Expat news
England
The Labour government aims to move past the conservative era definitively. As the new budget vote approaches, expats might see some limited tax relief. However, this is to be taken with caution. The Labour Party recently criticized "catastrophic" national finances left by the previous government. What does this mean for expats in the UK and Britons living abroad? Let's break it down.
Visas
A tougher stance on immigration, coupled with a need for more foreign talent: the contradictory messages sent by states facing labor shortages continue to create a tug-of-war in migration policies. Between visa restrictions and open-door policies, nations are devising strategies to align their immigration policies with their economic objectives.
Accommodation
The current housing crisis is exacerbated by inflation, which, despite easing in sectors like food and energy, keeps driving up rental prices. Foreign investors are cautious or capitalizing on market attractiveness to execute their financial ventures. However, as locals and expatriates with modest incomes face an increasing cost of living burdened by continuous hikes in housing prices, governments are taking steps to regulate the market.
Schools & studies
Will students soon have to give up on studying abroad? In their efforts to control immigration, popular countries are implementing measures that are challenging students' plans to move overseas. How do visa restrictions and increased fees impact universities and education? How can students consider studying abroad in this context?
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a highly cosmopolitan country, with nearly 47.3% of its population being foreign nationals, representing about 170 different nationalities (government data). Despite its small size of only 2,586 km², the country offers ample opportunities for those seeking professional growth and an excellent quality of life. The Luxembourg Parliament has recently passed a law making it easier for third-country nationals to enter and stay in Luxembourg for highly qualified jobs. So why should you consider moving to Luxembourg?
Japan
Facing a labor shortage and a worsening demographic situation, Japan is gradually opening up to immigration, particularly by reforming its visa policies. However, the country remains torn between economic necessity and a social model built on homogeneity. Here's an analysis.
England
This July, the 14-year rule of the UK's Conservative Party has come to an end. A snap general election led to a landslide victory for the opposing Labour Party, which is under the leadership of Keir Starmer. What are this new government's promises for immigration? How are expats affected by this, and what are their concerns and hopes?
Kenya
The latest tax reform in Kenya has sparked intense protests and unrest. The BBC and France 24 report that at least 39 people were killed during the protests, while local news outlets say the death toll rose to 19 people. The situation has escalated and is drawing international attention and concern.
USA
This announcement has unsurprisingly stirred the Republicans but could earn points for the Democrats, a hope for Biden as the presidential campaign heats up. Here's a look at the measure and its eligibility conditions. How are foreign nationals in the US reacting to these measures?
Formalities
With the streamlining of visa procedures, the creation of new residence permits, the strengthening of partnerships between countries, and restrictions on expatriate workers, among other measures, immigration remains a critical issue in many countries. Here's an overview.
Cost of living
While international mobility continues to attract global workers, they are increasingly cautious before signing their contracts. Today, expats have to contend with the ever-increasing cost of living in major cities. So, how can one consider living abroad under these conditions? What happens if you're looking to move abroad with your children? Are expats still able to negotiate their salaries, housing allowances, or their children's school fees? Let's have a look.
Everyday life
Prospective expats are closely monitoring immigration reforms in countries seeking labor. They are also paying close attention to the social atmosphere in their targeted countries. Anticipated elections around the world reveal the socio-political crises these countries face. Will this influence their plans to move abroad? Let's take a look at some of the most popular expat destinations.
Formalities
Increasing violence against LGBTQI+ individuals, criminalization of homosexual relationships, and deprivation of rights. The rise in persecution is forcing more LGBTQI+ people to seek asylum abroad. What are the conditions for obtaining asylum? Let's take a closer look.
Everyday life
Canada narrowly avoided a technical recession. The country's economic and demographic growth partly relies on immigration. However, the economic downturn, marked by the housing crisis, raises concerns among some of the population. Let's delve into the analysis.
Formalities
Will 2024, dubbed "the election year," also be a year of significant political upheavals? Democracy faces challenges once again, with the international media highlighting intense socio-economic tensions shaking various countries. Let's take a closer look at the different contexts and their implications for expatriates.
Visas
Digital nomadism has been a hot topic since the pandemic, catering to the new aspirations of professionals who want to work in a "vacation" setting. Countries benefit from this trend, too, and are looking to these new expatriates to boost their economies. In East Asia, two more countries are venturing into the digital nomad scene. Here's a closer look.
Work
The boom in generative AI continues to transform the global job market. Companies around the world, especially the tech giants known as GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook (Meta), Amazon, and Microsoft), are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence. Even sectors seemingly distant from the digital world, such as accounting and legal firms, are getting involved. What job opportunities can you seize abroad? What studies should you pursue to succeed in AI?
Portugal
The Golden Visa has not had its final say. Despite the visa controversy, several countries keep relying on it to attract foreign capital. Let's discover which countries are relaunching or reforming the program and what has changed.
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?
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"