Expat FAQ

Do you have a general question on expatriation? FAQs give you answers to the most frequent questions.

Search in the FAQ

  1. Unemployment compensation: How to get the E301? [22-09-2006] 
  2. Claim back tax, Tax return, Tax refund in the UK, P60, P45, P85 [24-11-2006]
  3. What are the European E-forms for healthcare? [26-05-2005]
  4. French: Can you have dual nationality? [19-01-2011] 
  5. Watch French TV channels abroad [01-05-2013] 
  6. Comparison of different levels of taxation in Europe [10-09-2005] 
  7. London: How to open a bank account? [16-03-2005] 
  8. What are the European E-forms for pensions? [27-05-2005]
  9. How to get the French nationality? [26-05-2005]
  10. How do I convert my 401k plan into an IRA? [31-01-2005]
  11. What are the European E-forms for family benefits? [27-05-2005]
  12. What is a local contract? [25-01-2005] 
  13. What is the rule for a non-EU to marry an EU citizen and living a EU Country? [31-01-2005]
  14. I lost my National Insurance Number - UK / London [02-03-2008]
  15. What are the European E-forms for unemployment? [22-09-2006]
  16. What is a Schengen Visa? [18-04-2018]
  17. London: How to find work? [31-01-2005] 
  18. Special tax regime for foreign executives in Belgium [13-04-2006] 
  19. How to get the US citizenship? [27-05-2005]
  20. UK: I've Lost My NI Number Card, what do I do? [15-02-2005]
  21. What does the UK tax code mean? [09-09-2006]
  22. What is the minimum wage in the UK? [06-10-2005] 
  23. French Pensions: How does it Work? [08-09-2011]
  24. How long does it take to get dual citizenship in the UK? [31-01-2005]
  25. Pension calculation when you have contributions in several different European countries [09-01-2008]
  26. Which countries are in the Schengen Area? [12-04-2012]
  27. London: What is the budget way to start? [31-01-2005] 
  28. French and expatriate secondment? [20-01-2011] 
  29. International tax treaty and method of taxation of the French expatriate [20-01-2011] 
  30. What number to call in case of emergency? [09-02-2011]
  31. Can I get a UK passport for UK born children [31-01-2005]
  32. When does school start? [15-09-2011]
  33. At you one right to family allowances in Britain? [07-12-2005] 
  34. What are the dole in England after leaving France? [31-01-2005] 
  35. Domiciled or resident in the UK? [25-01-2005] 
  36. What is an EEA3 for the UK Home Office? [08-02-2011]
  37. Schengen Area: Do I need a visa?  [11-04-2012]
  38. What are the formalities before going abroad? [31-01-2005] 
  39. What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)? [19-05-2011]
  40. What is an Umbrella Company? [06-10-2005]
  41. How can you manage a high Cost of Living? [31-08-2011]
  42. UK Pensions: how does it work? [29-01-2011]
  43. Will I lose US citizenship if I naturalize as a UK citizen? [31-01-2005]
  44. How can I find out if an International School is accredited? [28-06-2012]
  45. Resume or CV (curriculum vitae) [15-03-2011]
  46. What is the eurocommuting? [17-01-2005] 
  47. How should I tip in restaurants in Europe? [21-07-2011]
  48. What are the living arrangments for Spousal Visa in America? [31-01-2005]
  49. How do I plan a timeline for Moving Abroad? [31-08-2011]
  50. Marriage / Divorce - Check your Social Security number (SSN) [31-01-2005]
  51. US citizens: I've married a UK citizen in UK, how do I fill my US Tax form? [31-01-2005]
  52. What is an EEA1 for the UK Home Office? [08-02-2011]
  53. What is Fiduciary Factoring and what are its advantages? [05-10-2012]
  54. What are my options for International Shipping? [19-01-2012]
  55. US citizens: Who must complete a US Tax Return? [10-08-2005]
