6 Major changes announced to Schengen Visa from 2025

Highlights: EU Announces Major Changes starting 2025

• European Union (EU) has announced new travel and Schengen visa regulations effective 2025.
• The Entry/ Exit System (EES) system is one of the major changes to be implemented next year.
• Romania and Bulgaria are set to become full Schengen member states from January 1, 2025.
• Some European countries are introducing travel rules, while others have announced changes to the Golden Visa.

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Top 6 EU Changes to be implemented in 2025  

The EU has announced several changes to its visa policies, including travel rules, tourist taxes, changes to the Golden Visa program, an Entry/Exit system (EES), and the expansion of the Schengen state area.

 

Here is a list of the top 6 changes that are to be implemented starting in 2025:

1. Entry/Exit System (EES) & ETIAS
2. Expansion of Schengen Member Area
3. Spain Golden Visa Program Expansion
4. Introduction & increment of tourist taxes in certain European cities
5. Revised Multi-Year Residence Permit Regulations
6. UK Entry Authorization Fees

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New EU Changes effective from 2025

The European Union (EU) has announced many changes to its visa policies, including other programs.

Here is the detailed list of EU changes that will be effective in the coming year (2025):

 

The New Entry/Exit System

Two new travel and border systems will come into effect in 2025. The Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) are the two new EU border systems that will replace the existing manual passport stamping process. All travelers, including those with visa-free entry, will be required to register at the EU external border. While the EES is for all visitors, the ETIAS is exclusively for visa-exempt travelers.

Note: The exact launch dates have yet to be announced by the government, with the EES launching first and the ETIAS later.

 

Romania & Bulgaria will become Schengen Member States

Bulgaria and Romania will now become complete Schengen member states through land borders. Until now, the two countries were member states only via air and sea, which will now change to land borders, giving full member authorization. This new change will eliminate internal border control between other Schengen countries.

 

Greece Golden Visa Program to Extend, while Spain Likely to end it

Greece will introduce a new investment pathway that prioritizes the startup sector. Under the new rule, individuals who invest in startups can now qualify for the Golden Visa.

The following criteria must be fulfilled to be eligible for a Greece Golden Visa through the new investment pathway:

• Make an investment of at least €250,000 in any of the National Register of Startups
• Have at least 33% of the equity in the company
• Be able to provide at least two new jobs in the first 12 months of investment
• Must maintain the regular workforce for a minimum of 5 years

Note: The new Golden visa eligibility is yet to be approved by the Parliament.

On the other hand, Spain has announced plans to terminate the Golden visa through a property investment option.

 

Introduction or Increase of Tourist Taxes

Several European cities are set to bring in tourist taxes or increase the existing ones.

The table below has details of the revised tourist taxes:

EU Region	Tourist Tax Rates
Madeira, Portugal	€3
Venice	€5
Last-minute visitors in Venice	€10
Greece	daily tax of €2

 

France Tightens Multi-Year Residence Permit Applicants

France will tighten the rules for individuals to acquire a multi-year residence permit. Applicants must provide A2 language proficiency, while those seeking residence for 10 years must show B2-level language proficiency.

 

EU Citizens Traveling to the UK will now pay €11 Authorization

EU nationals with ETAs must now pay €11 as the authorization fees. EU Passport holders will qualify to apply for an ETA starting March 2025 and would require it as a compulsion to enter the UK region starting April 2, 2025.   

 

 

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