Community Blogs

Rome, Italy

• Feb 10

With Italian citizenship in your pocket, an Italian passport isn’t far off. This travel document is one of the most sought-after passports in the world and will...

Marco R

Bern, Switzerland

• Feb 10

Don’t wait for the worst to happen, sort out your Swiss insurance now. Moving to a new country means tackling a different set of red tape. None is more confusi...

Ingrid

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Feb 10

After six years in the Netherlands, I've learned that the 30% ruling is one of the most significant financial advantages available to expats. As a foreign professional hired to work here, if you meet certain criteria, your employer can pay up to 30% of your salary as a tax-free allowance for up to 60 months (five years).

Lisbon, Portugal

• Feb 10

It is a good idea for expats relocating or retiring in Portugal to understand how to draw up a will. This helpful guide provides all the information you need an...

Singapore, Singapore

• Feb 9

In daily life in Singapore, you’ll find it easy to get by speaking English. It’s the most widely spoken language in the Lion City and is commonly used in busine...

sglife

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 8

If you’re moving to the UAE, you probably wonder what immunizations are needed or recommended before the move, as well as how to get yourself and your children...

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

• Feb 8

Luxembourg has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. There are state-funded services available to all residents, including specialist and emergency t...

Thomas W

Doha, Qatar

• Feb 8

As an expat, you will find opening a bank account in Qatar relatively easy. The country’s high expat population means that local banks understand the needs of f...

London, United Kingdom

• Feb 7

Whether you’re a US citizen living in the UK, or a UK citizen or resident traveling to the US frequently, a USD account can be a handy tool to make cross curren...

Priya

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 7

UAE job recruitment takes ~35 days. CVs must include professional photo, use English, font 10-12, 2-3 pages. Dress formally: suits for corporate, modest clothing. Research company thoroughly before interviews.

Paris, France

• Feb 7

French higher education is known for its top quality, ranking fifth best in the world in 2021. This is one of the main reasons why the country is among the t...

olivia

Brussels, Belgium

• Feb 7

Belgium expat life: 1.4M expats (13% population). High living standards, excellent healthcare, strong work-life balance. Brussels rent over 1,000/month. Top 10 global quality of life.

Sophie

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Feb 7

No federal income tax in UAE. Corporate tax 9% (profits over AED 375,000). VAT 5%. Property tax 5% in Dubai. 193 Double Taxation Agreements protect expats.

Berlin, Germany

• Feb 6

Germany offers free state schools (Gymnasium, Realschule, Hauptschule, Gesamtschule) and private options. International schools cost 14,000-20,000 yearly. Abitur exam qualifies for university.

David Miller

Tokyo, Japan

• Feb 6

Japan's health insurance is mandatory for residents staying over 3 months. Public insurance costs ~5% income (¥17,500/month for ¥350,000 salary). Private insurance adds ¥25,000-65,000/month.

tokyolife