last edited Dec 11, 2019
Expatriation
What is expatriation?
An expatriate is someone who no longer lives in their country of origin (regardless of nationality) for personal or professional reasons.
Expatriation implies settling in a specific place, unlike travel, which is associated with mobility. It also involves staying for a minimum of several months.
Different forms of expatriation
You can choose to leave for studies, humanitarian work, a company assignment, or on your own without any prior structure.
- Leaving as part of an "official" work assignment
- Leaving on your own "adventure"
Advantages and disadvantages by country
For you to expand: European Union, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Middle East, advantages and disadvantages by geographic region.
French expatriates
For you to expand: Who are they, how many are there, and where do they live?
Before leaving
Motivation
For you to expand: Often the key to successful expatriation, including for the rest of the family.
Entry requirements and administrative procedures
For you to expand: Work contract and permit, visa, insurance, taxes, schooling, etc.
Housing questions
For you to expand: Leaving your home and preparing your move.
On site
Settling in
For you to expand: Housing, car, bank account, insurance, various formalities...
Daily life
For you to expand: How to live abroad on a daily basis: language, culture, outings, relationships with locals and other expats, etc.?
With family
While the expat usually finds their place in their new life, what about the rest of the family?
Expat partner
For you to expand: How to succeed in expatriation as a partner, especially if you are not working locally?
Children
For you to expand: Expatriating as a family or how to organize for your children (schooling, leisure, etc.).
Returning home
For you to expand: How to adjust well to returning home, both personally and professionally?