Features
Visas
While the European Commission is fighting to put an end to the Golden Visa within the European Union, other states are keen on pursuing the Golden passport adventure. As a means of attracting foreign investors while boosting the economy, the Golden Visa continues to appeal to a range of expatriates, not just the wealthiest. So how do you qualify for a Golden Visa if you're not an investor?
Work
If you're an expat who hopes to get a job in Europe, a new report from the European Labour Authority (EURES) will be of great help to you. It has analyzed the jobs that are the most and least in demand across all countries of the EU. The jobs requiring the most expat labor are in skilled manual trades, medicine, IT, engineering, transportation and education. Meanwhile, less expat labor is required in administration, the arts, communications and the social sciences.
Work
Multiple studies show that the population of expats is getting younger. These expats under 30 report higher burnout rates than older expats, which means that employers need to consider well-being metrics more seriously in their work culture. Flexible work hours and the freedom to work remotely also count as well-being initiatives.
Work
Working abroad can sometimes bring surprises, whether pleasant or not. These can be a work culture that doesn't go down well, difficult working conditions, etc. You might find yourself stuck between signing a work contract and reality. So where should you seek help if need be? Is there anyone you can talk to even though you're an expat? Are you allowed to unionize? Let's find out.
Everyday life
Canada and Australia are well-known to be the powerhouses of immigration of the moment, and the United States and the United Kingdom have always been popular with immigrants too. However, other countries, including smaller ones, are trying to position themselves as attractive expat and immigrant destinations. The labor shortage in these countries has forced their governments to relax immigration laws in recent years.
Work
Digital nomadism has been a growing trend since the reopening of borders. The whole world envies them for their free-spirited, avant-garde lifestyle. Digital nomads, a new generation of adventurers, are reinventing life abroad and work organization. Overall, it's a new way of life. But does digital nomadism also have a legal status? How does it differ from self-employed, and how do you choose between the two?
Everyday life
Every country has its own traditions, symbols and cultural practices. These are particularly evident on special occasions such as weddings. A unique day that calls for unique traditions that you need to be aware of to avoid offending families and making a blunder. Here's an overview of the different rites around the world, which you need to know if you're planning to get married abroad or if you've been invited to a wedding ceremony in your host country.
Work
After the paperwork and international moving process (including the visa, work permit, housing search, etc.), you're now well settled in your host country and starting your new job in a new company. You have a career plan and are determined to climb the ladder. But how to ensure you have a successful career abroad? Here are the common mistakes to avoid.
Formalities
The strength of your passport can really make international travel easier and more affordable. A passport that allows visa-free entry into many countries saves expats a lot of time, stress and money when it comes to visa requirements. Singaporean, German, Italian and Spanish expats currently have the strongest passports in the world, while some countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia tend to have weaker passports.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad is a dream for many, a reality for many international students. Countries are stepping up their initiatives to lure the best profiles. Some, like Japan, are creating new visas intended for students from the world's best universities. Meanwhile, students opt for the most welcoming, accessible and global-minded cities. What are the benefits of these student cities for international students? How can you join one of the world's most prestigious universities?
Work
As the global economy evolves, so do the demands for skilled workers in various industries. Many countries are experiencing shortages of skilled blue-collar workers, and as a result, they feature these occupations on their labor shortage lists. This presents an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to work abroad and contribute their expertise to a foreign land.
Banks and finance
There is a popular misconception that foreign professionals have an advantage over other their local counterparts, that they earn more and benefit from better working conditions. Behind these misconceptions lies a still highly idealized vision of expat life. The truth, however, is less idyllic than what it looks like.
Formalities
Get paid to move abroad? Yes, you read that right! The idea is gaining ground in countries faced with critical demographic decline and congestion in their megacities. This means that you can benefit from incentives to relocate to smaller towns. Where are such programs on offer, and what do they imply?
Everyday life
It can be more challenging for introverted expats to make new friends abroad. They can take more time adjusting to unfamiliar surroundings. However, their adaptation process can be easier if they personalize their house into a safety cocoon, create comforting rituals, connect with people with the same hobbies and don't pressurize themselves to do too many things at once.
Work
It is said that travel shapes youth, and the same holds true for adults, especially today, as many countries are actively on the lookout for international talent. Lifelong learning has become essential for building a successful career. Performing an internship abroad is another way to explore life in a new country while gaining knowledge and work experience. We are familiar with internships abroad for young students, but can adults also benefit from them? Is there an age limit? What options are available for non-students?
Australia
Language tests are often required for studying or working abroad, or obtaining a residence permit, but they are often criticized. Some people find them too numerous and costly, especially when they have already proven their language proficiency. Regardless of your reason for moving abroad, here's how you can cope with language test hurdles.
Everyday life
Moving to the Middle East has become a prominent trend, with the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus leading the way. A wide array of individuals, including foreign investors, executives, young graduates, and students, are now exploring opportunities in cities like Dubai or Nicosia, making it an increasingly diverse community. Some other countries in the region, like Saudi Arabia, are also making modest reforms to attract more foreign professionals.
Work
Want to start your own business abroad? Being an expat puts you in a peculiar position as a budding entrepreneur. You have a new perspective but might be unfamiliar with the local entrepreneurial landscape and regulations. You might have a strong international network but lack a stronger local network. You feel both confident and insecure, experienced and lost. How can you gain footing as an expat entrepreneur? Here are some tips.
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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