Turkey Introduces Digital Nomad Visa

The Turkish government announced the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and its prerequisites on April 23, 2024.

While the concept of the DNV has been in the works for some time, its necessity became more apparent as the government began tightening regulations on tourist residency permits. Ece Selin Temel, a Turkish immigration lawyer, noted that inquiries about a Turkish DNV had been frequent among her clients for years. Previously, the tourist residency permit had served as a makeshift DNV due to its accessibility.

However, with a shift in the government’s approach to immigration and a decline in tourist residency approvals, the establishment of a distinct visa for digital nomads became imperative. Temel emphasized that digital nomadism differs from traditional relocation migration and requires specific criteria such as a safe environment, robust internet infrastructure, and reasonable living costs.

She anticipates that a dedicated DNV program with simplified application and renewal processes will attract genuine digital nomads seeking stability and convenience.

Turkey has been undergoing significant changes in its immigration policies, with a notable decrease in tourist residency approvals and the implementation of nationality-specific restrictions. Ahmet Şener, Managing Partner at Smart Citizenship, anticipated the introduction of a new visa route following the government’s revocation of numerous touristic residencies.

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The Cyprus Ministry of Interior has resumed accepting naturalization applications with a requirement for knowledge of the Greek language.

On March 22, the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus announced the resumption of the process of accepting and reviewing applications for naturalization in accordance with the citizenship law passed by Parliament on November 30, 2023. For almost four months, this process was frozen pending clarifications from the migration department.

To obtain Cypriot citizenship, proficiency in the Greek language at level A2 or B1 is now required.

Level A2 implies the ability to speak on simple topics, maintain a basic dialogue in everyday situations, and understand the basic content of texts and news reports.

Level B1 allows describing past events, expressing opinions on simple matters, understanding instructions, and composing short texts. It also entails the ability to watch movies with subtitles and an expanded vocabulary.

Requirements for citizenship applicants include:

For highly skilled specialists and their families, the requirements for residence and language proficiency are slightly different: the residence period is reduced to four or three years depending on the level of Greek language proficiency (A2 and B1 respectively).

A list of companies whose employees may be considered highly skilled and eligible for simplified naturalization conditions has also been compiled. These companies include:

  1. Companies with foreign interests that have independent offices in Cyprus.
  2. Cypriot shipping companies.
  3. Companies in the high-tech and innovation sector, including aviation, aerospace, information technology, and pharmaceuticals.
  4. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
  5. Companies already registered as foreign.

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El Salvador Offers 5,000 Free Passports to Skilled Immigrants

El Salvador ‘s President, Nayib Bukele, announced a groundbreaking initiative yesterday, offering “5,000 free passports” to highly skilled professionals such as scientists, engineers, doctors, artists, and philosophers from abroad. Bukele, in a post on X, emphasized that this number represents less than 0.1% of El Salvador’s population, making it feasible to grant full citizenship status, including voting rights, to these individuals.

Bukele expressed confidence that the contributions of these skilled immigrants would significantly impact Salvadoran society and its future trajectory. Additionally, the government pledged to facilitate the relocation process by offering 0% taxes and tariffs on moving families and assets, including commercial items like equipment, software, and intellectual property.

This move follows Bukele’s recent landslide re-election in February and comes on the heels of Congress approving reforms aimed at boosting domestic and foreign investment by removing income taxes on remittances from abroad.

The initiative builds upon El Salvador’s existing Freedom Visa program, introduced in late 2023, which garnered attention for becoming one of the first citizenship-by-investment programs to accept cryptocurrency payments totaling at least $1 million for citizenship applications. Despite its innovative approach, the program has been criticized for its lack of competitiveness in the global citizenship market.

Details regarding the new initiative’s structure and requirements are yet to be fully disclosed, leaving observers curious about its implementation and effectiveness. The Salvadoran government has not yet provided information on the number of investors who have participated in the program, raising questions about its popularity and success.

