MixedIn force since 1 November 2026
Armenia: the new migration system eases the path for investors and innovation specialists but adds conditions for foreign workers
What changed
Amendments to the law on foreigners have applied since 1 November. A new work visa is introduced and the work residence permit is tied to it. The labour market test is abolished, but a quota on foreign workers appears. When changing employer, the worker must notify the migration authorities and submit a new contract through the electronic system.
Investors and people with special achievements can get permanent residency directly, without a prior temporary permit. A separate basis for temporary residence in science and innovation is added. Procedures move to a digital format, but a resident card still needs a personal visit and biometrics. The ten-year Special Residence Status is closed to new applicants; documents already issued stay valid until expiry.
What it means for you
Armenia becomes more attractive for qualified investors and some innovation specialists: there is a direct route to permanent residency and new grounds for a permit. For an ordinary foreign employee the picture is more mixed: scrapping the labour market test helps, but the work visa, the quota and new duties when changing employer increase dependence on the employer and administrative risk.
Watch out
Investment criteria, the size of the quota, document lists and some procedures need secondary rules. Until they are published, direct permanent residency and the work scheme cannot be treated as fully predictable. Some residents also get a new duty to notify authorities about long absences.
Sources: Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia: residency services are being digitised · EY Global: Armenia introduces significant changes to its immigration framework
More about the country: Moving to Armenia
BetterIn force: law published 4 June 2026, regime applies to new tax residents from 1 January 2026
Turkey: a new tax resident can get a 20-year exemption from tax on foreign income
What changed
Under Law No. 7582, foreign income and capital gains of an eligible new tax resident are exempt from Turkish income tax for 20 years. These amounts do not have to be included in the annual Turkish return, even if a return is filed for other income. For inheritance of eligible assets while the regime applies, a reduced inheritance tax rate of 1 percent is provided.
The regime is open to people who become Turkish tax residents and did not live there, and as a rule did not pay tax there, in the three preceding calendar years. This covers foreigners and returning Turkish citizens. Limited earlier obligations on income from Turkish property or investments do not by themselves rule out the regime. Application rules were clarified in summer 2026.
What it means for you
For someone with dividends, interest, rent, capital gains or a business outside Turkey, the saving can far exceed the cost of housing and the move. A 20-year horizon allows a long-term structure for residence, asset ownership and inheritance. It is one of the longest regimes for newcomers anywhere and changes how Turkey compares with Italy, Greece and Cyprus. It suits the owner of an international business or portfolio best, not an employee earning inside the country.
Watch out
Tax residency and a residence permit are separate questions: the exemption does not itself give the right to live in Turkey. Income must count as foreign under Turkish sourcing rules: payment from abroad for work physically done in Turkey is not necessarily foreign income. Turkish income stays taxable. Expenses linked to exempt income cannot be deducted, and tax paid abroad on exempt income cannot be credited against Turkish tax. If conditions turn out not to have been met, back taxes, interest and penalties are possible. Before moving, document your prior residence, tax status, income sources and company structure. We have a separate guide on this.
Sources: Türkiye Revenue Administration: Law No. 7582 · EY Global: Türkiye introduces new personal tax regime
More about the country: Moving to Turkey
BetterIn force since 1 October 2026, extension until 17 March 2028
Denmark: special status for Ukrainians and their families extended to 17 March 2028
What changed
The executive order was published on 23 September 2026 and applies from 1 October; official guidance came out on 29 October. The Danish Immigration Service will check existing permits under the Ukraine Special Act itself and extend them if the conditions are still met. No separate application and no new biometrics are needed.
If the service cannot finish processing before 17 March 2027, the person keeps the right to stay in Denmark and their existing rights until the extension decision.
What it means for you
For a Ukrainian family this is one more year of legal certainty on residence, work and study and a lower risk of a gap in status. Denmark becomes more practical as a medium-term base for those already in the country or covered by the special act.
Watch out
The extension is not unconditional: you must keep living in Denmark and keep the basis of the original permit. A spouse or partner usually still has to live with the permit holder. This is an extension of a temporary special status, not a path to permanent residency or citizenship. The specialist update came out on 2 November, so the change reaches this issue late.
Sources: Danish Immigration Service: extension of residence permit under the Ukraine Special Act · Fragomen: EU and Ukraine temporary protection, country-specific updates
More about the country: Moving to Denmark
BetterEnacted 28 October 2026, applies from 11 November 2026
Philippines: work permits for foreigners become simpler and faster
What changed
Department Order No. 248-C was issued on 28 October; the new rules are due to apply from 11 November. The standard processing time for an Alien Employment Permit falls from 15 to 10 working days, although a single extension of up to 10 more days is possible.
The document package is shorter, the paid print-newspaper publication for the Labor Market Test is abolished, and the fee is charged after approval rather than at filing. Employers will be able to file through their own HR staff.
