSpain

US W-2 employees confirmed eligible for Digital Nomad Visa

Consular practice in 2025 confirmed that US W-2 employees (employees on US payroll) can qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, clarifying an ambiguity from the original 2023 Startups Law that had caused inconsistent consular decisions. Eligibility requires the employer to provide documentation authorising remote work from Spain and evidence of social-security compliance.

Who it affects: US remote workers employed through standard W-2 arrangements with US companies.

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, UE y Cooperación ↗ · Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

EU Blue Card 2025 salary thresholds updated

The annual update to the EU Blue Card salary thresholds for 2025 was published. Thresholds are indexed to the German statutory pension-insurance contribution ceiling (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze) and rise each year. Applicants should confirm the current figure on BAMF or Make it in Germany before applying; the practical rule of thumb is "regular" ≈ pension ceiling × 50%, "shortage" ≈ × 45.3%.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants for the EU Blue Card in 2025.

Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2025

In force Visa & immigration

NLNetherlands

Highly Skilled Migrant salary thresholds updated for 2025

IND's annual adjustment raised the Highly Skilled Migrant monthly gross salary thresholds by 6.70%: €5,688 for applicants aged 30 and over, €4,171 for under-30s, and €2,989 for recent graduates (within three years of graduation from a qualifying university or completion of the Orientation Year). EU Blue Card thresholds were adjusted to €5,688 standard and €4,551 for holders with a higher-education diploma obtained within the last three years.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants to the Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Blue Card routes from 1 January 2025.

IND — Required income amounts ↗ · IND — Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Oct 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Seasonal Employment Permit introduced

A new short-term permit for seasonal employment (horticulture, soft-fruit picking, agriculture) up to seven months per calendar year. Initially piloted in late 2024 and rolled out formally in 2025. Designed to address targeted labour shortages without creating long-term residence pathways.

Who it affects: Non-EEA workers in seasonal agricultural sectors; horticulture and agri-food employers.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Reduced CSEP salary threshold for recent non-EEA graduates

A lower Critical Skills Employment Permit salary threshold was introduced for recent non-EEA graduates who have graduated in the previous 12 months with a relevant degree. Designed to retain international-student talent in the Irish labour market post-study.

Who it affects: Recent non-EEA graduates of Irish higher-education institutions transitioning to employment permits.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

First-time permit holders can change employer after 9 months (was 12)

Under the Employment Permits Act 2024, first-time employment-permit holders can change employer after nine months of permit holding, reduced from the previous 12-month restriction. The new role must be in a similar field to the original permit to preserve policy intent.

Who it affects: First-time Critical Skills and General Employment Permit holders.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Labour Market Needs Test simplified — newspaper ad removed

The long-standing requirement to advertise jobs in a national newspaper for three days was dropped. New requirement is simpler: two online platforms, one of which must be EURES (the European Employment Services portal), for 28 consecutive days.

Who it affects: Employers applying for General Employment Permits and other non-Critical Skills routes.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 2 Sept 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Employment Permits Act 2024 enters force — largest reform in over a decade

The Employment Permits Act 2024 entered force on 2 September 2024, consolidating and modernising the eight previous employment-permit types into a single statutory framework. Key operational changes: permit holders can change employer after 9 months (previously 12), agencies can be the employer of a permit holder, labour-market testing is simplified to two online advertisements (including EURES) for 28 days, and newspaper advertisement is no longer required.

Who it affects: All non-EEA employment-permit applicants, existing permit holders, and Irish employers.

Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment ↗ · Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) ↗ · Government of Ireland ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jun 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) comes into force

The points-based job-seeker residence permit introduced under Stage 3 of the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz reform came into force, allowing qualified non-EU nationals to enter Germany for up to one year to look for employment, with points awarded for qualifications, age, German/English language ability, and connection to Germany. Holders may work up to 20 hours per week or take two-week trial employment during the search.

Who it affects: Qualified non-EU nationals looking to enter Germany to search for qualified employment.

BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 14 May 2024

In force Visa & immigration

MAC review of Graduate Route concludes it should be retained

The Migration Advisory Committee's rapid review of the Graduate Route, commissioned by the Conservative government amid speculation it would be closed, concluded in May 2024 that the route should remain. The MAC found that the Graduate Route supports the financial sustainability of UK higher education and that evidence of widespread abuse was not present. The review recommended tighter compliance on student-recruitment agents but not route closure.

Who it affects: International graduates of UK universities and the institutions that depend on them.

Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 15 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Talent – Medical and Pharmacy Profession (PADHUE) permit created

A new four-year multi-annual Talent permit was created specifically for non-EU doctors, dentists, midwives, and pharmacists (Praticiens à Diplôme Hors Union Européenne, PADHUE) who hold the French practice certification. Addresses structural workforce shortages in French public hospitals and regional healthcare systems. Implementing decree published 15 April 2024.

Who it affects: Non-EU medical professionals with French practice certification.

Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 4 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

ITItaly

Digital Nomad Visa launched — April 2024

Italy's Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa came into force on 4 April 2024 following the inter-ministerial implementing decree of 29 February 2024. Created under Article 27-quater of Legislative Decree 286/1998 — outside the annual Decreto Flussi quota, removing the most significant bottleneck of the traditional self-employment route. Minimum income €28,000/year; restricted to "highly qualified" workers (post-secondary degree or 3+ years specialist experience).