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In Germany, a New Citizenship Law Has Been Adopted

Now Germany citizenship can be applied for after just 5 years of residency. There is a possibility to shorten the term to 3 years with proficiency in German at level C1, volunteering, and active participation in public life.

Preservation of the original citizenship without restrictions. Repeal of the ban on dual citizenship, which also applies to children born in Germany who have obtained German citizenship.

Children born in Germany can obtain German citizenship if their parent has been a lawful resident of the country for more than 5 years.

Persons over 67 years old no longer need a written German language exam, oral confirmation of language proficiency is sufficient.

Mandatory obtaining of tax resident status in Germany with all ensuing consequences.

You can read the original text of the law at this link.

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New Requirements for Naturalization on Cyprus

OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

Changes have been made to the naturalization law. Previously, the minimum period of legal residence in Cyprus to apply for naturalization was 7 years. Now this period has been extended to 8 years. Additionally, in the last 12 months before submitting the application, the applicant must not be absent from Cyprus for more than 90 days.

The main changes include the following points:

  1. The applicant must meet certain characteristics:
    • Clean criminal record both in Cyprus and abroad.
    • Not being wanted by Europol and/or Interpol.
    • Not being subject to sanctions.
    • No illegal residence in Cyprus.
    • Illegal border crossing with Cyprus is excluded.
  2. a. Proficiency in the Greek language at the B1 level is required. The exam is conducted in writing and is one of the key requirements. b. Adequate understanding of the basic aspects of modern politics and social reality of the republic is required.
  3. It is necessary to own or rent a residential place for oneself and one’s family. Economic independence with regular stable income is also required.
  4. When calculating the period of stay in Cyprus, the following period is not taken into account: a. In the status of permanent or temporary protection (asylum). b. In the status of a student.

In addition, a new law on naturalization for citizens legally residing in the republic and engaged in employment is coming into force. Its requirements include:

  1. Individuals working in companies designated by a decision of the Council of Ministers may apply for naturalization.
  2. Citizens with knowledge of the Greek language at the A2 level have the right to apply for naturalization after 5 years of residence, and at the B1 level – after 4 years.
  3. Family members of the applicant may also apply for naturalization or be naturalized simultaneously with them if they meet certain criteria.
  4. A child who reaches the age of majority during the consideration of the main applicant’s application is considered a minor for the purposes of naturalization and may be registered as a citizen of the Republic.
  5. Applications for naturalization submitted before the entry into force of the Population Registry Law (amendments) of 2023 will be considered in accordance with the new provisions of this Law.

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Cyprus Approves Fast-Track Citizenship Law

At the beginning of December, the Cypriot parliament adopted a bill on expedited naturalization by an overwhelming majority of votes. This will allow foreigners to obtain citizenship under certain conditions. According to the new law, applicants must have a stable income and proficiency in the Greek language. However, the initiators of the law emphasize that its purpose is not to create a “golden passport” program, but to attract quality personnel. The document also provides guarantees of the necessity of physical presence on the island, which allows maintaining real ties with Cyprus. Support for the law was expressed by both deputies of the ruling party and opposition factions, with an emphasis on the importance of education and innovation for the country’s economy. The amendment introducing a “cap” on the number of foreigners receiving citizenship was not adopted.

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EU Visa regime Changes: Impact Analysis

he European Commission has prepared a report on the mechanism for suspending the visa regime for citizens of certain third countries.

Particular attention is given to the section on Vanuatu and countries in the Eastern Caribbean region, where citizenship-by-investment programs, also known as “golden passports,” are actively being implemented.

There is a possibility that unpopular measures may be proposed for individual countries. It is important to note that the report does not include the results of recent assessments of these programs (for example, an assessment was conducted in Vanuatu in September).

Decision-making process: (for information) the decision to suspend visa-free regimes with third countries is made by the Council on the Commission’s recommendation.

Full text you can find via this link.

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