Features
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?
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.
Formalities
At first glance, holding dual citizenship seems like a clear advantage. You get the best of both worlds: the right to live, work, and travel freely in two countries. But in reality, it's not always that simple. The laws of both nations don't always align—and sometimes, they can even contradict one another. So how can you take full advantage of your dual citizenship without running into trouble?
Accommodation
So, you're about to rent your first place abroad. After jumping through all the hoops to secure your residence permit, you're probably just looking forward to settling in and enjoying your new home. But hold on — there's another round of formalities ahead. What should you ask before signing a lease overseas? Here's your essential checklist, along with smart tips to help you steer clear of unpleasant surprises.
Work
The summer job season is in full swing, and you've set your sights on working abroad this year. Whether you're seeking a short-term position or a temporary contract, making a strong impression is key to landing the job. So, how can you catch the attention of foreign recruiters? And how can you adapt to the culture of your host country? Here's what you need to know to present yourself effectively and confidently navigate your international experience.
Banks and finance
Are you required to declare your foreign bank accounts? After all, it's your money. You're not hiding billions in offshore tax havens—just keeping one or two old accounts from your student days or a stint working abroad. Still, if they go undeclared, those memories could end up costing you. Here's what you need to know.
Work
Finding a job abroad without prior experience is becoming increasingly difficult. Learn about the current obstacles and practical solutions for starting an international career. The days when one could confidently apply for a junior position without experience are over. Several surveys highlight a growing trend: job postings for "entry-level" roles increasingly require a few years of experience. It's a paradox—how are fresh graduates expected to gain their first professional experience if even beginner roles demand one? The issue becomes even more complex for young people looking to move abroad, where they must also prove their worth beyond national borders.
Everyday life
Being an expat isn't easy. It can be fun, interesting, eye-opening – but it comes with its share of hardships and lessons. Today, we are focusing on the lessons we learn as expats at the very beginning of the journey. Here are the six lessons you will most likely learn in your first half a year abroad.
Work
Job hunting in a new country can be a minefield. You're navigating unfamiliar cultural norms, unsure of the unspoken rules in the professional world, and uncertain where to find the right contacts who can open the right doors for you. To make matters worse, in the digital age, fake job ads clutter even well-established platforms like LinkedIn. Some countries, like South Africa, are even facing an epidemic of these fake “ghost jobs” and scams. How can you avoid these traps?
Visas
Obtaining citizenship without enduring long and complex naturalization procedures is possible through fast-track programs. However, these often come at a high cost. A country's political environment also plays a key role in shaping its stance on this form of “express citizenship.” Here's what you need to know if you're looking to acquire a second passport in less than a year.
Schools & studies
Raising children abroad often means adapting to an unfamiliar education system. For parents enrolling their children in local schools, the cultural shift can be both challenging and eye-opening. What are the key differences between educational systems? And how can you prepare your child for the transition?
Work
One of the biggest challenges for expatriate workers is figuring out how to present themselves to a foreign employer. Adapting to a different resume format, especially with a non-traditional background, can be tricky. But what if the resume is part of the problem? More companies are turning to resume-free recruitment to give all candidates a fairer chance. Here's what that means in practice.
Everyday life
You've decided: retirement abroad is the plan. Whether you're relocating permanently or spending just a few years overseas, preparation is key. Many employers offer support as staff transition into retirement—but what happens when that next chapter unfolds in another country? When should you start planning? And what timeline will help you make the most of your new life abroad?
Schools & studies
Selecting the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll face when living overseas. For many families, English-language education is a top priority—it can open access to leading universities around the world. In this context, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has become an increasingly popular option. Here's what makes it stand out.
Formalities
Deportation is often associated with undocumented migrants, but even legal expats can face removal from their host country. A valid visa doesn't guarantee immunity. In fact, many expats underestimate the risks — such as using substances that are legal back home but banned locally. So, what are the key reasons expats get deported, and how can you avoid falling into these traps?
Visas
Countries facing labor shortages and demographic decline are increasingly turning to foreign talent to sustain their economies. Skilled migrants help fill critical gaps, driving economic stability and long-term growth. So, where are the best opportunities for expats today? Here's a closer look.
Other Types
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.
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