Features
Accommodation
If you're going to live the big adventure in a foreign country, you might as well live it on all levels. Why settle for ordinary housing (which is admittedly very comfortable) when you can experience other places and forms of residence? Or maybe you're looking to save money? Here's a world tour of the new home sweet homes of expats.
Work
There's a profession often overlooked in discussions about moving abroad: how do artists sustain themselves in a foreign country? Is it feasible to earn a living through art in pursuit of creative freedom? This aspect of artistic life is seldom addressed in visa regulations for artists, yet it holds significant importance, impacting how artists practice their craft overseas.
Formalities
Before enjoying the happy life of an expatriate couple, there might be a few administrative issues to check out. Have both spouses drawn up a prenuptial agreement? Is there a risk that the matrimonial property regime will change with the international move? These questions are even more critical if you have your own assets. Here's an overview of matrimonial property regimes around the world.
Formalities
The naturalization process in some countries involves a citizenship test in addition to an interview and a language proficiency test. These citizenship tests can be written or oral and check expats' knowledge of the host country's history, laws and core values. Their implementation has been controversial, but these tests have nonetheless become standard across multiple countries – the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, and South Korea.
Banks and finance
As inflation continues to drive up expat budgets, you're probably playing it safe and considering making savings. Perhaps you're wondering where to invest your money or how to manage the savings you've accumulated. Here are some practical tips.
Work
The way we work is undergoing a dramatic shift. What if the traditional office space becomes a relic of the past? What if the geographical location is no longer a barrier to recruiting top talent? Businesses embracing the remote working trend are seeing many benefits, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining foreign professionals.
Everyday life
Expat bashing seems to have become a real trend in the Netherlands, according to one article published in DutchNews.nl. Driven by historical grievances and the more recent issues related to the housing and economic impact that expats have, some local residents have expressed strong concern about expat presence in their country. Local publications have joined in by frequently portraying the expats in the country as overprivileged and out of touch.
Everyday life
Taking a sabbatical year abroad is considered a character-building experience that fosters personal growth and prepares young people for the working world in a unique way. It can also be their first time living in another country. While popular in some countries, the concept of a sabbatical year is far from universally embraced. Some countries worry about the "gap" it creates on a resume and other negative impressions it might leave with recruiters. Let's have a closer look.
Moving
So you're relocating overseas. After sorting out your visa and residence permit paperwork, it's time to make the move. But before you dive into packing, some essential things must be considered. What is the cost of an international relocation? Are you planning to bring all your belongings, or would you rather travel light? Do you intend to hire professional movers or handle everything by yourself? Here are some practical tips to help you navigate the process.
Pets
Moving abroad without your cat or dog can feel overwhelming, and planning a move with a pet can be complicated. Besides the high costs of pet travel, there might also be various restrictions in your host country. So, what are your options if you choose not to bring your pet with you? Here are our tips for a smooth transition.
Work
When you accept a new job offer abroad, it's not only the salary that matters; benefits matter, too. Relocation assistance, flexible/remote working provisions, healthcare coverage, paid time off, and childcare benefits – all of these can make a big difference in how easy it is to adjust to life as an expat worker.
Work
Life as a digital nomad sounds like a lot of fun and allows for a lot more freedom. Those who love to travel will especially be drawn to this lifestyle. However, it's important to remember that it's still considered work (not a vacation!). While it may seem that it's as easy as packing up and flying somewhere new, there's a lot more thought that needs to go into it. To successfully sustain life as a digital nomad, there are a couple of things to consider to ensure that you're fully prepared.
Everyday life
Switching between summer and winter times is an unavoidable step in many countries worldwide, especially in Europe, where the change has been the subject of much debate for several years. So, how do you adjust if you've just moved from a country where it's not the norm?
Shopping
The video of an American being amazed by shopping malls in Australia recently took TikTok by storm. In it, the young woman is amazed that malls in Australia have delis, grocery stores, and even a pharmacy. The comment section featured a lot of surprised Australians who couldn't believe that malls in the United States were different.
Everyday life
Relocating to a new country means plunging into the unknown, often without knowing anyone and, often, hardly knowing the local culture and language. Fortunately, there's always an expatriate community ready to welcome you and offer the best advice for this new beginning. Discover ten good reasons to join an expatriate community abroad.
Everyday life
Air quality might not be a priority for every expatriate right now, but that could shift soon. Expatriates and those considering relocation are becoming more conscious of environmental and ecological issues. Of course, nobody enjoys living in a city with poor air quality; the problem just needs to be acknowledged. Hidden pollutants, such as fine particles, significantly degrade urban air quality and pose health risks. Let's take a closer look at this issue.
Work
After spending several years dedicated to full-time parenting, the time has come to re-enter the workforce. How do you approach this transition and prepare to impress recruiters? Additionally, are there particular countries that facilitate the process of returning to work after a parental break?
Work
When working in a new country, it is not only the more formal aspects of the job—such as the salary and work hours stated in the contract—that matter. Many informal, even largely unspoken, cultural norms shape the experience of working in a foreign country. What are some of these cultural aspects that you should try to be aware of?
Other Types
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often associated with adventure, discovery, and new opportunities. While it can be a deeply enriching experience, there is often a less visible reality behind the excitement of starting a new life abroad: exhaustion. In my consultations, expats sometimes describe a fatigue that never seems to lift, unusual irritability, a sense of disconnection, or the feeling that they are no longer quite themselves. What I have also observed is that this distress is rarely confined to one person. In expat families, when one parent begins to struggle, the entire family often has to adapt. Partners may feel isolated or lose their sense of direction, while children can pick up on their parents' stress, worries, or emotional fatigue, even when these feelings are never openly discussed.
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?
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