---
title: "Visa and tax rule changes: April 2026 · Settle Anywhere"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/changes/2026-04/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

Change log

# Visa and tax rule changes: April 2026

4 official rule changes take effect in April 2026, popular countries first, each with its official source.

## [Italy: The population ceiling for municipalities eligible for the 7% foreign-pensioner regime rose from 20,000 to 30,000 inhabitants from 7 April 2026 (Agenzia delle Entrate scheda updated 8 May 2026)](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/2026-04-07-italy-0af74a/)

The population ceiling for municipalities eligible for the 7% foreign-pensioner regime rose from 20,000 to 30,000 inhabitants from 7 April 2026 (Agenzia delle Entrate scheda updated 8 May 2026).

In force from 7 April 2026 · Affects: [7% substitute tax in southern municipalities](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/tax/) · Official source: [Agenzia delle Entrate](https://www.agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/schede/agevolazioni/regime-opzionale-per-i-pensionati-esteri-che-cose-cittadini)

## [Hong Kong: From the year of assessment 2026/27 the basic allowance rises from HK$132,000 to HK$145,000 and the married person's allowance from HK$264,000 to HK$290,000, with increases to the single parent, child, newborn and dependent parent allowances and a higher deduction ceiling for elderly residential care expenses](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/2026-04-01-hong-kong-64b16b/)

From the year of assessment 2026/27 the basic allowance rises from HK$132,000 to HK$145,000 and the married person's allowance from HK$264,000 to HK$290,000, with increases to the single parent, child, newborn and dependent parent allowances and a higher deduction ceiling for elderly residential care expenses.

In force from 1 April 2026, official notice of 25 February 2026 · Affects: [Hong Kong salaries tax progressive and standard rates](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/hong-kong/tax/) · Official source: [Inland Revenue Department Hong Kong](https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/budget.htm), [Hong Kong SAR Government](https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202602/25/P2026022500841.htm)

## [United Kingdom: Dividend tax rates for 2026/27 are 10.75% at the basic rate and 35.75% at the higher rate](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/2026-04-06-united-kingdom-9f70ca/)

Dividend tax rates for 2026/27 are 10.75% at the basic rate and 35.75% at the higher rate; the additional rate stays 39.35% and the dividend allowance GBP 500 (≈ $660).

In force from 6 April 2026 · Affects: [UK income tax rates and Personal Allowance](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/tax/) · Official source: [HM Revenue & Customs](https://www.gov.uk/tax-on-dividends)

## [United Kingdom: Registration as a British citizen costs GBP 1,540 for an adult (was GBP 1,446) and GBP 1,000 for a child (was GBP 1,214) from 8 April 2026](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/2026-04-08-united-kingdom-421ceb/)

Registration as a British citizen costs GBP 1,540 (≈ $2,040) for an adult (was GBP 1,446 (≈ $1,910)) and GBP 1,000 (≈ $1,320) for a child (was GBP 1,214 (≈ $1,600)) from 8 April 2026; the GBP 130 (≈ $170) ceremony fee is unchanged.

In force from 8 April 2026 · Affects: [British citizenship by descent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/citizenship-by-descent/) · Official source: [Home Office](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-8-april-2026)