Features
Everyday life
December is all about excitement, anticipation, and high levels of energy, which are required to get us through all the shopping and cooking frenzy of the festive season. Then, Christmas Day comes and along with it the pick of our happiness. Wherever we are, and whoever is surrounding us, we are doing our best to make our Christmas special. But the day is over, and on the 26th we wake up underwhelmed. If we have spent the holidays in our host country, far away from family and close friends, this is usually a day of nostalgia and heavy symptoms of homesickness. Don't shut your emotions down, but do small things instead to boost your spirits again. After all, you have the New Year to get you going.
Everyday life
You have so many options for your Christmas shopping — from bursting department stores and cosmopolitan shopping streets with spectacular festive window displays, to local boutiques and the internet, of course. However, for fairy-tale-like Christmas shopping experiences, we encourage you to head to the closest Christmas market, where you will find anything from handcrafted toys and ornaments, to fashion items and food (so much food!). Let the sounds of Christmas carols and the aromas of warm mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts guide you to one of our favourite European Christmas markets, and indulge into the holiday spirit!
Everyday life
Gender equality might not be one of your main concerns if you're looking to settle and work abroad. However, it's a crucial issue for women who are planning to work or study, adapt more easily, and even join politics. Have a look at some of the world's best countries for gender equality according to the latest World Economic Forum report.
Work
The end of the year is an exciting opportunity to assess your career and all that you've done in the past few months and to take new decisions regarding your future. Moving abroad, whether for work, studies or setting up a business, might be one of those decisions. Here's an insight into some cities around the world where you can make the most of a range of opportunities according to a study by Movinga.
Work
Digital nomadism isn't just about flexible working and travelling around the world. Some factors like the cost of living, access to coworking spaces, internet speed, as well as integration have to be considered. Have a look at some of the best destinations for digital nomads according to a recent study by Spotahome.
USA
Entrepreneurship isn't just a man's thing in the USA. In the past few years, many US cities have seen women entrepreneurs thriving for various reasons, so if you're planning to move to the USA, why don't you try your luck? Below is an insight into some of the best cities for women entrepreneurs to get you started.
Everyday life
Solidarity and generosity say a lot about a country's population, society and environment that expatriates are going to experience. During the past year, which nations have made the most significant efforts in helping the needy by either volunteering, donating money to a charity or helping a stranger? Since the holiday season also means supporting and sharing, let's have a look at the world's most generous nations according to a study by the Charities Aid Foundation.
Work
Choosing your new city is a crucial step if you're looking to move abroad, whether alone or with your family. Regardless of your motivation – for work, studies or setting up your business – the society, environment and economic opportunities will have an impact on your stay. The Sustainable Cities Index 2018 by Arcadis assesses cities around the world according to the quality of life, job and business opportunities and the environment they provide to their inhabitants. Let's have a look at these sustainable cities.
USA
As one of the most popular expat destinations in the world, the USA is an ideal place to work or start a business in. Besides a wide range of economic prospects and fair working conditions, what employees seek is a healthy and happy workplace where they can stay motivated and be productive – and that should speak to employers as well. Let's have a look at what defines a happy workplace in the USA.
Work
As we're getting closer to the end of the year, you're perhaps among those who are assessing their career and planning for the future. If you're looking to enjoy a higher standard of living and higher wages, moving abroad can be the answer. Below is an overview of the European countries offering the highest salaries.
Work
London is without any doubt a favourite destination for those looking to live, study, work or set up a business in the United Kingdom. However, life in the UK doesn't revolve around London since many other cities – some of which you might not have considered till now – provide a range of opportunities for expats, regardless of their long-term plans. Have a look at the most dynamic and promising cities in the UK according to the Good Growth for Cities 2018 report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Everyday life
During the World Cup this past summer, Stefanie, a Belgian/Australian dual national (a "Belgalian" or "Austrelgian" if you will) had to divide her time and support to, not one or two, but three countries. Now living in France and married to a Frenchman with two little ‘Fraussie' children, the challenge of being a citizen of more than one country was no longer limited to the football fan-zone. Stefanie tells us some of the challenges of dual nationality that span beyond choosing which team to support.
Everyday life
The Ibrahim Index of African Governance highlights the strengths and weaknesses of all African countries according to different categories, including safety and the rule of law, participation and human rights, sustainable economic opportunities and human development. If you're planning to study, work, invest or expand your business in Africa, have a look at the best performing countries regarding good governance.
Banks and finance
Home to many of the world's largest companies and most government and financial institutions, global financial hubs play a crucial role in defining success. If you're looking to invest or expand your business abroad, connectivity, infrastructure, efficient regulatory frameworks and tax benefits are some of the factors you might be looking for. Expat.com gives you an insight into the global financial hubs around the world according to a study by Z/Yen Group.
Work
If you're planning a long-term move abroad with the hope of becoming a permanent resident and, after that, apply for citizenship, many questions have to be addressed. For those who are still working but looking to retire, retirement pension is a determining factor. Will you enjoy a better standard of living and other benefits when retiring in your new country? If you're still unsure, have a look at some of the world's best pension systems.
Banks and finance
Competitiveness is a crucial factor to take into account if you're looking for new career or business prospects abroad. The latest Global Competitiveness Report highlights the strengths and weaknesses of every country around the world. As expected, the USA, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark make it in the top ten. Have a look at the world's most competitive countries in 2018.
Work
For foreign investors and entrepreneurs, free trade zones provide a range of benefits including exemption from customs duties, elimination of restrictions on quantitative import and other free trade policies. FDI Magazine ranks the world's best free trade zones with particular emphasis on the latest development projects and different benefits for investors. Find out more if you're looking to start or expand your business abroad or you're searching for new career prospects.
Japan
Nicknamed the “Land of the Rising Sun”, Japan is without a doubt one of the world's top expat destinations. By 2020, the country is planning to introduce a new electronic system for tourist visa applications but aiming to extend it to other types of visas. With tourism as an economic pillar, Japan's goal is to achieve 60 million international arrivals every year by 2030. If you're still wondering what is so unique about Japan, here are six good reasons why you should move there.
Other Types
Formalities
Labor shortages and ongoing housing crises are heating up immigration policies. Should work permits be extended, or should there be a cap on the number of foreign nationals? It's a significant challenge for countries, with each one trying to introduce new policies to attract expatriates while combating rising living costs. Here's an overview of the latest changes.
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If you're planning to move to Germany, you've likely heard that Germany's healthcare system is one of the best in the world and is renowned for its efficiency, accessibility, and high standard of care. However, if you're new to Germany, understanding the nuances of its health insurance system can be confusing and complex - especially if you don't know the language!
Visas
As tourism industries continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, albeit slowly, Southeast Asian nations are exploring the implementation of a visa system modeled after the European Schengen Area. This initiative aims to revitalize tourism and stimulate economic growth across the region.
Cost of living
Singapore regularly tops the list of the most expensive cities in the world. In 2023, it tied with Zurich in first place among the most expensive cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The same year, a report by Mercer called Singapore the best city for expats in Asia. However, in recent years, Singapore has been experiencing a continuous exodus of expats. Even those who have called it home for a long time are starting to reconsider.
Work
The tech world, already shaken in 2022-2023, is still in turmoil. As AI continues to develop, other sectors will come under the scrutiny of multinational corporations. What does this mean for aspiring expats? Should this be seen as a risk for international recruitment?
Schools & studies
To stand out on the international job market and further strengthen the position of the European Union, the European Commission announced the creation of a European diploma. What does this mean for potential international students in Europe?
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