European countries are tightening the conditions for obtaining citizenship and residence permits. In September 2026, Ireland proposed extending naturalization periods, Germany moved to abolish dual citizenship, Latvia closed popular investment programs, and Greece raised property taxes for foreigners fivefold.
Ireland to Extend Citizenship Eligibility Periods
On September 9, the Irish government announced preparation of a bill that would change naturalization rules. The main change is an increase in the required residency period from 5 to 8 years. Applicants will additionally need to pass a test of English or Irish language proficiency, as well as an exam on citizenship and state structure.
A separate condition concerns people with temporary protection status. Their time living in Ireland under this status will not count toward the overall naturalization period. If the reform is adopted, the path to citizenship will become noticeably longer for many foreigners.
Greece to Raise Property Tax for Foreigners Fivefold
Greek authorities have announced an increase in the tax on home purchases for citizens of countries outside the EU and the European Economic Area. From July 1, 2027, the tax on transfer of residential property will rise from 3% to 15%.
Authorities explain the increase as an effort to reduce demand from foreign buyers and curb rising housing prices. Market participants fear the measure will noticeably reduce foreign interest in buying Greek property, especially resort properties. Against this backdrop, EU citizenship is gaining additional value — it provides the right to freely live and work in other EU states and removes restrictions applied to third-country nationals.
Latvia Closes Residence Permit Investment Programs
On September 15, 2026, a new emigration law came into force in Latvia, significantly changing the conditions for obtaining a residence permit. The option of obtaining a residence permit through property purchase has been removed from the programs. The residence permit term for capital investment in a company has been shortened from 5 to 2 years in certain cases.
The law introduced a new investment route: investing €150,000 in the management company of the State Alternative Investment Fund could grant a 5-year residence permit. However, the fund itself has not yet been created, so the program is effectively not operational. For investors, this means Latvia is gradually moving away from the property-based residence permit model, and investment grounds for residency are becoming more limited.
Germany to Tighten Naturalization Requirements
On September 6, the deputy chairman of the Christian Democratic Union’s parliamentary faction in Germany put forward proposals to tighten citizenship rules. These include abolishing the option to retain previous citizenship upon naturalization, raising the language requirement from B1 to B2 level, and stricter requirements for financial self-sufficiency.
It is also proposed to test knowledge of German society and state structure, and to require applicants to reject antisemitism. An additional proposal concerns the rule requiring one’s own income to cover 51% of expenses — it is proposed to remove this entirely, so that foreigners do not depend on social benefits.
So far this is only a proposal within the party, not a bill. Current rules remain in force: a five-year residency period and the possibility of holding two citizenships.
Romania Launches Digital Wallet for Documents
Romanian authorities have presented RoWallet, an app that will allow citizens to store key documents directly on their phones. The official launch is scheduled for January 14, 2027. The app will allow users to add their ID card, driver’s license, diplomas, and other documents issued by government bodies.
These documents can be presented from a phone instead of paper documents when applying for public and private services. The app will work not only in Romania but also in other EU countries. Users will be able to independently choose which personal data to share and with whom. RoWallet will not be mandatory and will not replace regular documents — it is an additional digital way to use them.
Romania to Consider Restrictions on Citizenship by Descent
On September 15, a bill on changing the rules for obtaining citizenship by descent was submitted to the Romanian Senate. The initiative provides for excluding second- and third-generation descendants from the group of people who can independently apply for restoration of Romanian citizenship on the grounds that their ancestors were citizens of the country.
Currently, the law allows this procedure for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of former Romanian citizens. The bill’s authors believe the mechanism should apply primarily to people who themselves lost Romanian citizenship, rather than to more distant generations.
The proposal is still only at the initial stage of review and does not change the current rules. Already acquired Romanian citizenship cannot be revoked, and changing the current procedure will require a full legislative process. It is premature to talk about an imminent abolition of the right for descendants — as of today, the current rules remain unchanged.
Overall Trend: The EU Is Tightening Migration Requirements
All of September’s events show a common trend: EU migration policy is moving toward greater selectivity. States are tightening requirements for naturalization, investment grounds for residence permits, and third-country nationals’ access to certain benefits.
At the same time, the drive toward digitalization and simplification of administrative procedures for EU citizens continues. This means that the value of EU citizen status is growing, while the distinction between resident status and citizenship is becoming increasingly noticeable.
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