China – Optional Mainland Residence Card Introduced for Residents of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan

Posted on September 14, 2018

The Chinese government recently abolished the work permit requirement for residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (“HMT residents”). Effective September 1, 2018, HMT residents can voluntarily apply for a new mainland residence card. Abolition of Work Permit Requirement On… Read more »


Netherlands – Cross border workers no longer limited to 90 out of 180 days

Posted on September 14, 2018

Effective immediately, third country nationals resident in another member state (for example Belgium or Germany) who work in the Netherlands with a work permit but return to their country of residence at least once a week (so-called “cross border workers”… Read more »


New Zealand – New Rules for Interim Visas

Posted on September 14, 2018

Effective immediately, interim visas are valid for 21 days after a temporary entry visa application is declined or withdrawn. Applicants for temporary entry visas, therefore, no longer become unlawful the day after their application is declined, and have 21 days… Read more »


Portugal – EU Directives Will Take Effect October 1, 2018

Posted on September 14, 2018

Decree Law no. 9/2018, published on September 11, 2018 and effective October 1, 2018, implements the latest amendments to the immigration law, which in turn were published on August 28, 2017. The 2017 amendments to the immigration law transposed several… Read more »


Singapore – Company Stamp No Longer Required on Forms

Posted on September 14, 2018

Effective September 10, 2018, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore no longer requires employers to endorse forms using their company stamps. This easing of requirements applies to all MOM forms, including the declaration page of the In Principle Approval… Read more »


Spain – Delay in Processing of Applications Under Entrepreneurs’ Act

Posted on September 14, 2018

Currently, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is experiencing delays in the processing of applications for visas under the Entrepreneur’s Act (14/2013) due to staff shortages, as well as ongoing delays in processing of residence authorizations. It is not known by… Read more »


Slovakia – Long queues for temporary residence permits at foreign police office in Bratislava

Posted on September 14, 2018

The number of non-EU nationals attending the Foreign Police office in Bratislava to submit initial and renewal applications for temporary residence permits (including single permits) has increased significantly in recent weeks, leading to very long queues. Many applicants arrive early,… Read more »