What it means for you
For a foreign specialist, cost, uncertainty and administrative burden fall when taking a job. The Philippines becomes slightly more convenient as a place to work, especially if an employer used to find the process too slow.
Watch out
An AEP remains a permit for a specific job, not a stand-alone visa or a path to permanent residency. Separate licences and other agencies' requirements are not scrapped, even if they no longer need to be attached to the first filing. Some transition details still need clarifying; a foreigner may also be required to take an orientation on the country's history and culture. The specialist confirmation came out on 2 November, so the change reaches this issue late.
Sources: Philippines Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) · BAL Immigration: Philippines simplifies Alien Employment Permit process
More about the country: Moving to the Philippines
WorseEnacted 30 October 2026, in force from 12 November 2026
Australia: the Training Visa 407 becomes offshore-only for most applicants
What changed
From 12 November an applicant for subclass 407 must be outside Australia both at the time of application and when the visa is granted, unless they fall into a separately defined exception category. An application lodged from inside Australia after that date will be invalid, even if ImmiAccount technically lets it through. Previously, once sponsorship and nomination were approved, you could apply while in the country.
What it means for you
The route can no longer be reliably used as an onshore switch to extend lawful stay and workplace-based training. A candidate in Australia must leave, apply from abroad and stay outside the country when the decision is made. An offshore application does not give a bridging visa. This adds cost and risk of a gap in work and housing, and makes Australia less attractive for anyone who planned to move to a 407 after study or another temporary visa.
Watch out
Applications validly lodged before 12 November are decided under the old rules. Exception categories are not yet defined. Entering Australia on another valid visa while the application is pending is possible if its conditions are met, but to be granted a 407 the applicant must again be outside the country. A decision that an application is invalid is not subject to merits review. The professional explanation came out on 5 November, so the change reaches this issue late.
Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs: changes to Training visa 407 application rules · Australian Federal Register of Legislation: F2026L01449
More about the country: Moving to Australia
WorseIn force as a court stay since 29 October 2026
United States: Diversity Visa 2027 lottery registration remains suspended
What changed
On 29 October the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stayed a lower-court ruling that required the State Department to open DV-2027 registration and publish a schedule. As a result registration stays closed and there is no new launch date.
What it means for you
DV-2027 cannot be counted on right now, even as a low-probability fallback. Anyone who planned to reach the US through the lottery needs a parallel path (family, work, business or investment) or another country.
Watch out
The court did not rule that halting the programme is lawful on the merits: this is a temporary judicial measure. Further appeals, a new suit with different plaintiffs or a change in the State Department's position are possible, so the status may change again. The specialist update came out on 2 November, so the change reaches this issue late.
Sources: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit: order of 29 October 2026 · Envoy Global: Diversity Visa 2027 remains suspended after appeals court stay
More about the country: Moving to the US
WorseDraft law: budget approved by the government on 28 October 2026, possible application from 1 January 2027
Italy: the draft budget introduces a 26 percent exit tax for some wealthy residents
What changed
The Council of Ministers approved the draft budget on 28 October and the bill was presented on 30 October. Article 17 provides for a 26 percent tax on unrealised gains on certain assets when tax residence is transferred out of Italy. According to the published analysis, the threshold is assets of at least EUR 800,000, and the residency test requires at least six of the preceding ten tax periods.
It is not 26 percent of the whole portfolio, but a tax on the unrealised gain of qualifying assets. The expected date of application is moves of tax residence from 1 January 2027, if the rule is adopted.
What it means for you
For the owner of a business or investment portfolio, the cost of a future exit becomes part of the calculation before the move. It is especially important to model a sale of the business, a change of country after six or more years, and the interaction with the regime for new residents.
Watch out
This is a draft law, not current law. Parliament may change the threshold, the list of assets, deferral options and the date of application. Until the final text, the tax should not be treated as certain, but it is worth including in scenarios. The specialist analysis came out on 31 October, so the change reaches this issue late.
Sources: Quirinale: act presenting the bill · IMI Daily: Italy budget bill proposes 26 percent exit tax
More about the country: Moving to Italy
BetterDraft law: passed the House of Assembly on 27 October 2026, awaiting the Senate
Barbados: the House of Assembly approved an investor route to permanent residency and a shorter wait for a citizenship application
What changed
The House of Assembly passed two bills on 27 October; on 29 October they reached the Senate. The Immigration Bill proposes direct permanent residency for an investment of at least BBD 5 million in an approved national development project. Investments from BBD 1 million may earn points that shorten the usual five-year wait for permanent residency.
The Citizenship Bill lets a non-CARICOM national apply for citizenship after a total of 360 days as a permanent resident within a period of at least 1,460 days. Time on the Welcome Stamp is proposed to count as lawful residence on the path to permanent residency.
What it means for you
If the bills pass, Barbados becomes one of the few English-speaking Caribbean options where a large investment leads straight to permanent residency and then to a comparatively quick right to apply for citizenship. It is a strong option for a family that values residence and real presence over an immediate passport for investment.
