Expat news
England
Here's some good news for English football clubs. The Home Office has recently approved new visa criteria for international footballers, resulting in increased flexibility for these foreign talents. This is advantageous for football clubs as they will be able to continue recruiting internationally. Now, does the Home Office's assistance extend to other foreign talent?
Argentina
The Argentine Congress might soon pass a new tax bill that will be a game-changer for remote workers who earn money from abroad. Until now, to legally keep their earnings in an Argentine bank, they had to convert them into pesos. The depreciation of the peso and lack of regularization of freelance work has pushed the state to come up with a bill that would allow these workers to leave up to US$30,000 unconverted in their Argentine account. The Congress's lower house has already approved this bill, but the upper house's vote is pending.
Visas
How can the smooth movement of individuals be ensured while effectively managing the external borders of the European Union? The European Commission has outlined its strategy: the digital Schengen visa. It has successfully reached a groundbreaking agreement in this regard. What does this mean for travelers and prospective expats?
Everyday life
Bali remains open to tourists and expatriates but in compliance with certain rules. I Wayan Koster, the Governor of Bali, has issued a new circular to clarify things. Effective May 31, it sets out new rules for international tourists and expatriates alike. According to the governor, who has observed a "growing laxity" among some foreign visitors, this measure is essential.
Cost of living
Where to move in 2023? Many would-be expatriates tend to scrutinize the various international rankings. Those already living abroad are seeing the effects of inflation on their daily lives. In New York, you have to look twice before you shop. The same applies to other major American cities. Other expatriation hotspots are also experiencing rising prices.
Tax
Last week, Belgium's Data Protection Authority ruled that the country must stop sharing the private financial information of Americans living in Belgium with the US Internal Revenue Service. What does this mean for American expats? Will this have an impact on their decision to settle in Belgium?
Indonesia
Indonesia is currently implementing new strategies to support the strong economic recovery observed in 2022. In addition to reforming its economy and encouraging innovation, the government is counting on wealthy and skilled foreigners. The health crisis has turned the organization of work upside down, and digital nomadism is at its peak. As a country that aims to become one of the top 5 largest economies by 2045, Indonesia is also luring wealthy investors.
Work
Countries facing significant labor shortages are making policy changes to attract international talent. Some of these include introducing immigration reforms, making entry requirements more flexible, and creating new visas. Here are some of the latest measures taken by different countries to attract foreign professionals.
England
The United Kingdom has experienced a significant increase in net migration since the Brexit vote in 2016, contrary to what was expected. The Conservative government is now trying to find other ways to curb the influx of immigrants.
USA
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, public attention has shifted as life gradually returns to normal. International students, previously allowed to pursue remote studies during the health crisis, are now transitioning. The United States and other countries have recently revoked Covid-related provisions, requiring international students to attend universities physically. What are the implications of this change for international students?
Australia
The Australian government is currently reviewing its visa policy, as announced by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, in preparation for the finalization of the federal budget. The changes are expected to come into effect on 1 July, the start of the financial year in Australia. The review aims to align the visa policy with the country's objectives and tackle the exploitation of temporary workers. According to the government, the existing system is flawed and no longer reflects market realities. What does this mean for expatriates?
France
The French tax filing campaign started last month and will continue until early June for online filers. This year, a new feature has been added - the declaration of property assets in addition to the income tax return. As an expatriate living in France, you may be wondering which tax rules apply to you. This article breaks them down for you.
Netherlands
According to Karien van Gennip, the Dutch Minister of Labour, many workers with flexible contracts and self-employed are uncertain about their employment status. Having a job is a good thing, but it's even better to have job security and career prospects. With this in mind, the government proposed new rules in April to ensure a more stable and balanced labor market. Here are some of the key details.
Portugal
Good news for expatriates who own property in Portugal! The Portuguese tax authorities have finally ended a practice that was widely viewed as discriminatory and will now treat residents and non-residents equally. Here's what you need to know about the new tax rules on capital gains and how they will impact you.
Work
The world is hiring, but shortages of skilled workers continue to pose a challenge this year, prompting governments to ease visa requirements, shorten processing times, and attract foreign talent. Urgency is the new watchword, as these shortages are a drag on economic growth. Governments must act decisively and quickly against international tensions such as the war in Ukraine, energy and economic crises, and inflation coupled with aging populations.
England
The UK government has been considering putting various restrictions on international students. Among these is a proposal to prevent some international students, those considered to be doing “low value” degrees, from getting dependent visas for their spouses and children. This proposition has been criticized both within and outside the government for being vague, discriminatory and counterintuitive for the economy.
France
Campus France reports that the number of international students in the country has increased by 8% over 2021-2022. There are now over 400,000 international students there, the highest number in 15 years. The growth has been driven by big leaps in the number of students from the Americas (+15%) and Europe (+13%). The affordability and quality of education in France could well be among the reasons behind this.
Saudi Arabia
Are we witnessing another positive step towards the welcoming of foreign talent in Saudi Arabia? It is now a reality: the spouses of expatriates in Saudi Arabia can now seek employment locally. But this measure is nevertheless subject to conditions. Let's explore the hows and whys.
Other Types
Paraguay
A new investor residency rulebook landed last month, and for anyone weighing Paraguay as a place to actually live, the numbers are surprisingly friendly. If you've been quietly researching Paraguay as a possible new home base, for the taxes, the cost of living, the easy residency, or just because the rest of the world feels increasingly expensive and complicated, this one is for you.
Tax
Postcard-perfect beaches, luxury villas, sports cars and a jet-set lifestyle: social media often paints expat influencers and content creators as financially free and permanently on vacation. Behind the filters and sponsored posts, however, lies a much more complex reality. As more freelancers, influencers and digital creators move abroad to optimize their lifestyle and income, tax authorities around the world are increasing their scrutiny. So how can content creators relocate overseas legally, optimize their taxes, and avoid crossing the line into tax evasion?
Tax
Living in a country without paying taxes: a dream for many expats who choose their destination specifically based on its tax policies. But does a truly "zero tax" country for foreigners actually exist? And what hidden financial risks should you watch out for?
Transport
"Once this war is over, fuel prices will collapse," Donald Trump declared. The U.S. president believes he has "very good chances" of reaching a deal with Iran, while also stating he is prepared to take military action if talks fail. In the meantime, prices at the pump continue to break records worldwide, with variations from country to country. How are expats coping with this situation? How are they managing their daily commutes and travel? The 大咖福利影院 community shares its experiences.
Banks and finance
Online banks and neobanks market themselves as the perfect solution for expats: open an account in a few clicks, fully digital, accessible from anywhere… at least in theory. What are the real advantages and limitations of these banking options? And what should expats watch out for?
Everyday life
For decades, the traditional idea of retirement was simple enough. You work until a certain age, then stop. The assumption was that a workplace pension, a state pension, or a private pension, and perhaps a little nest egg, would provide sufficient income to enjoy a good quality of life. However, for some, the new retirement reality is much more complex.
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