Features

Crossing hemispheres: Expat Christmas celebrations in a new climate
Leisure
Crossing hemispheres: Expat Christmas celebrations in a new climate
Relocating to a neighboring country or moving to the opposite side of the world are two distinct experiences. With the radical changes in climate, food, product availability, and cultural practices, preparing for Christmas becomes an adventure in itself. And let's not forget about family members back home or spread across different countries… How do expatriates stay organized in such situations?
Christmas celebrations and popular events around the globe
Leisure
Christmas celebrations and popular events around the globe
As the magic of Christmas slowly embraces the world, every corner of the globe adds its charm to this festive season. Expat.com is delighted to present your first gift: a global tour of the essential events for anyone celebrating Christmas abroad! Come along as we wander through the brilliant streets of Europe, explore the unique traditions of Asia, and immerse ourselves in the festive fervor of celebrations across America.
Best Christmas movies of all time expats need to watch during the festive season
Leisure
Best Christmas movies of all time expats need to watch during the festive season
The season is upon us. And no matter how many exciting plans you have for this holiday season, there will probably be a time in your busy schedule when you will want to have some cozy TV time. Here's where we have you covered. Here are the best Christmas movies to keep you entertained this holiday season.
Embracing your first Christmas abroad with children
Leisure
Embracing your first Christmas abroad with children
An expat's life is punctuated by significant milestones – the initial month in a foreign land, the inaugural birthday, and the first Christmas. These milestones become even more important when children are part of the adventure. In many countries, Christmas remains a family celebration. So, how do you celebrate your first Christmas abroad, and how do you get your children involved?
Embracing the holidays away from home: Coping with loneliness
Everyday life
Embracing the holidays away from home: Coping with loneliness
Spending the holidays away from home can be a uniquely challenging experience. Moreover, the holiday season often heightens homesickness and loneliness as traditions and family gatherings take center stage. Today, we will look into ways to address these feelings so that your holidays in a new location are a source of positive memories you will want to keep.
Creative ways to revive Christmas magic for kids abroad
Leisure
Creative ways to revive Christmas magic for kids abroad
Christmas, filled with warm traditions, sparkling lights, and a festive spirit, is a magical time for children all around the world. Yet, in a country where Christmas celebrations are uncommon, how can you ensure you keep the magic of this season for your little ones? This article proposes various creative approaches to revive the Christmas magic for your children while living abroad.
Revealing the untold advantages of budget-conscious remote work destinations
Work
Revealing the untold advantages of budget-conscious remote work destinations
Is the professional world adapting to the rise of digital nomadism? While many sectors maintain their conventional work structures (as not everything can be digitized), others are embracing fully remote work setups. Whether they are freelancers or work for a company, digital nomads are reshaping the fundamental concept of work. This transformation is especially true in the office environment, which is now portable alongside the worker. The question arises: where should you choose as your remote work base? Here's a glimpse into the benefits of budget-friendly destinations for remote work.
Must-try dishes around the world for the festive season
Leisure
Must-try dishes around the world for the festive season
This article is particularly intended for foodies and people seeking a culinary adventure! As the festive lights sparkle everywhere, the streets come alive with celebrations, and tempting aromas fill the air, we're gearing up for a culinary journey around the world. Forget about borders, leave your passport behind, and allow yourself to be carried away by the mouthwatering traditions that captivate the world during this magical holiday season. From Finland's gratins to the USA's roast beef and the delights of Mexico, let's explore the dishes that make Christmas truly memorable. Hold on tight for a gourmet journey!
Heartfelt end-of-year gifts for your loved ones back home
Leisure
Heartfelt end-of-year gifts for your loved ones back home
As the festive season sets in, finding the perfect gift for loved ones abroad can become quite a challenge, if not a headache. How can you capture the holiday spirit across borders? Expat.com gives you unique ideas for end-of-year gifts that blend a touch of life abroad with local warmth, making it easier to send a meaningful present to your loved ones back home.
Corporate Christmas dos and don'ts expats should be aware of
Work
Corporate Christmas dos and don'ts expats should be aware of
Christmas has become a popular corporate event around the world, with many companies embracing end-of-year celebrations through occasional tinsel trees and various levels of decorations, ranging from discreet to elaborate. However, when it comes to etiquette, here's what expats should keep in mind.
A practical approach to year-end shopping as an expat
Leisure
A practical approach to year-end shopping as an expat
The year-end sales season is full-on; temptation lurks everywhere. Even when you live in a foreign country, you might want to follow the trend. Here are some tips on how to limit or control your year-end shopping as an expat.
How to cope with allergies when living in a foreign country
Health system
How to cope with allergies when living in a foreign country
You have been living in your new country for a few months now, but you are dealing with allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or specific foods. Adjusting to your new environment is thus becoming challenging. How can you enjoy your expat experience fully? Here are some tips.
Moving abroad: Financial realities of solo and expat couples
Cost of living
Moving abroad: Financial realities of solo and expat couples
The inflationary economy is forcing us to reconsider our choices when it comes to living abroad. Although you might think that relocating alone will always cost less, this might not always be the case. Couples are advised to consider their plans by using comparison tools instead of just saying goodbye to their partners to move alone.
End of year bonus: Global insights and eligibility for expats explained
Work
End of year bonus: Global insights and eligibility for expats explained
The end-of-year bonus is commonly known as the “13th or 14th month” or the “Christmas bonus”. This financial aid is helpful, especially amid the current economic crisis. In which countries can you expect to receive an end-of-year bonus? Are expats eligible?
Mastering cultural nuances when working abroad
Work
Mastering cultural nuances when working abroad
You've just arrived in your host country or lived there for some time. You feel comfortable in your new job and looking forward to a long stay in your host country. Still, there's one important area in which you still have a lot to learn: cultural nuances. A glance, a smile, or a hug may carry diverse meanings depending on the context and cultural background. Here are some tips for adapting and integrating them into your daily routine.
How important is flexibility at work for expatriates?
Work
How important is flexibility at work for expatriates?
What will the work organization of the future look like? Amidst the options of 100% in-person and 100% remote work, alternative work forms are gaining popularity. Many employees advocate for increased flexibility but seek flexibility that ensures their protection. But what about expats?
Understanding the true cost of living before relocating overseas
Cost of living
Understanding the true cost of living before relocating overseas
You're in the midst of planning to move abroad, but how can you ensure that your budget will cover your expenses in the host country? What exactly does the cost of living entail, and how can you grasp its intricacies?
The vital role of international students in university and country finances
Schools & studies
The vital role of international students in university and country finances
Universities in leading study destinations rely on international students to get tuition fees and fill research positions. This is especially the case for postgraduate and STEM (science and technology) courses, which remain more popular among international than domestic students. 

Other Types

Best sectors to invest in Panama in 2026: Your gateway to Latin America
JJ Associates
Best sectors to invest in Panama in 2026: Your gateway to Latin America
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.
Expat burnout can affect your entire family
Everyday life
Expat burnout can affect your entire family
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 English language requirements for New Zealand visas
New Zealand
New English language requirements for New Zealand visas
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 tightens work permit rules for foreign workers
Sweden
Sweden tightens work permit rules for foreign workers
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.
New immigration, work and study rules take effect in Belgium
Belgium
New immigration, work and study rules take effect in 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.
Can you keep a UAE visa after more than 6 months overseas?
United Arab Emirates
Can you keep a UAE visa after more than 6 months overseas?
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.