Formalities - Expat Magazine
The idea of starting over can be daunting, and the idea of starting over in an entirely different country even more so. However, having the right attitude and approach to moving can make all the difference – particularly when challenges present themselves. No matter what your reason for moving, adopting the right attitude can make all the difference on your success as an expat.
For Debbie, moving to her husband's home town of Senta, Serbia from Canada after her retirement seemed like an obvious choice. As she says, retirement doesn't just mean the end of full-time employment, it also means the freedom of adventure. She tells Expat.com about her adventure in Serbia and what it has been like so far.
Where is everyone moving to, and why? Anyone thinking of moving abroad will, of course, have their own reasons for moving – according to MoveHub's report on global moving trends, 30% of respondents think that cost of living is the most important thing to consider before moving, with 50% claiming they moved for better employment opportunities. We look at the most popular destinations to move to.
France
Having spent a number of years in the Netherlands and Belgium, Brit Nicholas Parrott decided to continue his European adventure in Hendaye, France, where he has been living since June 2016. He shares with Expat.com just what it is that makes Hendaye such a unique an appealing town.
Since the early 2000's there has been an international move towards eradicating smoking, and this has come in the form of different types of bans and regulations surrounding the sale and packaging of cigarettes. On World No Tobacco day, we look at some of the different laws around the world that aim to help prevent the damage caused by smoking.
Finland
You don't have to go too far from home to experience a new culture and lifestyle... sometimes your new home can be just a three-and-a-half-hour train ride away. Alexander decided to move to Finland after frequent visits for weekends away. He got the opportunity to further his career, and made the leap. Here, he talks with Expat.com about life in Finland and just what it takes to make a new start abroad.
Obtaining residency as an expat can sometimes be an arduous and time-consuming process. Often countries require long periods of residence, along with a range of other criteria that must be met before you can acquire a residency permit, even if you're ready to call your new country home. However, if you have a few $100,000 burning a hole in your pocket, or you are looking to invest in your latest destination anyway, you may want to consider the countries which allow foreign investment in property in addition to offering residency above a certain level of investment.
Next Wednesday, the UK is getting started on its much anticipated and hotly debated divorce from the EU. Most recently, EU citizens in the UK have been left with their future up in the air, as a result of a failure to guarantee their rights in the British government's latest proposal regarding Brexit strategy. We at Expat.com found out what British expats living in the EU and expats living in the UK had to say.
China
Jerry comes from the USA. During a short stay in Taiwan, he fell in love with the east side of the world. He settled with his wife in Qingdao, China, seven years ago. Nowadays Jerry and his beautiful blended family are making the most of Qingdao's ocean, mountains, and oxygen. But expatriation is always an option for the future.
Retiring abroad has become a trend, and it's not likely to go out of style anytime soon. Living costs, climate, quality of life, safety, accessible health care, and the need for adventure are only some of the reasons to retire abroad. Expat.com brings the best places to move and retire in 2017.
Italy
Jessica comes from Florida. Following her studies, her Italian boyfriend proposed to her, and they got married in Italy. She has been living in Puglia for over five years, and is the happy mum of a little boy. She shares with Expat.com her exciting life as a navy wife and entrepreneur in one of Italy's best locations for a life close to the sea.
England
When Takahiro first arrived in Brighton in 2009 for his Master's degree, he couldn't imagine that seven years later he would still live there — now completing his PhD. It's been a rewarding journey — academically and personally — with its ups and downs of course.
France
Ashley comes from Montreal, Canada. She spent a few years in Florence, Italy during her photograhy studies. Her endless curiosity and her francophile British companion led her to France three years ago. An avid blogger and photographer, she enjoys her relaxed lifestyle in the countryside.
While Brexit negotiations have already started, thousands of Britons living in the European Union worry about their future – especially about losing their rights regarding access to work, health care, and education. According to the latest figures presented by the Office for National Statistics on January, nearly 900,000 Britons are living with uncertainty and might have to consider a backup plan.
China
Nicole was born in New Zealand but grew up in Australia. Following her studies, she started working as a journalist before her husband's posting in Hong Kong. After a few years, they moved to Xi'An in the center of China. Nicole talks to Expat.com about her life as an expat mom, an avid writer and blogger, and her passion for traveling.
Reunion Island
Catharine comes from the UK. She first visited Reunion Island in 1990 during an exchange year. After her graduation, she flew back and ever since, she has found another place to call home. She shares with Expat.com her love for the island's lifestyle, its natural landscapes, and the ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity.
As the new year starts, Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain have already announced a few measures that are likely to have an impact on the lives of expatriates – rising taxes, decreasing subsidies, new fees, among others. Expat.com gives you an insight into these measures if you are planning to move or you have already settled there.
Greece
Linda was born in New Zealand. Feeling an urge to move and see the rest of the world, she headed to Europe back in the 1970s. Her love for Greece led her to the Greek love of her life. Today they have two children and five grandchildren. She talks to Expat.com about her life as a retired Kiwi expat on the island of Poros, Greece, and the irresistable beauties of a country with so much history, sun, culture, and many apetizing flavours.
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