BRIDGES News
23/10last update
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Top stories · United Kingdom · 23 October
The UK drops a GBP 5 million investor visa: what remains for wealthy families
According to the press, a GBP 5 million investor visa will not be in the UK Budget on 28 October 2026. What the plan contained and which routes remain for investors.
In brief
- Andorra and San Marino join the EU internal market: what changes for citizens, investors and residents
- Thailand plans a THB 450 entry fee and a THB 1,000 departure tax: what changes for tourists and residents
- 68% of home purchases abroad are for residence: what a 9-month 2026 market study showed
- Decree No. 750: Russian strategic companies need state consent to disclose information abroad and sell foreign assets
- Cyprus will join Schengen no earlier than 2027: what it means for holders of residence and permanent residence
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stories since 9 October
32
countries and unions
5
world regions
Top stories8 stories
Top stories this week
European Union01 / 08 · 23 OctEuro area inflation rises to 3.8%: energy up 18.8%, protests across EuropeRead 
Czechia02 / 08 · 23 OctCzechia's new foreigners act: residence permits online via ICAS and registration for EU citizensRead 
Cyprus03 / 08 · 23 OctCyprus prepares limits on property purchases by foreigners: MPs want to close purchases through companiesRead 
Portugal04 / 08 · 23 OctPortugal: 690,000 citizenship applications await a decision as the queue grows 38% in a yearRead 
European Union05 / 08 · 23 OctETIAS will not launch in 2026, and EES now runs at the border without safeguardsRead 
Poland06 / 08 · 23 OctPoland raises the minimum wage to PLN 4,950: a new threshold for foreigners with work permitsRead 
Panama07 / 08 · 23 OctPanama changes residency by investment: USD 300,000 only for new builds, state bank deposit from USD 500,000Read 
Latvia08 / 08 · 23 OctLatvia ends residence permits for property buyers: what investors have left and what current holders should doRead News
News by topic and country
St Kitts residency requirement: what is announced, what is in force and how to plan a trip to the islandRead 
The US wants to end deference to prior approvals: E-2, L-1 and O-1 extensions will have to be proven againRead 
Portugal charges non-residents 7.5% IMT: who pays, who gets the difference back and what the 2027 budget has to do with itRead 
The Commission promises new steps on visas for Russians: what changes now and who should applyRead 
Banks block the "USDT in the CIS, cash in Russia" scheme: what it means for paying for residence with cryptoRead 
Ireland wants to raise the citizenship residence period from 5 to 8 years: who is affected and what to do nowRead NewsAll stories in this section
Citizenship 13 stories
Citizenship by investment and by descent: contributions, timelines, checks and government decisions.
Jordan01 / 03 · 18 OctJordan citizenship by investment in 2026: 100 approvals and what they meanIn 10 months of 2026, 100 people obtained Jordan citizenship by investment. Which investment options apply, what entry costs and who the program suits.Read 
Turkey02 / 03 · 17 OctTurkish citizenship: new property valuation rules from 28 September 2026From 28 September 2026 any SPK-licensed firm can value property for Turkish citizenship, the TTB is valid for 12 months and GYO purchases need a report.Read 
Sao Tome and Principe03 / 03 · 17 OctSão Tomé and Príncipe: 548 applications in the first year, Russia in second placeThe first São Tomé and Príncipe programme report: 548 applications, 350 approvals, 122 from Russia, approval in 2 months. What it means for applicants.Read Saint Vincent promises citizenship by investment in Q1 2027: what to expect and why not to pay in advanceSaint Vincent and the Grenadines · 16 OctoberSao Tome election without a winner: what happens to the citizenship programmeSao Tome and Principe · 14 OctoberNo more Caribbean passport without a trip: biometrics and interviewsCaribbean · 11 OctoberArgentina citizenship by investment ban bills: risks for investorsArgentina · 11 October
NewsAll stories in this section
Residency 19 stories
Residence permits and permanent residency: golden visas, programmes for investors, remote workers and families, timelines and requirements.
