Features
Visas
When considering cultural immersion, we often picture a new language learning experience. Indeed, the idiom matches this definition. But what if we told you this immersion could bring much more than language learning? Without a doubt, culture is everything, and most of the time, this is what expats are looking for. But it also attracts culturally diverse artists willing to study, attend an event or carry out their art in a country.
Schools & studies
Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of studying abroad had already become a significant factor for many international students and their families, particularly in South Asia and Africa. These regions have seen a rising interest in studying abroad, but with limited financial resources, there has been a growing emphasis on the return on investment of such a decision.
Everyday life
For several months now, the Netherlands has experienced a series of public transport strikes due to the inability of unions and public transport operators to come to an agreement regarding salaries, work contracts, and employee workloads. In this context, we've decided to look into how strikes may affect the lives of expats and what they can do to plan their everyday life in the new circumstances.
Everyday life
For prospective expats, the quality of life is a crucial factor when deciding to move abroad. In this article, we will explore what quality of life means for expats, how it can impact their decision to move abroad, and how they can evaluate the quality of life factors when considering a new destination. Whether you're planning to move abroad or are already an expat, these pointers will help you better understand what quality of life means and how it can affect your experience living abroad.
Hong Kong
There have been rumors since the end of 2022. Then John Lee, the Special Administrative Area's (SAR) Chief Executive, confirmed the news. Hong Kong is finally back to "normality". The wearing of masks is no longer mandatory for Hongkongers. Still, the mask is still strongly recommended in high-risk areas. Hong Kong is one of many countries to go by this preventive statement, reminding their populations of the importance of keeping the good practices acquired during the COVID crisis. Because the health risk still exists, and no country is immune.
Work
The Curriculum Vitae or CV summarizes your professional experience and is your first contact with any company you apply to work for. While you might be aware of the rules when applying for a job in your own country, seeking a job abroad often involves a different process. So what are the things to consider when writing an international CV to impress your potential employer? Here are some tips.
Visas
Expats who are in a relationship often want to bring their partner or spouse to the country where they are working. In some countries, this is a fairly straightforward process, but unfortunately, other countries have more stringent requirements like a minimum income threshold, age, or the number of years living together. Expats in same-sex relationships might also struggle to bring their partner to a country where same-sex marriage is not recognized.
Work
Many international students work part-time to fund their studies and gain experience. They have to be aware of both their rights and responsibilities. They should not only avoid exceeding the maximum number of hours they're allowed to work and file their taxes, but they also need to be on guard against exploitative employers who can take advantage of their lack of familiarity with local labor laws.
Work
As globalization has brought the world closer together, the number of expats, or people living and working outside their home country, has been on the rise. For many people, working abroad can be a way to gain new experiences, improve language skills, and increase earning potential. However, the question of whether expats actually earn more than locals has been a topic of debate for years.
Tax
After a good few years of living in the same country, expats might consider becoming permanent residents. For some, it is the first step towards their end goal of citizenship. For others, it's simply a way to be able to get more opportunities or travel in and out of the country more easily. However, expats have to carefully consider the tax implications of being a resident.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is a major upheaval in a person's life. Many use social media not only to make the transition smoother and for better integration but also for work or to become an influencer. Whether it is for keeping in touch with friends and family, making new acquaintances locally, or making oneself known, this means of communication has helped many of us.
Work
Did Russia's war with Ukraine wipe out the economic rebound? In 2021, OECD countries recovered from the health crisis faster than expected. A similar rebound was observed in other economies around the world, such as the United States, Australia, and China. In OECD countries, 66 million jobs have been created following post-Covid recovery. But since 2022, uncertainty has prevailed.
Work
Will 2023 be the year of entrepreneurs? Well, countries like Canada, Japan, France, the United States and the Netherlands are all striving to attract international talent. Innovation is back on government agendas, in tech, as in other sectors. But where should you move to, and why? Let's take a closer look at the best locations for entrepreneurship and their benefits.
Visas
Moving to a new country can be a thrilling and exciting experience, but it can also be challenging, especially when the country has immigration quotas in place. Immigration quotas are designed to regulate the flow of people entering a country, but they can also make the process of obtaining a visa and residency more complicated.
Work
Many people choose to change careers when their current job no longer suits them or when they want to find purpose in their professional life. Some decide to take the leap when moving abroad, by choice, by necessity, or by chance, just following the opportunities that arise. Expats who have switched careers talks to us about their experience.
Formalities
Living abroad does not necessarily mean that one is no longer attached to their home country; quite the contrary. For instance, the Dutch living outside the Netherlands just voted for their first electoral college. Many expatriates worldwide are more than willing to voice out their choices, and governments are themselves well aware of the weight of their overseas constituencies in various elections. But how do expatriates vote from abroad? Electronic voting remains a crucial issue.
Everyday life
The tragedy that recently struck Turkey and Syria is a stark reminder of how some locations lie within the planet's most active seismic and dangerous zones. While the odds of finding survivors are getting slimmer as the days go by, the task of reconstruction seems insurmountable at all levels. So what should you consider as an expat in an earthquake-prone country? Should you move there at all?
Everyday life
After multiple years in a country, expats might wish to acquire local citizenship. They might feel that this country is now as much of their home as their birth one. They might want to buy property more easily, vote or even run in local elections, and enjoy the privileges of the local passport. How long does it take to get naturalized in popular expat destinations, and what are the conditions to be met? In most countries, it takes 5 years of continuous residence to apply for citizenship.
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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