Features
Bulgaria
Thinking about where to relocate? The 2025-2026 expat trends highlight several emerging destinations, and Bulgaria is high on the list. Many expats now see it as one of the best places in Europe to begin a new chapter. Its growing popularity comes down to a few key advantages: a lower cost of living than most major expat hubs, a very competitive tax system, and a climate that easily rivals that of Mediterranean countries.
Work
Evaluating company performance to help professionals build stronger careers—that's the idea behind a new initiative from Singapore's Ministry of Labor. Since October 14, employees can, in just three clicks, discover the best companies to work for when aiming to grow their careers. These aren't necessarily large corporations, but rather organizations that actively support professional development. This tool can be especially valuable for expats seeking to advance their international careers. So, what indicators should you look at to ensure you're choosing the right company?
Everyday life
Life in the world's most bustling cities can be full of surprises. Many expats are attracted by the excitement of metropolises like Paris, Beijing, or Rio de Janeiro, exactly because they seek novelty and adventure. What aspects of life in big cities abroad have caught expats off guard, for better or worse?
United Arab Emirates
Attracting top talent from around the world is no longer enough. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has learned that to stay ahead and keep its global edge, it needs to do more than lure professionals with high salaries and career prospects. The real test now lies in getting them to stay. Retaining talent means offering something more profound—a sense of purpose, recognition, and belonging. That's the new challenge shaping the UAE's future.
Everyday life
The memory of your last family holiday abroad might still make you sweat. So, how could you possibly handle a complete relocation overseas, for months or even years, alongside your children? The thought alone may bring visions of stress and chaos. And yes, those challenges are real. But surprisingly, they can become a meaningful part of your family's journey abroad. It's not wishful thinking: life overseas with your children can be deeply rewarding, sometimes even joyful. So, what are the real benefits of moving abroad as a family? Here's what expat parents have learned from their own experiences.
Health system
They say prevention is better than cure, and never more so than when you're about to start a new life abroad. Before you go, a health check isn't just another box to tick; it's your first step toward a smooth transition. Understanding which vaccines you'll need, confirming your prescriptions will be available where you're going, and preparing for changes in diet or climate can make all the difference. A quick visit to your doctor before you leave could well be the most valuable travel prep you do—your passport to a healthy, confident start overseas.
Work
The reality of building a career abroad doesn't always match what's promised on paper. For some expats, frustration grows as they face unfair treatment and don't know where to turn. When your working conditions don't reflect your contract, how do you tell if it's abuse, and who can you ask for help?
Accommodation
For many expats, rent or mortgage payments swallow the biggest share of their budget. In Dubai, the tide is turning: new apartments keep flooding the market, but tenants and buyers are thinning out. The result? Landlords are dangling free months of rent and higher-end finishes to keep properties filled. And Dubai isn't the only place where housing incentives are reshaping the market. From €1 homes in Europe to tax breaks in Japan, where can expats find the best deals right now?
Everyday life
Moving abroad is a thrilling adventure—but safety should never be left to chance. Just as you wouldn't travel without a first-aid kit, you also need a digital “safety kit” to protect yourself in daily life. So, what essentials should every expat have on hand? Here's a practical checklist of tools and apps designed to keep you safe, wherever your journey takes you.
Spain
Spain's housing crisis shows little sign of improvement. With rents soaring, both locals and expats are being priced out of their homes. Some are forced to move further from city centers in search of affordable options, while others face the difficult decision to leave the country altogether. For many expats, the Spain they experience today feels far removed from the one they once embraced.
Work
Is the creative CV a thing of the past? Employers often say they're searching for “atypical profiles.” Recruiters emphasize the importance of highlighting soft skills and tailoring resumes to be personalized as key ways to stand out in today's highly competitive global job market. But with artificial intelligence reshaping recruitment, has the game changed? And how can expats, or those planning to move abroad, adapt their resumes to get past AI screening systems?
Everyday life
There are parts of expat life people don't mention at first. Most of the time, you'll hear about the excitement of adventure, the new flavors, the breathtaking landscapes. But few talk about the moment, months or even years later, when it hits you: you're no longer fully “from here,” yet you're not completely “from there” anymore either. This is the true reality of long-term life abroad. It isn't only about adapting—it's about blending. Day by day, your life becomes a patchwork of languages, habits, and cultural references. You catch yourself starting a sentence in your host country's language and finishing it in English, French or Spanish without even realizing. That's when you understand what it really means to live between two cultures.
Work
In uncertain economic times, the notion of “working more to earn more” tends to resurface. But does it truly reflect today's global labor market? Are we seeing longer hours, shorter weeks, or entirely new ways of organizing work? For expats, the reality varies widely depending on their destination. From 13-hour days in Greece to the growing popularity of four-day weeks in Iceland and the Netherlands, working cultures worldwide are pulling in very different directions. Here's what expats should know.
Leisure
Networking on the golf course? That's yesterday's playbook. For decades, golf was the sport of choice for sealing deals and building connections. But the reality is, it takes too long—and for eco-conscious professionals, it also consumes far too much water. Add to that golf's lingering elitist image, and it's no surprise many expats are turning to more relaxed alternatives. What they're really looking for is networking that feels effortless: fun, casual, and good for both body and mind. From fitness to friendships, here are the sports and activities redefining how expats grow their networks today.
Work
When will brighter days finally come? Today's uncertainties are weighing down the global job market. Geopolitical conflicts are pushing the world into unfamiliar and unsettling territory, while political instability is spreading to countries once considered safe. In short, nothing is certain. And when nothing is certain, relocation plans come into question. Potential expats are now doing the math. Should they quit or cling to a job they dislike? Should they retrain or stay within the same field? These dilemmas highlight the shifting trends shaping the international labor market.
Tax
Relocating abroad also means thinking about tax matters. To avoid risky investments and unpleasant surprises, it's best to rely on professionals while keeping a close eye on your bank accounts. This is a practical guide to the most common tax mistakes you should avoid when moving abroad, so you can plan your new life abroad with confidence.
Schools & studies
6.9 million. That's the number of students currently studying abroad, according to the latest figures from the OECD, in cooperation with UNESCO and Eurostat. Student mobility is growing steadily again after the slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Universities and colleges have taken notice, and many now have a dedicated office to guide students in planning a study abroad experience. But with so many exchange programs available, how do you find the one that truly fits your goals? Here are some essential guidelines.
Formalities
It's not usually the first thing couples think about when they decide to “make it official.” Yet the form of union you choose can shape your expat plans. “Marriage” often ties directly to “residence permits” and “rights” recognized in another country. How do different legal systems interpret the idea of marriage?
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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