Community Blogs

London, United Kingdom

• Aug 22

The UK prides itself on social etiquette and manners. Its culture, history, and traditions shape the way people behave in society. Although there is a c...

Priya

Brussels, Belgium

• Aug 22

Belgian chocolates, beers, and waffles are the stereotypical icons of Belgium but besides world fame for this tasty trifecta, this small western Europea...

Sophie

Bern, Switzerland

• Aug 22

Switzerland has strong human rights protections. Same-sex marriage legal since 2022. Discrimination based on nationality/origin persists despite legal protections. LGBTQ+ friendly in cities.

Ingrid

Global, Global

• Aug 22

April International offers expat health insurance from €50-€100/month (basic) to €300-€800/month (comprehensive). Covers visa requirements for Schengen, student, work permits.

The Expat Collective

Washington, United States

• Aug 21

Non-residents can open US business accounts but it's challenging. Mercury, Relay accept non-residents without SSN. Need EIN, business docs, US address, passport.

Lisbon, Portugal

• Aug 21

Portugal is Western Europe's most affordable country. Lisbon/Porto 30-40% cheaper than Paris/London. Budget €1,200-€2,000/month comfortable living. Braga/Coimbra cheapest cities.

Vienna, Austria

• Aug 21

Starting business in Austria: EU citizens need just resident card. GmbH requires €35,000 capital (€10,000 upfront). Corporate tax 24-25%, VAT 20%. German highly recommended.

viennalife

Rome, Italy

• Aug 21

Italian international schools cost €8,000-€25,000/year. Rome/Milan most expensive (€15,000-€25,000). Offer IB, British, American curricula. Italian language classes included.

Marco R

Paris, France

• Aug 21

French is moderately difficult for English speakers. FSI estimates 600-750 hours to proficiency. Essential for daily life in France outside Paris touristy areas.

olivia

Berlin, Germany

• Aug 21

German citizenship takes 8 years residence (6-7 with integration). Dual citizenship allowed since 2024 reforms. Costs €255 plus tests. B1 German and citizenship test required.

David Miller

Moscow, Russia

• Aug 21

Bringing pets to Russia requires vet certificate, rabies vaccine (21+ days prior), microchip. Vet services affordable: checkups 500-1,500 rubles ($5-$15). Cats most popular.

natasha

Doha, Qatar

• Aug 20

Expats can buy cars in Qatar with Residence Permit. Registration: QR 400-600 plus insurance (QR 1,500-3,000/year). Cars 10-20% cheaper than Europe due to no import taxes.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

• Aug 20

Luxembourg home insurance: Tenant liability €50-€150/year (often required by landlords). Comprehensive homeowner policies €300-€800/year depending on property value.

Thomas W

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Aug 20

Moving to Saudi Arabia requires understanding strict Islamic laws. Alcohol illegal, dress modestly. Women can work/drive since 2017 reforms. Very safe, low crime rates.

Fatima Hassan

Singapore, Singapore

• Aug 20

Singapore known for cleanliness, safety, efficiency. Famous for strict laws (chewing gum ban), hawker food ($3-5 meals), Marina Bay. English widely spoken (80%+ population).

sglife