Features
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.
Work
Cold emails are a powerful way to show your drive and determination, provided you know how to stand out and reach the right person. Which countries are most receptive to unsolicited job applications? And how do you capture the attention of a foreign company?
Work
While some employees avoid taking time off, fearing they might be replaced by AI, others make a point of using every last day of their vacation entitlement. But what about your host country? Does the local leave culture give you the freedom to plan your holidays as you see fit? And what does the law actually say?
Everyday life
So you may be thinking to yourself, if I move to an English-speaking country, I won't have to spend a lot of time learning another language. After all, it is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1.45 billion people speaking it as either a first or second language. That's roughly 20 percent of the planet's population. But the day-to-day reality can be somewhat different even in countries like the USA and Canada, where English is the primary or official language.
Schools & studies
One thing we keep repeating throughout our study abroad articles is this: being an international student can be a great, and often life-changing experience. But what is stopping a lot of students from experiencing international study is often not something abstract like the fear of the unknown, but something very practical and tangible: the cost. Luckily, there are quite a few scholarships aimed specifically at international students.
Children
Imagine your kid's school bans junk food in the cafeteria. That's good, right? But what if they also start monitoring what you have packed for your child's lunch? No more sugary drinks, processed snacks, fried foods, and sweets. So, those little treats you were adding to your kid's lunch to cheer them up, or a familiar snack from home, are no longer allowed. This is not an imaginary situation but the reality for parents in Abu Dhabi.
Work
The alarm bells regarding AI and the workplace have been sounding for some time. While the technology undoubtedly has its benefits, such as improving information gathering and enhancing the employee experience by automating mundane tasks, it is also a source of existential anxiety. Whether the worst, most dire predictions come true or we simply see a shift in the corporate landscape, there is little doubt that AI will transform work culture globally.
Everyday life
Moving to a new country comes with lots of costs. We explore a lot of these in our living abroad guides. But some costs are more abstract and don't really reveal themselves until much later. This is often the case with the relationships that we “leave behind” back home.
Work
Can you still choose your own career in 2026? An unstable global economy, worldwide financial pressures, labor shortages, a tightening international job market… All the ingredients seem to be in place to push Gen Z toward "pragmatic" career choices. Yet the opposite is happening. Rather than letting circumstances dictate their paths, many are following their passions. Even if it means opting for careers that are considered "unsustainable" or precarious in the international job market?
Everyday life
Just a few years ago, living in a big city seemed to be a direct association with success. And so was moving to a big city. And a lot of expats, when relocating, were more driven towards big cities for this reason too. But things seem to be changing. If social media is to be believed (and yes, this is very debatable), a lot of people now prefer, given the choice, to settle away from the noise of a big city. Smaller sustainable communities are starting to emerge.
Children
We often talk about how difficult relocation can be for adults. You lose connections with friends and sometimes even family, you suffer from language fatigue, you need to adapt to a completely new way of life. This can be really hard on adults. But then what about children?
Work
Labor shortages in some sectors are playing out alongside unemployment rates that, depending on the country, remain stubbornly high. Young people are particularly at risk of failing to find work in their field or anywhere else. So, how are young professionals thinking about moving abroad in this climate?
Everyday life
In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated that the current energy crisis is "worse than those of 1973, 1979, and 2022 combined." Compounded by the war in the Middle East, the crisis is pushing governments to fast-track their energy transition policies, from fuel taxes and vehicle use restrictions to incentives for remote work. Should expats brace for lasting disruptions to their daily lives? And how can they adapt to this new reality?
Costa Rica
It is the 4th-happiest country in the world. For the first time, Costa Rica has broken into the top 5 happiest countries on the planet, and it is the first Latin American nation to reach the upper ranks of the list. This strong showing mirrors Costa Rica's reputation among expats: the country consistently ranks among the best places to live abroad. So what makes Costa Rica so appealing? And how do you go about settling there as a foreigner?
Work
Starting a business abroad and turning a profit. Between the two lies a series of steps to get right, and pitfalls to steer clear of. Culture, cash flow, investment… Here's an overview of the most common mistakes to avoid when building a successful business overseas.
Other Types
France
This quiet reform barely made a ripple in France's political debates, yet it slipped through largely unnoticed and will tighten the rules for those who combine work and retirement.
France
A decree published on April 25 in the Official Gazette updates the rules allowing foreign workers to apply for the European Card or register on the "list of jobseekers."
France
E-invoicing (and e-reporting) was previously voluntary. From September 1, 2026, it will become mandatory for businesses to issue and receive electronic invoices. So who exactly is affected?
United Arab Emirates
The UAE's Golden Visa program has been updated. The reform, focused on simplification, aims to further cement the United Arab Emirates' position as a top destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
Formalities
A new fee for expats. Quietly slipped into the 2026 Finance Act, this measure has very real consequences for foreign drivers in their everyday lives. Starting May 12, exchanging a driver's license will no longer be free.
United Arab Emirates
The emirate of Dubai is rolling out a new strategy to keep attracting wealthy expats. A minimum investment is no longer required to qualify for a two-year residency visa.
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