Brussels Correspondent
January 18, 2026
The Australia-EU Mobility Deal
In a historic development, negotiators from Canberra and Brussels have reached a 'handshake agreement' on a comprehensive mobility chapter as part of the broader Free Trade Agreement. This marks the most significant expansion of movement rights for Australians since the creation of the E-3 visa.
What's on the Table?
- Expanded Youth Mobility: Extension of working holiday ages to 35 and 3-year durations across the entire EU bloc.
- Mutual Recognition: Automatic recognition of professional qualifications for engineers, doctors, and tech workers.
- Investor Passports: Fast-tracked residency for Australian entrepreneurs launching in Europe.
Timeline: The treaty is expected to be signed in Q3 2026, with full implementation by early 2027.
For Australians, this means access to the Schengen area with long-term work rights that were previously restricted to individual bilateral agreements. For EU citizens, it promises a more streamlined path to Australian permanent residency under the Global Talent stream.