Moving, living, working, retiring abroad
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
Moving to France with school age children does not need to be a challenge if you do your homework about the French education system. The school year in France runs from September to the end June, early July and there are five main school breaks and several public holidays during the year when schools in … Read more
Is moving to Italy on your wishlist but you worry that you may not afford it? We set out to prove that even on a small monthly income, there are plenty of nice places to live in Italy. As the monthly budget gets bigger, the location choices open up. This time, we’ll take you through … Read more
It’s the dream of many to explore the unique natural wonders, culture-rich towns, and delicious cuisine Italy offers. Is moving to this country on a budget possible in retirement, after graduating or simply on a low income? What places can I expect to find in Italy where life is nice and affordable? This time, we’ll … Read more
France celebrates eleven public holidays each year, which is the second highest number of annual holidays in Europe after Austria. Additionally, two other holidays are observed in certain regions in France. The French public holidays include both civil holidays – for example New Year’s Day and May Day – and religious holidays such as Easter … Read more
The average price of a house for sale in Germany is $562,000, and the price to buy an apartment in Germany is on average $253,600 in 2024. The home price per square foot in Germany is $281, while the apartment price per square foot is $317. Home prices in Germany are higher than real estate … Read more
Many people are looking for affordable places to live in Italy. Even if your income is limited or have a monthly retirement allowance, you can still find some amazing places to live in Italy for little money. In general, the country has a much lower cost of living compared to countries in the north of … Read more
Exploring new places means learning about local customs. But have you ever thought about tipping practices? While tipping in the United States and Britain may be common, it’s not so typical in other countries. Portugal has its own unique approach to tipping. In this guide, we’ll look at the ins and outs of tipping in … Read more
So you’re planning to move to Italy just after college or have a strict retirement budget, but what are the best places to live in Italy under $1,600 per month? Housing is the largest expense no matter where you live and it shouldn’t account for more than a third of your total monthly budget or … Read more
When it comes to earning a living, the stark differences in minimum wage laws can be a deciding factor for people contemplating a move abroad. For Americans looking to work overseas, salary comparisons with European countries shed light on how much people earn in Europe versus the United States. My Dolce Casa‘s analysis of recently … Read more
A totalization agreement is a bilateral agreement between two countries that coordinates their social security programs to protect the benefits of people who have worked in both countries. These agreements are designed to address issues that arise when a worker splits their career between countries with different social security systems. The key aspects of totalization … Read more
Tipping is not as common in France as it is in many other countries, including the US or the UK. In fact, tipping in France is very relaxed for all concerned. This is because service charges are usually included in the prices for restaurants, hotels and other services in the hospitality industry. Although leaving a … Read more
If you’ve spent even a fraction of your life in the United States, you’ll notice that tipping has been ingrained in so much of our culture. From grabbing a quick coffee to getting a haircut, we’re used to seeing the prompt, “How much would you like the tip?” But how about tipping in Italy, when … Read more
France is one of the most popular places in the world with Americans to live either for a short time or permanently. The American Embassy in Paris estimates that there are about 150,000 Americans currently living in France. Given that the exchange rate for US dollar to Euro is the highest it has been for … Read more
If you’re living in the United States, the idea of moving to Europe may be appealing, but it also comes with a lot of unknowns. New experiences, cultural immersion, and personal growth are all seemingly on the horizon with a big move. Whether you’re moving for work, education, or simply seeking a change of scenery, … Read more
Deciding where to retire involves more than just choosing a location. It requires careful consideration of financial, healthcare, and legal factors. It also forces you to think about some personal considerations, such as defining your well-being, willingness to step outside of your comfort zone or how important it is to be close to family. Some … 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
Finding employment in Portugal as an expat is a common aspiration for many seeking a change of scenery and lifestyle. Whether motivated by career opportunities, retirement plans, or simply a desire for a new adventure, working in Portugal can offer both professional growth and cultural enrichment. With the rise of remote work opportunities, the prospect … Read more
In the heart of Northern Italy lies the picturesque region of Piedmont, renowned for its stunning and diverse nature, profound historical roots, and unbelievable cuisine. For English-speaking expatriates seeking a slice of Italian life, Piedmont offers a myriad of elegant towns and cities to call home. From vibrant urban centers for job seekers to tranquil … Read more