Expat news
Slovenia
Good news for prospective remote workers: Slovenia is joining the growing list of countries welcoming digital nomads. The visa is expected to launch this autumn.
USA
The Trump administration's latest measures could make daily life harder for foreign residents. International students remain a primary focus, but other expats are also affected. For many, sending money abroad may soon become more complicated.
Portugal
The Portuguese government is set to tighten the rules for acquiring nationality. The Council approved a draft law of Ministers on 23 June, but the reform is not yet final. For now, the measures outlined below remain proposals.
Netherlands
With a pointed question, Amsterdam city councillor and Labour Party member Lian Heinhuis is challenging both businesses and residents to rethink how expatriates fit into city life. Her proposal, Maak van Amsterdam je thuis (“Make Amsterdam Your Home”), was initially rejected. But on June 12, the city council gave it the green light. Its mission is straightforward: to help expats feel truly connected to life in Amsterdam.
Spain
Spain's sweeping immigration reform came into effect on May 20, 2025, with the aim of simplifying procedures and modernizing the system. Here are the key points to understand.
South Africa
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs continues to experience delays in processing visa applications. In response, it has issued a new exemption, valid until 30 September 2025, as outlined in Immigration Directive No. 5 released earlier this year.
Indonesia
According to the Directorate General of Immigration, the aim is to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers. Since June 14, 2025, new rules have been in place to more strictly regulate the C18 stay permit (C18 visa). Also known as the "Work Trial" visa, the C18 is intended for workers coming to Indonesia to complete a trial period with a sponsoring company—the company where the trial will be carried out.
Kuwait
Expatriates in Kuwait should prepare for stricter visa controls. This new crackdown aims to better regulate the entry and exit of foreign nationals and more effectively “secure” the labor market. Here are the key changes.
Japan
Japan is stepping up efforts to hold foreign residents accountable for unpaid taxes and health-related fees. Under a new policy set to take effect by June 2027, the government aims to create what it calls an “orderly and harmonious society”—a vision that includes stricter expectations for expats.
Australia
Australia is amid a major rethink of its regional migration policy, aiming to attract more skilled foreign workers to areas beyond its major cities. The goal? To help fill critical labor shortages in regional communities and make it easier for expatriates to settle and thrive outside the country's urban centers.
Finland
Finland is introducing stricter rules for foreign workers. If you're an expat with a residence permit tied to your job, and you lose that job, you'll now have just three months to find new employment. Otherwise, you could lose your right to stay in the country.
Hong Kong
To stay competitive in today's global economy, Hong Kong is making a strategic shift in its immigration policy. The city is preparing to raise the age limit for foreign professionals looking to work there in response to an ongoing shortage of skilled workers. If you've ever dreamed of advancing your career in Asia, this could be your opportunity.
France
France is introducing a mandatory online appointment system for all visa applications. This new requirement applies to all travelers, whether they are planning a short stay or a long-term visit. If you're heading to France, here's what you need to know.
England
The UK is getting ready to tighten its visa rules once again. The changes on the table include shorter visa durations, tougher language requirements, and a new rating system for university sponsorships. These updates are part of a broader effort to reshape immigration policy, and they could soon affect how foreign nationals enter and stay in the country. Two key changes are already in progress: the nationwide rollout of mandatory e-visas and a planned overhaul of the student visa system.
Belgium
Facing deep US science funding cuts, the European Union has launched Choose Europe for Science—a €500 million plan to recruit top American researchers. Announced on May 5, the initiative highlights 15 cities, from Berlin to Helsinki, as welcoming centers for global scientific talent.
Germany
According to official data, the German Federal Foreign Office issued fewer spousal visas in 2024 than in 2023. One likely reason is the language requirement: level A1, classified as “elementary.” This level reflects a basic command of German, enabling applicants to introduce themselves and engage in simple conversations—provided their interlocutor speaks slowly and clearly.
England
The UK is rethinking its migration policy. A new visa aimed at attracting foreign investors is under review, even as the path to permanent residency becomes more restrictive. London is trying to strike a new balance—tightening long-term access while selectively opening its doors to targeted economic contributors.
Thailand
On January 1, 2024, the Thai government enacted a sweeping fiscal reform. The Thai Revenue Department (TRD) is reportedly drafting a royal decree that would change how foreign income transferred into Thailand is taxed. The aim is to stimulate investment and attract more capital into the country.
Other Types
Everyday life
Moving to a new country opens the door to fresh experiences—and that includes meeting new people. Dating apps can make it easier to connect, whether you're looking for companionship, a relationship, or just someone to explore the city with. But how can you make sure you're meeting the right person? And how do you stay safe while doing it?
Schools & studies
Like millions of locals, international students often work to support their studies. While working can offer cultural insight and a chance to engage with the host country, finances are usually the main motivation. So, how can students strike a balance between work and study? And what boundaries can help them make the most of their student life?
Visas
It's the golden ticket to living almost like a citizen. For foreign nationals, a permanent resident card holds deep symbolic value. Many expats work hard to get it—a milestone that's often challenging. Once it's granted, maintaining that status becomes crucial, especially for those aiming to apply for citizenship later on. But what happens when your permanent resident card expires? Do you automatically lose your status?
Work
Unlike other Erasmus initiatives limited to those under 30, the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program has no age restriction. It offers a practical pathway to professional growth: the chance to explore new business cultures, gain vital skills, and expand your international network. You don't need years of experience to apply. What matters is a clear business idea, determination, and a strong desire to learn. In this article, Enrico, a young ambassador who benefited from the program, gives you insight into the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs initiative.
Everyday life
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure full of opportunities. But it also means getting to know a place that may still feel unfamiliar. Unfortunately, scams are common—especially in large cities. Expats who don't yet speak the local language or understand how things work can be easy targets. To help you avoid problems and settle in smoothly, here are some key insights into the most common types of scams you must beware of.
Everyday life
Many aspects of life today are shaped by constant judgment and evaluation—annual reviews, performance indicators, goal assessments, skills audits, and more. But should we apply the same lens to an international relocation? Living abroad is a rich and complex experience, which raises an important question: how—and why—should we evaluate it? Is it to strengthen an application for a new role and better reflect the value of our intercultural experience? To gain clarity about future goals in an international setting? Or perhaps to make sense of the reasons behind a return?
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