Formalities - Expat Magazine

The challenges of retiring abroad: Dealing with bureaucracy and legalities
The challenges of retiring abroad: Dealing with bureaucracy and legalities
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.
How to travel legally with your minor child following a separation
How to travel legally with your minor child following a separation
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.
Pets across borders: Understanding international pet adoption and travel
Pets across borders: Understanding international pet adoption and travel
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.
Settling abroad: Where you must know the local language for paperwork
Settling abroad: Where you must know the local language for paperwork
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.
Spain revises immigration strategy to strengthen workforce
Spain revises immigration strategy to strengthen workforce
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.
Planning to get married or remarried overseas? Here's what you need to know
Planning to get married or remarried overseas? Here's what you need to know
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.
What does it cost to give up your citizenship?
What does it cost to give up your citizenship?
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.
Overseas retirement: What happens when your pension is frozen?
Overseas retirement: What happens when your pension is frozen?
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.
Making end-of-life choices as an expat: Should you stay or return home?
Making end-of-life choices as an expat: Should you stay or return home?
Moving to a foreign country often comes with personal growth and exposure to new cultures, but one must also consider the very practical aspects of ending one's life in that country after settling permanently there. Should you consider returning to your country of origin at this stage? Beyond the emotional aspect—being surrounded by loved ones—it is also important to consider the practical points of end-of-life abroad: administrative steps and issues related to international inheritance. 
How to adapt to paper and digital transactions as an expat
How to adapt to paper and digital transactions as an expat
As an expat, adjusting to a new country involves more than just cultural adaptation—it often means navigating the local ways of managing everyday tasks, which can range dramatically from digital processes to traditional paper-based methods. This article explores the distinct challenges expats face when adapting to these systems, offering insights and tips on how to efficiently handle everything from opening a bank account to securing healthcare.
Partnership certificates worldwide: Where do same-sex couples stand?
Partnership certificates worldwide: Where do same-sex couples stand?
2024 marks a critical "democratic challenge" year and a pivotal moment for LGBT+ associations, which have observed some progress but also some significant setbacks. Between the two, recognitions like the partnership certificate for same-sex couples are emerging to provide status to them. What is the legal value of this document? Are there other similar agreements around the world?
Moving abroad with a disability: Overcome legal and social barriers
Moving abroad with a disability: Overcome legal and social barriers
We can't emphasize this enough: moving abroad with a disability is not only possible, it's increasingly feasible as countries worldwide adopt more inclusive policies. Take France, for instance, which leveraged the Olympic Games to fast-track enhancements to its infrastructure. Despite these advancements, many cities, including Paris, still present significant accessibility challenges for expatriates with disabilities. 
United Kingdom: Upcoming tax changes and their impact on expats
England
United Kingdom: Upcoming tax changes and their impact on expats
The Labour government aims to move past the conservative era definitively. As the new budget vote approaches, expats might see some limited tax relief. However, this is to be taken with caution. The Labour Party recently criticized "catastrophic" national finances left by the previous government. What does this mean for expats in the UK and Britons living abroad? Let's break it down.
Global immigration trends: Countries battle for top skills
Global immigration trends: Countries battle for top skills
A tougher stance on immigration, coupled with a need for more foreign talent: the contradictory messages sent by states facing labor shortages continue to create a tug-of-war in migration policies. Between visa restrictions and open-door policies, nations are devising strategies to align their immigration policies with their economic objectives.
Retiring overseas: Is your pension enough?
Retiring overseas: Is your pension enough?
Many retirees opt to move to countries where the cost of living is lower than in their home country. Often, their retirement pensions do not meet expectations, leading some retirees to continue working, either out of necessity or personal preference. However, living abroad introduces specific rules related to various types of visas, which may not always permit additional employment alongside retirement. Let's have a detailed look at the situation.
Retiring abroad: Is it a lifelong decision?
Retiring abroad: Is it a lifelong decision?
Retiring overseas is increasingly appealing, but it also raises many concerns. Administrative issues such as receiving a pension, health insurance, or a residence permit can make retirement abroad seem daunting. Is it a lifelong commitment?
How to manage visas and inheritance issues after the death of an expatriate
How to manage visas and inheritance issues after the death of an expatriate
The loss of a loved one brings emotional pain, compounded by legal and administrative complications. When an expatriate with a primary visa passes away, their dependents often face significant legal uncertainties. What happens to their visa status? What are their options for remaining in the host country?
What the Left's win means for immigration in France
France
What the Left's win means for immigration in France
Surprising results in the European elections. Unexpected statement from President Macron. A swift campaign amidst summer holiday plans and the Olympics. Another surprise was the Left's victory in the anticipated legislative elections. The past few weeks in France have been full of twists and uncertainties. Will the outlook finally become clearer? As the first speeches and negotiations unfold, let's review the elections and the reactions from expatriates. What will the new face of French immigration policy look like?