Expat news
Work
Canadian Minister of Immigration Sean Fraser's latest announcements have been reported in all international media. Professionals around the world see it as a new opportunity to grasp their Canadian dream. However, some provinces need foreign labor more than others, and the government could direct the new skilled immigrants to regions that are particularly affected.
Visas
In October, the United Arab Emirates started implementing a series of visa reforms. In an effort to standardize work visas, in November, it reduced the free-zone visa's validity from 3 to 2 years. This visa allows expats to fully own companies in designated free-zones. While this change is not deeply disrupting the business plans of free-zone visa holders, it is indirectly increasing the cost of renewing their visas.
Formalities
By late 2022, most countries have already eased all Covid-related travel restrictions. However, a few countries, for instance, the US, the UAE and Indonesia, still require vaccination. Japan even requires a booster shot to consider a foreign national fully vaccinated. Some countries also accept a negative PCR test or a quarantine period as an equivalent to vaccination.
Work
Are you planning to boost your career overseas? Have you ever considered Taiwan? The island is striving to move ahead of its powerful competitors, namely mainland China and Hong Kong. So, how is the country attracting international talent, and what are the reactions of its competitors?
Visas
The German government might soon reduce the number of years of residency needed to apply for citizenship from 8 to 5 years. In addition, dual citizenship might soon be finally allowed for all expats, not just a select few. At a time when the country is suffering from labor shortages, these amendments will likely attract more expats who hope to become EU citizens.
Everyday life
The US is witnessing a close battle between Democrats and Republicans. On Tuesday, November 8, American voters were called to the polls for the midterm elections. They had to vote for the renewal of the entire House of Representatives, a third of the Senate, a series of local elected positions; they also had to decide on referendums. The results begin to fall on November 9. There was no red wave but a fierce struggle between the two camps. The proclamation of the final results is likely to take a few more days, but here's what we can already deduce from these elections.
Visas
In late October, the Sultanate of Oman issued a circular to announce that all legal residents of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now receive a visa on arrival in Oman. This move will help boost tourism and trade in the Sultanate.
Visas
Ministers of Labor and Interior's announcement of a new immigration law has made a buzz in France since November 3. The two French ministers have outlined the new asylum and immigration law, which aims at addressing the labor shortage and facilitating the entry of qualified foreign workers into France. The bill will soon be presented to Parliament and then to the Senate.
Tax
Which are the best or worst countries in terms of taxes in Europe and the Eurozone? The latest Eurostat study leaves little room for suspense. France, famous for its high tax regime, remains at the top of the list but is not the country with the highest tax rate. How does this affect expats and people who are looking to move to Europe? Here is an overview of the study and some answers to questions you might have.
Work
Like many countries after the pandemic, Germany is currently suffering from labor shortages. Hospitality, construction, manufacturing, services, healthcare, engineering and the sciences are all sectors needing foreign labor. The EU Blue Card and Job Seeker Visa are two common employment pathways for skilled non-EU immigrants. In addition, the country has recently announced a new points-based work visa called the Chancenkarte.
Accommodation
The emirate of Sharjah has just enacted a law that modifies the conditions of access to real estate ownership for expatriates. What do these changes consist of, and what impact will they have on foreign residents? What objectives does the emirate aim to achieve? Does this mean a new opportunity for expatriates?
Visas
In a statement issued on October 18, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it was suspending the issuance of 30-day visas for 20 African countries and one Caribbean country with immediate effect. Here is the story.
Everyday life
With the midterms just a few days away, the Democratic party is holding its breath. Will the Biden administration keep the majority? What is the performance of the Biden administration like when we look back on the infrastructure bill, student debt, inflation, and abortion rights, amongst other issues? How do expatriates in the US feel about the current policies?
Visas
Indonesia has just reached a new milestone with its new secondary residence visa, which allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to 10 years. The new permit will allow foreigners to reside on Indonesian soil for a minimum of 5 years, provided that they comply with a set of conditions. Here's an insight into this new law and how expats see it.
Visas
On 25 October, Australia's recently elected Labour Government announced its first budget. To solve the country's labor shortage and visa backlog, they've increased the number of permanent visas as well as the funding of the Department of Home Affairs.
Visas
2022 is well on its way to becoming the year of digital nomads. With Brazil, Portugal, and Mauritius among many, the list of countries open to remote workers is growing. Namibia is set to become the newest member of the trendy club of digital-nomad-friendly countries. But what are the characteristics of this Namibian digital nomad visa?
Accommodation
Thailand has been one of the most popular expat destinations for many years. The country recently announced a new property law intended especially for wealthy expats. Thanks to this law, expats would be allowed to buy a portion of land, and not only residential complexes. But while the government expects to reap huge profits from this lawn, there are certain conditions to be met by expats.
Work
Due to the delays of the Swedish Migration Agency in issuing Work Permits, many non-EU/EEA expats are currently unable to get a personal identification number that allows them to find housing, open a bank account, receive their salary or even leave the country.
Other Types
Schools & studies
There is so much more that goes into the choice of a university today than even a decade ago. International students especially have the whole world to choose from. And while before students were more focused on the theoretical benefits of a certain degree, today, with so many less traditional options for learning (online, via social media, private tutoring, etc.), there is a lot more a traditional institution has to offer, especially given the price of formal education.
Banks and finance
If you are like most expats looking to purchase a home overseas, you will probably need a mortgage. This typically means applying to a bank or lender in the country where the property is located. The process can be different and more complex than in your home country, especially for non-residents, as financial institutions are cautious about lending across borders. In some places, the route from application to approval is relatively straightforward, but in others it can be much more challenging.
Work
You may be dreaming of managing your team abroad or opening or taking over a business overseas. But already, a thousand questions are challenging you. Are you really cut out for a leadership role, especially in another country? Here's some practical advice to build your confidence before embarking on the expat project that's right for you.
Work
More young professionals than ever are choosing to start their careers abroad. Driven by the rise of digital nomadism, economic uncertainty, and the promise of new opportunities, they are increasingly willing to cross borders in search of a better future. But what do young expats really expect from their first job overseas? And how do their career goals compare with those of earlier generations?
Paraguay
A new investor residency rulebook landed last month, and for anyone weighing Paraguay as a place to actually live, the numbers are surprisingly friendly. If you've been quietly researching Paraguay as a possible new home base, for the taxes, the cost of living, the easy residency, or just because the rest of the world feels increasingly expensive and complicated, this one is for you.
Tax
Postcard-perfect beaches, luxury villas, sports cars and a jet-set lifestyle: social media often paints expat influencers and content creators as financially free and permanently on vacation. Behind the filters and sponsored posts, however, lies a much more complex reality. As more freelancers, influencers and digital creators move abroad to optimize their lifestyle and income, tax authorities around the world are increasing their scrutiny. So how can content creators relocate overseas legally, optimize their taxes, and avoid crossing the line into tax evasion?
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