Articles Archives - Expat Focus (2024)

In an era of increased globalization, the talent pool is no longer confined to borders. Many countries have recognized the importance of attracting skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads from abroad. The expat community has proven to be a driving force in economic development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. In response, several countries have launched … Read more

Medical Authorities Warn of New Health Concern in Europe Recent reports of a pneumonia outbreak in China, primarily affecting children, have raised concerns among European health authorities regarding a potential future epidemic in the EU. The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL) has observed a higher-than-expected number of patients seeking medical attention for pneumonia, … Read more

Banking for UK Expats We have reported extensively on the closure of UK expat bank accounts post-Brexit and the situation is still ongoing. If you have been affected by your bank’s decision but still require a UK bank account, what options are available to you? A report by ‘Which’ in November 2023 unveiled several choices. … Read more

In recent years, the Asian property market has undergone notable changes, influenced by factors such as rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and demographic shifts, alongside the global repercussions of events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional real estate hubs in Asia have experienced escalating property values, often making them unattainable for the average buyer. In contrast, several … Read more

In recent years, the European property market has witnessed a dynamic shift, influenced by factors such as changing lifestyle preferences, economic fluctuations, and the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. While some traditional hotspots have seen their property values skyrocket, making them less accessible to the average buyer, other regions have emerged as … Read more

The French Wellness Frontier This month’s focus is on France—a country recently dubbed by Tatler as the ‘new frontier’ for luxury wellness escapes. The South of France has long been a hotspot for glamour and the celebrity lifestyle, with a coastal region developing from a series of tiny fishing villages in the early part of … Read more

Italy: New Charges for Non-EU Resident Expats In October 2023, the Italian government announced that it will be charging non-EU residents slightly over €2000 a year for access to the country’s public healthcare system, as part of its 2024 budget. The move has been denounced as unconstitutional by trade unions and opposition parties, but the … Read more

Expats in Europe ‘Locked Out’ of Pensions We’ve reported extensively on the recent policy of some British banks closing down expats’ accounts – a result of the complex passporting regulations across the member states of the EU post Brexit. Now it appears that not only are expats facing problems with the closures themselves – for … Read more

Helsinki Named ‘Best City’ in Europe Conde Nast Traveller magazine has named the Finnish capital of Helsinki as the best city in Europe for British expats to move to in 2023. Safe, clean and friendly, Helsinki scores highly in terms of walkability, too. Back in March, defying its stereotypical reputation for national gloom, Finland also … Read more

When you’re moving abroad, one of the things at the top of your to-do list should be sorting out health insurance, especially if you’re moving to a country like the USA with no universal healthcare system. So, where do you even start? What’s the minimum essential health coverage that you should have in the States? … Read more