Permit Renewals: Mini-Guide & FAQ for Germany, Spain, and France

What if an employee’s renewal application is in progress but the new documents aren’t ready? Can they stay on payroll? What are their responsibilities for extending their right to work, and what are the consequences of missing the extension deadline?

Renewal questions? We’ve got the answers.

Download our quick guides for an overview of the renewal process and answers to your most important questions about renewals in Germany, Spain, and France.

Download Spain Guide

Download France Guide

Download Germany Guide

Can immigration fix the talent shortage in the UK?

Watch our CEO, Karoli Hindriks, share her insights in a recent interview with City A.M. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey from Estonia to Silicon Valley and London, Karoli discusses knowing when—and how—to successfully pivot a business, her role in establishing the world's first-ever digital nomad visa, and the current challenges in immigration.

Quick Immigration Updates

United Kingdom

• The increase in the minimum income requirement for family visas has been postponed. The threshold was set to rise from ￡29,000 to ￡34,500 this year and ￡38,700 next year. However, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) will now review the impact of this change before any implementation.
• The MAC will also assess the dependence of key sectors, such as IT and engineering, on international recruitment.

France

• Starting January 2026, France will raise language proficiency requirements for residency and citizenship. The 10-year residency card will need B1 level proficiency (up from A2), and citizenship applications will require B2 (up from B1). Some multiyear residence permits will also require A2 level proficiency.

Ireland

• Effective September 2nd, Ireland introduced reforms to streamline its labor market testing processes, modify its ‘change of employer’ rules, and introduce a new employment permit for seasonal workers. However, the seasonal permit is still in development and will be piloted in 2025. Updates include automatic permit cancellation, digitalized testing, and changes to employer rules and salaries.