Expat news
Work
The European Union's Pay Transparency Directive, passed on April 24, 2023, introduces strict new rules to tackle gender pay inequality. Employers must now make salary information public and close any unjustified gender pay gap above 5%.
Thailand
The Thai government has launched an ambitious plan to simplify and modernize visa and work permit processes. The goals are clear: reduce paperwork, streamline procedures, enable real-time tracking, and speed up responses.
Portugal
Portugal has abruptly suspended its work seeker visa. A new law, published on October 22, 2025, officially ends the job-seeking visa program. The decision took immediate effect: all existing applications and scheduled appointments were cancelled by the government the following day.
China
It's no longer just tariffs fueling tensions between China and the United States. As the latest round of Trump's retaliatory measures takes effect on November 1, a new front has opened: the global competition for talent. Both nations are now racing to attract the world's brightest minds, and China's latest move in this contest is the launch of a new “tech talent visa.”
England
The government continues to take a firm approach to immigration, strengthening legal requirements and clamping down on illegal entry, yet acknowledging the UK's ongoing dependence on foreign labour. The Starmer administration has outlined a new strategy to reconcile these priorities and support economic growth.
Japan
A new development plan has divided opinions in the quiet town of Kutchan, bringing immigration debates back into the spotlight. At the same time, a recent incident has fueled fresh controversy. What does this mean for expatriates in Japan?
England
Childcare costs in the UK remain a heavy burden for many families. To ease the pressure, the government introduced the Tax-Free Childcare scheme in 2017, offering financial support to working parents. The scheme isn't limited to one type of childcare — it applies to a broad range of options, from registered childminders and nurseries to playgroups and holiday clubs. The government has recently introduced practical updates to make the scheme more accessible: faster application processing, simpler online management, and a smoother experience for parents.
Finland
Will countries ever escape the cycle of labor shortages? It's a question that continues to haunt nations struggling with workforce gaps. Waves of retirement and falling birth rates are draining the labor pool, leaving governments once again turning to foreign talent. But attracting expatriate families is no easy task. Finland, however, is experimenting with a new approach to win them over.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE is doubling down on its ambition to draw the world's best talent. A new wave of visa reforms aims to create a more flexible labor market and easier access for skilled professionals. With these measures, the Emirates are strengthening their position as a crossroads for trade, innovation, and opportunity.
United Arab Emirates
Now is the time to invest in Dubai real estate. On the one hand, new housing projects keep springing up. On the other hand, tenants and buyers are becoming fewer and harder to find. This slowdown in demand works in their favor, forcing landlords to roll out generous incentives.
Malaysia
A fresh destination is rising on the horizon for expatriates. Following in the footsteps of Thailand, Singapore, and Taiwan, Malaysia is positioning itself as Southeast Asia's next “expat-friendly” state. How? By simplifying and accelerating visa procedures.
Visas
In the Gulf, the end of the oil era necessitates a new strategy: diversifying revenue and attracting foreign talent. Behind the big national visions—Saudi Vision 2030, We the UAE 2031, Oman Vision 2040, and Bahrain Vision 2030—lies the same reality: tomorrow's economy will be built with investors, entrepreneurs, and qualified expatriates. Golden Visa, Premium Residency, and Green Visa all signal a shared intent to simplify access to residency and strengthen the region's appeal.
Tax
Despite mounting opposition (critics have called for a massive strike on September 10), Prime Minister François Bayrou's virtual summer tour continues with a seventh episode dedicated to reducing government spending. In this series of educational explanations designed to make his budget easier to accept, the Prime Minister insists on the urgent need to restore public finances. One of his main weapons: more audits.
Everyday life
Moving abroad often means mastering the art of resourcefulness. Why spend a fortune on furnishings you could get for cheap—or even for free? Here's your savvy expat guide to creating your own “home sweet home” without draining your budget.
Visas
As extreme climate events multiply, the world is asking hard questions. What future lies ahead for the most exposed populations? The creation of artificial islands and territories is still being discussed, but it only partially—and temporarily—addresses the needs of climate-displaced communities. Some states are now moving toward more durable solutions. Here's a closer look.
United Arab Emirates
Since the end of July, Dubai has made new medical tests a requirement for obtaining a visa, whether it's a first application or a renewal. These examinations apply to foreign adults moving to Dubai for work, as well as those already living there.
USA
Much more than just a driver's license, the American Driver's License serves as a genuine form of identification. The recent introduction of the REAL ID Driver's License—a true driver's license identity card—proves it once again.
Netherlands
The Dutch government is drafting new immigration rules, with a particular focus on companies that recruit highly skilled workers from abroad. Here's what this means for you if you're considering a move to the Netherlands.
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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