Features
Everyday life
Moving abroad is a thrilling adventure—but safety should never be left to chance. Just as you wouldn't travel without a first-aid kit, you also need a digital “safety kit” to protect yourself in daily life. So, what essentials should every expat have on hand? Here's a practical checklist of tools and apps designed to keep you safe, wherever your journey takes you.
Spain
Spain's housing crisis shows little sign of improvement. With rents soaring, both locals and expats are being priced out of their homes. Some are forced to move further from city centers in search of affordable options, while others face the difficult decision to leave the country altogether. For many expats, the Spain they experience today feels far removed from the one they once embraced.
Work
Is the creative CV a thing of the past? Employers often say they're searching for “atypical profiles.” Recruiters emphasize the importance of highlighting soft skills and tailoring resumes to be personalized as key ways to stand out in today's highly competitive global job market. But with artificial intelligence reshaping recruitment, has the game changed? And how can expats, or those planning to move abroad, adapt their resumes to get past AI screening systems?
Everyday life
There are parts of expat life people don't mention at first. Most of the time, you'll hear about the excitement of adventure, the new flavors, the breathtaking landscapes. But few talk about the moment, months or even years later, when it hits you: you're no longer fully “from here,” yet you're not completely “from there” anymore either. This is the true reality of long-term life abroad. It isn't only about adapting—it's about blending. Day by day, your life becomes a patchwork of languages, habits, and cultural references. You catch yourself starting a sentence in your host country's language and finishing it in English, French or Spanish without even realizing. That's when you understand what it really means to live between two cultures.
Work
In uncertain economic times, the notion of “working more to earn more” tends to resurface. But does it truly reflect today's global labor market? Are we seeing longer hours, shorter weeks, or entirely new ways of organizing work? For expats, the reality varies widely depending on their destination. From 13-hour days in Greece to the growing popularity of four-day weeks in Iceland and the Netherlands, working cultures worldwide are pulling in very different directions. Here's what expats should know.
Leisure
Networking on the golf course? That's yesterday's playbook. For decades, golf was the sport of choice for sealing deals and building connections. But the reality is, it takes too long—and for eco-conscious professionals, it also consumes far too much water. Add to that golf's lingering elitist image, and it's no surprise many expats are turning to more relaxed alternatives. What they're really looking for is networking that feels effortless: fun, casual, and good for both body and mind. From fitness to friendships, here are the sports and activities redefining how expats grow their networks today.
Work
When will brighter days finally come? Today's uncertainties are weighing down the global job market. Geopolitical conflicts are pushing the world into unfamiliar and unsettling territory, while political instability is spreading to countries once considered safe. In short, nothing is certain. And when nothing is certain, relocation plans come into question. Potential expats are now doing the math. Should they quit or cling to a job they dislike? Should they retrain or stay within the same field? These dilemmas highlight the shifting trends shaping the international labor market.
Tax
Relocating abroad also means thinking about tax matters. To avoid risky investments and unpleasant surprises, it's best to rely on professionals while keeping a close eye on your bank accounts. This is a practical guide to the most common tax mistakes you should avoid when moving abroad, so you can plan your new life abroad with confidence.
Schools & studies
6.9 million. That's the number of students currently studying abroad, according to the latest figures from the OECD, in cooperation with UNESCO and Eurostat. Student mobility is growing steadily again after the slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Universities and colleges have taken notice, and many now have a dedicated office to guide students in planning a study abroad experience. But with so many exchange programs available, how do you find the one that truly fits your goals? Here are some essential guidelines.
Formalities
It's not usually the first thing couples think about when they decide to “make it official.” Yet the form of union you choose can shape your expat plans. “Marriage” often ties directly to “residence permits” and “rights” recognized in another country. How do different legal systems interpret the idea of marriage?
Schools & studies
The cost of higher education is one of the biggest obstacles to student mobility. Between tighter immigration rules and economic uncertainty, the most popular countries with international students are also the least accessible. Still, it's very possible to study abroad by opting for more competitive destinations. Here's the breakdown.
Tax
Investing in crypto without paying a cent in taxes? It is possible—but only under certain conditions. Let's take a closer look at the countries considered “crypto-friendly,” where investors can benefit from full tax exemptions or, at the very least, minimal taxation.
Work
A large share of the world is grappling with the same issues. Populations are aging. Birth rates are falling. Lawmakers are pushing back the retirement age. Older workers are staying in the labor force longer because there aren't enough new entrants to replace them. Labor shortages are shaving points off economic growth. What do these upheavals mean for the international job market? What answers are governments putting forward?
Everyday life
The expat adventure becomes meaningful once people grow a sense of attachment to the new place they live in. While charming villages and tranquil small towns are popular with expats seeking a slower pace of life, other expats are drawn to the energy, career opportunities, and vibrant social scene of cities. To learn more, we've asked members of Expat.com what makes them happiest about the cities they've chosen as their second home.
Work
Being unwell in another country can quickly become expensive. So, how do the type of employment contract and your health coverage determine your protection abroad? What exactly should you do if you need sick leave?
Visas
Only a few years ago, influencers were barely recognized. Today, they have become visible across almost every field. Governments eager to raise their international profile have understood this well: there's no better way to promote themselves to potential expatriates than by working with influencers. You may be considering a career change into content creation, or perhaps you've already launched your cross-border influencer activity. That leaves one key issue: visas. Do countries actually offer programs tailored to influencers? Which one should you choose?
Formalities
When you live abroad and become a parent, one question always comes up: What nationality will my child have? In some cases, they may qualify for dual (or even multiple) citizenships, which many see as a long-term asset for a child already growing up as a global citizen. But dual nationality also comes with legal obligations—sometimes unexpected ones—for both children and parents. Here's an overview of the rights, responsibilities, and key precautions you should keep in mind.
Everyday life
Culture shock is a well-documented experience among travelers and expats. Popularized by anthropologist Kalervo Oberg in the 1950s, the concept describes the feelings of distress and frustration that can arise in an unfamiliar environment. These reactions can be particularly strong during short-term assignments, such as a study-abroad semester or a temporary professional posting.
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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