Formalities - Expat Magazine
One of the most anticipated elections of the year is approaching. Will the European Union (EU) emerge from these elections more divided, or will it strengthen its unity? As we await the final predictions and, more importantly, the first results, let's examine the voting procedures. What conditions must expatriates meet to vote in the European elections? Are European expatriates living within or outside the EU treated the same way?
England
The current British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, called for a snap election on July 4. People were expecting the general election to happen in October or November, not in two months, reports the BBC. How can British expats abroad vote? And which expats in the UK have voting rights? Many Commonwealth and Irish expats in the UK are unaware that they are eligible to vote even if they don't have indefinite leave to remain.
The passport is the most important document that expats and travelers have when abroad. Although it might sound cliché, it is the identification for most visitors from overseas, who can't just show their national identities for moving around, entering the country, or going to the hospital. Basically, they need a passport to do any administrative procedure abroad. Despite all the attention to not losing this precious document, sometimes it just happens, and travelers and expatriates must be aware of the measures they should take.
Relocating your business to another country involves complex operations such as managing personnel, communication, and the physical relocation. What should you take, sell, or donate? What formalities are required?
Air travel can be stressful. You need to arrive early, check the size of your luggage, and go through customs. And then there are flight delays. But, apparently, some airports can raise your cortisol levels higher than others.
Labor shortages and ongoing housing crises are heating up immigration policies. Should work permits be extended, or should there be a cap on the number of foreign nationals? It's a significant challenge for countries, with each one trying to introduce new policies to attract expatriates while combating rising living costs. Here's an overview of the latest changes.
The laws concerning LGBTQ+ rights and the social acceptance of sexual/gender diversity in different countries can be a hurdle for queer expats who want to live abroad. For transgender expats, especially, restrictions around the recognition of gender changes in official documents (including the passport) and access to gender-affirming healthcare can make expatriation more complicated. The risk of transphobic discrimination and even violence can also make trans expats rethink their plans.
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If you're planning to move to Germany, you've likely heard that Germany's healthcare system is one of the best in the world and is renowned for its efficiency, accessibility, and high standard of care. However, if you're new to Germany, understanding the nuances of its health insurance system can be confusing and complex - especially if you don't know the language!
Before enjoying the happy life of an expatriate couple, there might be a few administrative issues to check out. Have both spouses drawn up a prenuptial agreement? Is there a risk that the matrimonial property regime will change with the international move? These questions are even more critical if you have your own assets. Here's an overview of matrimonial property regimes around the world.
The naturalization process in some countries involves a citizenship test in addition to an interview and a language proficiency test. These citizenship tests can be written or oral and check expats' knowledge of the host country's history, laws and core values. Their implementation has been controversial, but these tests have nonetheless become standard across multiple countries – the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, and South Korea.
With the rising costs of moving abroad on the one hand and tougher or more flexible visa requirements on the other, global immigration policies are ever-changing. Here's an overview of the latest updates to help you plan your move.
Giving up your nationality is a weighty decision. Expatriates may face situations that compel them to lose their citizenship voluntarily, but other reasons can also motivate this choice. Ultimately, renouncing nationality is a personal one, requiring careful reflection.
Several countries are grappling with labor shortages and are adapting their immigration policies accordingly. There's a high demand for skilled workers, although they may face challenges due to policies aimed at prioritizing national employment. Balancing the encouragement of local employment with promoting international mobility poses a significant challenge for governments.
France
The immigration law was recently enacted, yet tensions show no signs of easing. Meanwhile, the French government has released figures it believes highlight the positive outcomes of the reforms. Let's take a look at the chronicles of a chaotic reform.
Another country has decided to withdraw from the contentious Golden Visa program. As governments continue their efforts to attract foreign talent and affluent expatriates, they are exploring alternative approaches such as family visas, permanent residency, and employment programs. Let's explore these different strategies.
Can dual nationality address the labor shortage? That's the question on the German government's mind. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is considering reforming its citizenship laws. What benefits come with having dual nationality?
In mid-January 2024, the UK government voted to overturn a rule that used to bar British expats who'd been abroad for 15 years or longer from voting. This means that in the upcoming general elections in late 2024, around 3.5 million Britons should be able to vote from abroad.
Nationals of the most powerful visa-issuing states can rejoice. They have access to nearly 200 visa-free destinations. But besides this considerable benefit, what are the challenges for international mobility? How do these agreements between countries affect plans to move abroad?
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