Expat news
Visas
Unlike other European countries that recently reviewed their controversial golden visa programs, Portugal stands firm. Severely affected by the pandemic, followed by the economic crisis, the war in Ukraine, and rising inflation (8% last month), the Portuguese economy heavily relies on foreign investment. This is probably why the government refuses to end its golden visa program despite warnings.
Schools & studies
The latest update for international students in the United Kingdom is raising concerns. The British High Commission is extending the processing time for international student visas to 5 weeks. At the same time, the government is introducing a new global talent visa. So what does this mean for international students?
Visas
Since June 10, Japan has reopened its borders to tourist groups. For the moment, the government doesn't want to take any risks, considering the rising number of Covid cases abroad. Its latest measure was making visas compulsory for travelers from the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), even for short stays. So it seems that the total reopening, which should include expats, will not be anytime soon.
Everyday life
As the summer season approaches, countries around the world are dropping their Covid restrictions. Despite warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO), many countries no longer require proof of Covid vaccination for international travelers and expats.
Everyday life
On May 24, the Quebec National Assembly adopted a new law promoting French as Quebec's official and common language. This quite controversial law has caused upheavals within the expat community and associations defending the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Everyday life
Like most countries, Indonesia is also looking to the post-Covid era. To boost its economy and its attractiveness, the government is introducing new measures to relaunch tourism and attract expats and digital nomads, considering the upcoming summer.
Tax
Expats in Mexico should expect a major change. Determined to fight against tax fraud, the Mexican government introduced a reform in its tax system. From July 1, all foreigners over the age of 18 living in Mexico will need to have a tax number, whether they are permanent residents or not, and whether they earn their income in Mexico or not.
Visas
Last Wednesday, the Portuguese government launched a new visa for job seekers. This is one of Portugal's latest measures to attract foreign workers as the Portuguese labor market gradually recovers from the consequences of Covid. However, rising inflation (more than 8%) and labor shortage remain major issues.
Tax
Last January, the Belgian government introduced two new tax regimes, some of which are expected to affect expatriates. On May 6, a long circular was issued, providing details on these two regimes. This reform was initially supposed to be simple, ending some types of tax benefits and supporting low-income families. How does this affect expats?
Work
"Australia needs to fix its image." With these words, Anthony Albanese (nicknamed "Albo"), the new Prime Minister, turned the page on 9 years of political history with the Conservatives. On May 21, Labor won the legislative elections and quickly got back to business regarding immigration.
Everyday life
On Tuesday, May 31, Yoshihisa Furukawa, the Japanese Minister of Justice, announced the end of the temporary work permit for certain foreigners. This exceptional permission was introduced in 2020 to allow foreigners having work visa issues to work part-time.
New opportunities for non-citizens residing in Mauritius, new parameters to the Premium Visa, a Silver Economy Festival and efforts to better regulate the Offshore sector. Here are a few budgetary measures that could be of interest to expats living in Mauritius or wanting to move here.
Work
Nordic countries often targeted by professionals who are willing to move abroad. However, the immigration process is usually very challenging. Last June 1st, Finland has enabled a fast-track procedure that allows high skilled expats and entrepreneurs to enter the country as soon as they have been granted a residence permit, which expats used to receive upon entering the country.
Accommodation
Although Spain is known by expats for being one of the most affordable countries in Europe, it has been facing rising property prices since last year. The rise, as experts say, is a consequence of higher demand and lower supply due to the lack of resources as raw materials for new builds.
Everyday life
Menstrual leave is a paid or unpaid absence due to a woman's inability to go to work because of painful menstruation. Some countries around the globe have already considered it, and recently Spain has approved a bill that grants paid medical leave for women who suffer from severe period pain, becoming the first European country to advance such legislation.
Tax
The Dutch government is currently undergoing the lengthy process of putting together a spring budget statement, labeled “voorjaarsnota”, which outlines the new cabinet's finances and budget plan. Reports suggest that various tax benefits—including the 30% ruling for expats in the Netherlands—could be scrapped under its changes as part of the government's plan to make up for additional energy and defense expenditure.
USA
On Tuesday, May 24, at 11:32 a.m. in Uvalde, Texas, Salvador Ramos, 18, shot 21 people at a primary school. A horror scene where 19 children and 2 teachers were reported dead. Three days after the tragedy, the people there are still shocked and deeply terrified, as is the rest of the world. A few days earlier, on May 14, ten people, mostly Americans of African origin, were killed in a racist shooting.
Work
Work permits issued to foreigners increased by 25.3% last year following a recovery in the job market after the relaxation of restrictive Covid-19 measures in Kenya.
Other Types
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 is now wielding the magic wand of citizenship by investment to foreign investors in Argentina.
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.
Everyday life
In an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro, Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), stated that the current energy crisis is "worse than those of 1973, 1979, and 2022 combined." Compounded by the war in the Middle East, the crisis is pushing governments to fast-track their energy transition policies, from fuel taxes and vehicle use restrictions to incentives for remote work. Should expats brace for lasting disruptions to their daily lives? And how can they adapt to this new reality?
Costa Rica
It is the 4th-happiest country in the world. For the first time, Costa Rica has broken into the top 5 happiest countries on the planet, and it is the first Latin American nation to reach the upper ranks of the list. This strong showing mirrors Costa Rica's reputation among expats: the country consistently ranks among the best places to live abroad. So what makes Costa Rica so appealing? And how do you go about settling there as a foreigner?
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