天美麻豆

Expat news

Expats in the UAE can now become citizens
Formalities
Expats in the UAE can now become citizens
There is good news for investors, doctors, engineers, specialists, inventors, scientists and other highly qualified expatriates who currently live and work in the United Arab Emirates. The government recently announced its decision to grant citizenship to these profiles. What does that imply for long-term expats?
Australia remains competitive amidst the pandemic
Everyday life
Australia remains competitive amidst the pandemic
Despite the pandemic and the looming economic downturn of the crisis, Australia looks determined to attract and retain high skills from abroad. The number of visas granted under the Global Tech Talent Visa program for the current financial year has just been tripled, from 5,000 to 15,000. The list now includes new categories, such as education, tourism and the circular economy. While other expat destinations are restricting immigration to allow for jobs for local talents, Australia is taking the opposite approach.
How expats priorities have changed with the crisis
Moving
How expats priorities have changed with the crisis
The current global crisis has profoundly transformed the travel industry in recent months. With border closures and travel restrictions, many expats-to-be had no other choice than postponing their travel plans. Still, some of them are reviewing their plans, defining their new priorities.
Health Passports: The next phase of the Covid-19 response
Formalities
Health Passports: The next phase of the Covid-19 response
With four Covid-19 vaccines available, and the UK having kicked immunisation early in December, the debate is shifting on health passports. For now, most of the conversation is theoretical and based on speculations, but a health passport could be on our doorstep in no time...
What makes New Zealand a great place to live in after the crisis?
Everyday life
What makes New Zealand a great place to live in after the crisis?
From April 2021, international students will be allowed to enter New Zealand. The growing demand led the New Zealand government to set up a pilot project to welcome them in several stages. What makes New Zealand such a great place to move to amidst the pandemic?
America after Trump: The road to healing for nationals and expats
Everyday life
America after Trump: The road to healing for nationals and expats
On the 20th of January this year, the United States of America will have a new President. It is no secret that Donald Trump, the soon-to-be ex-President of the US has not been very pro-immigration. His policies, whether immigration related or not, has caused a decline in the US' appeal as an expat destination. How will this change under Joe Biden's presidency?
Could Brexit be a blessing for non-Europeans?
Everyday life
Could Brexit be a blessing for non-Europeans?
You might be surprised by the following figures. As of March 2020, 316,000 more non-European citizens arrived in the UK than those who departed. The number of arrivals from European Union countries dropped from 200,000 in 2016 to around 58,000 in 2020. So it's clear that the UK currently looks less attractive to European citizens. But what does this mean for non-Europeans looking to relocate to the UK?
COVID-19: Here is all you need to know about vaccination campaigns
Health system
COVID-19: Here is all you need to know about vaccination campaigns
With more than 90.8 million positive cases globally and 1.94 million deaths since early 2020, but especially with the new strain of the virus vaccination is an urgent issue, even though many countries are struggling to start their vaccination campaigns. Here's an update on what's happening around the world and what vaccines are on offer.
Which countries currently have their borders open?
Moving
Which countries currently have their borders open?
Many countries around the world seem to have come to a standstill with a new surge of COVID-19 during the past few weeks, and a new variant. While some of them prefer to keep their borders closed, others have reopened under certain conditions. Here's an update for those who are looking to relocate overseas during this period.
How to prepare your move back home
Moving
How to prepare your move back home
Whether it's the pandemic, homesickness or something else, there are as many reasons to abandon the expat lifestyle as there are expats. If a return to your “home country” is unexpected, a little pre-preparation can help make the transition easier.
New Year and Brexit: Which changes are effective immediately
Formalities
New Year and Brexit: Which changes are effective immediately
With the start of the new year, significant changes as a result of Brexit kicked in. Theoretically, the UK left the EU and its institutions on February 1, 2020. Now, the 11-month transition and negotiation period has ended, and the deal between the UK and the EU has come into effect. New agreements and regulations, which span across work life, travel, education, healthcare, tax, and communications, define the UK's relationship with the EU and vice versa. This article presents the key points of the Brexit deal which are likely to affect British expats and expats-to-be in the EU and EU nationals who are planning to move to the UK or are already there. 
Where should you move in 2021 amidst the crisis?
Moving
Where should you move in 2021 amidst the crisis?
You're perhaps waiting for the pandemic to come to an end before moving abroad, but no one can tell how long it's going to take. Moreover, with current travel restrictions and border closures, and some countries being locked down once again following a new surge, especially in Europe and Asia, choosing your next destination can be a difficult task. Still, this hard turned out to be a blessing for some countries that are trying to boost their economy by attracting foreign nationals.
Key things to consider before moving abroad in 2021
Moving
Key things to consider before moving abroad in 2021
Many of you are perhaps waiting for borders to reopen and for activities to resume so that you can finally move abroad, regardless of your motivations. Whether you dream of working, studying or retiring overseas amidst the crisis, there are many points to consider. So here's your 2021 moving abroad checklist to help you get started.
From our family to yours: 天美麻豆 Team wishes for 2021
From our family to yours: 天美麻豆 Team wishes for 2021
The least one can say is that 2020 has not been the easiest of years! But as we step into a new year, we all bear the hope that it will be a better one. Here is what the 天美麻豆 team wishes for you for 2021.
15 year anniversary throwback: What have our expat interviewees become?
Work
15 year anniversary throwback: What have our expat interviewees become?
To celebrate 天美麻豆's 15 years of existence is to celebrate all the expats who make us who we are. Over the course of December, we shared with you a selection of interviews we had previously carried out. We got in touch with these expats to check up on them and to get a first-hand account of where they have been since they were interviewed.
Where are people enjoying 'normal' end-of-year holidays?
Everyday life
Where are people enjoying 'normal' end-of-year holidays?
Several European countries have locked down and tightened their health restrictions in recent weeks due to a new surge of coronavirus. Celebrations and public events were, therefore, cancelled as gatherings are limited to a certain number. Still, other countries are preparing to welcome the New Year in a more relaxed atmosphere, with social distancing and the wearing of masks as the new normal.
Popular online events to look out for Christmas and New Year's Eve
Everyday life
Popular online events to look out for Christmas and New Year's Eve
This year, Christmas and New Year's Eve will be like no other, with popular events like Christmas markets, concerts and shows being cancelled. Still, you can choose from a wide range of free and paid online activities to keep yourself busy even though you're locked down and away from your loved ones. Here are some tips.
Ten end of year traditions that look weird to expats
Everyday life
Ten end of year traditions that look weird to expats
For most of us, Christmas is all about having a beautifully decorated Christmas tree under which we gather to get our Christmas gifts. It's also the time for family celebrations over a grand dinner. However, your host country may have some unusual Christmas traditions that can surprise you.

Other Types

Can you still afford to retire abroad?
Everyday life
Can you still afford to retire abroad?
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.
Buying property abroad: How your relationship status can affect your purchase
Accommodation
Buying property abroad: How your relationship status can affect your purchase
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?
Best sectors to invest in Panama in 2026: Your gateway to Latin America
JJ Associates
Best sectors to invest in Panama in 2026: Your gateway to Latin America
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.
How to spot international employment scams
Work
How to spot international employment scams
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.
Does motherhood affect careers abroad?
Work
Does motherhood affect careers abroad?
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.
Europe's heatwaves show why climate change matters for expats
Everyday life
Europe's heatwaves show why climate change matters for expats
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.