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EU Visa Strategy: ETIAS from the fourth quarter of 2026, 30-day processing for talent

On 29 January 2026 the European Commission adopted the European Union's first Visa Strategy (COM(2026) 43) and a recommendation on attracting talent for innovation (C(2026) 462). The strategy's three pillars are security, competitiveness and modern visa tools; the recommendation proposes to Member States ways of admitting students, researchers, highly skilled workers and startup founders faster.

Date of the event
· announcement
Published
  • European Union
  • Schengen
  • Travel
  • Students

Summary

In brief

  • According to the strategy, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will partly automate pre-departure checks for visa-free travellers from the fourth quarter of 2026; according to the Commission's information of 28 April 2026, the exact start date will be communicated later.

  • The EU's visa-free regime covers 64 countries and territories; the strategy envisages multiple-entry visas valid for more than five years for applicants with a lawful visa history.

  • According to the recommendation, applications from students, researchers, highly qualified workers in STEM fields and startup founders should be processed within 30 days of submission, in a digital procedure.

  • It recommends a stay of at least nine months after completing studies or research for job searching or setting up a business; the Commission will take stock of Member States' measures during 2026.

Background

What happened

According to the Commission, the Visa Strategy makes EU visa policy more strategic in response to growing mobility, regional instability and geopolitical competition. The security pillar includes closer monitoring of visa-free regimes and the revised suspension mechanism, which lists investor citizenship schemes among the grounds for suspension.

In the competitiveness pillar, the Commission names the launch of ETIAS in the fourth quarter of 2026, multiple-entry visas with longer validity for trusted travellers, and the European Legal Gateway Offices supporting non-EU nationals and employers. According to the strategy, the entire visa application process will take place online and visa stickers will be replaced by digital visas; the EU's IT systems will become interoperable by 2028.

The recommendation's target groups are researchers, STEM students and graduates, highly qualified and skilled workers, startup founders and innovative entrepreneurs. The Commission recommends 30-day processing of their applications, including those of accompanying family members of researchers and highly qualified workers, fast-track procedures for startup founders, acceptance of documents in English, and access for family members to the labour market, healthcare and education. Member States report on their national initiatives and statistics; on this basis the Commission will consider targeted legislative adjustments.

For you

What it means for you

  • Startup founders: the recommendation proposes fast-track procedures and 30-day processing for startup founders; Malta's startup residence programme is built for this target group, but implementing the recommendation is a decision for the Member States.
  • Students and graduates: the proposed stay of at least nine months after studies for job searching or setting up a business may also affect the next step after study residence in Malta.
  • Visa-free travellers: for those travelling visa-free on a Saint Lucia passport, ETIAS will mean a pre-departure authorisation from the fourth quarter of 2026; the start date will be communicated later.
  • Information: when you request a quote, we will brief you in detail on the actual processing times and conditions.

Programmes

Related programmes

  • Saint Lucia citizenship by investment

    The Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment Programme grants full citizenship to you and your family from a contribution of USD 240,000, with no need to move.

    • Saint Lucia
    • Citizenship
    • Second passport

  • Malta Startup Residence Programme

    The Malta Startup Residence Programme is for people who found an innovative company in Malta or move one there, investing at least EUR 25,000.

    • Malta
    • Investment
    • Business
    • 3 + 5 years

  • Malta student residence permit

    The Malta student residence permit is the simplest way into Europe: a licensed school, a student visa, then a residence card, and student work of 20 hours a week alongside your studies.

    • Malta
    • Study
    • Student work
    • Schengen

Sources

Sources

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