Watch out
The law is not in force: Senate approval, royal assent, commencement and secondary rules are needed. Citizenship is not automatic and stays at the authorities' discretion. The list of approved projects, the holding period for investments, fees, tax consequences and the launch date are not defined. BBD 5 million is roughly USD 2.5 million at the fixed rate. You cannot apply under the new scheme yet. The specialist analysis came out on 30 October, so the change reaches this issue late.
Sources: Parliament of Barbados: Immigration Bill 2026 · Parliament of Barbados: Citizenship Bill 2026 · IMI Daily: Barbados House passes investor residence bill
More about the country: Moving to Barbados
WorseAnnounced 3 November 2026, draft amendment not yet published
Netherlands: the government has started preparing a higher language requirement, B1, for naturalisation
What changed
The minister for asylum and migration told parliament that work has begun to raise the language requirement of the naturalisation test to B1. This requires amending the Besluit naturalisatietoets. The government plans to put the draft out for consultation in 2026, then send it to the Council of State and introduce it as soon as possible.
What it means for you
For someone who judges a country not only by residence but by how reachable citizenship is, B1 means more time, more study and more risk of failing the exam. It hurts most in families where one adult picks up the language quickly and B1 is objectively hard for the other. The announcement does not yet affect the right to live and work on a current residence permit.
Watch out
There is no draft text of the amendment. Transitional rules, exceptions, the exam structure and which applications will be shielded from the new requirement are unknown. Until the decree is amended, current rules apply. Older applicants and those with lower education may be hit hardest.
Sources: Tweede Kamer: written answers from the minister · NLnow: Dutch citizenship language test to rise to B1 level
More about the country: Moving to the Netherlands
MixedAnnounced 2 November 2026, rules and start date not published
United Kingdom: the path to settlement (ILR) for most workers will double from five to ten years, but some profiles will get it faster
What changed
On 2 November the government published its final response to the earned settlement consultation. The baseline qualifying period for ILR will be ten years instead of five and will depend on income, integration, compliance and migration history. According to a professional analysis, income of GBP 50,271 a year in three of five years may keep the five-year path, and income of GBP 125,141 in three of four years may cut it to three years. Some health and education workers keep a five-year path.
Limited transitional protection is planned for eligible care workers who arrived or switched route before the White Paper of May 2025. The ten-year long residence route is to be closed. Time on Student and Graduate routes will not count towards the new period. For most other workers already in the country, no general transitional protection has been announced.
What it means for you
For an ordinary skilled worker, permanent residency moves five years further away: a longer dependence on visa status, the employer and future rule changes. The UK gains for very high earners and some public-sector workers, but loses noticeably for the average Skilled Worker and for anyone who counted on assembling ten years from several temporary routes.
Watch out
This is the final policy direction, but not yet Immigration Rules. A Statement of Changes is expected later in 2026 and no start date is announced. Until then current rules apply. Detailed commencement rules and the full transition mechanism for people who have already built up several years are not defined. Until the rules appear, ILR timing cannot be calculated for an individual case. The specialist confirmation came out on 3 November, so the change reaches this issue late.
Sources: UK Government: earned settlement, consultation outcome · Fragomen: UK government confirms final earned settlement framework
More about the country: Moving to the UK
MixedAnnounced 5 November 2026, plan for 2027-2029
Canada: priority for permanent residency shifts to people already in the country, regional programmes and family cases
What changed
Canada set for each of 2027-2029 a target of 380,000 permanent residents and 370,000 new temporary arrivals, including 220,000 temporary workers and up to 150,000 international students. More than 64 percent of permanent residence places go to economic immigration. A temporary measure for 2027 is announced to move up to 200,000 people already living in Canada to permanent residency: up to 100,000 workers with their families and up to 100,000 in a humanitarian stream.
Provinces are promised more room to nominate workers already in the country. Planned places in the Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program rise, and the Rural Community Immigration Pilot is to become permanent. Extra places are meant to speed up filed family cases and cases in closed programmes, including Start-up Visa and the Self-Employed Persons Program, but those programmes are not reopened.
What it means for you
For a skilled specialist already working or studying in Canada, especially with regional support, a family application or French, the chance of a real route to permanent residency rises. For a new candidate from abroad the appeal is more selective: overall limits do not grow, the temporary population is to shrink, and permanent residency is increasingly reserved for people already integrated and for target occupations. A strategy of arriving first and working it out later becomes less reliable than a regional, francophone or in-demand professional route chosen in advance.
Watch out
This is a plan and a budget announcement, not a guarantee of permanent residency. The criteria for the two temporary groups, the allocation of extra nominations and programme instructions are still to be published. The 370,000 limit covers new temporary arrivals and does not include renewals or status changes inside the country. The goal of bringing some spousal cases closer to 12 months applies to applicants outside Quebec and depends on the extra places being delivered.
Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: 2027-2029 immigration plan · Budget 2026, Government of Canada: chapter 3
More about the country: Moving to Canada