Features
Leisure
If you're about to relocate to a new city, you're probably wondering how you'll get around every day. Not everyone likes taking the bus or the metro daily, whether for the work commute, grocery shopping or leisure. Having a car may not be the ideal solution in your new city. To help you make the best choice, here is an overview of the world's best cities for walking or cycling.
Cost of living
If you're looking to move abroad, but you don't have the budget, don't panic. Some countries do offer the possibility of enjoying an excellent quality of life along with a low cost of living. So here are some tips for living overseas for cheap from Jerry Nelson, a US expat blogger living in Argentina.
Everyday life
It can take several days or weeks before the new US president is proclaimed, but Democrat candidate Joe Biden seems to be on his way to the White House. This Thursday, November 5, he had already won 264 electoral votes against 214 for Donald Trump. However, it's still possible that the candidate with the most public votes isn't declared the winner. Especially since Donald Trump is challenging the results. Expats around the world tell us how they feel about this election.
Banks and finance
Most expats move to Europe for better career prospects and higher living standards. However, it's not always easy to find a job and a salary that meets your expectations. Rent, cost of living, etc., are some of the factors to take into account. So if you wish to thrive and enjoy a better quality of life, which cities should you consider?
Moving
According to a recent study by the Environics Institute, an Ottawa-based research centre, one in five Canadians believe that the presence of expats makes Canada a better country. For them, expats are not a threat to the local economy and labour market. What makes them feel so? Also, how do countries worldwide benefit from the presence of expats?
Visas
The US Green Card Lottery program is coming to an end. Potential candidates have until November 10, 2020, to apply for their green card for 2022. Meanwhile, the lucky winners for the 2021 tax year were announced in September. What is it about and which countries offer this type of resident permit to expats?
Work
Since the early days of the global health crisis, many companies have switched to remote work. This does have a considerable impact on both careers and the mental health and well-being of employees. What about professionals who are looking to work abroad after the crisis?
USA
Presidential elections in the United States are already well underway. In the political debate, an important issue, immigration policy, a dossier in which the two candidates have very different positions. Once in the Oval Office, the future president will be able to promote initiatives in this area. How can they affect those who want to live in the United States? How about those who already live there?
Formalities
You might be looking for a more powerful passport to be able to travel more easily or it might just be that the pandemic has prompted you to consider a secondary residence. While many countries offer citizenship by investment, it's still possible to get a secondary passport for free. Here are some tips for getting a second passport from Jerry Nelson, a US expat blogger in Argentina.
Leisure
Finding better quality of life and the possibility of discovering new cultures are very often the things that motivate people to move abroad. So where will you get the best cultural experience as an expat? Have a look at the world's most culturally rich cities.
Everyday life
Unless you're moving abroad for a job, you have to decide on where you want to settle? A smaller town or village, a city, the capital city? While living in little towns and villages definitely has its perks, here is why you should consider your host country's capital city.
Tax
Taxes are never fun. So if you want to move abroad, but you're not sure where to yet, you might want to consider tax systems. Here's an overview of the best tax systems around the world according to a study by Tax Foundation.
Everyday life
The COVID-19 crisis had a significant impact on global mobility through the slowdown of commercial flights. Many Latin American countries have also implemented strict entry restrictions while others prefered to close their airports, thus prohibiting international flights until further notice. Here's an update of the current situation in Latin America.
Work
One of the top destinations for working abroad, Dubai recently announced the new Remote Working Visa, which is being managed by Dubai Tourism. This visa is intended for foreign professionals who would like to stay at least one year in the emirate without having to leave their job in their respective home countries.
Work
Have you ever woken up with a big smile on your face to get ready for work? If the answer is no, it only means that you're not happy with your job. What if you had the chance to make your childhood or teenage dream come true? Have a look at the coolest jobs around the world. An ancient thought says: "Choose a job you love – and you won't have to work a day in your life!”
Everyday life
The upcoming US election, which will be held on November 3, has got the whole world's attention. The campaign is on, but it seems like the country's social and political situation, President Trumps's recent blunders, as well as the COVID-19 crisis, are going to play a significant role in the voting. Expats tell us how they feel and what they expect from the election.
Formalities
As an American expat abroad, you're probably wondering whether you can vote during the forthcoming US election. Jerry Nelson, an American blogger who lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, gives out some tips to help you exercise your right to vote from overseas.
Everyday life
This article is not only meant for non-English-speaking expats. Unless English is your mother tongue, you will probably need to prove your language skills if you intend to relocate abroad. This is precisely what's likely to happen in Australia from mid-2021. The government recently announced that foreign partners and spouses of Australian citizens would need to be fluent in English to be eligible for a permanent visa. If this bill is approved by parliament, expats seeking Australian citizenship will also have to take an English test. What does this mean for expats? Why are English tests important when moving to an anglophone country?
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?
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"