The magazine for expats
Visas
Different countries adopt unique strategies to manage their workforce needs. Many are continuously revising their immigration policies to favor local employment. Despite these tighter regulations, effective collaboration between local and expatriate workers is achievable and essential. Given the persistent labor shortages, the reliance on foreign workers remains a practical necessity. Here's an insight into the latest changes in popular global destinations.
Work
In the age of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), it might seem that technical skills are crucial for job hunting, especially internationally. However, the situation is more complex, as highlighted by a recent World Economic Forum report. While technology will significantly alter the job landscape, "soft skills" are still the most in demand. In a world rapidly shaped by AI, these skills are what truly set candidates apart. What, then, do recruiters prioritize when considering applicants for positions abroad?
Everyday life
Moving abroad is an exhilarating adventure, brimming with opportunities and challenges. Whether you're a fresh arrival or a seasoned expat, we present ten straightforward challenges designed to enhance your experience and help you fully integrate into your new country. From mastering the local language to exploring off-the-beaten-path regions, each challenge is crafted to maximize your enjoyment of expatriate life. Are you ready to transform your daily routine?
Expat news
Tax
With each new year, we see shifts in taxes, savings rates, consumer costs, and governmental allowances. This year also introduces significant tax changes that will affect both current expatriates and those considering a move. Below, we provide a detailed look at the most favorite expat countries.
USA
Images of the newly re-elected president signing numerous executive orders have been seen worldwide. Many of these orders directly address immigration policies, signaling significant impacts on the employment landscape. This will affect both international workers and domestic companies. How will these changes influence the recruitment of international talent? Is the American Dream still accessible for those looking to build their careers in the US?
Visas
Immigration policies are undergoing major shifts globally. Spain is set to retire its Golden Visa program, prompting expatriates and investors to look elsewhere. Meanwhile, New Zealand is overhauling its rules, and the United Arab Emirates is strengthening its offerings. This article explores the significant changes in these regions and what they mean for potential visa applicants.
Content from our partners
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WhatsBabel
Moving to a new country is an exciting and enriching adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. For expatriates, culture shock is often a significant hurdle. Differences in politeness norms, local customs, idiomatic expressions, and language can make every day full of surprises. But don't worry—you're not alone! Practical tools like WhatsBabel exist to help you overcome these obstacles and feel more at ease in your new life abroad. Let's explore how…
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H&R Block
Nowadays, it is common for people to ask questions and follow the guidance of an online community, but when it comes to taxes, it comes with significant risks. Countless social media posts provide incorrect expatriate tax advice, and some even advance a misguided theory that Americans abroad should avoid filing tax returns because coming clean will be when your troubles begin. Reckless advice encouraging purposeful negligence of U.S. tax reporting obligations is serious, and the consequences for those who follow it can be severe.
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Germany Pension Refund
Did you know that expats who have worked in Germany can often claim a refund for their pension contributions? If you've left Germany and currently live in a non-EU country, you might be eligible for this significant financial benefit.
Features
Schools & studies
High school graduates and their parents often wonder whether investing in an international education is worthwhile, especially when their home country offers excellent universities. Is the hefty price tag of studying abroad justified when top-quality education is available locally, for free, or for low domestic fees? Here are some reasons why studying abroad might still be a valuable investment.
Work
Planning vacations is often challenging for expatriates, particularly in countries with fewer rest days or stricter leave policies. This article provides practical strategies to help you make the most of your time off, ensuring you enjoy well-deserved breaks, even while far from home.
USA
With Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, expatriates, particularly entrepreneurs, anticipate new immigration policies. Reflecting on Trump's initial term characterized by stringent immigration limits, many wonder if his 'America First' stance will persist throughout his second term. Insights from the Expat.com community highlight these concerns.
Formalities
As digitalization advances relentlessly, an intriguing development has emerged: the possibility of becoming an "e-resident" in certain countries. This status allows individuals not residing within the nation to access a suite of online services, including business establishment. This officially sanctioned program is designed to facilitate digital entrepreneurship without serving as a conduit for tax evasion. Estonia, a leader in this initiative, has welcomed over 120,000 e-residents from 170 countries. Here's how it works.
Everyday life
With reductions in "golden packages," ongoing political and economic instabilities, and the rise of remote working, recent studies suggest a decrease in international mobility's appeal in the post-COVID era. But what about 2025? Are we seeing a renewed interest in working abroad? The benchmark report "Decoding Global Talent" offers insights into these trends.
Health system
The persistent presence of winter viruses serves as a reminder that health risks are still very much part of our reality. Additionally, COVID-19 remains a concern and is under continuous monitoring by health authorities. How can you safeguard your health as you prepare for expatriation? Here's a guide to the viruses currently under watch and tips for expatriates.
Expat interviews
Everyday life
Meet Barbara Boyle, a former Creative Director and writer who has worked with global brands and lived in major cities worldwide. Now retired in a 300-year-old farmhouse in Piemonte, Italy, Barbara shares her journey from the fast-paced world of advertising to a serene life amidst vineyards and orchards, and discusses her latest writings on her life in Italy.
