Work - Expat Magazine
Where will expat trends move in 2026? With the new year underway, it's time to look back at the shifts that defined global mobility in 2025. What lessons stand out—and what lies ahead for expats in 2026?
International organizations warn that the world is running short of social workers. Demand continues to climb as social and geopolitical tensions intensify across many countries. But the root of the problem often comes down to funding: the need for qualified professionals is growing, yet government budget cuts make it harder to recruit and retain them. This article takes a closer look at a profession under mounting global pressure.
It's probably not the first thing you think about. When starting an international career, you're focused on growing your skills, gaining experience, and building stability, not on your future pension. Still, it's worth asking: will the years you've worked abroad actually count toward your retirement?
Germany
The Merz government signed off on the decision on 29 October 2025—an unexpected step given the country's deep economic troubles. Yet the independent commission that issued the recommendation argues that the increase should boost household spending and, in turn, support overall economic growth.
Global economic instability is making companies more cautious. Temporary hiring is falling as businesses adjust to weaker demand. But is this slowdown only temporary—or the sign of a lasting trend? And what does it mean for expatriates?
Bulgaria
Thinking about where to relocate? The 2025-2026 expat trends highlight several emerging destinations, and Bulgaria is high on the list. Many expats now see it as one of the best places in Europe to begin a new chapter. Its growing popularity comes down to a few key advantages: a lower cost of living than most major expat hubs, a very competitive tax system, and a climate that easily rivals that of Mediterranean countries.
Evaluating company performance to help professionals build stronger careers—that's the idea behind a new initiative from Singapore's Ministry of Labor. Since October 14, employees can, in just three clicks, discover the best companies to work for when aiming to grow their careers. These aren't necessarily large corporations, but rather organizations that actively support professional development. This tool can be especially valuable for expats seeking to advance their international careers. So, what indicators should you look at to ensure you're choosing the right company?
The European Union's Pay Transparency Directive, passed on April 24, 2023, introduces strict new rules to tackle gender pay inequality. Employers must now make salary information public and close any unjustified gender pay gap above 5%.
United Arab Emirates
Attracting top talent from around the world is no longer enough. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has learned that to stay ahead and keep its global edge, it needs to do more than lure professionals with high salaries and career prospects. The real test now lies in getting them to stay. Retaining talent means offering something more profound—a sense of purpose, recognition, and belonging. That's the new challenge shaping the UAE's future.
Starting a business with your partner sounds like a dream, Palm trees, shared goals, flexible schedules, maybe even long lunches in the sun. But here's the truth: building a business and maintaining a healthy relationship takes intention, grit, especially when you add the stresses of doing it in a new country. I have done it with my husband—and we're still talking to each other!
Is the creative CV a thing of the past? Employers often say they're searching for “atypical profiles.” Recruiters emphasize the importance of highlighting soft skills and tailoring resumes to be personalized as key ways to stand out in today's highly competitive global job market. But with artificial intelligence reshaping recruitment, has the game changed? And how can expats, or those planning to move abroad, adapt their resumes to get past AI screening systems?
In uncertain economic times, the notion of “working more to earn more” tends to resurface. But does it truly reflect today's global labor market? Are we seeing longer hours, shorter weeks, or entirely new ways of organizing work? For expats, the reality varies widely depending on their destination. From 13-hour days in Greece to the growing popularity of four-day weeks in Iceland and the Netherlands, working cultures worldwide are pulling in very different directions. Here's what expats should know.
Finland
Will countries ever escape the cycle of labor shortages? It's a question that continues to haunt nations struggling with workforce gaps. Waves of retirement and falling birth rates are draining the labor pool, leaving governments once again turning to foreign talent. But attracting expatriate families is no easy task. Finland, however, is experimenting with a new approach to win them over.
Working abroad is often viewed as a privilege, a career-defining opportunity. The expat is seen as the adaptable, globally minded professional. Yet behind this polished image lies a more complex reality: a silent, internal pressure that can slowly erode mental health, often without being noticed. Preventing this begins with recognizing its presence, then finding healthy ways to manage it.
When will brighter days finally come? Today's uncertainties are weighing down the global job market. Geopolitical conflicts are pushing the world into unfamiliar and unsettling territory, while political instability is spreading to countries once considered safe. In short, nothing is certain. And when nothing is certain, relocation plans come into question. Potential expats are now doing the math. Should they quit or cling to a job they dislike? Should they retrain or stay within the same field? These dilemmas highlight the shifting trends shaping the international labor market.
A large share of the world is grappling with the same issues. Populations are aging. Birth rates are falling. Lawmakers are pushing back the retirement age. Older workers are staying in the labor force longer because there aren't enough new entrants to replace them. Labor shortages are shaving points off economic growth. What do these upheavals mean for the international job market? What answers are governments putting forward?
Being unwell in another country can quickly become expensive. So, how do the type of employment contract and your health coverage determine your protection abroad? What exactly should you do if you need sick leave?
On May 27, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially defined burnout as a “syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” Since then, governments have been trying—with varying degrees of success—to improve how they respond. What does this mean for foreign workers? And what kind of care can those suffering from burnout expect?
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