Blog · 2024-06-01

Relocation news digest - June 1, 2024

EU: last chance to get a Schengen visa at the old price

From 11 June, the cost of Schengen visas will rise by 12%. Russian nationals, however, still have a window to file their documents at the visa centers of Italy, Hungary, and Greece, which have open appointment slots before the price increase takes effect.

Indonesia: authorities introduce a bridging visa

Indonesia has introduced a 60-day transitional residence permit, also known as a bridging visa. It will be granted to foreign nationals applying for a new residence permit after their previous one has expired.

EU: rabies antibody test required to bring pets from Russia and Belarus

From 16 September 2024, bringing cats, dogs, and ferrets into the EU from Russia or Belarus will require a rabies antibody test.

The test must be carried out at an EU-accredited laboratory.

Estonia: president pledges not to close the border with Russia

The border is open partly because people have relatives on the other side. If necessary, we are ready to close the border very quickly, said Estonian President Alar Karis.

Even so, the country's authorities will continue to counter organized immigration of Russians despite the open border.

Russia: Raiffeisen to halt outgoing dollar transfers for all clients

From 10 June 2024, outgoing dollar payments through Raiffeisenbank will no longer be available.

The restrictions apply to all of the bank's clients. The final deadline for making a dollar transfer is 16:00 on 7 June 2024.

Incoming payments and payments in other foreign currencies are not affected.

Thailand: authorities launch the new five-year DTV visa

Thailand has introduced the five-year Destination Thailand Visa. It allows holders to stay in the country for up to 180 days per year, with the stay extendable by a further 180 days for a fee of 10,000 baht.

The visa is available to skilled professionals, digital nomads, and freelancers, as well as those engaged in activities such as Muay Thai training, cooking, sports, medicine, and culture.

The DTV costs 10,000 baht (about 24,000 rubles). To qualify, applicants must show funds of at least 500,000 baht (about 1.2 million rubles). Spouses and children of the applicant are also eligible for the DTV.

New Zealand: work-visa applications prioritized for green list occupations

When processing work-visa applications, New Zealand's immigration service gives priority to occupations on the green list, which are in high demand in the country.

This will not affect the processing times of other applications.

Qatar: exit restrictions imposed on those with unpaid fines

From 1 September 2024, individuals with outstanding traffic-violation fines will be barred from leaving Qatar.

Italy: citizenship-track residence applicants may work in the country

An Italian government circular dated 20 May 2024 clarifies that individuals who have applied for a residence permit with a view to obtaining citizenship may work in the country before their permit is officially issued.

The circular removed any legal uncertainty regarding the employment rights of these individuals.

Italy: digital nomad visa introduced

The Italian government has introduced a digital nomad visa, allowing foreign nationals from third countries to live and work remotely in the country for 12 months, with the option to renew.

Applicants must have an income at least three times the minimum wage, health insurance, proof of accommodation in the country, and at least six months of experience working remotely.

FAQ

How much does a Schengen visa cost?

The consular fee is set for the whole Schengen area and is indexed periodically; in 2024 it went up by around 12 percent, with a lower rate for children. On top of that come the visa centre's service fee, insurance and translations, so the real cost is noticeably higher than the fee itself. Check the exact amount on the visa centre website of the country you are applying to on the day you file.

How do I bring a dog from Russia to Europe?

You need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an EU veterinary certificate, and for animals coming from Russia and Belarus a rabies antibody titre test done in an EU-approved laboratory was added. A set waiting period applies between the blood test and entry, so plan several months ahead. The rule covers cats, dogs and ferrets; check the list of approved labs and the waiting times on the European Commission site.

What if my Indonesian residence permit expires?

Indonesia introduced a bridging visa, a transitional status of roughly 60 days for people applying for a new permit after the previous one runs out. It keeps you legally in the country while the new permit is being processed. Overstaying in Indonesia is fined per day and, if dragged out, ends in deportation and a re-entry ban, so file early.

Can you still send dollars out of Russia?

The options keep shrinking. Banks are switching off outgoing dollar transfers one after another, as Raiffeisen did, and those still processing them cap amounts and raise fees. What works usually runs in other currencies and through banks with no US compliance exposure. The list of usable banks changes fast, so check it immediately before a transfer rather than relying on last year's experience.

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