Expat news
Schools & studies
To stand out on the international job market and further strengthen the position of the European Union, the European Commission announced the creation of a European diploma. What does this mean for potential international students in Europe?
Accommodation
Looking for a new real estate investment? Futuristic cities, artificial islands, and self-sustaining megacities await you as the Gulf States roll out the red carpet for wealthy expatriates. Competing with each other, they are embarking on mega-projects to attract foreign investors. Here's an overview.
Health system
According to the current Italian prime minister, it could soon be possible for Italian expats to benefit from healthcare in Italy while living abroad. In fact, a bill proposed by the Fratelli d'Italia party aims to allow this against an annual contribution of 1,500 euros to the national health system (SSN).
Banks and finance
If you're planning to move abroad, you're perhaps in the middle of the process of obtaining your visa and residency permit. One of the required documents is proof of financial means. Apart from the often exorbitant amount, how can you prove you have sufficient funds to live in your chosen country?
Everyday life
Happiness is a complicated matter. Philosophers have tried to define it, economists have tried to measure it, and expats, well, expats are trying to find it. Several surveys look at happiness from a geographical angle. Their goal is to determine whether location has an impact on your emotional well-being. And, as it turns out, it does. But the rest isn't that clear.
Visas
With the rising costs of moving abroad on the one hand and tougher or more flexible visa requirements on the other, global immigration policies are ever-changing. Here's an overview of the latest updates to help you plan your move.
Everyday life
The 27 European Union member countries voted on December 30, 2023, for the partial entry of Romania and Bulgaria in the Schengen area, effective from March 31. What does this mean for current and prospective expatriates?
India
The G20 summit in September 2023 might not have resulted in significant announcements, but it provided India, as the host country and G20 president at the time, with an opportunity to showcase its prestige to the world. Foreign heads of state were welcomed with the red carpet treatment, even if it required hastily constructing new infrastructure to conceal slums. The goal was to lavish guests with hospitality to attract more business leaders and foster additional partnerships. Will this be enough to attract and retain foreign talent?
Schools & studies
Amidst economic downturns, inflation crises, political tensions, wars, immigration policy changes, and restricted student quotas, some argue that 2024 isn't notably worse than past years. Yet, we've experienced better times. However, should prospective international students review their plans to study abroad?
Pets
Bringing your pets along during your travels has always been cumbersome, requiring more planning, more paperwork, and considerable fees. With international pet relocation fees skyrocketing in various countries, expatriates have to rethink their plans. Here's what you need to know about the cost of moving abroad with pets.
Formalities
Several countries are grappling with labor shortages and are adapting their immigration policies accordingly. There's a high demand for skilled workers, although they may face challenges due to policies aimed at prioritizing national employment. Balancing the encouragement of local employment with promoting international mobility poses a significant challenge for governments.
Tax
Combating international tax fraud remains a work in progress. Although far from complete, governments are pleased to note significant advancements since cooperation was bolstered. Tax authorities find an unexpected ally in their efforts to monitor foreign bank accounts: social media.
USA
Major changes are on the horizon for the widely-used H-1B visa, with potential impacts on other visa categories. Additionally, significant hikes in visa fees are expected, posing a substantial consideration for those planning to relocate to the United States. Here's what you need to know.
Everyday life
Recent studies show that more Americans are moving abroad than ever before. The United Kingdom is challenging Canada as the most popular English-speaking destination, while the United States' other neighbor, Mexico, remains the second most preferred destination. New Zealand is also increasingly popular. Better life-work balance and a lower cost of living are the leading reasons for moving abroad.
Everyday life
With around 3.5 million British expats living in different countries all around the world, it comes as no surprise that a large number of them consider it to be the best decision they've ever made. A recent study by iFast Global Bank, which polled 600 adults, showed that over two-thirds of British expats were happy with their move abroad. The remaining one-third of expats polled decided to move back home, as they couldn't deal with being away.
Visas
Canada remains a magnet for expats worldwide, but recent policy shifts are putting extra financial strain on those considering the move. Relocating there was already costly, and new visa changes are set to hike expenses further. Will this deter potential expats?
Everyday life
Despite a decrease in Dengue fever cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a resurgence since 2023. This increase has caused outbreaks in countries that were previously unaffected, sparking concern among people considering a move abroad.
Tax
Government tax announcements frequently raise concerns and set the course for economic and social policies. Will there be greater aid for individuals or raised taxes for particular groups? Concurrently, inflation worries everyone, impacting populations differently and shaping expatriates' financial plans. Here's an overview of the tax changes expatriates can anticipate in 2024 across favored destinations.
Other Types
Everyday life
Are retirees really the "wealthy elite" they're often portrayed as? In reality, retirement incomes vary widely, and so do living standards. For expat retirees, the picture is even more complex. Beyond everyday expenses, they must also navigate inflation, hidden costs, rising healthcare bills, and policy changes that can all have a significant impact on their budget.
Accommodation
Buying your own property is a major milestone, and for many expats, an exciting new chapter. But purchasing a home abroad involves more than finding the right property. Your relationship status can have a significant impact on your rights as a buyer and the legal protections available to you. Whether you're married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, are you equally protected when buying property overseas?
Sponsored
JJ Associates
If you've been searching for a stable, profitable, and strategically located country to grow your business or diversify your investment portfolio, Panama should be at the very top of your list. Panama is not just a country with a famous canal. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, a regional financial hub, and a proven gateway for companies looking to expand across North and South America. With a dollarized economy, a territorial tax system, world-class logistics infrastructure, and investor-friendly immigration policies, Panama offers a unique combination of advantages that few countries in the world can match.
Work
Imagine that after months of frustrating job search, you finally get an offer that can change your life. Not only is it the perfect match for your skills and experience, but it is also coming from a different country. The pay is great, and relocation expenses are covered. You are excited, you are making arrangements to leave. And, most likely, you are not at all ready for one of the following scenarios.
Work
Parenting is one of the most (if not THE most) life-changing experiences one can go through. But as much as this responsibility is shared, it is often the mothers who experience this change tenfold. And if you experience motherhood whilst working abroad, this transformation can feel even more profound. And for many expat women, motherhood in a foreign country marks a professional turning point.
Everyday life
Europe is sweltering under record-breaking heatwaves, Canada is battling increasingly frequent wildfires, and parts of Asia are lurching from extreme heat to devastating floods. Once considered exceptional, extreme weather events are becoming a defining feature of daily life across the globe.
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