Community Blogs

Pretoria, South Africa

• Aug 18

Parents in South Africa will need to know when the local school holidays are. Luckily, all schools have the same holiday dates, and they all close on nationa...

Rome, Italy

• Aug 18

Because the options available to you in Italy, and the costs, outlook and tax rules, might vary a lot from your home country, it’s important to educate you...

Marco R

Berlin, Germany

• Aug 18

Selling property in Germany: Capital gains tax-exempt after 10 years or 3 years as primary residence. Agent commission 3-7%, notary 1-1.5%. Process takes 3-6 months.

David Miller

Worldwide, Global

• Aug 18

Swiss tax obligations can follow you abroad if you have Swiss income (rental, pensions). Deadlines vary by canton (typically March 31). Rates differ significantly by canton.

The Expat Collective

Lisbon, Portugal

• Aug 17

Portugal maternity leave: 120-150 days at 100% pay (or 83% for extended). Fathers get mandatory 28 days. Self-employed eligible with 6 months Social Security contributions.

Pretoria, South Africa

• Aug 17

Cape Town most popular for expats (lifestyle), Johannesburg for jobs, Durban for affordability ($1,500-$2,500/month). Safety varies by neighborhood - car essential.

Berlin, Germany

• Aug 17

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or running your own business in Germany, you’ll need to know the various laws and rules regarding tax for self-em...

David Miller

Madrid, Spain

• Aug 17

Spain offers equal 16 weeks fully paid parental leave for both parents at 100% salary. First 6 weeks mandatory for mother. Applies to birth, adoption, foster.

Emily Johnson

Paris, France

• Aug 17

Finding jobs in France requires French fluency for 80% of positions. Average salary €39,000/year (€29,000 net). Tech and finance pay €50,000-€100,000+ in Paris.

olivia

Vienna, Austria

• Aug 17

Austrian property closing costs: 10-15% of purchase price (3.5% transfer tax, notary, registry fees). Annual property tax low at 0.1-0.2% of assessed value.

viennalife

Brussels, Belgium

• Aug 17

Belgian therapists cost €50-€90/session with €25-€40 reimbursed by mutuelle. No referral needed for psychologists. English-speaking therapists available in Brussels.

Sophie

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

• Aug 16

Luxembourg has world's highest minimum wage: €2,571/month for skilled workers in 2025. Nearly 50% of workforce is foreign. Finance and tech sectors hire most expats.

Thomas W

Singapore, Singapore

• Aug 16

International schools in Singapore cost SGD 20,000-45,000/year ($15,000-34,000). Top schools exceed SGD 50,000. IB, British, and American curricula available.

sglife

Madrid, Spain

• Aug 16

Third-party car insurance is mandatory in Spain (€300-€600/year). Comprehensive costs €600-€1,200+. Fines up to €3,000 for driving uninsured.

Emily Johnson

Bern, Switzerland

• Aug 16

Call 112 for life-threatening emergencies in Switzerland (Europe-wide). 117 for police, 144 for ambulance. English operators available. Ambulances cost CHF 1,000-2,000.

Ingrid