Blog · 2024-06-08

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.

FAQ

Is insurance required to enter Georgia?

Georgia has been preparing a mandatory health insurance requirement for all incoming foreigners and has postponed the start more than once, with the latest date announced as the beginning of 2026. Since the rule has been introduced and delayed repeatedly, check whether it is actually in force before you travel. Either way insurance is worth having, because medical care for foreigners is paid.

Can they stop you at the Russian border over a passport error?

Yes. Passports have been confiscated at border control in large numbers. The usual triggers are inconsistencies between the letters e and yo, a place of birth written with a Soviet-era town name, or mismatches with other documents. Check how your details are spelled the moment you collect the passport, and do not book a tight departure if you spot a discrepancy.

What is the Germany opportunity card?

The Chancenkarte, or opportunity card, is a one-year renewable residence permit that lets you come to Germany and look for work on the spot. It is open to people with a recognised vocational qualification or a university degree, and applicants are scored on experience, language, age and ties to the country. Part-time and trial work is allowed while you search, and the points criteria can be adjusted, so use the current self-assessment form.

Can I move to Portugal and find a job there?

Portugal used to allow a soft route where you arrived, found work and filed an expression of interest from inside the country. That route was closed, and applicants are now expected to enter with a work visa obtained at a consulate in advance. Portugal changes its immigration rules in both directions and does so often, so confirm the current process before buying tickets.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Leave your details and a migration expert will get back to you. The first consultation is free.