Features
Children
We are on the move more than ever — international air travel is commonplace and drives job opportunities, economic growth, cultural exchange, and leisure. As a result, we nurture a generation of frequent fliers who start to take off shortly after their birth. No matter how much you enjoy flying, if you are about to board a long-haul flight with your baby or a very young child, we understand it to be a whole different (and stressful) story. But, with some serious preparation (and good luck), flying with an infant can go smoother than you ever thought! Let's find out how.
Poland
Every country has its unique charms that attract foreigners -- from a different culture and unusual traditions, to delicious cuisines. Poland is no exception; as soon as you start living in the country, you will see how the different can also be exciting. Here are some interesting facts you might have never heard about Poland.
Banks and finance
One of the most important parts of life abroad, if you aren't making the big bucks, is living on a budget. This will be easier in some countries than others, thanks to cheap food and utilities in one destination contrasting with extortionate rent and expensive transportation in others. Planning parts of your budget before you leave and once you arrive in the country can help with your overall adjustment to life abroad.
Banks and finance
There are some people lucky enough to enjoy a life of luxury abroad, with a seven figure salary and their employer fully funding luxury accommodation and flights. However, we're not all those people, and some of us have to worry about paying our rent and bills, after which we carefully budget how much money we have left to enjoy ourselves with. And who doesn't want that new pair of jeans or iPhone? A recent study by Deutsche Bank maps prices of different goods and services around the world, as well disposable income. Here, we look at where you can find yourself with the most spending power after rent.
Children
Becoming a parent is a joyous event, however it can also be a stressful time with a lot going on and a lot to learn. Where are you living is likely to have a significant impact on just how much help you receive as a new parent, so here are some of the countries that provide different kinds of assistance to new mums and dads.
Work
For fluent or native English speakers, teaching English abroad is often a great opportunity to experience life in another country. The importance of English as an international language means that other expats as well as native residents are often keen to have their children learn English, alongside local or other widely spoken languages. So, it may be easier than you think to take the leap and jump into life in your dream destination.
Moving
When you move to a country for the first time, you are always learning new things about the place, such as how the system works, how the people act, and what social norms are acceptable. Finding your feet in a new environment will often mean that you make mistakes —from finding accommodation and meeting new people to knowing your employment rights and budgeting your money.
Moving
Unless you are a serial expat, moving abroad with just a couple of suitcases can seem daunting, or even impossible! If hiring a moving company to ship your belongings abroad isn't an option, then you may have to resort to making a long-term move with just your luggage. However, with some preparation, you can ensure that you take all your necessities and do your utmost to make sure that they get to your destination safely.
Work
There's nothing quite like a nice holiday, or even just a few days break from work to help recharge the batteries, but not all countries agree. While some are incredibly generous with their annual leave policies, some offer their workers far less time off. Though where you decide to move to will not be based on the amount of annual leave alone, it's certainly a factor to bear in mind if you are considering moving abroad to work.
Moving
Millennials are much maligned by older generations, but they are more open, more keen to experience the world and more mobile than those that have come before. They are also living in one of the most economically challenging times, with rent prices in many major cities becoming increasingly out of reach. Nestpick have assessed a wide range of factors to find the 100 most millennial-friendly cities, from the affordability of rent and food, to the prevalence of nightlife and – why not – Apple stores.
Moving
A big part of making your move abroad successful is making your new house feel like home. Whether you are renting or buying a property abroad, being able to quickly make your new house feel like home can help get you through any initial homesickness. This is obviously no easy feat, but there are ways to make it easier!
Everyday life
Earth Day is only a few hours away, and we at Expat.com are getting into the spirit of the day. If you want to be an environmentally-friendly expat, the information below about the world's greenest countries may help you find your ultimate destination.
Visas
Australia and New Zealand have long been popular destinations for graduates looking to travel abroad, who may then decide to live in the respective country. Professionals are also increasingly looking to the two nations for employment opportunities, with a growing influx of workers from South Asia. However, recent announcements that came almost back-to-back seek to restrict access to the job market for both of the aforementioned groups, continuing the general nationalistic rhetoric that has emerged from a number of countries of late.
Leisure
“April showers bring May flowers”, the saying goes, and we here at Expat.com got a bit excited about what else April brings — that is a ton of festivals around the world! So, if you are looking to join in on the fun with locals and expats alike, we are presenting you with an international calendar to celebrate culture this month in your host country. Take your seat upon the grass, find yourself in the heart of the celebrations, and enjoy a unique cultural experience.
Formalities
Obtaining residency as an expat can sometimes be an arduous and time-consuming process. Often countries require long periods of residence, along with a range of other criteria that must be met before you can acquire a residency permit, even if you're ready to call your new country home. However, if you have a few $100,000 burning a hole in your pocket, or you are looking to invest in your latest destination anyway, you may want to consider the countries which allow foreign investment in property in addition to offering residency above a certain level of investment.
Banks and finance
European Millennials seem to be keen on leaving their home country for another country within the continent in search of academic and professional experiences. Students and professionals between 18 and 28 convey an enthusiasm for learning new languages, living in different cultures, and, of course, gaining a better education or establishing an international career. Here, is an overview of the expat life in seven European countries as recorded by the Think Young think tank.
Cost of living
For those looking to move to some of the world's leading financial centres, the cost of living will play a very important part of your decision. If you will be working in the financial sector in a big city, you will likely want to live close to the city centre, but rent can be pricey. So where are the cities where you can get better value for money? Just how much does it cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment? Recent research has revealed where you can get the best balance of location and rent price.
Singapore
Block 71 has been a home to startups in Singapore for some time, but with this new announcement from the country's minister for trade and industry, Singapore is seeking to invite more new talent than ever onto its shores. Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Dr Koh has announced a new startup regime aiming to simplify its awarding of grants with an umbrella brand (Startup SG) and other strategic changes.
Other Types
Sponsored
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.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"