Visas - Expat Magazine
Thailand
Thailand recently introduced a visa program designed for same-sex couples. This initiative is open to individuals married to a same-sex partner who is either a Thai national or a foreign resident with a permit that allows them to sponsor a spouse.
Bahrain
To stimulate its economy, Bahrain is strategically targeting affluent expatriates. The 2025-2026 budget introduces a novel program specifically designed for investors and skilled foreign workers.
Many popular expat destinations have recently ended or restricted their Golden Visa programs, which were often criticized. However, several countries still use these programs to attract affluent foreigners. In 2025, what are the available investment programs? Can one immigrate with their family through these programs?
Germany
The ascendancy of the conservatives signifies a shift towards a more stringent immigration policy, albeit with continued openness to non-European skilled professionals. On March 12, negotiations commenced between the conservative CDU and the Social Democrats (SPD) to form a coalition, expected to finalize by late April.
England
The British government faces a challenging task: addressing labor shortages without heavily relying on foreign workers. Here's an overview of their strategy.
Singapore
Singapore is addressing its labor shortage by overhauling its work permit system to both attract and, crucially, retain foreign talent. Here are the essential details to note.
USA
The US is overhauling its immigration policies by introducing the Gold Card for affluent foreigners and suspending EB-4 visas. This new strategy includes both a pathway to citizenship for wealthy immigrants and tighter restrictions on existing visa categories.
United Arab Emirates
To further broaden its expatriate community, the United Arab Emirates has introduced new categories of visas. Building on the success of existing visas for educators, digital nomads, and athletes, the UAE is now extending special invitations to green energy leaders and influencers, strengthening its position as a hub of international talent.
England
Announced several months ago, the paid visa will take effect from April 2, 2025. Here's what you need to know.
Canada
Continuing with the restrictive immigration policy initiated in 2024, Canada has introduced several new measures in 2025, including the suspension of sponsorship application processes, delays in pathways to permanent residency, and restrictions on work permit eligibility for expatriate spouses. The most recent regulation now allows for the cancellation of work permits and student visas.
New Zealand
New Zealand is currently facing labor shortages, and it will take some time for reforms in educational and training programs to impact this issue. In response, the government is implementing new visa reforms to attract skilled workers. This move is considered a potential driver for growth. How will these changes benefit foreign investors and workers?
Your early to mid-20s can be an ideal time to embark on an expat adventure. You're young, you have a newly-minted degree in hand and a thirst for adventure and you're unlikely to have family responsibilities like kids: the world is your oyster. However, financial constraints and a lack of work experience can throw a spanner in the works. How do you go about selecting a suitable destination and crafting your first experience living abroad?
Different countries adopt unique strategies to manage their workforce needs. Many are continuously revising their immigration policies to favor local employment. Despite these tighter regulations, effective collaboration between local and expatriate workers is achievable and essential. Given the persistent labor shortages, the reliance on foreign workers remains a practical necessity. Here's an insight into the latest changes in popular global destinations.
Immigration policies are undergoing major shifts globally. Spain is set to retire its Golden Visa program, prompting expatriates and investors to look elsewhere. Meanwhile, New Zealand is overhauling its rules, and the United Arab Emirates is strengthening its offerings. This article explores the significant changes in these regions and what they mean for potential visa applicants.
States are experimenting with various approaches to attract qualified foreign professionals and regulate their immigration flows, ranging from simplifying to tightening the rules. The objective remains consistent: addressing labor shortages.
As Trump gears up to launch his new immigration strategies in the US, many are left wondering about the future of immigration and the fate of millions of foreigners residing in the country, as well as those planning to move there. Meanwhile, international reforms vary, with some countries tightening temporary immigration while others implement policies beneficial to skilled foreigners. Spain is noted for its welcoming approach, and despite its political upheavals, Germany is looking to attract more foreign workers. If you're considering moving abroad in 2025, here's what you need to know.
This past year has been pivotal, marked by significant elections, sweeping immigration reforms, persistent labor shortages, and evolving demographic trends. Additionally, we saw notable shifts in expatriation patterns. Let's delve into these major developments that shaped 2024.
As countries finalize their budgets for 2025 and evaluate their needs, they are preparing to unveil new initiatives to attract foreign talent and investors. This comes in response to ongoing labor shortages. Here's an analysis of the latest developments.
Articles to help you in your expat project
Residence permits in Greece
Obtaining a residency permit is crucial if you want to remain in Greece as an expat, allowing you to access many ...
Iqama visa in Saudi Arabia
To become a resident in Saudi Arabia, you will need to apply for a residence permit, also known as the Iqama. The ...
Work visas for Greece
Greece is a popular destination for foreigners looking to work and live in the EU, but navigating the visa and ...
Long-term visas for Italy
If you have decided to move to Italy, the question of a residence permit arises first. Depending on your ...
Obtaining Permanent Residency in the U.S.
For millions of people, the prospect of living and establishing a life in the USA is a dream. Regarded as the land ...
Work permit in Belgium
When moving to Belgium, you'll probably need to work to maintain a decent lifestyle. Suppose you're lucky ...
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"