Expat news
Everyday life
On October 12, the declaration of the Belgian Prime Minister looked like a Marshall Plan. The objective is to reduce budgetary costs while relaunching employment in the country. Even though the Prime Minister has not mentioned expatriates, this does not mean that the tax reform will spare them. So what is changing in 2022, and what should expats expect?
Work
The announcement that Australia is preparing to gradually reopen its borders after 18 months of “travel ban” caused a stir. This might be a great opportunity for people who are looking to live and work abroad. Indeed, border reopenings symbolise growth. But it is also true that the hotel industry, which is highly exposed to the Covid-19 pandemic, was already in crisis before the pandemic? So what should you expect if you wish to build a career in the tourism industry?
Everyday life
Covid came unexpectedly and struck the whole world. Between lockdowns and “waves”, some regions have dealt with it better than others. Notably, Australia and New Zealand were among the countries famous for their strict measures, and they proudly showed that they have managed to keep for a while the number of cases at a minimum. But at what cost?
Everyday life
The pandemic made everyone's lives complicated. After the first travel limitations, the international borders for many countries have opened (with some ongoing exceptions), and restrictions moved based on the seasonal waves and immunization throughout countries. Like everyone, you are probably starving for a new nomad adventure. In order to make your journey as safe as possible, you will need to be informed about the regulations between countries, as well as the risk areas around the world.
Everyday life
Switzerland is the 29th country in the world to have legalised marriage for all genders after Costa Rica, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Canada, Denmark, Australia, Luxembourg, Ireland, Taiwan, Malta, Germany, Austria, South Africa, Ecuador, etc. This massive “yes” is a big victory for LGBTQIA + activists and a call for all other countries around the world that are still against same-sex marriages. Mostly European countries have done it so far. As Switzerland makes its “coming out”, the first weddings are expected as early as July 2022.
Accommodation
The pandemic has changed the outlook for individuals and businesses around the world. Most spheres of life are concerned by the “pre” and “post” Covid situation. In Spain as elsewhere, thousands of individuals, including expatriates, have been moving to large city outskirts, or, if they have the budget, to buy in a second home. Sometimes fearing new lockdowns, new buyers are seizing opportunities to enjoy life in a different way. However, a new tax reform introduced in July by the Spanish government could be a game-changer.
Tax
A recent measure from a Colorado district court may lead to negative consequences for US expatriates and those seeking to live and work abroad without renouncing their US citizenship. Is it fair if American expats have their income taxed as if it were earned in the US?
Everyday life
The Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau was re-elected on September 20 with a minority government. This vote can be defined as the trust of Canadian residence in the Prime Minister. In this pandemic era, the support of the whole nation for another new four-year mandate is crucial. Other political parties have been talking about their ambitions regarding immigration, but it looks like the Liberal Party won the hearts with its proposed policies.
Everyday life
Post-Brexit immigration has become a major issue over the past months. Things that looked pretty straightforward initially are now getting more complex, especially with the Covid-19 crisis. So with the labour shortage, a crisis in the fishing industry, disillusionment with mixed couples, what will immigration in the United Kingdom look like in the coming months?
Everyday life
This September, many countries reopened their borders (Canada, Senegal, etc.); others are planning to follow suit (United States, Australia). It is indeed great news for people who were looking to move abroad. The new world map shows a majority of countries open to vaccinated travellers, but with certain restrictions. But immigration still largely relies on government announcements. In such circumstances, considering the pandemic, is it still possible to plan international relocation?
Everyday life
Thailand has been hard hit by the economic crisis brought by the pandemic. Still, to trigger growth, the country looks determined to get back on track, first by containing the pandemic and then by bringing back foreigners. Current results are encouraging. The contamination rate has gone down, and vaccinated foreigners are now allowed into the main Thai tourist spots.
Italy
From October 15, 2021, the health pass, also known as the “Green Pass”, will be mandatory for all employees in Italy. This new measure has been unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers. Italy is thus paving the way for the rest of Europe. It is indeed the first European country to make the Green Pass compulsory for all public and private workplaces.
Everyday life
Faced with the threat of the Delta variant, the measures are toughening up: compulsory vaccination, selective reopening of borders... The populations are divided between support for government measures, fears for the future, and sometimes violent demonstrations. Economic imperatives, climate emergency, international tensions ... Global news remains marked by great uncertainty, while the Covid-19 continues to prevail.
Everyday life
The end of the "Travel ban" has finally come. After being closed for a year and a half, the United States is reopening its borders in early November 2021. This is another sign, for expatriates and international travellers, that things are slowly getting back to normal, but with certain control. For now, only fully vaccinated people will be able to travel.
Canada
The pandemic that has affected the whole world has not spared the mobility of expatriates and their travel possibilities to Canada. With Canada's borders closed for a long time, moving there was not impossible but definitely complicated. On the 7th of September, Canada reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers who wish to travel to the country on a discretionary basis (without employment or emergency reasons). What are the different ways aside from employment and where are the places looking for expatriates?
Germany is the fourth largest economy in the world. It is a country famous for many industries from automotive to electronics. It is also known for being welcoming to skilled workers and migrants. Being a safe haven for intellectuals from all over the world Germany now faces a challenge to maintain its reputation while balancing the effects of the COVID setbacks.
Formalities
All immigration candidates had been waiting for this, Canada's borders have reopened, although still only under strict conditions. Only fully vaccinated foreign nationals can now come to Canada for non-essential reasons like tourism and flights from India and Morocco are still banned and anyone who has not yet received the vaccine needs to provide justification for wanting to enter the territory.
Everyday life
Since March 2020, the whole world has been transformed by the Covid-19 pandemic. With variants and epidemic peaks, "quarantine" and "lockdown" remain in news highlights. Today, the first thing to check is whether you are allowed to travel overseas depending on your current situation (where are you are travelling from, the purpose and duration of stay, visa and entry requirements, etc.). We might think that quarantine only impacts short stays abroad, but the truth is that international relocation plans are also affected.
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?
Sponsored
Santa Fe Relocation
Moving abroad is often described as one of life's most stressful events, ranking right up there with starting a new job or getting married. Whether you are moving to the tech hubs of Zurich, the bustling streets of Singapore, or the sun-drenched coasts of Australia, the secret isn't just a better packing list - it's a better partner. For those navigating the complexities of international borders, Santa Fe Relocation has become the gold standard for moving. With a global footprint spanning 47 countries and nearly 100 offices, we don't just move your boxes; we move your life. Here is how to master your relocation, regardless of your destination.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"