Everyday life
Meet Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 32 years in marketing. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Jen now lives in Mérida, Yucatán, where she helps others find their perfect home abroad through the innovative Expatsi Test. In this interview, Jen shares her experiences and insights on living overseas, adjusting to new cultures, and finding joy in the expat lifestyle.
USA
Umberto's journey from the serene town of Bolzano, Italy, to the bustling streets of New York City is both inspiring and captivating. With roots tracing back to Naples and a familial connection to Brooklyn, Umberto's path to America was driven by a profound desire to connect with his heritage and make his mark in the land of opportunities.
Insights from professionals
Everyday life
Moving to a new country won't solve your problems, but should you do it anyway? Well, it depends. It depends on you and your mindset. It is easy to imagine that relocating overseas will transform us into better versions of ourselves.
Work
The first day at a new job is always daunting. Stress, exhaustion, loneliness and nervous excitement are all common emotions but add on top of that, culture shock, language barriers and trying to settle your family into their new life abroad, it can all get overwhelming.
Everyday life
Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of discomfort for expatriates, not only because of the distance from their loved ones but also due to lockdowns and health restrictions. Emanuela Brusadelli, a Professor of Clinical Psychology and the Deputy Director of the Professional and Clinical Psychology Programs at Wollongong University School of Psychology in Australia, tells us more.
Expat stories
USA
As the year 2021 comes to an end, we're hoping for this very stressful period for expatriates all over the world to be over. Expats living in the USA on an E2 visa have been faced with a particularly complicated situation. In addition to the pandemic's impact on their businesses, they will also have administrative difficulties obtaining visas or even their renewal.
Everyday life
From October 1, 2021, South Africa moved to Alert Level 1 after multiple Covid-19 peaks, and life is slowly getting back to normal. Hannah, an expat from the UK, was lucky enough to relocate to Cape Town in September following her husband's intra-company transfer. She shares her views about expat life in the country she now calls home.
Everyday life
Does being an expat mean always being the outsider? Not quite at home in your host country and a little bit of a stranger to your home country. Stephanie discusses how she navigates this identity as a Brit living in Paris.
Moving
Expatriation started as a necessity when I was looking to progress with my academic studies of a Master's degree in England. However, it was earlier in my life, when I began travelling for leisure, that I figured out moving countries is a lifestyle I would like to revel in. Since 2007, I have lived and worked in five countries in Europe, Africa, and East Asia, and I am currently preparing for my next expatriation project. I may find it easier to board a plane and start all over again than deciding what to have for dinner, but the journey is not anxiety and sorrow-free. So, if you are interested in how a life away from everything you take for granted is, please don't ask me (or any other like-minded expat for that matter) any of the following questions — here's why.
Moving
I have always been very thoughtful about the things I own, and how I organise them in my space — whether it's the tiny studio in South Korea, the shared-flat in Ghana, or the two-floor house in Mauritius. I love change, and I see moving to a different country as an opportunity to reset my reality and rediscover myself; living abroad helps me look at things with fresh eyes and get rid of preconceptions. Packing is a big part of the whole moving process, and when you have to limit your belongings down to two suitcases, you reconsider the value of possessions. Here's how I learned to put my life on the scale and hit the 23 kg target.
Expat of the month
Everyday life
Angelica is originally from Verbania, Italy. It's been nearly ten years since she moved to the UK, hungry for independence and new experiences. She has also spent a year in Germany for her studies before going back to the UK and is currently in the process of obtaining British citizenship. She talks to us about living in London as an expat between Brexit and the Covid pandemic.
Articles from our local editions
Mauritius
Mauritius grapples with significant road safety challenges that affect both residents and visitors. The nation has seen a troubling number of severe traffic incidents, prompting action from local authorities. In response, the Ministry of Public Transport, led by Osman Mohamed, is revitalizing the point system license, which was previously discontinued in 2014. This measure aims to enhance road safety by effectively penalizing risky driving behaviors.
Mauritius
This week, Mauritius grapples with pressing challenges on multiple fronts. The nation's enduring water crisis has intensified, with reservoir levels plunging below the 40% mark. Simultaneously, the Central Electricity Board (CEB) has rolled out an energy conservation initiative in response to soaring electricity consumption. Authorities are also urging caution as Mauritius Post reports a surge in fraudulent parcel scams. Meanwhile, the Tamil community embarks on the sacred Thaipoosam Cavadee period, a time of deep spiritual observance.
Mauritius
It was a delight to chat with Thibault Cabanettes, a dynamic young man from Marseille who embarked on a heartfelt journey to Mauritius in the name of love. With a diverse academic and professional background in France, Thibault took a life-changing leap, moving to Mauritius to be with Divya, his significant other. In this Interview, Thibault shares the hurdles and highlights of his new life in Mauritius, offering an intimate look into what it means to chase love across the globe.
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