Features
Leisure
The year-end rush is here. For expats, this marks the home stretch: buying gifts, traveling home or elsewhere, whether alone or with family. How can you budget for these expenses to avoid unpleasant surprises and a dent in your year-end finances? Here are some practical tips.
Formalities
Administrative formalities upon arriving in a new country can be quite tedious, especially when they must be conducted in an unfamiliar language. Although some countries offer services in English, these can often be more superficial than genuinely helpful.
Everyday life
We're already seeing distinct trends in where expats choose to relocate in 2025. To better understand the driving forces behind these choices, we'll look at how elements such as hospitality, culture, economic stability, and legal environments are influencing decisions for both current and potential expats. What key developments in these countries are impacting expatriate preferences? Join us as we explore the dynamics shaping the global mobility landscape.
Work
Pursuing an international career as a woman presents unique challenges, especially when young children are involved. As an expatriate without the support of your close family, maintaining a high level of organization is crucial, alongside securing flexible childcare solutions. What other obstacles might you face while continuing a career abroad with young children?
Work
The 2024 international labor market is experiencing a persistent labor shortage impacting global economies. The most affected sectors include healthcare, construction, and information technology. Despite these challenges, 2024 has seen substantial investment in artificial intelligence, sparking intense debate about the future of employment. Looking ahead, which sectors will drive economic growth? What professions will be in demand in 2025?
Everyday life
The holiday season is widely celebrated as a magical time for sharing and togetherness. Yet, for expatriates, this period stirs a mix of emotions: joy, nostalgia, and a longing for distant loved ones. When you're far from home, the pull of familiar traditions and faces feels especially strong. Here are some strategies to help you embrace the festive spirit, no matter how many miles away you might be.
Everyday life
The rise of digital nomadism is accelerating as remote work becomes more prevalent. A recent survey revealed that nearly 10% of workers in the United States now identify as digital nomads. While the typical image of a digital nomad is a young, single person in their thirties traveling from one country to another, it's also a viable option for families. However, adopting this lifestyle as a family presents unique challenges. Let's explore these in detail.
Formalities
When planning a move abroad, few potential expats look into the intricacies of getting married, divorced or remarried in a foreign country. But as marriage laws may differ a lot in the country you are moving to, getting to know them beforehand can save you future troubles. Expats may run into a variety of challenges when navigating these laws abroad – and they may find themselves facing a collection of restrictions they never even knew existed.
Work
Remote work has transitioned from a temporary solution during lockdowns to a standard practice embraced by many businesses, even those that are bringing employees back to the office full-time. To further support employee well-being, an increasing number of companies are now facilitating remote work from abroad. However, it's worth questioning whether working remotely from a different country always translates to improved employee well-being.
Visas
You don't need to be rich to be eligible for a Golden Visa. While many people choose traditional investments like real estate, there are other ways to obtain this sought-after visa. Let's explore these options in detail.
Work
Deciding to take a vacation while living abroad can sometimes prompt surprising reactions. People might wonder why you need a break when you're already in scenic locations like Bali, Los Angeles, or Victoria, the captivating capital of the Seychelles. Is it acceptable for an expat to take a vacation? Here's how you can enjoy your time off without feeling guilty.
Everyday life
Are you considering moving abroad but hesitant about doing it alone? Imagine embarking on this journey not by yourself but with a close friend or sibling. This trend of relocating with loved ones is gaining momentum. What are the benefits and potential hurdles of such an adventure? To give you a clearer picture, we spoke to a couple of people who've made the leap. Here are the insights from Alexia and two sisters, Noa and Lou, who shared their firsthand experiences.
Formalities
In general, you can choose to give up your nationality if you already hold citizenship in another country, as giving up your nationality shouldn't leave you without any citizenship at all. However, the rules for renouncing citizenship can vary widely depending on whether a country allows dual citizenship.
Accommodation
Expats and prospective expats are increasingly confronted with a severe housing crisis. Landlords are responding to market trends by offering accommodations at discounted rates, striving to stay competitive. However, this race to the bottom often carries hidden costs that exceed expectations. Here's a detailed analysis.
Work
Labeled "digital natives" or Generation Z, these young individuals born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s represent the emerging and future workforce. Often perceived as "less prepared" professionally and more "volatile" compared to their predecessors, it raises the question: is it a myth or reality? What are the professional aspirations of this generation, and how can international employers adequately equip them for the challenges of roles overseas?
Everyday life
When you are moving abroad for your career, your family will be those coming along. This typically puts them in a somewhat vulnerable position – as they are moving to a new location where nothing awaits them. And while the move may be a great thing for your career, the transition you will be making affects everyone.
Everyday life
According to a recent study by the French health insurance system, between 50 and 80% of women experience the baby blues. This emotional instability, marked by anxiety, sadness, and irritability, is a normal part of postpartum adjustment but may be particularly intense for expatriate mothers isolated from their usual support networks. Fortunately, many countries provide postnatal care options, including programs specifically designed for expatriates.
Visas
Many countries are keen on attracting and retaining young talent as they grapple with workforce challenges and an aging population. A primary focus is on international students who already possess experience within the country and are seen as a valuable long-term workforce due to their qualifications and age. Which countries are enacting specific policies to retain these young talents?
Other Types
New Zealand
Since June 1, foreign workers seeking certain work visas in New Zealand have been subject to new English language requirements. The government says the changes are intended to improve migrant integration and help prevent workplace exploitation.
Sweden
Since June 1, Sweden has tightened its work permit regulations. The new rules introduce higher salary requirements, stricter conditions for seasonal workers, mandatory health insurance in some cases, and increased scrutiny of employers.
Belgium
Belgium's latest reforms, which took effect on June 1, bring greater flexibility to the labor market in an effort to support job creation. At the same time, the government has introduced stricter requirements for non-European students.
United Arab Emirates
Foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates should take note: under UAE regulations, residence visas are generally canceled if the holder remains outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days. In most cases, affected residents must apply for a new visa before returning. However, several categories of expatriates are exempt from this rule and can retain their residency status despite an extended stay abroad.
USA
Another blow for foreigners in the United States. On May 22, a memo from the US immigration services introduced a new rule aimed at limiting legal immigration. Apart from a few exceptions, Green Card applications will now have to be filed from the applicant's country of origin. What is the current situation?
France
The French government has recently decided to reconsider its announcements regarding differentiated tuition fees for non-EU students. What should they expect?
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