Features

Is health insurance compulsory for expats? In principle, expats are covered by their host country's system, but some prefer to set up a special fund in their home country. At a time when health insurers are tightening their belts, this question is being debated in Switzerland.

Work more to earn more? Just like the traditional weekend, whose definition and value vary from country to country, public holidays are sometimes less known. Many countries are slowly introducing the concept of working on holidays. However, if the law does allow working on holidays, the company must still comply with the legal framework. So here's what expatriates should be aware of when working overseas.

The first few weeks as an international student in a new country involve many administrative tasks. You might also need to buy things that would have been difficult to bring in your luggage. What is the usual checklist of tasks for new international students?

Many destinations have programs in place that help expats adapt to a new life and better integrate into society. However, some countries go the extra mile to make newcomers feel especially welcome. Here are a few destination options if you are looking for that extra warm welcome.

Digital nomads are reshaping the world with their dream-like, flexible working style. You could think they are living life to the fullest, with plenty of time for vacations and leisure. However, practical realities tend to put the ideal of digital nomadism into perspective.

Moving abroad is not necessarily a one-off experience; it can be done in several steps at different times, as long as you're able to adapt to life in your chosen destination. That's what a prospecting trip is all about. But how do you get started? Here are some tips and advice.

After a challenging period during the health crisis, international mobility is back on track and even on the rise in many countries facing severe labor shortages. But does this mean that the Covid pandemic is now part of history? How are economies faring?

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.

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?

To stand out on the international job market and further strengthen the position of the European Union, the European Commission announced the creation of a European diploma. What does this mean for potential international students in Europe?

Looking for a new real estate investment? Futuristic cities, artificial islands, and self-sustaining megacities await you as the Gulf States roll out the red carpet for wealthy expatriates. Competing with each other, they are embarking on mega-projects to attract foreign investors. Here's an overview.