Features
Moving
To ensure a successful expatriation and a pleasant expat life, it is very important to become aware of the cultural differences between your host country and your previous location. First and foremost, understand the context of the new culture you are about to throw yourself in. What is the short history of the region? What is the country's climate? What about the economic, social, and geopolitical environment? The answers to these questions will help you wrap your mind around the people's lifestyle, local cuisine, work ethics, and family life. Expat.com gives you some tips on how to collect sufficient and accurate information about your host country to interact successfully with the local population and avoid misunderstandings or even legal troubles.
Moving
What is the one thing that you detest as an expat, and every time you go through it, it feels like it's the first time? At Expat.com we voted: the goodbyes. Or as we prefer to call them: the “see you soon”. You pave your expat path away from family and friends, and you have to leave behind a place and maybe a pet — whichever your situation is, parting from the people you love and the space you feel comfortable in is an onerous process. Every single time.
Leisure
If you have travelled to your new destination only with your e-reader due to its practicality, but you are missing flipping through ink books, we have composed a list of the world's coolest bookshops in five urban expat destinations. You don't have to be the typical bookworm to enjoy the benefits of a nice bookshop — you may go for the good coffee, to meet other expats, or to do your work.
Everyday life
Expats have special needs due to the unique lifestyle that they lead — from packing and travelling to moving and recreating the comforts of home in a new environment. Technology, if chosen and used wisely, can help expats of all types to enjoy a comfortable, efficient, and fun expat life in their new country. We have composed a handy list of our favourite tech products and apps to ease your transition from native to expat life.
France
Upon moving to Paris, whether it is after an expatriation or a business mission, one of your main objectives will probably be looking for a place to call home. The process of finding accommodation in Paris can take a lot of time. In addition, without any proof of residence, you may encounter difficulties in progressing with other administrative procedures, such as enrolling children in school.
Formalities
We don't choose our place of birth, and our nationality shouldn't be linked to our achievements, growth, and personal value. However, the Quality of Nationality Index by Henley & Partners has set some objective criteria to compare nationalities and measure their local and global performance. Find out to what extent your nationality allows you to develop your talents inside and outside of your country.
Banks and finance
A relocation project can be very beneficial for companies thanks to the recruitment of global talent and diversity in the working place. However, it comes with several challenges, which, if not adequately addressed, may not only cost the company a lot of money but also lead to loss of competent human force. Some of these challenges are available support to expat employees and orientation, visa acquisition, travel costs, housing, shipment of goods, and other benefits. Cartus, a provider of corporate relocation services, has assessed the global relocation trends for 2018 and the challenges that companies have to deal with when sending employees abroad.
Everyday life
A healthy environment is one of the key factors for a good quality of life. If you're planning to move abroad, especially with your family, you are probably concerned about the quality of air, water, and environment-friendly policies. To help you choose your next destination, here's an insight into five of the world's greenest countries according to the Environment Performance Index 2018 by Yale University and Columbia University.
Banks and finance
Adapting your habits and lifestyle to a new culture during your expat life is challenging already as it is. However, be prepared that it may also be hard for your wallet to comply with the new costs. In order to help with your smooth transition from one economy to another while moving abroad, we have composed a list of the five most essential tips on how to save money as an expat.
Work
Brain drain is the phenomenon during which young, highly skilled, and competent professionals leave their home country for better professional and financial opportunities abroad. This international movement of talent is usually from developing or small nations where unemployment and political oppression are through the roof, or business opportunities are limited, to richer and predominantly democratic countries. We look at six countries that appear to suffer the most from the side effects of human capital flight.
Leisure
This April if you feel like building your confidence as an expat and achieving a new goal, five popular expat destinations invite you to explore new places and make new friends via the challenge of taking part in a Marathon. Whether you are determined to make it to the finish line or be the race spectator cheering for others, being outdoors in your favourite city and joining the enthusiastic crowds will give you a new perspective of your host city.
Everyday life
You and your partner are in a secure and loving relationship, which has to undergo a temporary physical separation due to set objectives for career growth or personal development. It is true that this sole expatriation, which can be anything from a few weeks to many months, can bring some uncertainties and unexpected difficulties in the relationship. However, we believe that true love doesn't know geographical boundaries, and expat life can be a valuable experience for both — the one who departs and the one who stays behind.
Work
Often portrayed as an impoverished and underdeveloped continent, Africa has a more significant wealth than you could ever imagine. Its openness to the global market, along with its economic dynamism and some of its politically and socially stable nations, Africa holds many business prospects for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. For those looking to set up their business abroad, here are the top five countries where to invest in Africa according to the African Investment Index 2018.
Work
Are you thinking to recruit global talent to help you set up your business abroad or establish your brand in a foreign market? International recruitment can help you achieve your business objectives and boost your company's performance on an international level. However, before you rush into sourcing global talent, why not weighing first the pros and cons of working with people from overseas? We have compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of hiring an expat to help you make a well-informed decision.
Everyday life
The world seems to have risen above the worst financial crisis in modern history, and we are benefiting from some of the highest living standards humanity has ever known. At the same time, we have access to unprecedented technological, scientific, and financial resources, which can give solutions to environmental, economic, geopolitical, and societal challenges. But how ready are governments, businesses, organisations, and people to recognise how interconnected we all are, collaborate and deal with problems at a global level?
Leisure
Besides keeping you mentally and physically fit, sport has a much broader influence on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development. Tomorrow we are celebrating the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, and we thought that it would be a good idea to introduce you to some of the most popular expat destinations and their national sports.
Everyday life
Expat life is professionally and personally rewarding, but it can also be emotionally overwhelming. Homesickness is a feeling of anxiety and distress, which can stop you from making the most of your experience abroad. It is important to understand that feeling lonely, confused, and unable to adjust to the new lifestyle and environment is normal. However, the symptoms of missing home, along with the security and the routine that come with it should not be ignored or suppressed because they will devalue your expat project. We give you nine tips to overcome homesickness and start enjoying a fulfilling life abroad.
Everyday life
It's not the first time that you hear about the importance of networking for your professional and social life. However, for your expat life, building meaningful relationships is necessary, if you wish to thrive in your host country. You might be going through a bureaucratic nightmare with your visa, jumping through hoops to make your long-distance relationship work, or spending long hours in the office — yet, don't let these be detrimental to your networking efforts. Depending on who you meet, your life abroad can be very different, as well as your views on your destination. Here is our guide on how to make the most of networking and what to stay away from.
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.
Sponsored
KLforExpats
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?
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"