Features

In today's global work world, being engaged at work is really important for success. For foreign professionals who have moved to a new country to work, workplace engagement takes on an even more significant role. Imagine stepping into a new job in a new place with different customs, language, and work methods. Training helps you understand your role better, learn about the company's culture, and become skilled at using the tools and systems specific to that workplace.

Often, your eligibility for allowances and compensation depends on your place of residence, and therefore, they cannot be "exported" when you move abroad. However, expats can still enjoy certain benefits while living in their host countries. Here's how it works.

Healthcare costs are going up. A report from PwC says that in 2024, the cost of medical care is expected to go up by 7%. This is because of things like prices going up and not having enough workers. This affects not only people without good insurance but others too.

Political instability in a country may prevent or restrict international travel. Laws enacted by a particular state may limit or relax immigration rules. Other policies, such as environmental and economic laws, also influence the individual conscience. Can you relocate to any country? What are the obstacles that might jeopardize your moving abroad plans?

In 2023, real estate remains one of the preferred investments of expats. Inflationary trends and housing crises in several major economies do not undermine the confidence of the investors. Real estate property is considered a secure investment. But how to choose the right place to invest in? Should you buy property along the coast or inland?

Income tax, corporate tax, inheritance tax… These are taxes that all expats are familiar with because they exist in nearly all countries. But have you heard of municipal taxes for owning a dog in Switzerland, tax breaks for donating deer meat in South Carolina, or the compulsory church tax for German church-goers? Here are some lesser-known tax laws in parts of the world. In most cases, expats also need to pay them. 

University, liberal arts college, community college, vocational universities – what is the difference between all of these types of post-secondary educational institutions? Choosing a type of institution can be a confusing matter for international applicants whose home country might have a completely different education system. Below, we summarize the main kinds of post-secondary institutions.

Some countries have more stringent immigration laws than others. In some conservative countries, same-sex partners or long-term unmarried partners might not be recognized as expat dependents. Other countries have small quotas for popular visas, so demand outstrips supply and the waitlist is atrociously long. It might be easy to get a short/mid-term work visa in some countries, yet difficult to become naturalized in them. Below are some difficult immigration laws and tips about how to work around them.

Early retirement sounds great. Early retirement in a foreign country sounds even more exciting. But before you make any plans that can't be canceled, you will need a reliable and realistic action plan. We hope this article helps.

Exploring a new country as an expat comes with exciting discoveries and cultural nuances. And this is true for most aspects of our lives – even something as mundane as taking out the trash. From unusual restrictions to quirky regulations, here are some of the most peculiar garbage disposal laws around the world that expats should keep in mind.

Studying abroad with a disability is possible, although the path can be more complicated. Many solutions exist to help students with disabilities make their dreams a reality. Here's an overview of international mobility programs and some practical advice.

Does moving overseas allow you to escape taxation in your home country forever? That's what many expatriates thought when they moved to low-tax or no-tax countries. The United Arab Emirates is a favorite expat hotspot thanks to its Golden Visa program, specifically tailored to attract a range of profiles, from the wealthiest to the most talented. However, according to experts, there are some risks they might not have considered. When it comes to property taxes, moving overseas is not enough to break the link. So, what are the limitations of Golden Visas? 

Strong words like "surge", "wave" and "avalanche" are being used in the international media to describe a worrying phenomenon. Entrepreneurs' businesses are not as flourishing as they used to be. This is mainly due to the health crisis, but it's not the only cause. This is an even more delicate situation for many small business owners. What solutions are available for expat entrepreneurs in difficulty? 

When a family is moving abroad, only one of the adults might have a work visa. That adult is the main applicant, and their spouse or partner is granted a dependent visa. Many countries around the world allow the dependent spouse to work, even if some require an application for a permit or impose restrictions concerning that work. Unfortunately, across Asia and Africa, many countries still do not permit the dependent spouse to work at all.

To an expat, being granted new citizenship in a desired destination is the ultimate proof of stability. You can finally make long-term plans, buy a house, and maybe even run for office. But did you know quite a few countries reserve the right to have your citizenship revoked?

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.

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.

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?