Features
Everyday life
Expenses such as moving, settling down, renting or buying a new place, insurances and the cost of studies are usually some major concerns for international expats. However, travellers might be surprised to know that in relation to salaries, the cost of food can be a new challenge when considering a country to live abroad, as food prices are increasing worldwide amidst an economic crisis worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
If COVID-19 has taught us one thing is that you can do any work from the comfort of your home. While the flexibility is great, it can be difficult for expats who have been pushed to work from home overnight. Indeed, as an expat, work often provides much needed socialisation and plays an important role in one's integration. So, how to work from home and still make the most of your expat experience.
Everyday life
Respect, whether for individuals, the society, the laws, is a universal value. While it is usually the norm in your own country, it tends to be secondary when you move to another country. As an expat in a new place, you will try to forge a new status and identity. But while observing the people and the culture, it is quite natural to fall into the trap of systematic comparison. So how can you be respectful of the culture of your expat country without feeling superior to the locals?
Everyday life
We have all heard of the term “culture shock” before and probably have experienced it ourselves at one point or another when arriving somewhere new. That sense of being out of place and far away from your routine and familiarities can be fun and exciting. It can, however, also graduate to an uneasy feeling, where you catch yourself longing for the things you were accustomed to before. For some, this feeling might last a couple of hours. Others will have to deal with it for days, weeks or even months, depending on the destination and situation they find themselves in.
Health system
Access to healthcare should be a priority when moving abroad, especially in the current COVID-19 pandemic environment. Without proper planning, expats may face high medical bills or may not even have access to good healthcare facilities and services. Since the quality of healthcare services and applicable rules vary between countries, expats should understand the systems in their host countries and ensure they can get access to good medical care, hopefully for a competitive price.
Leisure
A dip in cool water? A tough track for an early morning trail? A little picnic in a beautiful natural spot? Or just a nap in a clearing in the middle of the forest? You will find everything you need at the Black River Gorges National Park. We take you on a tour.
Everyday life
Moving today, in times of a pandemic, seems like a risky idea bringing doubts even to the most eager of expats. While sometimes it is better to stay or return home, in some cases moving abroad now is an important decision that can lead to better and safer living conditions. Here are some common reasons to decide to move abroad now.
Visas
Expats choose a second citizenship for several reasons, including better opportunities for themselves and their families, stronger passports for travel freedom, and even as an alternative plan. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the situations for many expats, making their futures uncertain, and some with financial means may look to obtain another citizenship.
Work
There is a popular belief that expats tend to be wealthier than locals. The health crisis has paradoxically widened the field of possibilities. Most people look for a range of benefits along with better career prospects. But do you really have to move abroad for a better living?
Work
After living abroad for a long time, returning home can be an adventure in itself. The longer you have been away, the more it will take to get used to the mentality in your country. Luckily, experiences abroad are very important for the job search, and they will bring you an advantage in the labour market. Going back might sometimes feel like a reverse cultural shock and will take some adaptation time, but this can soon come to your benefit when looking for a job.
Everyday life
If you recently moved to a new country and are finding it hard to open up to others and connect, then keep on reading, because here you'll find the top 10 tips to make new connections and friends in a new country.
Work
Looking for a job in a foreign country is not always an easy task. It requires a good set of knowledge, an understanding of the labour market in the country you are applying to and readiness to make your qualities shine brighter than the other candidates. The rules depend mainly on the industry you apply to, but also on the specific requirements of the country.
Everyday life
While living abroad is a popular desire of many worldwide, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is presenting challenges for current and future expats that they perhaps didn't foresee. Some may have no choice but to return home due to changed circumstances in their host countries, while others may choose to return home, perhaps even leaving behind their dream destinations and careers.
Work
During the past year and a half, the COVID-19 crisis and new surges almost put economies worldwide at a standstill. But 2021 unveiled a variable world, with countries that manage to preserve and even boost their economy. Currently, many sectors are in turmoil and looking for qualified and skilled staff. So there are many opportunities for professionals who are looking to boost their careers overseas.
Everyday life
Many expats have seen their plans fall apart over the past year, with borders closing and lockdowns in place. Staying put has been the easiest and often the best thing to do, as we were all eagerly waiting for better times. As things are now finally starting to look up and international borders are re-opening, we can't help but wonder: are expats actually still keen to work and move abroad?
Everyday life
People choose to become expats for many reasons, including better futures for themselves and their families, have interesting experiences, and travel. Many countries also benefit from immigration and expat-presence. However, expat life also has inherent challenges, including facing discrimination against locals at times. Conversely, in some places, locals may view expats as privileged.
Schools & studies
Many international students and researchers are afraid of not being able to pursue their dreams to study abroad, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for travelling and issuing documents as visas.
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Crown Relocations
Thinking about moving and not sure where to start? We've put together our list of frequently asked moving questions to help you plan ahead for your next big move. You'll find details regarding everything you need to know from deadlines and packing tips to navigating a post-pandemic world and documentation advice. Answers from our move experts have got you covered.
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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