Formalities - Expat Magazine
Bahrain
On 20 January, Bahrain's Parliament approved an amendment that would tie an expat's identity card to the duration of their residency permit. The decision was adopted despite concerns raised by the Foreign Affairs Committee. What should expat expect?
Thailand
The Thai government is stepping up immigration enforcement with a new measure aimed at reducing visa overstays.
France
As France's political crisis continues to dominate headlines, following yet another rejection of the government's draft budget, sweeping changes to immigration rules have gone largely unnoticed. A new mandatory civics exam for foreign nationals has been in force since January 1, 2026.
For today's expat, mobility means freedom, security, and opportunity. A well-structured passport portfolio safeguards your movement and places you among global citizens who live, work, and invest across continents. Whether protecting assets or chasing global mobility, building a passport portfolio is a smart investment. Multiple methods exist: fast-track naturalization, citizenship by investment, descent-based claims, and birth tourism. Different pathways suit different goals and situations. This guide walks you through the ways to build a passport portfolio and shows you the most accessible options for acquiring new citizenships in 2025.
It's not usually the first thing couples think about when they decide to “make it official.” Yet the form of union you choose can shape your expat plans. “Marriage” often ties directly to “residence permits” and “rights” recognized in another country. How do different legal systems interpret the idea of marriage?
Malaysia
A fresh destination is rising on the horizon for expatriates. Following in the footsteps of Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan, Malaysia is positioning itself as Southeast Asia's next “expat-friendly” state. How? By simplifying and accelerating visa procedures.
When you live abroad and become a parent, one question always comes up: What nationality will my child have? In some cases, they may qualify for dual (or even multiple) citizenships, which many see as a long-term asset for a child already growing up as a global citizen. But dual nationality also comes with legal obligations—sometimes unexpected ones—for both children and parents. Here's an overview of the rights, responsibilities, and key precautions you should keep in mind.
USA
Much more than just a driver's license, the American Driver's License serves as a genuine form of identification. The recent introduction of the REAL ID Driver's License—a true driver's license identity card—proves it once again.
It's time to head back. But before you return to your home country, there are a few important things to take care of. Identity documents, changes in civil status, school records, deregistration procedures—here's a complete overview of the administrative steps to help you travel with peace of mind.
Many countries strictly regulate the voluntary renunciation of citizenship to prevent statelessness. Yet, some people may still lose their nationality through circumstances beyond their control, often with serious consequences. So, how do different countries handle these situations? And if someone loses their citizenship, can they ever get it back?
Sponsoring a relative comes with many rules. Can your current status allow you to sponsor someone? Who are you actually allowed to sponsor? And what should you keep in mind before starting the process? Expat.com breaks it down for you.
Latin America as a region has become one of the most popular hubs for expats, digital nomads, and international entrepreneurs. The escalating prices, the rising taxes, and stricter immigration laws in Europe and North America are forcing people to seek alternatives, and many are finding Latin America's relative affordability, vibrancy, and diversity an ideal combination.
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?
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