Immigration in the European Union (EU) is a shared responsibility between the EU and its Member States. While common immigration rules exist across the EU, individual countries determine specific aspects of their immigration policies. This means that rules may vary among EU countries, and national authorities are best suited to address detailed inquiries.
The EU has been actively developing a common immigration policy since 1999, aiming for uniformity across its member nations. These rules, outlined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (2009), cover various categories, including highly-qualified workers, researchers, students, and more. However, Denmark and Ireland have exceptions, with Denmark not applying certain EU-wide rules, and Ireland deciding case by case.
Member States retain autonomy in deciding the total number of admitted migrants, making final decisions on applications, and setting conditions for residence and work permits when EU-wide rules are not applicable. For detailed information on each country's immigration policies, including competent authorities and legal frameworks, visit the Website of the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission.