Features
Moving
Only a few people can just pack up and set up shop wherever they choose, without much consideration. Should you choose the country or the city? Are you looking to live luxuriously or on a budget? We look at some of the most important things to consider before you choose your next destination.
If you are lucky enough to have moved to or be travelling around some of the world's major cities, you should take the opportunity to explore the places that house some of the world's greatest historical artefacts and captivating art. Museums and galleries offer a mere glimpse into the past or the mind of an artist, and can capture entire eras with their collections. Join Expat.com in a tour around the world's outstanding museums and art galleries.
Everyday life
What does it take to make a city one of the best in the world? JLL has released its latest Universe of City Indices for 2017, which ranks the world's greatest cities. According to the report, there is a top tier, described as 'The Big Seven', which encompasses the leading cities around the world. But what is it that makes them so successful?
Work
Taking action to prevent climate change and working in a manner that helps society are noble ventures, but is this enough reason to make your business sustainable? What are the benefits for the business and business owner? We look at why businesses should adopt sustainable business practices.
Work
Whether you are thinking of expanding your business or setting up abroad, the World Bank has assessed the ease of doing business across the world. While you should probably steer clear of the likes of Venezuela, Libya, Eritrea, and Somalia, we have taken an in-depth look at 2017's top five countries to do business in, as well as what a country can do to make conducting business easier.
Work
Sustainability has become a keyword for businesses, but what can you do to help make your business more sustainable? There are a few simple steps you can take that will help you move towards a more sustainable business model. From recycling to community projects, a few changes and developments can make your business more environmentally-friendly and socially conscious.
Everyday life
There was a time when being vegan at a restaurant meant having a salad (possibly even without dressing). However, times have moved on, and more of the world's cities are catering to those who have chosen (for religious, personal, or ethical reasons) to eschew meat. Here are just a few of the countries with cities offering the best of vegan cuisine.
Banks and finance
The latest edition of the HSBC Expat Explorer survey has arrived, and with it comes some insight into expats and their finances. We have a look at the results to find out some of the places to move to if you want to boost your finances, or where the most expats are property owners.
Everyday life
We all have this one person among our colleagues, friends, or family that's known as “social butterfly” for their networking skills, dynamic personality, and charismatic social interactions. But you can do it too — grow your network, and therefore grow your chances of finding useful information, support, and exciting job vacancies!
Work
To remain competitive while trying to make the world a better place, companies must integrate sustainable development at the heart of their strategy. The United States of America, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands host some of the world's most affluent and sustainable companies. To guide and inspire you throughout your move abroad as an employee or entrepreneur, Expat.com gives you an insight into the world's five most sustainable companies.
Moving
While the world is in the middle of a refugee crisis, more and more people are choosing to move abroad for better career prospects, a better quality of life, or for the sake of an adventure. But what are the global views on immigration and the refugee crisis? Expat.com gives you an insight into the Ipsos Global Views on Immigration and the Refugee Crisis report.
Health system
While you might think of joining a gym or a sports team to keep your body in good health when you move abroad, mental health often gets overlooked. While an emotional toll is to be expected, you can take some steps to keep your mind healthy and positive during a potentially tumultuous time.
Work
Human capital is one of the key factors for global development, growth, and competitiveness. Which countries allow their populations to achieve their economic potential fully? Expat.com gives you an insight into the World Economic Forum's Global Human Capital Report 2017.
Everyday life
Moving abroad can be a complicated decision to take for LGBT expats. Some countries – especially those in Europe and North America – may be more welcoming and tolerant than others regarding LGBT rights. To help you choose your next destination, Expat.com gives you an insight into some of the world's most gay-friendly countries.
Leisure
If travelling is your favourite hobby, you're probably pondering on your next destination. However, there's much more to traveling than just adventure, meeting new people and discovering new cultures; you should also consider your safety and security when choosing your next stop. Expat.com gives you an overview of the safest and the most dangerous countries, according to the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017.
Moving
When you first move abroad to live as an expat, you are probably too thrilled with your new life to bother with what other people think about expats — misconceptions are unfortunate but who says you cannot break them? Here are some of the most common myths around expat life that you may notice passing from person to person, and the reality behind them. Don't let misinformation distract you from moving abroad and achieving your expat goals.
Schools & studies
Spending a year or more abroad as part of your studies is sure to be a major asset in shaping your career, but where should you go for the best experience? Which cities are best for international students in terms of quality of education, social life and affordability? Expat.com gives you an insight into the world's best student cities according to the QS Top Universities ranking.
Banks and finance
If you are looking to move abroad for work or to set up a business, you may not be seeking the most pristine beaches or warmest climates, but rather international business hubs. The Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) is a bi-annual ranking that lists the world's leading financial centres. We've taken a look at the results of the 22nd index.
Other Types
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JJ Associates
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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