Relocation news digest

Georgia: authorities postpone stricter entry rules

Medical insurance will become mandatory for all foreigners entering Georgia from 1 January 2026.

Russia: citizens increasingly barred from leaving the country

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has reported a sharp rise in cases of passports being seized at the border and travellers being denied exit from the country.

Russians risk losing their passport during border control if it contains inaccurate information - for example, a mistake in the letters "е/ё", an error in the place of birth recorded under a Soviet-era place name, and so on.

Germany: the "Opportunity Card" programme takes effect

On 1 June 2024, Germany's "Opportunity Card" programme came into force. Under it, foreign nationals with professional experience or a higher-education degree can apply for a one-year residence permit (renewable) to look for work in Germany.

The programme is part of a package of immigration reforms approved in 2023, designed to make the country more attractive to foreign workers.

Portugal: authorities plan to tighten immigration rules

Foreigners who wish to live and work in the country must now enter with a work visa already secured in advance at a consulate.

Until now, any foreigner who arrived in Portugal as a tourist, then found a job and wanted to stay, could apply for a residence permit on the spot.

Finland: new EU Blue Card rules take effect

On 13 May 2024, Finland introduced more lenient rules for obtaining the EU Blue Card. The main changes include:

• a shorter minimum term for the mandatory employment contract;
• a lower minimum salary threshold.

These reforms form part of Finland's compliance with the 2021 EU Blue Card Directive.

Canada: authorities launch a pilot programme for caregivers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a new pilot programme for people providing care to the sick.

The programme will grant workers resident status on arrival. To qualify, candidates must: demonstrate language proficiency of at least level 4 in a Canadian language (currently level 5 is required); hold the equivalent of a Canadian secondary-school diploma (a higher-education degree is currently required); have relevant work experience; and hold a full-time home-care job offer.

United States: Interactive Brokers begins closing accounts of Russian citizens

The brokerage firm Interactive Brokers (IB) has begun closing accounts for clients in Russia en masse. IB is notifying users that trading on their accounts is restricted - only reducing or closing positions is permitted.

Denmark: work rights renewed automatically for those extending their stay

From 4 June 2024, foreigners living and working in Denmark on a short-term Fast Track visa who extend their stay may continue working without obtaining a new work permit, providing biometric data, or undergoing an identity check with the Danish authorities, as was previously required.

Russia: talks under way on visa-free travel with Middle Eastern countries

Russia is negotiating visa-free arrangements with states including Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Myanmar and others.

Portugal: authorities approve residence through a "solidarity visa"

This type of visa does not require acquiring assets or making an investment (unlike, for example, the "golden visa"). It is enough to transfer 250,000 euros to the state.

The funds will be directed to the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (FAMI).

The government plans to submit the bill to parliament by the end of the year.

Denmark: bank-account requirement for companies scrapped

From 1 July 2024, the Danish government is abolishing the requirement for companies certified to hire foreign nationals to hold a bank account.

What has changed by October 2026

• Georgia. Mandatory insurance for foreigners took effect on 1 January 2026, with cover from 30,000 lari, about $11,530. From 1 March 2026 a work permit is needed for local employment and self-employment. Visa-free stays of up to 365 days for Russian citizens remain. More on the living and working in Georgia page.
• Portugal. The tightening happened: since June 2024 you cannot arrive without a visa and get residence on the spot, since 23 October 2025 family reunification comes after 2 years in the country, and since 19 May 2026 citizenship takes 10 years. More on the Portugal nomad visa page.
• Germany. The Opportunity Card for job seekers without an offer has applied since 1 June 2024.

The German Opportunity Card after two years

From June 2024 to November 2025 German embassies issued 17,489 cards, and about 83% of applicants received a positive decision. The card lets you come and look for work while working up to 20 hours a week or on trial jobs, but not full-time employment or your own business. The German government does not know how many holders actually found work. More in the article on the German Opportunity Card.

If you are stopped from leaving: what to check in advance

• the validity and condition of your passport: a damaged passport is a common reason for refusal at the border;
• debts and exit bans under enforcement proceedings;
• matching details on the ticket and passport;
• for men of conscription age, whether there is a summons or a ban.

Debts and restrictions can be checked on the state services portal before buying tickets.

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