Which countries in Europe impose language tests for residency permits?

"The government is currently carrying out an inquiry on a proposal that would require permanent residence applicants to prove basic Swedish proficiency, meaning that adults seeking permanent residency from 2027 will need to pass tests on Swedish language and society first. Under the proposal, applicants would have to pass a test certifying that they can read, write, listen, and speak at an A1/A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale."

"Spain doesn't have any language level requirements to obtain residency, and there is no evidence that this is or has ever been considered. The country does however expect foreigners applying for Spanish citizenship to prove some command of the Spanish language by obtaining an A2 DELE qualification (Diploma de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera) if they're not originally from a Spanish speaking country."

"The A2 level is still fairly basic however, it's the second lowest and equates to being a high-level beginner capable of understanding and putting together everyday sentences. There's also a language requirement for foreigners from non-Spanish speaking countries who want to have their qualifications recognised to work in regulated professions in Spain (homologacion) - a B2 - equal to a high intermediate."

European nations implement different language policies for foreign residents. Sweden currently has no language requirements for residency but proposes requiring A1/A2 level Swedish proficiency for permanent residence applicants starting 2027, equivalent to passing the third level of free Swedish for Immigrants courses. Spain imposes no language requirements for residency or citizenship applications, though citizenship applicants from non-Spanish speaking countries must obtain A2 DELE qualification. Spain also requires B2 proficiency for foreigners seeking recognition of qualifications in regulated professions. Germany enforces language standards for permanent residency, though specific details are incomplete in the provided text.

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