Closed doors: how Europe is tightening migration policy in 2025

In 2025, several European countries have revised their approaches to issuing residence permits and citizenship. In the face of growing competition for resources and tougher migration policies, states are changing the rules of the game. We tell you where it has become more difficult to obtain legal status.

United Kingdom

Since the beginning of the year, the authorities have stopped accepting applications for citizenship from people who arrived in the country illegally. Exceptions are possible only if there are serious reasons. The minimum income for qualified specialists has also been increased — now it must be at least 38,700 pounds per year (about 44,500 euros), which is significantly higher than the previous requirements.

Spain

The government has closed the popular golden visa program, which previously allowed obtaining a residence permit through real estate investments. For those who work remotely, it remains possible to obtain a digital visa, but only with an income of 2,762 euros per month.

Portugal

The situation is similar: housing investments no longer qualify for a golden visa. In addition, the legalization path through Manifestação de Interesse no longer works — now applying for a residence permit is possible only if there are official grounds, and only while outside the country.

Greece

Starting from 2024, the minimum investment threshold under the Golden Visa program varies depending on the region:

• Popular locations (Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini and others): from 800,000 euros.
• Other regions: from 250,000 euros.

The program is still attractive, especially for investors who are focused on less well-known but promising areas.

France

In France, there has been a turn towards labor migration. It is planned to significantly reduce the number of residence permits issued on the basis of family ties or long-term residence. But the authorities want to simplify the way for those who already work in the country.

Germany

Berlin has strengthened border controls, suspended a number of regional refugee admission programs and revised deportation rules. Now the process of returning to the country of origin has become faster and less formal.

Sweden

Since April 2025, the country's migration system has changed: if an applicant is denied asylum, he must leave the country before he can apply for a work visa. It is also planned to increase the length of stay required to apply for citizenship from 5 to 8 years. Additionally, language and integration exams are being introduced.

What does this mean?

European countries are increasingly relying on legal migrants, qualified professionals and investors whose incomes meet high standards. Programs that were previously considered “passable" are either being abolished or are becoming much less accessible.