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Briefing · 2026-04-25
Four updates affecting movers planning H2 2026 arrivals. Portugal's AIMA backlog is finally moving, ETIAS has a hard launch window, UK FIG guidance closed a major loophole, and Bali enforcement broadened into Ubud villas.
AIMA published Q1 2026 throughput numbers showing the post-SEF D7 + D8 first-residency backlog dropped from 14 months (Dec 2024) to ~8 months (Apr 2026). Renewals still average 11 months. Movers can now plan more reliably for arrival-to-residency-card windows.
Source: AIMA Portugal Press Release →·Portugal D7 + D8 visa guide →
visa
European Commission confirmed Q4 2026 ETIAS launch with a 6-month grace period (no enforcement until Q2 2027). Visa-waiver travellers should apply before October 2026 to avoid border friction.
Source: European Commission →·ETIAS launch guide →
policy
April 2026 HMRC technical note explicitly excluded UK-sourced employment income from FIG. The 4-year exemption only covers FOREIGN income/gains — a clarification that closes a frequently-misunderstood loophole. Movers expecting tax-free UK salary during FIG should re-plan.
Source: HMRC GOV.UK →·UK FIG complete guide →
tax
April 2026 sweep closed 23 unlicensed villas in Ubud and 9 in Sanur. Extends the Canggu/Seminyak crackdown that started January 2026. Long-term renters in Bali should verify Pondok Wisata + KITAS-Investor visa compliance before signing 6+ month leases.
Source: The Jakarta Post →·Bali relocation guide →
housing
How this briefing is curated.Each item references an official source — government release, statutory instrument, institutional report — and links to the WhereNext dataset or guide that contextualises it for relocators. We don’t accept sponsored placements. Methodology →