European Union01 / 03 · 20 OctTemporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU until 2028: EU regions call for preparing the switch to ordinary permitsProtection runs until 4 March 2028 and the Committee of the Regions urges planning the switch. Which permits are open to Ukrainians now and when to move.Read 
Malaysia02 / 03 · 20 OctSarawak approved 287 second home applications in nine months: who gains more from the state option than from federal MM2HSarawak approved 287 applications in January to September 2026, with RM143.5m in deposits. How the state programme differs from federal MM2H and who it suits.Read 
European Union03 / 03 · 18 OctThe Commission proposes faster recognition of non-EU diplomas: about 4 months instead of 14 for seven professionsOn 15 September 2026 the European Commission proposed common rules for recognising diplomas of non-EU nationals. What the draft says and what to do now.Read Swedish residence for family of EU long-term residents: new rules from October 2026Sweden · 18 OctoberEB-5 in October 2026: the India quota reopens, what it means for other investorsUnited States · 18 OctoberGreek golden visa applications down 36%: ministry figures for eight monthsGreece · 17 OctoberGreece will revoke golden visas for discounts and short-term letting: what the minister saidGreece · 16 October
NewsAll stories in this section
Property 8 stories
Prices, purchase taxes and rules for foreign home buyers.
Europe01 / 03 · 16 OctRenting in Europe in autumn 2026: Portugal lifts limits on landlords, Spain freezes rentsPortugal is preparing a rental law reform: the rent cap goes and eviction gets faster. What is known as of October 2026, Lisbon rents and a yield calculation.Read 
World02 / 03 · 15 OctWhere Russians buy homes abroad: the UAE loses share, Thailand and Georgia growIn Q3 2026 the UAE share of Russian deals fell to 37% while Thailand and Georgia grew. What a home purchase gives in each country and where it brings status.Read 
Cyprus03 / 03 · 14 OctCyprus is selling homes at a record pace: what it means for a residence buyerSeptember 2026 set a record: 1,681 sales, 41.9% to foreigners, prices up 8.5%. What is happening by city and why an office often beats a flat for residence.Read NewsAll stories in this section
Tax and banking 12 stories
Tax reforms, accounts abroad, crypto and proof of source of funds.
European Union01 / 03 · 20 OctThe EU updates its tax blacklist: Panama is out, Vanuatu and Russia stayOn 9 October 2026 the Council of the EU removed Panama from its tax blacklist. Vanuatu stays: what this means for companies and the passport.Read 
USA02 / 03 · 20 OctMercury will not open an account for a founder living in one of 48 countries: the address decides, not the passportMercury does not open accounts for founders living in 48 countries, including Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. Residence decides, not the passport.Read 
European Union03 / 03 · 18 OctCRD VI directive: non-EU bank accounts for EU residents from 2027From 11 January 2027 non-EU banks may offer deposits and loans to EU residents only through a branch. Which accounts are protected and what to do now.Read Bitget leaves Russia: how to prove a crypto source of funds for residence nowRussia · 18 OctoberDutch 30% ruling drops to 27% in 2027: who is affectedNetherlands · 18 OctoberPersonal income tax up to 22% on deposits and dividends: what bill 617-9 changes for those leaving RussiaRussia · 16 OctoberRussia locks crypto into depositories: P2P deals banned from 1 July 2027Russia · 16 October
NewsAll stories in this section
Visas and entry 11 stories
Schengen, visa-free regimes, entry rules and border control.
