6 Major changes announced to Schengen Visa from 2025

Highlights: Key changes to Schengen Visa policies to be implemented in 2025

• The European Union and Schengen visa policies will likely undergo several changes in 2025.
• The Greece Golden Visa Program will be expanded at the beginning of the upcoming year.
• Romania and Bulgaria will join the Schengen Member States from January 01, 2025.
• The EU will set the Entry/Exit System and European Travel Information Authorisation System in 2025.

 

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Major changes to Schengen visa policies in 2025

According to Schengen News reports, the European Union will implement several changes to its travel visa policies starting in 2025. These changes will impact both foreigners and EU citizens.

The following are the major changes to be introduced and implemented in 2025:

 

EU Entry and Exit System 

The European Union will introduce a border and travel system in 2025, including the Entry and Exit System (EES). This new system will digitize the manual process of stamping passports for both foreign travelers and member states. Foreign travelers can register themselves at the EU's external border.

 

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

This system will be applicable only to visa-exempt visitors and will allow 1.4 billion people from 60+ countries to apply for a document before starting their trip to the EU. The ETIAs and EES aim to strengthen the security of foreign travelers and the EU.

 

Bulgaria and Romania to become Schengen Member States

From January 01, 2025 onwards, Romania and Bulgaria will become full Schengen Member States by sea and air. These countries will not have internal border controls, allowing easy movement of travelers and residents.

 

Greece Golden Visa program to be expanded in 2025

Greece will expand its Golden Visa program by introducing a new investment pathway focused on the start-up sector.  Foreign investors will be eligible for the new start-up investment pathway if they:

 

• Invest a minimum of €250,000 in start-ups listed on the National Register of Start-ups.
• Have at least 33% equity participation in voting rights or in the capital of the company
• Can create a minimum of two jobs by the first year of investment
• Maintain the workforce for a minimum of 5 years

 

Increase in Authorisation Fees

The Authorisation fees for EU Citizens traveling to the UK will be increased to €11 from April 2025. All EU citizens will be required to apply for an ETA to enter the UK. The ETA is likely to be issued within three days of completing the application process.

 

Changes to France Multi-year Residence Permits

France will announce changes to the eligibility criteria for multi-year residence permits. Applicants will require A2 level French language proficiency to be eligible for the France multi-year residence permit. B1 level proficiency will be required for candidates seeking ten year residence permit in France.

 

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