Features

The best cities for expats in 2018
Everyday life
The best cities for expats in 2018
Career prospects, costs of living, quality of life, and leisure are only some of the various factors taken into account by those planning to move abroad. To help you choose the best destination, Expat.com gives you an insight into the world's best cities for expat careers and in terms of affordability, education, culture, and leisure, according to the latest HSBC Expat Explorer Survey report.
Five uncommon cities to set up your business in Europe
Work
Five uncommon cities to set up your business in Europe
London, Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, or Munich are probably the major cities that come to mind if you're planning to set up a business in Europe, and you're definitely not wrong. On the other hand, many other smallers cities are also quite attractive to those looking for new business prospects. Expat.com gives you an insight into five European cities you may not have thought of but that have a high investment potential according to a new report issued by FDI Intelligence.
Tips for setting up your business abroad
Work
Tips for setting up your business abroad
From choosing your next destination to formalities and many other issues, setting up a business abroad involves proper planning. If you have always dreamed of being your own boss while living overseas, here are some tips to help you get started.
What defines wellness for expatriates?
Everyday life
What defines wellness for expatriates?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. What about wellness, especially when you're living thousands of miles away from your home, your family, and everything that used to be part of your everyday life? Expat.com had a look at how expatriates define wellness according to a study carried out by Aetna International insurance.
Top 5 destinations for history buffs
Leisure
Top 5 destinations for history buffs
A successful move abroad generally involves having a better understanding of your new home from a historical point of view. For those who are passionate about history, going on an adventurous trip to discover historical sites and monuments will probably be a part of your plans. Before you get started, Expat.com gives you an insight into some of the countries with the richest histories.
From a working holiday visa to permanent residency in Quebec
Canada
From a working holiday visa to permanent residency in Quebec
Charlene comes from a small town next to Nantes, in France. She flew to Quebec a long time ago to visit her family, and twelve years later, she decided to go back to Quebec with her husband on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). Charlene has now been in Quebec for over seven years and is enjoying a good life with her little family. She shares her experience with Expat.com.
Top destinations for English-speaking expats
Everyday life
Top destinations for English-speaking expats
Learning a new language is often part of the challenge for expats seeking to move overseas. If you're feeling apprehensive about how to adapt, engage in conversations comfortably, and deal with all the paperwork, why not consider moving to a country where English is widely spoken? Expat.com gives you an insight into the best destinations for English-speaking expats.
Ten of the world's strongest democracies
Everyday life
Ten of the world's strongest democracies
Whether a country is strongly democratic or not can have a significant impact on your move. Have you ever wondered which are the countries that care the most about their citizens' rights and freedom? Expat.com gives you an insight into the Democracy Index 2017 released by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Five misconceptions about island life
Everyday life
Five misconceptions about island life
Island life is what probably many of us have been dreaming of. So you've finally given the good news to your friends and family and some perhaps even envy you for having that relaxed lifestyle they have been craving for : beautiful beaches with the sun all year long. Usually people, especially those who have spent their whole lives in a big city, have a lot of misconceptions about living on an island. Expat.com breaks the most common myths about island life.
Top 8 destinations for digital nomads
Work
Top 8 destinations for digital nomads
The cost of living, access to coworking spaces and leisure, as well as hospitality and diversity, are only some of the key criteria to consider if you're considering remote working. Expat.com gives you an insight into the topmost destinations for digital nomads according to a survey carried out by Hometogo.
Five ways to be a mindful expat
Everyday life
Five ways to be a mindful expat
Moving abroad can be a challenging step to take. Anxiety, stress, and the apprehension of facing new challenges, or even failure, may seem daunting to you. However, starting a new life abroad can be a once in a lifetime opportunity as well, and the stress and anxiety can be dealt with by staying mindful. To ensure a successful move abroad, Expat.com gives some tips on how to be a mindful expat.
The top most tolerant countries
Everyday life
The top most tolerant countries
Besides career prospects and high living standards, there are other important criteria such as individual and religious freedom, as well as tolerance, to take into account while planning your move abroad. Expat.com gives you an insight into some of the world's most tolerant countries according to the World Values Survey.
The impact of Time's Up at a global level
Work
The impact of Time's Up at a global level
As more and more women travel alone and move abroad for a solo expat life, there are many cultural aspects to navigate, including how women are treated elsewhere and what is generally acceptable and what is not. Expat.com takes some time to explore the Time's Up movement and how it impacts everyone around the globe.
Top seven countries to start a business in
Work
Top seven countries to start a business in
For those with an entrepreneur mindset looking to start a business abroad, there is a lot of research to be done regarding which country provides the best conditions regarding all possible aspects. Expat.com gives you an insight into the best countries for business in 2018, according to Forbes magazine.
What New Year looks like in different cultures
Everyday life
What New Year looks like in different cultures
New Year celebrations are already over and you're probably missing those parties with friends and family. However, it may not be over yet if you're living overseas. In fact, many countries and cultures around the world welcome the New Year at different times of the year. Expat.com has compiled a list of New Year celebrations around the world so that you won't miss out on anything and, at the same time, allows you to discover new customs and traditions!
How to start a thrilling new year abroad
Leisure
How to start a thrilling new year abroad
Your dream has finally come true and you're starting a new year in a new country. Keeping in mind that moving abroad is a challenge, there are so many ways to keep yourself busy while getting the most of your new home. Expat.com gives you some tips to help you start an exciting new year abroad.
The best festive ideas for expats who are alone
Leisure
The best festive ideas for expats who are alone
The world is getting ready for the New Year's Eve celebrations, and your social media newsfeeds are filled up with family reunions — but you are abroad, and you are alone. Don't let this ruin your mood; there are plenty of things you can do these days to celebrate with the rest of the world, as you deserve. Expat.com gives you five ideas for making this holiday the best of your life!
6 achievable New Year resolutions for expats
Everyday life
6 achievable New Year resolutions for expats
The New Year is just around the corner and everyone is ready to make new resolutions in January and forget them by February. As an expat however, there are many beneficial resolutions that you can actually stick to and achieve throughout the year. Expat.com is here to tell you more.

