Major Changes in the Schengen Zone and EU in 2025: What Employers and Candidates Need to Know

The year 2025 brings a series of important changes in the European Union’s migration policy that impact employment, travel, and the legalization of foreign workers.

For companies planning to hire workers from Asia and Africa — and for candidates themselves — it’s crucial to stay informed about these updates. Keep reading this article to discover all the details and nuances.

Internal Border Control: Temporary Reintroduction of Checks

In response to migration challenges and security threats, several EU countries have temporarily reinstated internal border controls:

• Germany: Reintroduced checks at land borders with neighboring countries starting September 16, 2024; valid until March 2025.

• Netherlands: Began border checks with Belgium and Germany from December 9, 2024; valid for six months.

• France, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Slovenia, Italy, and Austria have also extended or introduced internal checks to ensure safety and control migration.

These measures are temporary and aim to enhance the management of migration flows.

Increase in Schengen Visa Fees

As of June 11, 2024, the cost of a Schengen visa has increased:

• Adults: from €80 to €90

• Children aged 6–12: from €40 to €45

  
  

This is the first fee increase in recent years, driven by inflation and rising application processing costs.

Postponement of the Entry/Exit System (EES)

The launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) — an automated system for monitoring third-country nationals entering and leaving the Schengen Area — has been delayed until October 2025.

The system will replace manual passport stamping with biometric registration, allowing for more effective tracking of foreign nationals’ stays in the Schengen zone.

Changes in Citizenship Legislation

• Germany: As of June 27, 2024, simplified the process for obtaining citizenship by reducing the required residency period to five years and allowing dual citizenship.

• Finland: Starting October 1, 2024, tightened criteria by increasing the residency requirement from five to eight years.

These changes directly impact long-term residence plans and the integration of foreign workers in EU countries.

Labor Migration: Growing Demand for Foreign Workers

In 2024, the European Union faced a sharp labor shortage, prompting several countries to significantly increase the number of work permits issued. Specifically, Germany, Sweden, Romania, and Ireland saw notable growth compared to the previous year.

Ireland was especially active, issuing around 39,000 work permits, a substantial portion of which went to citizens of India and Brazil.

This highlights a clear trend: the European job market is open to international talent and actively seeking new workers across various sectors — from industry to services.

Conclusion

The new EU regulations present not only challenges but also new opportunities. Changes in border control, visa costs, and citizenship laws may seem complex, but with the right partner, they can be navigated smoothly.

If you’re a candidate seeking stable employment in Europe or a company in need of motivated workers from Asia or Africa, it pays to work with those who have experience and a proven track record.

GLW means reliability, precision, and results. We don’t just provide jobs — we build connections that work.  Dream starts with us.