Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
Over the past couple of years, more than a few American celebrities have decided that Europe isn’t just for vacations — it’s where they want to live. Drawn by the countryside, a slower pace of life, and more privacy (and in some cases, a break from U.S. politics), these stars have traded Hollywood homes for … Read more
The dream of becoming an Italian citizen just got a harsh reality check for many. On March 28, 2025, the Italian government enacted Decree-Law No. 36, introducing significant reforms to the nation’s citizenship by descent policies, reports Reuters. This legislative change marks a pivotal shift in Italy’s approach to nationality, aiming to address longstanding concerns … Read more
Ever wonder where in Europe you’d need a millionaire’s salary just to afford a decent home? While Europe is rich in charm, history, and quality of life, it’s also home to some of the priciest real estate markets on the planet. From the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland to the polished streets of Luxembourg, buying a … Read more
Southern Europe is one of the most attractive regions in the world, with beautiful places to explore and numerous thriving cities rivalring each other in historic wealth, brimming with life and charm. But a few places truly stand out above the rest. Every year, My Dolce Casa uncovers the best places to live in the … Read more
With its long warm summers and mild winters, and a relaxed and affordable lifestyle, Spain has long been a popular place to buy property. Originally it was a popular retirement destination for expats from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia, but more recently it has proved increasingly appealing to investors from all over the world buying … Read more
Finding the best country in Europe to live means analyzing the economy, safety, healthcare, education, weather, and many other factors that will contribute to your quality of life. But let’s be real, for most people who are considering a move abroad, the decision ultimately comes down to the cost. Yet, when you see what countries … Read more
Do you ever daydream of owning a beautiful villa under the Tuscan sun or a charming beach house in the Greek islands with views that make you shout “Mamma Mia”? Meanwhile, you’re living the reality of New York’s impossible real estate market, where you can hardly afford a tiny condo which costs three quarters of … Read more
For those who want to enjoy retirement in an urban setting, with direct access to a variety of world-class cultural events year-round, Europe is the place to be. But not all European cities are equal in their offer of concerts, theatre plays, opera performances, or museum exhibits. My Dolce Casa set out to identify the … Read more
Curious to know what is the cost of living in various countries around the world these days? The just released Numbeo Cost of Living Index for Mid-Year 2024 is a great indicator of the relative costs of living across 121 countries, including a helpful breakdown by the cost of rent, groceries, restaurants and purchasing power. … Read more
If you’re considering a move abroad to Portugal, there’s some fresh news you need to be aware of. On June 3, 2024, the Portuguese government unveiled a comprehensive Action Plan for Migration, introducing 41 new measures aimed at tightening migration controls, addressing backlog issues, and updating border systems, according to Portugal.com. Here’s a rundown of … Read more
Spain has announced plans to end its golden visa program, which grants Spanish residency to foreigners who invest in real estate, starting from 2024. The decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing for locals and ensure that housing is treated as a right and not just a … Read more
Great news for digital nomads who want to live in Italy! The long-awaited Italy digital nomad visa program has officially started on April 4, 2024. Here’s what you need to know: The digital nomad visa is being managed under Article 27 of Italy’s immigration code, which means it is aimed at attracting highly skilled remote … Read more
The retirement age in France has recently undergone significant changes, being raised from 62 to 64 years of age, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s social and economic policy landscape. This adjustment has not only sparked considerable debate within France but also drawn attention to how retirement ages are set and adjusted in other … Read more
Picking the best country in Europe to live in 2024 in isn’t always easy because you have to weigh up a lot of things, from how strong the economy is to what the weather’s like, and many other factors that can impact your quality of life. But let’s keep it real, for most people thinking … Read more
In 2024, France will be implementing significant changes in its immigration laws and border rules, affecting individuals traveling from the UK, whether for short visits or long-term stays, reports The Connexion. These modifications come as France aligns itself with the broader regulatory framework of the European Union. We explore the nuances of these new regulations, … Read more
Romania and Bulgaria are poised to join the European Schengen area for air and sea travel in March 2024, following a landmark agreement with Austria, the Romanian government announced earlier this month. The Romanian Interior Ministry confirmed that a “political agreement” was reached among the three countries, allowing for the expansion of the Schengen zone … Read more
Key takeaways: Interest in moving to Europe from the U.S. dwindled in 2023, as online searches for living abroad dropped by 14%. The United Kingdom, Germany and Portugal saw the sharpest drops in interest, more than 20%, compared to one year prior. Out of the top 15 most sought-after countries in Europe for Americans, only … Read more
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently highlighted a critical issue in Portugal’s housing market: properties are estimated to be overvalued by about 20%. Despite a slight dip in prices, the IMF cautions that this overvaluation poses a risk, especially for banks facing potential defaults and non-performing loans, reported Portugal.com. During the IMF’s annual meeting, Europe … Read more
Choosing the best country in Europe to live in is no easy task, as there are so many different ways to evaluate a country, from its economy to weather and everything in between. But let’s be honest, most people’s number one criteria when moving abroad is the cost. However, the countries that usually dominate the … Read more
In 2024, Portugal plans to phase out income tax exemptions for foreigners who live in the country part-time, according to Le Monde, a move aimed at mitigating the ongoing housing affordability crisis. This policy change marks a significant shift from the measures initiated in 2009, which were designed to attract foreign capital in the aftermath … Read more