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Everyday life
Political instability in a country may prevent or restrict international travel. Laws enacted by a particular state may limit or relax immigration rules. Other policies, such as environmental and economic laws, also influence the individual conscience. Can you relocate to any country? What are the obstacles that might jeopardize your moving abroad plans?
Accommodation
In 2023, real estate remains one of the preferred investments of expats. Inflationary trends and housing crises in several major economies do not undermine the confidence of the investors. Real estate property is considered a secure investment. But how to choose the right place to invest in? Should you buy property along the coast or inland?
Tax
Income tax, corporate tax, inheritance tax… These are taxes that all expats are familiar with because they exist in nearly all countries. But have you heard of municipal taxes for owning a dog in Switzerland, tax breaks for donating deer meat in South Carolina, or the compulsory church tax for German church-goers? Here are some lesser-known tax laws in parts of the world. In most cases, expats also need to pay them.
Schools & studies
University, liberal arts college, community college, vocational universities – what is the difference between all of these types of post-secondary educational institutions? Choosing a type of institution can be a confusing matter for international applicants whose home country might have a completely different education system. Below, we summarize the main kinds of post-secondary institutions.
Formalities
Some countries have more stringent immigration laws than others. In some conservative countries, same-sex partners or long-term unmarried partners might not be recognized as expat dependents. Other countries have small quotas for popular visas, so demand outstrips supply and the waitlist is atrociously long. It might be easy to get a short/mid-term work visa in some countries, yet difficult to become naturalized in them. Below are some difficult immigration laws and tips about how to work around them.
Formalities
Early retirement sounds great. Early retirement in a foreign country sounds even more exciting. But before you make any plans that can't be canceled, you will need a reliable and realistic action plan. We hope this article helps.
Everyday life
Exploring a new country as an expat comes with exciting discoveries and cultural nuances. And this is true for most aspects of our lives – even something as mundane as taking out the trash. From unusual restrictions to quirky regulations, here are some of the most peculiar garbage disposal laws around the world that expats should keep in mind.
Schools & studies
Studying abroad with a disability is possible, although the path can be more complicated. Many solutions exist to help students with disabilities make their dreams a reality. Here's an overview of international mobility programs and some practical advice.
Formalities
Does moving overseas allow you to escape taxation in your home country forever? That's what many expatriates thought when they moved to low-tax or no-tax countries. The United Arab Emirates is a favorite expat hotspot thanks to its Golden Visa program, specifically tailored to attract a range of profiles, from the wealthiest to the most talented. However, according to experts, there are some risks they might not have considered. When it comes to property taxes, moving overseas is not enough to break the link. So, what are the limitations of Golden Visas?
Work
Strong words like "surge", "wave" and "avalanche" are being used in the international media to describe a worrying phenomenon. Entrepreneurs' businesses are not as flourishing as they used to be. This is mainly due to the health crisis, but it's not the only cause. This is an even more delicate situation for many small business owners. What solutions are available for expat entrepreneurs in difficulty?
Visas
When a family is moving abroad, only one of the adults might have a work visa. That adult is the main applicant, and their spouse or partner is granted a dependent visa. Many countries around the world allow the dependent spouse to work, even if some require an application for a permit or impose restrictions concerning that work. Unfortunately, across Asia and Africa, many countries still do not permit the dependent spouse to work at all.
Formalities
To an expat, being granted new citizenship in a desired destination is the ultimate proof of stability. You can finally make long-term plans, buy a house, and maybe even run for office. But did you know quite a few countries reserve the right to have your citizenship revoked?
Work
There are several ways to start or grow your career overseas. You can secure a local contract with a foreign company or an expat contract or even request an international transfer. Others may prefer remote working or even digital nomadism. But what if you need independence and job security at the same time? Wage portage, a form of employment created tentatively in the 1980s and becoming increasingly popular among employees, can address this issue. What are the benefits of wage portage for those seeking to work abroad?
Schools & studies
Studying abroad can be an incredible opportunity to learn, not only academically but also via experience. But this journey can be quite overwhelming. This is where overseas education counselors come in. They can help you manage student loans, find accommodation close to your university, purchase health insurance, and much more.
Work
Losing one's job and trying to find a new one is stressful, even in your home country. In a foreign country where your visa status might depend on your employment and where your support network might be tenuous, it's even more stressful. How can you job hunt and take care of your mental health simultaneously? Here are some tips.
Visas
While most countries offer different types of visas for people who want to live and settle there, some people don't fit into the programs set up between their home and targeted countries. So what are their options? The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) has been the most attractive program for many years, but countries are currently developing new strategies to address their economic crisis. Let's delve into these options.
Everyday life
Workplace socialization has significantly evolved in recent years, especially with new technologies, societal changes and events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which have compelled companies and employees to adapt to remote working. However, although remote working is a growing trend, it significantly impacts expats' everyday lives.
Moving
Moving abroad is a significant change, whether you are a “professional expat” or if this is your first relocation. One of the decisions you will need to make before moving is whether you will need help with it. So, should you seek help when planning your relocation or handle everything on your own? Here are some factors to consider.
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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