Expat news
Work
After an economically difficult 2020, 2021 seems to be putting most countries on the road of economic recovery. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects global economic growth of 5.9%. The recovery will be driven mainly by the major powers: the United States (+6%), Canada (+5.7%), the Euro zone (+5%)... In this race for competitiveness, countries are competing for international talent.
Work
The latest edition of Africa's Pulse, a World Bank report, is optimistic. With an estimated growth of 3.3%, Africa is officially emerging from recession. This is still less than in other continents (5.9% in Latin America, or 6% in Asia), but it is happening.
Tax
To prevent the relocation of big companies and corporations to countries with low tax rates and stop the offshoring of their profits to tax havens, America's 46th president, Mr. Joe Biden, advocates a global minimum corporation tax of at least 15%. The Group of Seven has also backed Biden's proposal. The finance ministers of the G7 agreed to battle tax avoidance by making companies pay more in the countries where they do business.
Visas
Oman, an Asian country in the Arabic Peninsula, rich for its unique heritage, ancient history and culture, has been drawing attention lately for its easy immigrant regulations, as the Sultanate government grants special residency to expat investors and their families.
Work
Are things finally improving for the United Kingdom? Mass hiring is picking up again and is likely to break records. The current economic situation suggests a better winter than expected in 2021. Does this mean that 2022 will be even better for the UK job market? Is this a new opportunity for expats to consider a career in London?
Everyday life
On October 27, the US dollar was depreciated compared to the Canadian dollar, the euro and the yen. The announcement was made by the Bank of Canada. Tiff Macklem, the governor of the Central Bank, announced a series of measures, including keeping its key rate (short-term interest rate set by a central bank) at 0.25%. How do these fluctuations affect expats plans?
Everyday life
The end of the US Travel Ban means the reopening of borders. The United States is thus working on a return to normalcy. The White House clarified its new policy on October 15, with strict controls to avoid a new Covid-19 surge. So here is what expatriates and international travellers should expect.
Visas
Everything has changed since January 1, 2021, when Brexit came into effect. While some have simply given up their plans of relocating to the UK, others were cooled off by the new administrative procedure. Yet, others are still keen on moving to the UK. So how do you go about it from now on?
Everyday life
On October 3, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), a non-profit organization, released a damning new report on global tax evasion. The same organization is behind the Panama papers (2016), which shook economies and political systems worldwide. In 2021, the Pandora papers scandal reveals that the promises of 2016 were far from being kept.
Everyday life
On October 12, the declaration of the Belgian Prime Minister looked like a Marshall Plan. The objective is to reduce budgetary costs while relaunching employment in the country. Even though the Prime Minister has not mentioned expatriates, this does not mean that the tax reform will spare them. So what is changing in 2022, and what should expats expect?
Work
The announcement that Australia is preparing to gradually reopen its borders after 18 months of “travel ban” caused a stir. This might be a great opportunity for people who are looking to live and work abroad. Indeed, border reopenings symbolise growth. But it is also true that the hotel industry, which is highly exposed to the Covid-19 pandemic, was already in crisis before the pandemic? So what should you expect if you wish to build a career in the tourism industry?
Everyday life
Covid came unexpectedly and struck the whole world. Between lockdowns and “waves”, some regions have dealt with it better than others. Notably, Australia and New Zealand were among the countries famous for their strict measures, and they proudly showed that they have managed to keep for a while the number of cases at a minimum. But at what cost?
Everyday life
The pandemic made everyone's lives complicated. After the first travel limitations, the international borders for many countries have opened (with some ongoing exceptions), and restrictions moved based on the seasonal waves and immunization throughout countries. Like everyone, you are probably starving for a new nomad adventure. In order to make your journey as safe as possible, you will need to be informed about the regulations between countries, as well as the risk areas around the world.
Everyday life
Switzerland is the 29th country in the world to have legalised marriage for all genders after Costa Rica, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Canada, Denmark, Australia, Luxembourg, Ireland, Taiwan, Malta, Germany, Austria, South Africa, Ecuador, etc. This massive “yes” is a big victory for LGBTQIA + activists and a call for all other countries around the world that are still against same-sex marriages. Mostly European countries have done it so far. As Switzerland makes its “coming out”, the first weddings are expected as early as July 2022.
Accommodation
The pandemic has changed the outlook for individuals and businesses around the world. Most spheres of life are concerned by the “pre” and “post” Covid situation. In Spain as elsewhere, thousands of individuals, including expatriates, have been moving to large city outskirts, or, if they have the budget, to buy in a second home. Sometimes fearing new lockdowns, new buyers are seizing opportunities to enjoy life in a different way. However, a new tax reform introduced in July by the Spanish government could be a game-changer.
Tax
A recent measure from a Colorado district court may lead to negative consequences for US expatriates and those seeking to live and work abroad without renouncing their US citizenship. Is it fair if American expats have their income taxed as if it were earned in the US?
Everyday life
The Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau was re-elected on September 20 with a minority government. This vote can be defined as the trust of Canadian residence in the Prime Minister. In this pandemic era, the support of the whole nation for another new four-year mandate is crucial. Other political parties have been talking about their ambitions regarding immigration, but it looks like the Liberal Party won the hearts with its proposed policies.
Everyday life
Post-Brexit immigration has become a major issue over the past months. Things that looked pretty straightforward initially are now getting more complex, especially with the Covid-19 crisis. So with the labour shortage, a crisis in the fishing industry, disillusionment with mixed couples, what will immigration in the United Kingdom look like in the coming months?
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.
Open a bank account that suits you
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