Features
Everyday life
Giving birth is one of the most powerful and life-changing experiences a woman can have. Doing it abroad? That adds a whole new layer of emotion and complexity. From navigating childbirth in a foreign language to adjusting to unfamiliar medical practices and postnatal care, expat parents often find their resilience and adaptability pushed to the limit. So how can you prepare for this pivotal moment while living overseas — and what should you be aware of?
Formalities
Sponsoring a relative comes with many rules. Can your current status allow you to sponsor someone? Who are you actually allowed to sponsor? And what should you keep in mind before starting the process? Expat.com breaks it down for you.
Work
Whether we embrace it with excitement or cautiously, artificial intelligence (AI) has become inseparable from our current and future world. The latest World Economic Forum report makes that clear: AI is reshaping the job market. This shift is especially significant for expats aiming to build an international career. So, what skills are recruiters looking for?
Leisure
Major urban centers continue to draw foreigners for a simple reason: they offer more jobs and housing. The global housing crisis hasn't changed that. Life in the city feels familiar and secure. But stepping away from crowded megacities can be just as comforting. It's a chance to enjoy fresh air and open space. Here are five ideal destinations where you can breathe deeply and live closer to nature.
USA
For thousands of international students, the end of the visa freeze offers only a partial win. Application reviews have resumed, but under far stricter conditions. The Trump administration remains resolute, even if it means putting more pressure on its relationship with the US academic community. Meanwhile, other countries are seizing the moment to attract international students. Could this mark the beginning of a shift in student mobility trends? And what lies ahead for exchange programs and global student mobility?
Everyday life
Moving to a new country opens the door to fresh experiences—and that includes meeting new people. Dating apps can make it easier to connect, whether you're looking for companionship, a relationship, or just someone to explore the city with. But how can you make sure you're meeting the right person? And how do you stay safe while doing it?
Schools & studies
Like millions of locals, international students often work to support their studies. While working can offer cultural insight and a chance to engage with the host country, finances are usually the main motivation. So, how can students strike a balance between work and study? And what boundaries can help them make the most of their student life?
Visas
It's the golden ticket to living almost like a citizen. For foreign nationals, a permanent resident card holds deep symbolic value. Many expats work hard to get it—a milestone that's often challenging. Once it's granted, maintaining that status becomes crucial, especially for those aiming to apply for citizenship later on. But what happens when your permanent resident card expires? Do you automatically lose your status?
Everyday life
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure full of opportunities. But it also means getting to know a place that may still feel unfamiliar. Unfortunately, scams are common—especially in large cities. Expats who don't yet speak the local language or understand how things work can be easy targets. To help you avoid problems and settle in smoothly, here are some key insights into the most common types of scams you must beware of.
Formalities
At first glance, holding dual citizenship seems like a clear advantage. You get the best of both worlds: the right to live, work, and travel freely in two countries. But in reality, it's not always that simple. The laws of both nations don't always align—and sometimes, they can even contradict one another. So how can you take full advantage of your dual citizenship without running into trouble?
Accommodation
So, you're about to rent your first place abroad. After jumping through all the hoops to secure your residence permit, you're probably just looking forward to settling in and enjoying your new home. But hold on — there's another round of formalities ahead. What should you ask before signing a lease overseas? Here's your essential checklist, along with smart tips to help you steer clear of unpleasant surprises.
Work
The summer job season is in full swing, and you've set your sights on working abroad this year. Whether you're seeking a short-term position or a temporary contract, making a strong impression is key to landing the job. So, how can you catch the attention of foreign recruiters? And how can you adapt to the culture of your host country? Here's what you need to know to present yourself effectively and confidently navigate your international experience.
Banks and finance
Are you required to declare your foreign bank accounts? After all, it's your money. You're not hiding billions in offshore tax havens—just keeping one or two old accounts from your student days or a stint working abroad. Still, if they go undeclared, those memories could end up costing you. Here's what you need to know.
Work
Finding a job abroad without prior experience is becoming increasingly difficult. Learn about the current obstacles and practical solutions for starting an international career. The days when one could confidently apply for a junior position without experience are over. Several surveys highlight a growing trend: job postings for "entry-level" roles increasingly require a few years of experience. It's a paradox—how are fresh graduates expected to gain their first professional experience if even beginner roles demand one? The issue becomes even more complex for young people looking to move abroad, where they must also prove their worth beyond national borders.
Everyday life
Being an expat isn't easy. It can be fun, interesting, eye-opening – but it comes with its share of hardships and lessons. Today, we are focusing on the lessons we learn as expats at the very beginning of the journey. Here are the six lessons you will most likely learn in your first half a year abroad.
Work
Job hunting in a new country can be a minefield. You're navigating unfamiliar cultural norms, unsure of the unspoken rules in the professional world, and uncertain where to find the right contacts who can open the right doors for you. To make matters worse, in the digital age, fake job ads clutter even well-established platforms like LinkedIn. Some countries, like South Africa, are even facing an epidemic of these fake “ghost jobs” and scams. How can you avoid these traps?
Visas
Obtaining citizenship without enduring long and complex naturalization procedures is possible through fast-track programs. However, these often come at a high cost. A country's political environment also plays a key role in shaping its stance on this form of “express citizenship.” Here's what you need to know if you're looking to acquire a second passport in less than a year.
Schools & studies
Raising children abroad often means adapting to an unfamiliar education system. For parents enrolling their children in local schools, the cultural shift can be both challenging and eye-opening. What are the key differences between educational systems? And how can you prepare your child for the transition?
Other Types
Formalities
Latin America as a region has become one of the most popular hubs for expats, digital nomads, and international entrepreneurs. The escalating prices, the rising taxes, and stricter immigration laws in Europe and North America are forcing people to seek alternatives, and many are finding Latin America's relative affordability, vibrancy, and diversity an ideal combination.
Traveling with children—whether for a holiday or a permanent move—comes with unique health challenges. To better understand how families can prepare, we spoke with Dr. Natalie Prevatt, a Consultant Paediatrician and expert in travel and tropical medicine. Dr. Prevatt trained in London and at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, and she has worked across Africa and the Pacific. She now runs NHS clinics in infections and immunity, and a remote travel clinic, The Children's Travel Doc, focused on children and pregnant women. As Chair for Paediatrics at the International Society of Travel Medicine, she helps shape global travel health guidance. In this interview, she shares essential advice on vaccinations, illness prevention, and planning for both short trips and long-term relocations.
England
Commissioned by the government, the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has published a report on family visa rules. Its findings show that the current financial thresholds are preventing many applicants from reuniting with their loved ones.
Slovenia
Good news for prospective remote workers: Slovenia is joining the growing list of countries welcoming digital nomads. The visa is expected to launch this autumn.
USA
The Trump administration's latest measures could make daily life harder for foreign residents. International students remain a primary focus, but other expats are also affected. For many, sending money abroad may soon become more complicated.
Portugal
The Portuguese government is set to tighten the rules for acquiring nationality. The Council approved a draft law of Ministers on 23 June, but the reform is not yet final. For now, the measures outlined below remain proposals.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"