Formalities - Expat Magazine
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.
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?
England
"Good for our jobs, our money, and our borders.” This is how British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the historic agreement reached with the European Union on May 19. Here's a look at the key points of the agreement. How might it impact expats and future expats in the UK and British expatriates abroad?
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?
USA
Following President Trump's return to office and his issuance of decrees that undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, numerous countries have issued travel warnings.
Statelessness, while not widely recognized, is often mistakenly viewed as an issue affecting only undocumented individuals who flee to another country. However, various circumstances can lead to statelessness. What measures do governments take to prevent such situations and safeguard affected populations?
USA
Should temporary and permanent residents be concerned? US Vice President J.D. Vance's recent remark that the privilege of staying in the United States isn't "unlimited" for green card holders has sparked widespread concern. With immigration laws becoming stricter following President Trump's re-election, even immigration experts are treading carefully. These stricter regulations impact both documented and undocumented immigrants.
According to a Pew Research Center survey, two-thirds of American workers aged 65 and older report high satisfaction with their jobs, surpassing the rates of their younger counterparts. Retirement age is increasingly flexible, allowing "semi-retirees" to maintain some professional activity. Additionally, this period often prompts some individuals to move abroad. How can one effectively manage this transition?
As digitalization advances relentlessly, an intriguing development has emerged: the possibility of becoming an "e-resident" in certain countries. This status allows individuals not residing within the nation to access a suite of online services, including business establishment. This officially sanctioned program is designed to facilitate digital entrepreneurship without serving as a conduit for tax evasion. Estonia, a leader in this initiative, has welcomed over 120,000 e-residents from 170 countries. Here's how it works.
The Henley Passport Index 2025 was recently released. Singapore's passport remains the most powerful in the world, followed by Japan's. The American and British passports have declined slightly in strength, while passports from war-torn countries, such as Afghanistan, remain the weakest. How important does it remain in 2025 to have a powerful passport to be able to travel and become an expat?
Retiring abroad is more popular than ever. But it's not all about warm climates and beach getaways. As it's becoming increasingly expensive to retire in the United States (and several other high-income countries), a lot of people are seeking other location options for a more relaxing and low-cost time off.
The justice system is increasingly detailed to enhance the protection of minors. To ensure peace of mind when traveling with your child, familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations in both your home country and the destination. Here are some practical tips.
Animal defense groups are ramping up their awareness campaigns in response to the harsh treatment some pets endure. Many expatriates, touched by the situation of stray animals, are eager to adopt. However, the complex administrative processes required prospective adopters to be well-informed about the specific procedures in their host countries. Here are some practical tips.
Administrative formalities upon arriving in a new country can be quite tedious, especially when they must be conducted in an unfamiliar language. Although some countries offer services in English, these can often be more superficial than genuinely helpful.
As Spain grapples with the aftermath of severe storms, the cost of reconstruction still needs to be determined. Despite government promises of aid for individuals and businesses, providing reassurance remains a challenge. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is actively making announcements to highlight Spain's resilience.
When planning a move abroad, few potential expats look into the intricacies of getting married, divorced or remarried in a foreign country. But as marriage laws may differ a lot in the country you are moving to, getting to know them beforehand can save you future troubles. Expats may run into a variety of challenges when navigating these laws abroad – and they may find themselves facing a collection of restrictions they never even knew existed.
In general, you can choose to give up your nationality if you already hold citizenship in another country, as giving up your nationality shouldn't leave you without any citizenship at all. However, the rules for renouncing citizenship can vary widely depending on whether a country allows dual citizenship.
Retiring abroad may be a dream for many. But it's definitely not without its challenges. And quite often, it's the financial challenges that take center stage. And these can be further complicated if you run into something unexpected, such as having your pension frozen.
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