Blog · 2024-03-31

Relocation news digest: key updates for movers

🇶🇦 Qatar launches a new residence programme for top talent

Qatar's government has announced a new residency scheme for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, allowing them to live and work in the country for five years.

Applications are expected to open within the next few months.

🇷🇺 Russia to build a state platform for confiscating cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is already being seized as part of criminal cases. Once the platform is up and running, the state will be able to dispose of the confiscated funds.

🇩🇪 Germany: international students will be allowed to work

The new Skilled Workers Act permits international students who are in the country on a student visa to take up work.

It also introduces an applicant visa that lets prospective students enter the country up to nine months before their studies begin. During that period they may work part-time, up to 20 hours a week. This visa existed before, but holders were not previously allowed to work.

🇩🇪 Germany: the citizenship law is finally adopted

The main changes:

Citizenship after 3-5 years
Dual citizenship is now permitted

The benefits of German citizenship:

Full rights as a German citizen: voting, access to every profession, and social security
Visa-free access to 189 countries, including the EU, the UK, the US, Japan and others
Free secondary and higher education at German universities
The ability to work and run an international business across the EU
❗️ A second citizenship is allowed

🇩🇪 Germany: parliament legalises cannabis use

Germany's parliament has partially legalised the use of cannabis. The law takes effect on 1 April. Adults will be able to legally possess up to 50 grams of cannabis for personal use and grow no more than three plants.

🇨🇭 Switzerland: banks begin closing accounts of clients holding a Russian passport

Swiss banks have started closing the accounts of Swiss citizens who also hold a Russian passport. Clients of UBS and Credit Suisse have been affected.

The move is likely tied to the risk of secondary sanctions from the United States.

🇷🇺 Russia: crypto exchange CommEX announces it is leaving the market

From 25 March, new users will be barred from registering and from making deposits. On 10 May the exchange will shut down entirely.

With a Russian passport you could lose your crypto savings at any moment. We recommend considering a second citizenship so you can feel secure.

🇷🇴 Romania: Schengen visas for Russians from 31 March

The visa is valid for 90 days. Applications can be submitted at the consulates in Moscow, St Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don.

🇷🇺 Russia: Samsung Pay will stop working with Mir cards

From 3 April, saved Mir cards will be removed from the app, and it will no longer be possible to add new ones.

🇧🇬 Bulgaria: Schengen visas from 1 April

Visa applications can be submitted at the Bulgarian embassies in Moscow and St Petersburg.

🇵🇹 Portugal: residency in exchange for cultural investment

Portugal has set up a fund to acquire works of art for its national museums and palaces.

How do you qualify for residency under this programme? A residence permit is granted for:

A contribution to the fund of at least €500,000
A capital transfer of at least €250,000, which can be invested in maintaining or restoring cultural heritage

FAQ

How many years to get German citizenship?

The reform shortened naturalisation to roughly five years of lawful residence, with a faster track for strong language and integration results. You still need legal status, financial self sufficiency, language, a civics test and a clean record. Citizenship timelines are politically sensitive and can be revised, so check the current version of the law.

Does Germany allow dual citizenship?

Yes. The reform dropped the general requirement to give up your previous passport, so you can hold both. The restriction may come from the other country if its own law bans dual nationality. Also check whether your first country requires permission before you take another citizenship.

Can international students work in Germany?

Yes. A student visa allows part time work within an hour limit, and the skilled workers law widened these options. There is also a route to enter before your programme starts in order to find a study place, and it permits part time work of around 20 hours a week. Hour limits are adjusted from time to time, so follow the wording printed on your own permit.

Can crypto be confiscated in Russia?

Yes. Crypto is already seized in criminal cases, and the state has been building infrastructure to hold and dispose of confiscated coins. The legal status of crypto in Russia stays restrictive and keeps shifting, and access to assets runs through keys, exchange accounts and service records. If the amounts matter, plan your custody jurisdiction and tax reporting in advance.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

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