The EU has announced that major changes to travel rules and migration legislation are planned for 2025. Expansion of the Schengen area, new tourist taxes and stricter rules for obtaining residence permits. Find out what changes and which categories of foreigners can expect in 2025

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The next year, 2025, will bring significant changes to the EU's tourism and migration sector. While 2024 was filled with many events and important decisions that affected foreigners, new rules are also expected in 2025. Key updates to the rules for traveling in Europe in 2025 are below.

Launch of the EES and ETIAS border control systems

To strengthen security and simplify entry processes, the EU plans to introduce two major border control systems in 2025.

- EES system

EES is a new electronic system that will replace the physical stamping of passports of citizens of countries eligible for visa-free entry to the EU when passing passport control upon arrival in the region.

The EES system will record certain information about foreigners entering the EU: passport data and biometric information (fingerprints and facial photo).

The system will automatically register when someone enters or leaves an EU country. This will make it much easier to detect people who have overstayed their Schengen visa.

This long-awaited system is expected to be operational in 2025.

- ETIAS

The ETIAS system will require non-EU nationals who are eligible for visa-free travel to the region to register, pay a visa fee of €7 and obtain a permit before travelling. This requirement applies to people aged 18 to 70.

The document allows a stay in the EU and Schengen area for 90 days.

The launch of ETIAS is only possible a few months after the EES becomes operational.

Bulgaria and Romania to fully join the Schengen area

On 1 January 2025, Bulgaria and Romania will become full members of the Schengen area. Tourists will have the same freedom of travel as citizens.

Bulgaria and Romania are already member states of the Schengen Agreement by air and sea, and on January 1, 2025, these two countries will become full members of the Schengen area.

Read more about Bulgaria and Romania's Schengen membership at the link.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Changes to European Golden Visa Programs

- Greece Expands Golden Visa Program

Next year, Greece will introduce a new investment path that will focus on the startup sector. The country's authorities note that next year, those who invest in startups will also be eligible for the country's Golden Visa. The requirements for obtaining a permit for foreigners are as follows:

1. Make a minimum of 250,000 euros in investments in startups that are listed in the National Startup Registry.

2. Have a 33% stake in the company's capital or voting rights.

3. Create at least two jobs in the first year of investment.

4. Retain the workforce for at least five years.

Details about the changes to the Golden Visa program in Greece and the procedure for obtaining a permit can be found in this article.

- Spain to abolish the option of obtaining a “Golden Visa” through real estate

On July 24, 2024, the Spanish government presented amendments to the law to Congress that initiates the procedure for closing the Spanish residence permit program for investments. The other day it became known that the Socialist Workers’ Party of Spain (PSOE) and its parliamentary partners approved amendments to the law in the Justice Commission to terminate the Golden Visa program. That is why there is a high probability that from January 2025 the Spanish Golden Visa program will be closed.

Introduction and increase of tourist taxes

In 2025, several European countries plan to introduce or increase tourist taxes. The main goal of such changes is to manage excessive tourism, preserve heritage and improve the visitor experience.

- Portugal

From January 1, 2025, the Portuguese island of Madeira will introduce a fee for tourists who want to walk along one of the 30 routes in the region. The fee is €3.

Évora is also planning to introduce a new tourist tax (details are pending).

- Italy

To tackle the problem of overtourism, Venice is planning to increase its tourist tax for visitors. Starting in April 2025, visitors will have to pay €10 to visit Venice on certain days of the week. The current tourist tax in Venice is €5.

- Greece

Greece is also set to increase its tourist taxes. In 2025, visitors to Greece will have to pay a daily tax of €2 instead of the current €0.50. During the high season, from April to October, the tax will be further increased from the current €1.50 to €8. Cruise ship taxes will also increase in 2025.

Other EU cities may also introduce such taxes next year, so stay tuned.

France to tighten requirements for applicants for residence permits

In 2025, France will introduce new language requirements for residence permits:

- Applicants for a multi-year permit must demonstrate knowledge at level A2.

- Those wishing to apply for a 10-year permit must have skills at level B.

Read more about possible changes to migration law in France in 2025 in this article.

EU citizens traveling to the UK must obtain an ETA before traveling

From April 2, 2025, EU citizens planning to travel to the UK without a visa must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The e-visa costs €11, allows unlimited short trips of up to 60 days and is valid for two years.

Applications will open on March 5, 2025 and will cover travelers of all ages, including infants. We have previously reported on the Electronic Travel Authorization Schemes for International Citizens (ETA) in the UK.

Migration legislation is very dynamic, so whether you are planning a trip or moving in 2025, staying up to date with the latest updates is crucial for a smooth journey. Follow the News section on the Visit World portal to be the first to know about the main news.

Reminder! In recent years, the European labor market has been experiencing an acute shortage of workers. The main reason for this process is the aging of the population. To overcome the crisis, most countries have focused on attracting foreign specialists. We have already told you what prospects expats will have in 2025 in such European countries as Greece, Germany and Lithuania.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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