Published on
January 14, 2026
In a bold move, France has now joined Portugal, Germany, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands in a historic immigration overhaul across Europe. This sweeping reform aims to tighten borders and place full integration at the heart of the immigration process for foreign nationals. Starting in 2026, countries across the continent are implementing stricter measures, such as mandatory civic exams, longer residency requirements, and enhanced language proficiency tests. These changes will ensure that migrants are fully immersed in their new societies, aligning with national values and culture. This immigration overhaul seeks not only to strengthen security but also to promote a more inclusive Europe where newcomers contribute meaningfully.
With these new policies, the EU is making it clear that integration is now just as important as legal residence in shaping the future of Europe’s immigration landscape. The future of migration in Europe is changing, and these new rules mark the beginning of a new chapter in immigration. Let’s dive into how these new policies will affect foreigners, and why they are creating a buzz across the continent.
France’s New Civic Exam: A Step Toward Full Integration
France, one of Europe’s most popular destinations for immigrants, has made a significant change to its immigration policy. Starting from January 1, 2026, foreigners applying for their first multi-year residence permits, resident cards, or citizenship will be required to pass a mandatory civic exam. This new exam is designed to test applicants’ knowledge of the Republic’s values, institutions, history, rights, duties, and everyday life.
The introduction of the civic exam aims to strengthen integration into French society. It shows that France is serious about ensuring that newcomers not only learn the French language but also understand the deeper values that the country stands for. The exam will include 40 questions, and applicants will need to score at least 80% to pass. There are exemptions, such as for those renewing existing residence permits, but newcomers will have to prove they understand the country they want to call home.
This new requirement is part of France’s broader 2024 immigration law, which aims to focus on integration. The government has also launched an online platform to help applicants prepare for the exam. The website features 222 thematic fact sheets that cover everything from France’s political system to its cultural heritage. These changes signal that becoming a part of French society will require more than just staying in the country for a few years—it will require a real connection to its values.
The mandatory civic exam reflects a growing trend across Europe where foreign nationals are being asked to show a deeper understanding of the country they want to live in. It is no longer just about having a job or buying a property. Instead, it is about embracing the country’s culture and way of life.
Portugal’s Long Path to Citizenship: Residency Extended to 10 Years
While France has introduced new exams, Portugal is tightening its residency requirements for citizenship. In 2025, the Portuguese government introduced a significant reform that extends the period required for naturalisation. Previously, foreigners could apply for citizenship after five years of residence. However, the new rules require 10 years of continuous residence for most applicants.
The extension of the residency requirement comes after concerns that rapid citizenship for foreigners could lead to issues of integration. The new rules are designed to ensure that individuals who seek Portuguese citizenship have fully integrated into society. This move also follows a broader trend across Europe to curb ‘fast-track’ naturalisation programs, such as the Golden Visa scheme, which allowed foreigners to buy property in Portugal and gain residence rights.
Under the new system, applicants will need to prove a deeper connection to Portuguese society. This means having strong ties to the community, employment history, and an understanding of the country’s culture and language. Special provisions exist for Portuguese-speaking countries, which will still allow some applicants to apply after seven years of residence. For many, the change in the rules will mean a longer wait to obtain citizenship, but it also ensures that they have spent enough time becoming truly integrated into Portugal’s society.
Germany’s Abolishment of Fast-Track Naturalisation: A Closer Look at Integration
In Germany, the government has introduced stricter rules for naturalisation, particularly for non-EU nationals. One of the most significant changes is the abolition of fast-track naturalisation. Previously, well-integrated migrants could apply for citizenship after just three years of residence. But the German Bundestag has now made it mandatory for all applicants to complete a five-year stay before they can apply for naturalisation.
This new rule comes with an emphasis on integration, which has become a key issue for Germany in recent years. Migrants now need to show evidence of German language proficiency, financial independence, and full integration into German society. While Germany has always been one of Europe’s leading destinations for immigrants, these new rules are making it clear that assimilation into the German way of life is no longer optional—it is essential.
