Expat news
Visas
Since June 10, Japan has reopened its borders to tourist groups. For the moment, the government doesn't want to take any risks, considering the rising number of Covid cases abroad. Its latest measure was making visas compulsory for travelers from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), even for short stays. So it seems that the total reopening, which should include expats, will not be anytime soon.
Everyday life
As the summer season approaches, countries around the world are dropping their Covid restrictions. Despite warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO), many countries no longer require proof of Covid vaccination for international travelers and expats.
Everyday life
On May 24, the Quebec National Assembly adopted a new law promoting French as Quebec's official and common language. This quite controversial law has caused upheavals within the expat community and associations defending the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Everyday life
Like most countries, Indonesia is also looking to the post-Covid era. To boost its economy and its attractiveness, the government is introducing new measures to relaunch tourism and attract expats and digital nomads, considering the upcoming summer.
Tax
Expats in Mexico should expect a major change. Determined to fight against tax fraud, the Mexican government introduced a reform in its tax system. From July 1, all foreigners over the age of 18 living in Mexico will need to have a tax number, whether they are permanent residents or not, and whether they earn their income in Mexico or not.
Visas
Last Wednesday, the Portuguese government launched a new visa for job seekers. This is one of Portugal's latest measures to attract foreign workers as the Portuguese labor market gradually recovers from the consequences of Covid. However, rising inflation (more than 8%) and labor shortage remain major issues.
Tax
Last January, the Belgian government introduced two new tax regimes, some of which are expected to affect expatriates. On May 6, a long circular was issued, providing details on these two regimes. This reform was initially supposed to be simple, ending some types of tax benefits and supporting low-income families. How does this affect expats?
Work
"Australia needs to fix its image." With these words, Anthony Albanese (nicknamed "Albo"), the new Prime Minister, turned the page on 9 years of political history with the Conservatives. On May 21, Labor won the legislative elections and quickly got back to business regarding immigration.
Everyday life
On Tuesday, May 31, Yoshihisa Furukawa, the Japanese Minister of Justice, announced the end of the temporary work permit for certain foreigners. This exceptional permission was introduced in 2020 to allow foreigners having work visa issues to work part-time.
New opportunities for non-citizens residing in Mauritius, new parameters to the Premium Visa, a Silver Economy Festival and efforts to better regulate the Offshore sector. Here are a few budgetary measures that could be of interest to expats living in Mauritius or wanting to move here.
Work
Nordic countries often targeted by professionals who are willing to move abroad. However, the immigration process is usually very challenging. Last June 1st, Finland has enabled a fast-track procedure that allows high skilled expats and entrepreneurs to enter the country as soon as they have been granted a residence permit, which expats used to receive upon entering the country.
Accommodation
Although Spain is known by expats for being one of the most affordable countries in Europe, it has been facing rising property prices since last year. The rise, as experts say, is a consequence of higher demand and lower supply due to the lack of resources as raw materials for new builds.
Everyday life
Menstrual leave is a paid or unpaid absence due to a woman's inability to go to work because of painful menstruation. Some countries around the globe have already considered it, and recently Spain has approved a bill that grants paid medical leave for women who suffer from severe period pain, becoming the first European country to advance such legislation.
Tax
The Dutch government is currently undergoing the lengthy process of putting together a spring budget statement, labeled “voorjaarsnota”, which outlines the new cabinet's finances and budget plan. Reports suggest that various tax benefits—including the 30% ruling for expats in the Netherlands—could be scrapped under its changes as part of the government's plan to make up for additional energy and defense expenditure.
USA
On Tuesday, May 24, at 11:32 a.m. in Uvalde, Texas, Salvador Ramos, 18, shot 21 people at a primary school. A horror scene where 19 children and 2 teachers were reported dead. Three days after the tragedy, the people there are still shocked and deeply terrified, as is the rest of the world. A few days earlier, on May 14, ten people, mostly Americans of African origin, were killed in a racist shooting.
Work
Work permits issued to foreigners increased by 25.3% last year following a recovery in the job market after the relaxation of restrictive Covid-19 measures in Kenya.
Visas
In the process of reopening its borders, New Zealand faces a shortage of labor. Although the country will permit international travelers only on July 31 and visas in October this year, it has announced major reforms to immigration settings, 'the green list', to "increase the available pool of labor, while also speeding up our tourism recovery", said the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier this month.
Visas
The United Kingdom, a dreamland for many international students, is introducing a new visa to bring talented graduates to the country. On the other hand, the new policy targets mostly expats from high-level universities in the north of the globe.
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.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"