Other Types

Paraguay real estate residency starts at 30% down
Paraguay
Paraguay real estate residency starts at 30% down
A new investor residency rulebook landed last month, and for anyone weighing Paraguay as a place to actually live, the numbers are surprisingly friendly. If you've been quietly researching Paraguay as a possible new home base, for the taxes, the cost of living, the easy residency, or just because the rest of the world feels increasingly expensive and complicated, this one is for you.
Japan tightens visa rules for foreign entrepreneurs
Japan
Japan tightens visa rules for foreign entrepreneurs
Conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made immigration one of the key issues of her term. Since October 2025, foreign professionals, particularly entrepreneurs, have had to deal with stricter immigration rules. Early surveys reveal a significant drop in the number of entrepreneur visa applications.
Major changes ahead for employment-retirement benefits in France
France
Major changes ahead for employment-retirement benefits in France
This quiet reform barely made a ripple in France's political debates, yet it slipped through largely unnoticed and will tighten the rules for those who combine work and retirement.
France updates employment rules for foreign nationals
France
France updates employment rules for foreign nationals
A decree published on April 25 in the Official Gazette updates the rules allowing foreign workers to apply for the European Card or register on the "list of jobseekers."
France to make electronic invoicing mandatory for businesses
France
France to make electronic invoicing mandatory for businesses
E-invoicing (and e-reporting) was previously voluntary. From September 1, 2026, it will become mandatory for businesses to issue and receive electronic invoices. So who exactly is affected?
UAE simplifies Golden Visa process for foreign entrepreneurs
United Arab Emirates
UAE simplifies Golden Visa process for foreign entrepreneurs
The UAE's Golden Visa program has been updated. The reform, focused on simplification, aims to further cement the United Arab Emirates' position as a top destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.