Community Blogs

Madrid, Spain

• Mar 21

Yes, foreigners can marry in Spain with proper paperwork. Average cost: €22,000. Timeline: 1-4 months. One partner needs Spanish citizenship or 2-year residency.

Emily Johnson

Paris, France

• Mar 21

Yes, pets are welcome in France with proper documentation: EU pet passport or health certificate, rabies vaccine, and microchip. No quarantine required if compliant.

olivia

Canberra, Australia

• Mar 21

No, Australia doesn't have inheritance tax, but estate taxes are paid before distributions. Expats may owe taxes in their home country on Australian inheritances.

James O

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 20

The Cost Challenge Global costs have risen significantly in recent years, and the Netherlands is no exception. Inflation has stabilized around 3% but remains el...

Brussels, Belgium

• Mar 20

A GBP account can be useful if you’re paid in pounds, need to support family in the UK, or want to hold GBP alongside euros. Belgian banks and international pro...

Sophie

Warsaw, Poland

• Mar 20

Selling property in Poland online requires listing on Otodom or Gratka (Poland's top property portals), professional photography, and realistic pricing-with most sales completing in 60-90 days when priced correctly. This complete guide covers documentation, pricing strategy, and the step-by-step selling process.

jamesmitchell

Tokyo, Japan

• Mar 20

If you live in Japan, whether on a work visa, with permanent residency, or as a naturalized citizen, you may want your family to join you indefinitely. If they ...

tokyolife

Brussels, Belgium

• Mar 20

Belgium is an ideal place to experience a diverse European life. As it borders France, Germany, and the Netherlands, its unique culture enjoys elements of ea...

Sophie

Warsaw, Poland

• Mar 20

Poland buy-to-let: 4-6% yields in Warsaw, prices below Western Europe. Best: Warsaw (corporate), Kraków (tourism), Wrocław (tech). Strong rental demand.

jamesmitchell

Berlin, Germany

• Mar 20

Opening a bank account in Germany is vital to setting up your new German life. You need to arrange utilities for your new home, arrange German TV and internet s...

David Miller

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Mar 19

The School Choice DilemmaOne question I hear repeatedly from newly arrived expat families is the same one I asked myself six years ago: should we put our childr...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

• Mar 19

So, you’re bringing new life into the world, or thinking about it. Congratulations! With the right research, preparation, and support, having a baby in Saudi A...

Fatima Hassan

Warsaw, Poland

• Mar 19

Czynsz is Poland's mandatory monthly building fee (5-15 PLN per square meter) covering water, heating, trash collection, and maintenance - separate from rent and essential for budgeting housing costs whether renting or owning.

jamesmitchell

Pretoria, South Africa

• Mar 19

South Africa is a melting pot of cultures and languages, and the political landscape is just as broad and diverse as the country and its population. Similar to ...

Warsaw, Poland

• Mar 19

Foreigners can buy apartments in Poland - EU citizens unrestricted, non-EU can buy flats without permits. Budget 5-10% for transaction costs.

jamesmitchell