Features
Work
Let's say you have recently been hired abroad, or you have been promoted, changed department, changed supervisors... And that everything was going fine until the day tensions began to flare between you and your supervisor. Ever since then, every day brought its share of disagreements. Either that, or they would break out without warning, at the turn of a meeting, or because of some misunderstanding or misinterpretation.
Everyday life
The Netherlands' population grew by over 250,000 in 2021, and this trend might be set to persist due to a rising number of non-EU immigrants. However, the Dutch government is looking to temporarily curb immigration, especially among asylum seekers, because it puts unsustainable pressure on this small country with limited housing.
Accommodation
Studying abroad involves many formalities, such as applying for a student visa, taking language tests, opening an overseas bank account, and, very importantly, finding a place to stay. Students can choose between on-campus student residences provided by the university and off-campus options – a single or shared apartment, a homestay, or a private hall of residence. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Visas
Some countries have a special family reunification visa that allows elderly parents and grandparents to come live with their children, who are citizens or residents, usually under the condition that the parent/grandparent will be financially taken care of by the family and will not rely on public services. Which countries have this type of visa?
Work
When you start working in a new country, you should expect the workplace culture and labor laws to be different from those in your home country. Of course, this includes laws concerning paid sick leaves. Some countries, notably Low and Scandinavian countries, have very excellent national sick leave allowances. Meanwhile, other countries, like the United States and India, leave this issue to be determined by employer-employee negotiations and individual work contracts.
Children
Are you tempted by a big adventure abroad with your family? How to be prepared and make your kids feel prepared? Your kids' age, their interests, visas, their education abroad, etc., are some of the key issues you need to consider carefully. Here are a few pointers.
Work
Building your career in the country where you studied is a bit like finding a job in the company where you did your internship: it is easier, there are more advantages, and you are already integrated... In this article, we will review the concrete benefits of staying and working in the country where you studied.
Visas
Since the pandemic, embassies are overwhelmed. As a result, formalities are taking more time, and people must often be very patient. That's especially the case in some countries, where obtaining a visa is a real obstacle course. Which countries have the longest delays in granting visas or visa interviews? How does this affect moving abroad plans?
Everyday life
Adjusting to life abroad means adapting to not only a new culture but also to a new natural environment, including its risks. How should you prepare yourself when you move to a country which often experiences natural disasters? Where to look for information and help in case disaster strikes?
Work
With the end of the pandemic in sight, countries compete to attract qualified foreigners. Canada stands out as a favorite expat destination and keeps on highlighting its immigration policies. Other countries follow suit, with new visas and policies targeting foreign talent. So why are countries focusing on selective immigration, and how does it help economies?
Banks and finance
Economic uncertainties are driving more and more expats to invest abroad. How to manage your money? Which bank to choose? What are the best investments for expats?
Everyday life
Rising inflation, the Ukraine war, not to mention other wars and conflicts which aren't in the limelight of international media, have been affecting energy costs over the past months. Is it still safe to plan a move abroad under these conditions? How are expatriates affected by such rises?
Everyday life
"Who will pay?" For some, this question ruins the beauty of the moment. For others, it simply solves a practical issue. We just surely pay before leaving the restaurant. What are the different approaches in various countries? What is women's stance on this? How is the practice of going Dutch perceived?
Accommodation
That's it. You're moving abroad. What should you do with your current home, whether it's a house or an apartment? Should you sell it or let it? Should you rather invest in property abroad? Here is a roundup of your various options.
Work
The International Workplace Group (IWG) surveyed over 1000 hybrid workers about their work expectations. Nearly 60% reported that they are planning to work from anywhere around the world this year, with two-thirds saying their productivity doesn't depend on location. Since Covid, remote working and digital nomadism have soared. Hyper flexibility and workforce dispersion are becoming normalized within companies.
Everyday life
The profound changes experienced by the whole world since the pandemic have made some well-established expat destinations lose their appeal, and new ones become more attractive. The strictness of sanitary measures, political stability, and the cost of living during a period of worldwide inflation are all factors affecting this change in the choice of destination. Bloomberg published a list of six cities that are emerging as expat hotspots: Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, Dubai, Bangalore, Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro.
Schools & studies
Summer schools are back. Their winter counterparts, called winter schools, are also preparing to welcome back international students. What are the perks of these programs? Who are they intended for, and what types of courses are provided?
Banks and finance
Many expats move abroad not only to have a new experience in a different culture but to save money. However, life as an expatriate might mean having a lot of expenses, especially for those coming from Southern countries where the currency is devalued compared to the Dollar, Euro and Pound, for instance.
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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