Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
Whenever planning a vacation or a move abroad, safety is usually the top concern for both travelers and expats. When you venture into a foreign country there is a lot of unknown that raises legitimate safety and wellbeing concerns. To ease these fears, it’s best to know what are the safest places to go to. … Read more
So, you’re dreaming of a life where the Atlantic breeze mingles with the scent of fresh pastéis de nata. Portugal is calling you, and you have big expectations and so so many questions. Before you pack your bags, let’s sift through your FAQ list with a blend of humor and stark reality. Because, if we … Read more
The “Schengen Shuffle” refers to a practice used by some travelers to navigate the visa restrictions in the Schengen Area of Europe. The Schengen Area is a zone comprising several European countries that have abolished passport and all other types of border control at their mutual borders. For many non-European Union (EU) nationals, this means … 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
Mostly known for its portrayal in Hollywood films and TV shows, Sicily is an incredibly beautiful, serene area. As the third-most affordable region in Italy, Sicily is quickly becoming a favorite for expats, retirees, digital nomads, and more. Quality of life is the main criterion for our list of the five best towns in Sicily … Read more
The number of Americans living in Portugal has been increasing rapidly since the NHR tax incentive program and the Golden Visa were first introduced over a decade ago, reaching a total of 6,885 according to the latest statistics published in September 2023 by the Portuguese Strategies and Studies Office. Americans are intrigued and fascinated by … Read more
Since I’ve moved to Italy, every time I go back to my hometown of New Orleans in the United States to visit family for a few weeks, I’m shocked at just how expensive everything is. How can anyone afford to live here? Comparing the cost of living when traveling back and forth between Italy and … 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
Apartments are a great, affordable option for buying property throughout Italy, with the average price of a two-bedroom apartment in Italy around $152,000. You may be surprised that unlike in the United States, you’ll find apartments for sale in big cities, small towns, and tiny villages, with interesting architectural styles that can vary widely from … Read more
Are you looking for a place to live with great weather in addition to world-class culture, beautiful scenery, and soul-pleasing food? If so, Italy is your place. The weather in Italy is variable depending on which region you are in. Generally, summers are hot and humid while winters tend to be chilly and wet. However, … 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
Moving abroad has never been a dream for me like it is for so many. Perhaps that’s because I didn’t travel much outside the United States, my home country, for most of my life. Or perhaps it’s because I love my hometown of New Orleans so much, I’ve never wanted to leave for good. Despite … 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
If you’re planning a trip or a move to Italy and want to stay connected, you may be wondering about how to set up your mobile phone to work once you get there. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to have working cell phones around the world. Whether you’re moving to Italy or simply visiting for … 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
Americans and healthcare professionals Yelena Wheeler and her husband Josh were very gracious to share their exciting and funny story of moving to Olhão, Portugal from Burbank, California, United States with two young children, 22 bags and a whole lot of humor — in just ten months. Here’s their thrilling journey of moving abroad to … Read more
When moving to Greece, there are plenty of every day necessities to remember as you plan for your new life abroad. If you are on prescription medication in your home country, this will certainly be one of the more important items on your moving abroad checklist. You will need to ensure that you have an … Read more
The biggest increase in the number of Americans moving to France to date was registered in 2022, according to newly released Eurostat data reported by MyDolceCasa.com. The number of US citizens who relocated to France permanently has tripled since the pandemic. Last year more than 12,000 new residency cards were issued to American passport holders … Read more
Moving to a new country is certainly an exciting and action-packed time. Days are filled with getting unpacked and comfortable in your new home, checking out the area and discovering local shops with different products. Trying out the country’s cuisine is also a great experience, especially in the company of newly-made friends. After a short … Read more
Recent research shows that Italy is the most popular homebuying destination for Americans in 2023, out of all countries in Europe and the Americas. The two primary reasons U.S. nationals are contemplating buying real estate in Italy are lifestyle and affordability. $200,000 is an average homebuying budget for many Americans who are moving abroad, which … Read more