Vanuatu01 / 03 · 20 OctThe Vanuatu passport in the Gulf: no eVisa for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, online for BahrainWe checked the official portals of six Gulf states: where a Vanuatu passport gets an eVisa, where a visa is needed in advance and how a Schengen visa helps.Read 
Poland02 / 03 · 20 OctPoland prepares new entry funds: PLN 1,000 for a trip of up to 4 days instead of 300Poland's Interior Ministry proposes higher entry funds: PLN 1,000 for up to 4 days and PLN 300 a day after. What changes, how to prove funds and when.Read 
Thailand03 / 03 · 16 OctThailand cuts visa-free stays to 30 days: what changed for Russians and how to stay longerSince 15 September 2026 visa-free entry to Thailand is 30 days instead of 60. Who it affects, how to extend and which visa to choose: DTV, LTR or Privilege.Read The new EU Return Regulation: entry bans up to 10 years, return hubs and what it means for RussiansEuropean Union · 16 OctoberMontenegro visa for Russians from 1 November 2026: who needs it and how to applyMontenegro · 13 OctoberLTV visas for Russians: Schengen by territory and why residence beats a visaSchengen · 13 OctoberThe five-year passport is obsolete: 15 Schengen states already refuse itEuropean Union · 11 October
Regions
By region country news
Europe, the Caribbean, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, the Middle East and Africa: the latest official decisions in each region.
Europe36 storiesEuropeThe UK drops a GBP 5 million investor visa: what remains for wealthy familiesDetails 
Caribbean5 storiesCaribbeanSt Kitts residency requirement: what is announced, what is in force and how to plan a trip to the islandDetails 
Americas5 storiesAmericasPanama changes residency by investment: USD 300,000 only for new builds, state bank deposit from USD 500,000Details 
Asia and Oceania8 storiesAsia and OceaniaThailand plans a THB 450 entry fee and a THB 1,000 departure tax: what changes for tourists and residentsDetails 
Middle East and Africa3 storiesMiddle East and AfricaJordan citizenship by investment in 2026: 100 approvals and what they meanDetails All news65+
- 23/10 · The UK drops a GBP 5 million investor visa: what remains for wealthy families
- 23/10 · Andorra and San Marino join the EU internal market: what changes for citizens, investors and residents
- 23/10 · Thailand plans a THB 450 entry fee and a THB 1,000 departure tax: what changes for tourists and residents
- 23/10 · 68% of home purchases abroad are for residence: what a 9-month 2026 market study showed
- 23/10 · Decree No. 750: Russian strategic companies need state consent to disclose information abroad and sell foreign assets
- 23/10 · Cyprus will join Schengen no earlier than 2027: what it means for holders of residence and permanent residence
- 23/10 · Euro area inflation rises to 3.8%: energy up 18.8%, protests across Europe
- 23/10 · Czechia's new foreigners act: residence permits online via ICAS and registration for EU citizens
- 23/10 · Cyprus prepares limits on property purchases by foreigners: MPs want to close purchases through companies
- 23/10 · Portugal: 690,000 citizenship applications await a decision as the queue grows 38% in a year
- 23/10 · ETIAS will not launch in 2026, and EES now runs at the border without safeguards
- 23/10 · Poland raises the minimum wage to PLN 4,950: a new threshold for foreigners with work permits
- 23/10 · Panama changes residency by investment: USD 300,000 only for new builds, state bank deposit from USD 500,000
- 23/10 · Latvia ends residence permits for property buyers: what investors have left and what current holders should do
- 21/10 · St Kitts residency requirement: what is announced, what is in force and how to plan a trip to the island
- 21/10 · The US wants to end deference to prior approvals: E-2, L-1 and O-1 extensions will have to be proven again
- 21/10 · Portugal charges non-residents 7.5% IMT: who pays, who gets the difference back and what the 2027 budget has to do with it
- 20/10 · The Commission promises new steps on visas for Russians: what changes now and who should apply
- 20/10 · Banks block the "USDT in the CIS, cash in Russia" scheme: what it means for paying for residence with crypto
- 20/10 · Ireland wants to raise the citizenship residence period from 5 to 8 years: who is affected and what to do now
