Expat Guides

Portugal has enacted a sweeping update to its immigration laws, affecting residency, family reunification, and citizenship for expats and their families. The new legislation introduces a stricter two-year rule for most family members, new skill-based immigration requirements, and extends the timeline to Portuguese citizenship. Here’s what every expat and newcomer needs to know about navigating the changes—from key bullet points to hidden challenges and crucial next steps.

A comprehensive immigration reform will come into effect in Spain in May 2025. What will change specifically for expats? Here you can find out how the new rules affect residence permits, work permits, family reunification, and everyday life – and what opportunities the reform offers.

Germany’s housing crisis has reached a critical point, with 13.1% of urban residents now spending over 40% of their income on rent—nearly double the EU average. This surge in costs, combined with sluggish residential construction and mounting bureaucratic barriers, places Germany at risk of falling behind in the race for international talent and capital. Without bold reforms to accelerate housing development and curb affordability pressures, the country could lose its reputation as a land of opportunity and become defined by prohibitive living expenses.

Settling into rural life in a new country is often romanticized as the ultimate escape, but the path to true belonging is rarely straightforward. Days spent surrounded by natural beauty can offer moments of calm, yet for many expats, these are interwoven with bouts of profound isolation and the challenge of forging authentic community ties. Beyond language barriers and cultural misunderstandings, the realities of rural living—closed social circles, subtle suspicion from neighbors, or the struggle to establish friendships—can test even the most resilient spirits. While these hurdles are common in the Portuguese countryside, they echo the experience of newcomers in rural corners of any nation, where the journey toward acceptance and integration is always uniquely demanding.

Valencia offers many surprises: clean, safe, and perfectly organized—almost the antithesis of many Central European cities. But behind the gleaming facade, a stale feeling lingers: not always being welcome.

Valencia is experiencing an unprecedented immigration boom. Learn which nationalities account for the majority of new arrivals and why the Mediterranean metropolis is becoming increasingly attractive to expats and international families. Statistics and tips for anyone looking for a new home.

Thailand will remain a magnet for expats in 2025 – from digital nomads to retirees. With approximately two million registered foreign nationals and growing, the country is one of the most popular destinations worldwide. New visa programs, digital processes, and a diverse community make a fresh start easier than ever, even if tax and bureaucratic changes require careful planning.