Expat news
Everyday life
Despite a decrease in Dengue fever cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a resurgence since 2023. This increase has caused outbreaks in countries that were previously unaffected, sparking concern among people considering a move abroad.
Tax
Government tax announcements frequently raise concerns and set the course for economic and social policies. Will there be greater aid for individuals or raised taxes for particular groups? Concurrently, inflation worries everyone, impacting populations differently and shaping expatriates' financial plans. Here's an overview of the tax changes expatriates can anticipate in 2024 across favored destinations.
Schools & studies
International student mobility is increasingly important in the strategies of countries vying to attract foreign talent. Are the top choices of 2024 still the countries usually favored by international students? What are the new priorities of international students?
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.
Germany
With the Skilled Immigration Act of 2023, Germany has been enacting new immigration reforms to make immigration easier for highly-skilled expats. Applications for the Opportunity Card will start from June 2024. This visa allows skilled expats who pass a points test to move to Germany for one year without any work contract. They can use that year to look for a job in the country itself.
Work
Popular expat destinations are facing challenges. Real estate remains in a slump, impacting various sectors within the industry. But despite the real estate downturn in several countries, there are still labor shortages in related fields. If you're considering a move to one of these countries, let's look at the state of the job market and the solutions for these sectors.
Formalities
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.
Work
The increasing number of natural and climate disasters reminds the world that time is not on its side. Fossil fuels are dwindling and facing growing criticism. Green energy is gaining ground, even among major oil-producing countries. Let's take a closer look at these countries seeking to diversify their economies and how this will affect international mobility.
Formalities
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.
Work
Expats were thought to have been swept away by the COVID-19 pandemic and then by the rise of remote work. Recent international upheavals were expected to hasten the end of expatriation. But that was without taking into account labor shortages, which are prompting governments to roll out the red carpet for foreign workers. Even the most conservative among them are opening the door to them. Let us take a closer look.
Formalities
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?
Accommodation
Many countries are currently faced with a property crisis with serious economic and social consequences. With mortgage rates on the rise, more and more households are turning to property rental. There has been a surge in demand, supply is not keeping pace, and prices are soaring. At the same time, governments are relying on immigration to overcome major labor shortages. But how can you move abroad to work when you can't find proper and affordable accommodation? What should expats expect in 2024?
Everyday life
A crucial year for democracy. 2024, an electoral year, promised to be a year of high tension. Elections are scheduled in 77 countries, including the European Union, Taiwan, South Africa, the United States, Indonesia, India, Venezuela, Pakistan, etc. Billions of people are being called to the polls in the context of a continuing economic crisis and the rise of the extreme right. What will global immigration look like in 2024?
Visas
Will aspiring expatriates need to give up their dreams of living in the United Kingdom? The latest government announcements suggest that new restrictions may be implemented this year.
USA
The world's leading power continues to attract as many people as ever. While the job market is not as intense, labor shortages are still real. The nation heavily depends on immigration, an essential factor for sustaining both economic and demographic growth. What changes have we observed in recent years?
Work
Which are the most attractive and favorable countries for expats in 2024? Although salary isn't the only factor determining expatriation decisions, it does play a crucial role, particularly in the face of ongoing inflation that is pushing up the cost of living. What are your options if you intend to grow your career overseas?
Work
In the world of economic growth, emerging nations are flourishing. Their GDP is on the rise at a faster pace compared to more developed economies, offering an enticing opportunity to attract entrepreneurs and foreign investors. So why should you do business in an emerging country, and what are the risks?
Schools & studies
The immigration departments of some major study destinations have recently announced that they are raising the criteria that international students must meet. It is often financial criteria that is targeted: higher visa fees, tuition fees and proof of funds for the cost of living. This is a cause for concern for many prospective and current international students in the US, the UK, Australia and Finland.
Other Types
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H&R Block
Tax and retirement planning for US expats has never been simple—and 2026 adds a new twist. Alongside familiar considerations, the new Section 530A child savings accounts are entering the picture. The 530A program introduces a new opportunity for families abroad, adding to an already nuanced planning landscape.
Everyday life
Just a few years ago, living in a big city seemed to be a direct association with success. And so was moving to a big city. And a lot of expats, when relocating, were more driven towards big cities for this reason too. But things seem to be changing. If social media is to be believed (and yes, this is very debatable), a lot of people now prefer, given the choice, to settle away from the noise of a big city. Smaller sustainable communities are starting to emerge.
Children
We often talk about how difficult relocation can be for adults. You lose connections with friends and sometimes even family, you suffer from language fatigue, you need to adapt to a completely new way of life. This can be really hard on adults. But then what about children?
Work
Labor shortages in some sectors are playing out alongside unemployment rates that, depending on the country, remain stubbornly high. Young people are particularly at risk of failing to find work in their field or anywhere else. So, how are young professionals thinking about moving abroad in this climate?
Argentina
As an expat who has made South America's Southern Cone my home, I explained last year why Latin America is the new frontier and how to get residency here. This year, I've been spending a lot of time in the new Land of Opportunity: Argentina. After taking a chainsaw to inflation, President Milei has set his sights on citizenship by investment as the next lever to pull.
Everyday life
Expat life is often seen as an exciting adventure: a new country, new opportunities, and a rich cultural experience. Moving abroad represents, for many, a major life project — one filled with hope and the promise of a fresh start. When you make that move as a couple, it can feel even more reassuring. You're not going it alone; you have each other, with the shared belief that this change will bring you closer and create lasting memories together. And it truly can. But living abroad also brings profound upheaval: the loss of familiar landmarks, constant cultural adjustment, distance from family and friends, and sometimes a complete professional reinvention. All of these factors can unsettle not only your individual sense of balance but also the foundation of your relationship.
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