Formalities - Expat Magazine
The laws concerning LGBTQ+ rights and the social acceptance of sexual/gender diversity in different countries can be a hurdle for queer expats who want to live abroad. For transgender expats, especially, restrictions around the recognition of gender changes in official documents (including the passport) and access to gender-affirming healthcare can make expatriation more complicated. The risk of transphobic discrimination and even violence can also make trans expats rethink their plans.
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If you're planning to move to Germany, you've likely heard that Germany's healthcare system is one of the best in the world and is renowned for its efficiency, accessibility, and high standard of care. However, if you're new to Germany, understanding the nuances of its health insurance system can be confusing and complex - especially if you don't know the language!
Before enjoying the happy life of an expatriate couple, there might be a few administrative issues to check out. Have both spouses drawn up a prenuptial agreement? Is there a risk that the matrimonial property regime will change with the international move? These questions are even more critical if you have your own assets. Here's an overview of matrimonial property regimes around the world.
The naturalization process in some countries involves a citizenship test in addition to an interview and a language proficiency test. These citizenship tests can be written or oral and check expats' knowledge of the host country's history, laws and core values. Their implementation has been controversial, but these tests have nonetheless become standard across multiple countries – the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, and South Korea.
With the rising costs of moving abroad on the one hand and tougher or more flexible visa requirements on the other, global immigration policies are ever-changing. Here's an overview of the latest updates to help you plan your move.
Giving up your nationality is a weighty decision. Expatriates may face situations that compel them to lose their citizenship voluntarily, but other reasons can also motivate this choice. Ultimately, renouncing nationality is a personal one, requiring careful reflection.
Several countries are grappling with labor shortages and are adapting their immigration policies accordingly. There's a high demand for skilled workers, although they may face challenges due to policies aimed at prioritizing national employment. Balancing the encouragement of local employment with promoting international mobility poses a significant challenge for governments.
France
The immigration law was recently enacted, yet tensions show no signs of easing. Meanwhile, the French government has released figures it believes highlight the positive outcomes of the reforms. Let's take a look at the chronicles of a chaotic reform.
Another country has decided to withdraw from the contentious Golden Visa program. As governments continue their efforts to attract foreign talent and affluent expatriates, they are exploring alternative approaches such as family visas, permanent residency, and employment programs. Let's explore these different strategies.
Can dual nationality address the labor shortage? That's the question on the German government's mind. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is considering reforming its citizenship laws. What benefits come with having dual nationality?
In mid-January 2024, the UK government voted to overturn a rule that used to bar British expats who'd been abroad for 15 years or longer from voting. This means that in the upcoming general elections in late 2024, around 3.5 million Britons should be able to vote from abroad.
Nationals of the most powerful visa-issuing states can rejoice. They have access to nearly 200 visa-free destinations. But besides this considerable benefit, what are the challenges for international mobility? How do these agreements between countries affect plans to move abroad?
Some countries are making efforts to attract economic immigrants, while others are trying to limit their numbers but still allowing a few select candidates to enter. Here's a world tour of the latest immigration news to help you plan your stay abroad.
Following Brexit, the status of British expats in Europe, as well as European expats in the United Kingdom, is often questioned. Some European Union member states are offering support to counter the effects of Brexit.
USA
Artificial intelligence is making a remarkable entry within governments. It's impossible to ignore or do without it. Governments are passing laws and trying to regulate it. AI is even used in migration policies and strategies to fight labor shortages. How does this affect immigration in the US and around the world?
When you have recently moved to a new country, and you believe you've completed all the necessary paperwork, there is one more thing you might need to do: register with your local municipal office. And this can actually be quite beneficial.
It's often assumed that being born in a particular country automatically confers citizenship to a child. That isn't entirely true. For the children of expats born abroad, their nationality often depends on one or both parents' citizenship status as well as the number of years the parents have been expats.
Life insurance is deemed to be one of the preferred financial investments for expatriates, along with real estate investment, and it offers a number of advantages. Besides the financial aspect, how important is life insurance for short- or long-term plans to live abroad? What factors should be taken into account?
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