- 20/10 · Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU until 2028: EU regions call for preparing the switch to ordinary permits
- 20/10 · The EU updates its tax blacklist: Panama is out, Vanuatu and Russia stay
- 20/10 · Mercury will not open an account for a founder living in one of 48 countries: the address decides, not the passport
- 20/10 · The Vanuatu passport in the Gulf: no eVisa for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, online for Bahrain
- 20/10 · Poland prepares new entry funds: PLN 1,000 for a trip of up to 4 days instead of 300
- 20/10 · Sarawak approved 287 second home applications in nine months: who gains more from the state option than from federal MM2H
- 18/10 · CRD VI directive: non-EU bank accounts for EU residents from 2027
- 18/10 · The Commission proposes faster recognition of non-EU diplomas: about 4 months instead of 14 for seven professions
- 18/10 · Bitget leaves Russia: how to prove a crypto source of funds for residence now
- 18/10 · Dutch 30% ruling drops to 27% in 2027: who is affected
- 18/10 · Swedish residence for family of EU long-term residents: new rules from October 2026
- 18/10 · EB-5 in October 2026: the India quota reopens, what it means for other investors
- 18/10 · Jordan citizenship by investment in 2026: 100 approvals and what they mean
- 17/10 · Greek golden visa applications down 36%: ministry figures for eight months
- 17/10 · Turkish citizenship: new property valuation rules from 28 September 2026
- 17/10 · São Tomé and Príncipe: 548 applications in the first year, Russia in second place
- 16/10 · Greece will revoke golden visas for discounts and short-term letting: what the minister said
- 16/10 · Personal income tax up to 22% on deposits and dividends: what bill 617-9 changes for those leaving Russia
- 16/10 · Russia locks crypto into depositories: P2P deals banned from 1 July 2027
- 16/10 · Saint Vincent promises citizenship by investment in Q1 2027: what to expect and why not to pay in advance
- 16/10 · Malta changes tax statuses for foreigners from 2027: a EUR 35,000 minimum and property from EUR 700,000
- 16/10 · Cyprus defence contribution of 5% on dividends: who the reform affects and what to do before the end of 2026
- 16/10 · Malaysia will give DE Rantau holders two more years: what changed for remote workers in October 2026
- 16/10 · Thailand cuts visa-free stays to 30 days: what changed for Russians and how to stay longer
- 16/10 · The new EU Return Regulation: entry bans up to 10 years, return hubs and what it means for Russians
- 16/10 · Renting in Europe in autumn 2026: Portugal lifts limits on landlords, Spain freezes rents
- 15/10 · Where Russians buy homes abroad: the UAE loses share, Thailand and Georgia grow
- 14/10 · Cyprus is selling homes at a record pace: what it means for a residence buyer
- 14/10 · Portugal's golden visa: 6,000 decisions out of 46,000 and a 50-month wait
- 14/10 · Sao Tome election without a winner: what happens to the citizenship programme
- 13/10 · Montenegro visa for Russians from 1 November 2026: who needs it and how to apply
- 13/10 · LTV visas for Russians: Schengen by territory and why residence beats a visa
- 11/10 · The five-year passport is obsolete: 15 Schengen states already refuse it
- 11/10 · Greece will raise the tax on buying a home to 15% for non-EU buyers
- 11/10 · Visa-free Schengen for Caribbean passports: the EU gives five states until June 2028
- 11/10 · Cyprus to tighten investor permanent residence before Schengen
- 11/10 · No more Caribbean passport without a trip: biometrics and interviews
- 11/10 · Montenegro's new Law on Foreigners: property residence from €150,000 stays
- 11/10 · Russia's 2027 tax reform: CFCs without exemption, fines and a scale up to 22%
- 11/10 · Spain rent cap 2026: freeze above Serpavi, 2% limit and lease extensions
- 11/10 · Argentina citizenship by investment ban bills: risks for investors
- 11/10 · Saint Kitts and Nevis passport biometrics: who, where, cost and the 31 July 2027 deadline
- 09/10 · The Tate case showed what Vanuatu revokes citizenship for
- 09/10 · A Vanuatu passport gives Russians back access to Greek residency
- 09/10 · A Vanuatu passport takes one in-person meeting, and it can take place in Moscow
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