In addition, the German government has made it harder for those relying on social welfare benefits to qualify for naturalisation. Applicants who have had a history of dependency on state support will now face additional scrutiny. This policy change comes as part of a larger European-wide shift toward ensuring long-term integration over short-term residence.
Finland’s Push for Higher Residency Requirements and Stronger Integration
Finland has also taken a step toward stricter immigration control. The Finnish Government proposed new changes to its immigration laws, which will require foreign nationals seeking permanent residence to meet higher integration standards. Starting in January 2026, applicants will need to show a higher level of proficiency in Finnish or Swedish. Additionally, continuous residence in the country will now require six years instead of the previous four.
The Finnish government is placing a heavy emphasis on work history and financial independence. Applicants will need to demonstrate a stable income and a commitment to the Finnish way of life. The government’s goal is to ensure that those who gain permanent residence in Finland are able to contribute economically and socially, rather than relying on social services.
The Netherlands: A Commitment to Civic Integration
The Netherlands has long been known for its strict integration requirements, and in 2025, the country further reinforced this policy. Foreign nationals seeking permanent residency or citizenship must now pass a civic integration exam. This exam is designed to ensure that immigrants have the necessary knowledge of Dutch society, including its history, culture, and values.
As with many other European countries, the Netherlands is placing a strong emphasis on the language and cultural integration of newcomers. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Dutch, and they must be able to show that they are well integrated into society. This includes having a job, maintaining social ties, and being active in the community.
The Dutch government has set out clear requirements that immigrants must meet to be eligible for long-term residency. The goal is to ensure that everyone who becomes a part of Dutch society is able to contribute meaningfully. The country’s stringent civic integration requirements are intended to build a society where foreigners feel more like citizens than outsiders.
Sweden’s Tightening Immigration and Asylum Policies
Sweden has also introduced tighter immigration and asylum policies. While Sweden does not yet have a national civic exam like some other countries, the government has focused on integration through other means. Sweden has tightened the rules for both asylum seekers and residence permit applicants, particularly in the wake of the large influx of refugees from Syria and other conflict zones.
The Swedish Migration Agency has made it clear that long-term residency will be more difficult to obtain unless applicants show they have fully integrated into Swedish society. The government has also imposed stricter criteria for economic migrants and students, requiring them to show higher levels of self-sufficiency and social integration.
Europe’s Changing Landscape: A Unified Goal
Across Europe, these countries are showing a common goal: to ensure that immigrants who wish to make these countries their home are fully integrated into society. Whether through civic exams, language proficiency tests, or extended residency requirements, the new rules are designed to ensure that newcomers are prepared to contribute positively to the social and economic fabric of their new countries.
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum: A Shared European Vision
Beyond individual countries, the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, formally adopted in May 2024, is setting the stage for more coordinated migration policies across the continent. This pact aims to:
- Tighten external borders by introducing mandatory screening procedures for irregular arrivals, including identity, security, and health checks.
- Speed up asylum processing and deportations, with an expedited asylum procedure for applicants deemed unlikely to be granted protection.
- Share responsibility among EU countries for asylum seekers, replacing the previous Dublin system, with the introduction of a solidarity mechanism. This system allows member states to either accept asylum seekers, provide financial contributions, or offer alternative support to countries under migratory pressure.
- Emphasise integration with national laws focusing on language learning and adherence to national values for legal migrants.
This pact is designed to streamline the asylum process, making it more efficient, and to ensure that migration pressures are shared more fairly among EU countries. By focusing on solidarity and integration, the EU is aiming to make the migration process more manageable and fairer for both migrants and member states.
While these changes may make it more difficult for some to gain citizenship, they also ensure that those who do become citizens or long-term residents are fully committed to their new societies. The question now is: How will these new requirements shape the future of immigration in Europe? Only time will tell.
By introducing these measures, Europe is clearly signalling a commitment to quality over quantity when it comes to residency and citizenship. These changes, while potentially challenging for some, also promise a more robust and integrated future for Europe’s immigrant communities. With these new rules, it’s clear that Europe’s borders are tightening, but in a way that aims to strengthen society as a whole.
