Features

Traveling and moving abroad is the dream of many. Unfortunately, when it comes to passports, not all countries are equal. You must have heard of strong passports and weaker ones. Is there really a geopolitics of visas? How does this affect moving abroad plans?

Remote working has been on the rise for the past few years. Since the Covid pandemic, most of us have spent a few days a week away from the office. While we've heard of working remotely in the next town or region, remote working from abroad is gaining ground. Large companies are even offering turnkey packages to their employees. But what are the risks, and how do you make sure you're covered at all times?  

Labor shortages are at an all-time high in many countries, such as Canada, Japan, Australia, the UK, France, Israel, Indonesia, Spain, Germany, etc. These ever-increasing needs open up opportunities for those considering a career abroad. But how do you stand out from thousands of job applicants in a foreign country? Here are our tips.

Moving abroad as a family can be the adventure of a lifetime, a couple's or personal challenge, a choice for the two or not, with or without each others's support. The couple can sometimes bear the brunt of this choice unless their life abroad has further fractured an already fragile relationship. When it's no longer possible to pick up the broken pieces and stick them back, divorce seems to be the last resort, but an expat woman can be in an even more precarious situation between legal considerations and the weight of culture and tradition.

On June 22, France's Conseil d'orientation des retraites françaises (Cor) published its report, leading to a new debate on retirement pensions. According to the Cor, the reform will not balance the books by 2030. This was a significant setback for the French government, which had campaigned on this very objective. As populations age, pension issues are leading to equally heated debates elsewhere in the world. What about retirees living abroad? How difficult is it to receive your pension abroad? Here's what you need to plan for.

Finding suitable accommodation will be a priority when planning your move abroad. It's important to understand that the housing landscape can vary significantly from country to country, with different types of accommodation and varying levels of services included. Let's look at some of the nuances that can be observed in different countries.

Working on a farm abroad is a popular option for many travelers seeking new experiences in contact with nature and simple things. In most cases, participants can have a lot of benefits from it, including cultural enrichment. However, this experience has turned into a nightmare for others. Learn about the benefits and risks of working abroad on a farm and how to make sure it is a safe option.

While the European Commission is fighting to put an end to the Golden Visa within the European Union, other states are keen on pursuing the Golden passport adventure. As a means of attracting foreign investors while boosting the economy, the Golden Visa continues to appeal to a range of expatriates, not just the wealthiest. So how do you qualify for a Golden Visa if you're not an investor?

If you're an expat who hopes to get a job in Europe, a new report from the European Labour Authority (EURES) will be of great help to you. It has analyzed the jobs that are the most and least in demand across all countries of the EU. The jobs requiring the most expat labor are in skilled manual trades, medicine, IT, engineering, transportation and education. Meanwhile, less expat labor is required in administration, the arts, communications and the social sciences.

Multiple studies show that the population of expats is getting younger. These expats under 30 report higher burnout rates than older expats, which means that employers need to consider well-being metrics more seriously in their work culture. Flexible work hours and the freedom to work remotely also count as well-being initiatives.

Working abroad can sometimes bring surprises, whether pleasant or not. These can be a work culture that doesn't go down well, difficult working conditions, etc. You might find yourself stuck between signing a work contract and reality. So where should you seek help if need be? Is there anyone you can talk to even though you're an expat? Are you allowed to unionize? Let's find out.

Canada and Australia are well-known to be the powerhouses of immigration of the moment, and the United States and the United Kingdom have always been popular with immigrants too. However, other countries, including smaller ones, are trying to position themselves as attractive expat and immigrant destinations. The labor shortage in these countries has forced their governments to relax immigration laws in recent years.

Digital nomadism has been a growing trend since the reopening of borders. The whole world envies them for their free-spirited, avant-garde lifestyle. Digital nomads, a new generation of adventurers, are reinventing life abroad and work organization. Overall, it's a new way of life. But does digital nomadism also have a legal status? How does it differ from self-employed, and how do you choose between the two?

Every country has its own traditions, symbols and cultural practices. These are particularly evident on special occasions such as weddings. A unique day that calls for unique traditions that you need to be aware of to avoid offending families and making a blunder. Here's an overview of the different rites around the world, which you need to know if you're planning to get married abroad or if you've been invited to a wedding ceremony in your host country.  

After the paperwork and international moving process (including the visa, work permit, housing search, etc.), you're now well settled in your host country and starting your new job in a new company. You have a career plan and are determined to climb the ladder. But how to ensure you have a successful career abroad? Here are the common mistakes to avoid.

Singapore regularly tops the list of the most expensive cities in the world. In 2023, it tied with Zurich in first place among the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The same year, a report by Mercer called Singapore the best city for expats in Asia. However, in recent years, Singapore has been experiencing a continuous exodus of expats. Even those who have called it home for a long time are starting to reconsider.

The tech world, already shaken in 2022-2023, is still in turmoil. As AI continues to develop, other sectors will come under the scrutiny of multinational corporations. What does this mean for aspiring expats? Should this be seen as a risk for international recruitment?

To stand out on the international job market and further strengthen the position of the European Union, the European Commission announced the creation of a European diploma. What does this mean for potential international students in Europe?