Who it affects: Non-EU remote workers and qualified self-employed professionals considering Italy.

Gazzetta Ufficiale (Italian Official Gazette) ↗ · Governo Italiano ↗ · Esteri.it — Ministero degli Affari Esteri ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 4 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Immigration Salary List replaces the Shortage Occupation List

On 4 April 2024 the Immigration Salary List replaced the long-standing Shortage Occupation List. The new list grants a 20% discount on the general Skilled Worker salary threshold (not on the going rate for the role). Scope is deliberately narrower than the old SOL; many roles previously listed — including some tech and creative roles — are no longer included.

Who it affects: Skilled Worker applicants in shortage occupations; employers in sectors that previously enjoyed SOL concessions.

Migration Advisory Committee ↗ · GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 4 Apr 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Worker general salary threshold raised from £26,200 to £38,700

The largest single uplift in the history of the Skilled Worker route. The general threshold rose from £26,200 to £38,700 on 4 April 2024 (a ~48% increase), aligned with the 50th percentile of UK full-time earnings. Existing Skilled Worker visa holders before the change retain a reduced threshold of £29,000 under transitional rules.

Who it affects: New Skilled Worker visa applicants from 4 April 2024 onwards.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 11 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Care workers and senior care workers can no longer bring dependants

From 11 March 2024, new applicants to the Health and Care Worker visa in care-worker or senior-care-worker roles cannot bring their partner or children as dependants. Care sponsors must also be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Aimed at reducing net migration via what the Conservative government described as "the social care route". Does not affect nurses, doctors, or other clinical roles.

Who it affects: New care-worker and senior-care-worker visa applicants from 11 March 2024.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Mar 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Skilled Immigration Act reform — Stage 2 enters force

Second stage introduced the "experienced worker" path — non-EU workers with at least two years of relevant qualified professional experience (and a qualification recognised in their country of origin) can work in Germany without prior German recognition of their credentials, provided a minimum salary threshold is met. Also introduced the "recognition partnership" enabling arrival while the formal recognition process runs in Germany.

Who it affects: Non-EU skilled workers without formally recognised German credentials; IT specialists in particular.

BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 22 Feb 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) expands to Gulf states

Phased rollout of the UK's ETA visitor pre-clearance system. Required for short-visit entry from Qatar (from 22 November 2023), Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia (from 22 February 2024), and subsequently to a wider range of non-visa nationals through 2024–2025. £10 per application, valid 2 years.

Who it affects: Visa-free travellers from Gulf and other non-visa-national jurisdictions visiting the UK.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · UK Visas and Immigration ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 6 Feb 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Immigration Health Surcharge raised to £1,035 per year

The IHS — payable upfront per person for the full duration of a UK visa — rose from £624 to £1,035 per year on 6 February 2024 (a 66% increase). Discounted rates for under-18s, students, and Youth Mobility Scheme entrants rose from £470 to £776. Health and Care Worker visa holders remain exempt. A 5-year Skilled Worker visa with a partner and two children now costs over £20,000 in IHS alone.

Who it affects: All non-UK visa applicants requiring entry clearance or leave to remain — material cost factor.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 6 Feb 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Standard UK visa application fees increased 15–35% across the board

Alongside the IHS rise, the Home Office increased most standard visa application fees by 15–35% on 6 February 2024 — e.g. Skilled Worker main-applicant fee from £719 to £827 for up to 3 years' leave, and substantially more for longer leave. Visitor visas also rose proportionally. Fees continue to be re-indexed annually.

Who it affects: All UK visa applicants from 6 February 2024 onwards.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 26 Jan 2024

In force Visa & immigration

Passeport Talent renamed "Talent" and restructured

The Passeport Talent residence permit was renamed "Talent" and consolidated from its previous proliferation of sub-categories into a simpler two-family structure: "skilled talent" (qualified employees, researchers, Blue Card) and "project talent" (founders of innovative projects, investors, artists). Talent permit holders remain exempt from labour-market testing and from the A2 French language requirement that applies to most multi-year residence permits from 2026.

Who it affects: Qualified professionals, researchers, and founders applying to French residence permits.

Service-Public.fr — Official administrative portal ↗ · Légifrance — French Official Legal Publication ↗ · Welcome to France (MFA) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Visa & immigration

EU Blue Card 2024 salary thresholds set

Under the reformed thresholds, the EU Blue Card minimum gross annual salary for 2024 was set at €45,300 for standard qualified occupations and €41,041.80 for shortage occupations (MINT subjects, medicine, and several others) and recent graduates — a significant reduction from pre-reform levels.

Who it affects: Non-EU applicants for the EU Blue Card in 2024.

Make it in Germany (Federal Government) ↗ · BAMF — Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 1 Jan 2024

In force Visa & immigration

International students can no longer bring dependants (except PhD)

From 1 January 2024, most international students on the Student visa route can no longer bring partner or child dependants to the UK. PhD students and government-sponsored students retain the right to bring dependants. Designed to reduce net migration in the student-visa category.

Who it affects: International students starting courses from January 2024 onwards.

GOV.UK — Home Office ↗ · House of Commons Library — Research Briefings ↗ · verified 2026-04-19

In force 18 Nov 2023

In force Visa & immigration