Four different legal positions
Portugal changed the residence periods for naturalisation. France introduced B2 and a civic examination for the relevant procedures. Spain raised the financial threshold in line with the SMI. The United Kingdom set B2 for settlement from March 2027. The ten-year Earned Settlement model was presented as a consultation proposal and was not contained in the operative rules.
A trend with route-specific effects
States are asking for more evidence of durability through language, income, genuine activity and integration. The effect on a talent route depends on its own rules.
How this affects route selection
We compare the entire horizon: entry, extension, settlement, citizenship, dependence on an employer and the position of family members. The shortest visa does not necessarily create the most stable route.
Primary sources
Official documents for “European status pathways are changing in four different ways”
Check the publication date, the legal status of the document and the version in force on the relevant filing date.
Nikita Samotsvetov
Nikita Samotsvetov is the founder of Samotsvet. He is responsible for strategy and quality control in case preparation.