Features
Schools & studies
Europe is often a popular destination for students looking to broaden their horizons and study abroad. Not only is there high quality education on offer, but also the ability to travel reasonably cheaply and experience other cultures. In addition, many institutions outside of the UK offer courses in English, which continues to be one of the best languages for furthering your career internationally. In the 2017 report by Study.eu, countries were ranked according to quality of education (which made up over half of the score), cost, and life and career.
Work
As an entrepreneur, you may want to expatriate for business or personal reasons, and whether you are taking your business with you, expanding your current operations, or looking to start from scratch in your new home, there are some steps you can take to ensure the most successful migration abroad.
Cost of living
If you choose city-living in a bustling metropolis, be prepared for some potentially sky-high costs. The amenities afforded are innumerable in a cosmopolitan city, but at what price? The latest report from the Economist Intelligence Unit on the most expensive cities to live in across the world is out, highlighting the places with the highest cost of living. We take an in-depth look at the most expensive cities to live in, as well as hearing about the experiences of some of our own members.
Work
Social entrepreneurship is a relatively new concept that has become an increasingly popular form of business creation, particularly amongst young business owners. Some consider the new wave of socially conscious businesses to be a sort of ethical capitalism, flying in the face of what we know about capitalism and globalisation. Sometimes it takes a fresh pair of eyes to spot a social need, so expats can take advantage of their observance, and address issues with a business plan that will bring them close to many social entrepreneurs around the world.
South Africa
Questions and some concern have arisen following the South African government's proposed amendment to its taxation of residents who are working overseas. The proposed amendment suggests removing the exemption for those earning an income abroad and working in a foreign country for more than 183 days a year, in order to prevent expats potentially paying very limited or no tax.
Work
If you're considering a career in nursing or are currently working as a registered nurse and beginning to look for opportunities overseas, the big question is, where should you start looking? While careers in corporate or creative sectors may not require any additional qualifications, certain jobs in medicine, for example, require local licenses and registration. Add that to global differences in salary, and finding a destination that suits your personal and professional needs can become a difficult feat! Here are some of the best destinations for nurses or would-be nurses looking to move abroad.
Formalities
Next Wednesday, the UK is getting started on its much anticipated and hotly debated divorce from the EU. Most recently, EU citizens in the UK have been left with their future up in the air, as a result of a failure to guarantee their rights in the British government's latest proposal regarding Brexit strategy. We at Expat.com found out what British expats living in the EU and expats living in the UK had to say.
Brazil
Despite Brazil's economic and political dull context, the country remains an attractive destination for local and foreign entrepreneurs as confirmed by many expatriates living in Brazil. While some pinpoint the weak and unstable economy – due to which many foreign companies have closed their offices – many still believe in the country's bright future.
Everyday life
It's the international day of happiness and the latest report on happiness across the globe is out! Though the report from the UN commissioned Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) is a good indicator of happiness in any given country, you can certainly find happiness all over the world, as some of our members attest to.
Leisure
Worried about missing out on St. Patrick Day festivities while living abroad? Don't stress — festive events might be taking place closer than you think, with some weird and wonderful Paddy's Day celebrations in countries you least expect!
Cost of living
Ever wondered how expensive it is to live in some of the most desirable European countries? Europe is home to a wealth of popular expat destinations for both EU citizens and those coming from further afield, but it can be hard to know just how much things like accommodation and transportation will cost. Below we present the average cost of living in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain.
Everyday life
No, we can't have it all. Unless we are Vienna — a popular expat destination that stands out as the best city in the world for quality of life according to Mercer's newly released ranking for quality of living.
Moving
Whether you are planning to move abroad and start a whole new life alone, or move with your family, we would like to congratulate you on your new beginning. However, moving abroad and everything that comes with it is not an easy fit to handle all by yourself.
Everyday life
This year's International Women's Day is about taking bold actions and making bold changes. If your personal empowering step towards change is moving to a new country to follow a career prospect, support your partner's dream, or reimagine yourself, we suggest you pick your destination wisely. But before you embark on your journey, remember all the challenges women throughout history met, the fights they fought, and the obstacles they overcome.
Work
With a magnificent blend of different cultures and a relatively economic and social stability, Europe is for many professionals worldwide a land of opportunity. European employees have been moving across the region both for better career prospects or to give their families a better life.
Transport
If you have decided to move abroad, you are probably looking for better career prospects, a more pleasant environment and a better quality of life for you and your family. But when choosing the right city, you have to take into account all the conveniences, such as public transport, proximity to your work, and possibly your children's school. So, have you considered the traffic congestion? Are you willing to spend stressful hours in endless traffic queues, trying to reach the office or get back home? The TomTom Traffic Index 2017 gives an insight into the most traffic congested cities in the world.
Moving
If you had told me five years ago that come 2016, I would be permanently swapping the wet and windy streets of my hometown Manchester in the UK for the sunshine and everyday stunning sunset views in magical Mauritius, I probably would have laughed in your face. Yet here we are, and here I am — an official expatriate now living on this glorious island, right in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Everyday life
Moving to Africa can be one of the greatest adventures of your expat life — just think of the beautiful nature, the outgoing people, and the business opportunities. But if you worry about losing on city life, rest assured that the continent is full of modern and dynamic cities that all come together in a report published by the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne.
Other Types
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If you've been searching for a stable, profitable, and strategically located country to grow your business or diversify your investment portfolio, Panama should be at the very top of your list. Panama is not just a country with a famous canal. It is one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, a regional financial hub, and a proven gateway for companies looking to expand across North and South America. With a dollarized economy, a territorial tax system, world-class logistics infrastructure, and investor-friendly immigration policies, Panama offers a unique combination of advantages that few countries in the world can match.
Everyday life
Moving abroad is often associated with adventure, discovery, and new opportunities. While it can be a deeply enriching experience, there is often a less visible reality behind the excitement of starting a new life abroad: exhaustion. In my consultations, expats sometimes describe a fatigue that never seems to lift, unusual irritability, a sense of disconnection, or the feeling that they are no longer quite themselves. What I have also observed is that this distress is rarely confined to one person. In expat families, when one parent begins to struggle, the entire family often has to adapt. Partners may feel isolated or lose their sense of direction, while children can pick up on their parents' stress, worries, or emotional fatigue, even when these feelings are never openly discussed.
New Zealand
Since June 1, foreign workers seeking certain work visas in New Zealand have been subject to new English language requirements. The government says the changes are intended to improve migrant integration and help prevent workplace exploitation.
Sweden
Since June 1, Sweden has tightened its work permit regulations. The new rules introduce higher salary requirements, stricter conditions for seasonal workers, mandatory health insurance in some cases, and increased scrutiny of employers.
Belgium
Belgium's latest reforms, which took effect on June 1, bring greater flexibility to the labor market in an effort to support job creation. At the same time, the government has introduced stricter requirements for non-European students.
United Arab Emirates
Foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates should take note: under UAE regulations, residence visas are generally canceled if the holder remains outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days. In most cases, affected residents must apply for a new visa before returning. However, several categories of expatriates are exempt from this rule and can retain their residency status despite an extended stay abroad.
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