Features
Visas
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.
Formalities
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?
Work
There are several ways to start or grow your career overseas. You can secure a local contract with a foreign company or an expat contract or even request an international transfer. Others may prefer remote working or even digital nomadism. But what if you need independence and job security at the same time? Wage portage, a form of employment created tentatively in the 1980s and becoming increasingly popular among employees, can address this issue. What are the benefits of wage portage for those seeking to work abroad?
Schools & studies
Studying abroad can be an incredible opportunity to learn, not only academically but also via experience. But this journey can be quite overwhelming. This is where overseas education counselors come in. They can help you manage student loans, find accommodation close to your university, purchase health insurance, and much more.
Work
Losing one's job and trying to find a new one is stressful, even in your home country. In a foreign country where your visa status might depend on your employment and where your support network might be tenuous, it's even more stressful. How can you job hunt and take care of your mental health simultaneously? Here are some tips.
Visas
While most countries offer different types of visas for people who want to live and settle there, some people don't fit into the programs set up between their home and targeted countries. So what are their options? The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) has been the most attractive program for many years, but countries are currently developing new strategies to address their economic crisis. Let's delve into these options.
Everyday life
Workplace socialization has significantly evolved in recent years, especially with new technologies, societal changes and events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, which have compelled companies and employees to adapt to remote working. However, although remote working is a growing trend, it significantly impacts expats' everyday lives.
Moving
Moving abroad is a significant change, whether you are a “professional expat” or if this is your first relocation. One of the decisions you will need to make before moving is whether you will need help with it. So, should you seek help when planning your relocation or handle everything on your own? Here are some factors to consider.
Health system
An extended stay abroad with ongoing medical treatment requires careful planning. How will you get your medication if you're abroad for more than six months? What if there is a shortage of medicines in your host country? How do you adapt your treatment to the medications available in the foreign country?
Formalities
Traveling and moving abroad is the dream of many. Unfortunately, when it comes to passports, not all countries are equal. You must have heard of strong passports and weaker ones. Is there really a geopolitics of visas? How does this affect moving abroad plans?
Work
Remote working has been on the rise for the past few years. Since the Covid pandemic, most of us have spent a few days a week away from the office. While we've heard of working remotely in the next town or region, remote working from abroad is gaining ground. Large companies are even offering turnkey packages to their employees. But what are the risks, and how do you make sure you're covered at all times?
Work
Labor shortages are at an all-time high in many countries, such as Canada, Japan, Australia, the UK, France, Israel, Indonesia, Spain, Germany, etc. These ever-increasing needs open up opportunities for those considering a career abroad. But how do you stand out from thousands of job applicants in a foreign country? Here are our tips.
Everyday life
Moving abroad as a family can be the adventure of a lifetime, a couple's or personal challenge, a choice for the two or not, with or without each others's support. The couple can sometimes bear the brunt of this choice unless their life abroad has further fractured an already fragile relationship. When it's no longer possible to pick up the broken pieces and stick them back, divorce seems to be the last resort, but an expat woman can be in an even more precarious situation between legal considerations and the weight of culture and tradition.
Formalities
On June 22, France's Conseil d'orientation des retraites françaises (Cor) published its report, leading to a new debate on retirement pensions. According to the Cor, the reform will not balance the books by 2030. This was a significant setback for the French government, which had campaigned on this very objective. As populations age, pension issues are leading to equally heated debates elsewhere in the world. What about retirees living abroad? How difficult is it to receive your pension abroad? Here's what you need to plan for.
Accommodation
Finding suitable accommodation will be a priority when planning your move abroad. It's important to understand that the housing landscape can vary significantly from country to country, with different types of accommodation and varying levels of services included. Let's look at some of the nuances that can be observed in different countries.
Work
Working on a farm abroad is a popular option for many travelers seeking new experiences in contact with nature and simple things. In most cases, participants can have a lot of benefits from it, including cultural enrichment. However, this experience has turned into a nightmare for others. Learn about the benefits and risks of working abroad on a farm and how to make sure it is a safe option.
Visas
While the European Commission is fighting to put an end to the Golden Visa within the European Union, other states are keen on pursuing the Golden passport adventure. As a means of attracting foreign investors while boosting the economy, the Golden Visa continues to appeal to a range of expatriates, not just the wealthiest. So how do you qualify for a Golden Visa if you're not an investor?
Work
If you're an expat who hopes to get a job in Europe, a new report from the European Labour Authority (EURES) will be of great help to you. It has analyzed the jobs that are the most and least in demand across all countries of the EU. The jobs requiring the most expat labor are in skilled manual trades, medicine, IT, engineering, transportation and education. Meanwhile, less expat labor is required in administration, the arts, communications and the social sciences.
Other Types
Work
Although they are not often ranked among the top countries for expatriates, Malta and Hungary can boast more straightforward entry and residence requirements compared to more popular destinations like the United States and Canada. How is moving to Malta or Hungary easier, and what are the benefits for expats and prospective expats?
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.
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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?
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