  56. Schengen Area: What is an EU Blue Card? [24-08-2012]
  57. What are the most expensive cities to live in? [01-08-2011]
  58. How should I tip in restaurants in Asia? [22-07-2011]
  59. Do we have to pay UK taxes in the USA? [31-01-2005]
  60. How to find telephone directories in other countries? [12-05-2011]
  61. How long does it take for a non-EU to aquire a work visa in UK? [31-01-2005]
  62. Taxation of French employees seconded [16-10-2010] 
  63. US citizens: Do I still need to fill a tax form if I become a British Citizen? [31-01-2005]
  64. Where is it safe to live/travel as a homosexual? [03-05-2013]
  65. What is an EEA4 for the UK Home Office? [08-02-2011]
  66. Taking your pet abroad [18-04-2017]
  67. London: Help me find a home. [31-01-2005] 
  68. What is the IR35 UK tax? [07-10-2005]
  69. How to keep his green card? [31-01-2005] 
  70. Canada: Do I need a visa to enter?  [07-04-2012]
  71. What happens if I keep an IRA in the US while living somewhere else [31-01-2005]
  72. How should I tip in Africa and the Middle East? [25-07-2011]
  73. How to Go Abroad as a Physically Disabled Person? [07-06-2011]
  74. Do you need to set up a company if you are contracting in the UK? [07-10-2005]
  75. How to make a claim in the UK? [11-08-2005]
  76. Which visa for an internship in the U.S.? [31-01-2005] 
  77. Cover Letter [15-03-2011]
  78. How to set up a company in the UK? [07-10-2005]
  79. What is a UK EEA Family Permit? [07-02-2011]
  80. What courses for adults can you find abroad? [12-05-2011]
  81. Pensions in the European Union [09-09-2005] 
  82. America's Green Card System [09-04-2012]
  83. French: Taxation of stock options in the event of expatriation [20-01-2011] 
  84. How should I tip in restaurants in South America? [22-07-2011]
  85. Rights to ride small motorcycles and mopeds in UK [13-02-2008]
  86. How should I tip in restaurants in North America? [24-07-2011]
  87. What is an international mission? [17-01-2005] 
  88. Retirement in America: how does it work? [11-01-2011]
  89. What are types of Expat Package? [11-05-2012]
  90. German Pensions: How does it Work? [22-06-2011]
  91. Are you a French tax resident under the criteria of the French law? [15-10-2010] 
  92. What are some international job search strategies? [08-09-2012]
  93. Australia: How do I obtain a visitor visa? [07-04-2012]
  94. Canada: How do I obtain a permanent resident card? [07-04-2012]
  95. What are the Steps to Repatriate? [23-01-2011]
  96. What are bike sharing systems accross the world? [02-06-2013]
  97. How do I apply for a National Insurance Number in the UK? [08-02-2012]
  98. Australia: How do I obtain a visa to study?  [07-04-2012]
  99. What is an EEA2 for the UK Home Office? [08-02-2011]
  100. Australia: How do I apply for a work visa?  [07-04-2012]
  101. Australia: How do I obtain a permanent resident visa?  [07-04-2012]
  102. How do I find a short-term job / a seasonal work? [25-06-2012]
  103. How do I eat like a local? [27-09-2012]
  104. How much Notice do I need to give when leaving an Apartment? [03-02-2012]
  105. Australia: Do I need a visa to enter?  [07-04-2012]
  106. How to immigrate to the USA thanks to Family member (green card)? [15-06-2011]
  107. United States of America: Do I need a visa?  [08-03-2018]
  108. What is a UK Marriage Visa? [07-02-2011]
  109. Steps to Find a School [14-02-2011]
  110. Canada: How do I obtain a study permit? [08-04-2012]
  111. International Removal Companies [15-03-2011]
  112. Information on Customs [15-03-2011]
  113. Can I teach English as a foreign language? [12-04-2011]
  114. Canada: How do I obtain a temporary residence visa? [07-04-2012]
  115. French: Life and Expatriation [20-01-2011] 
  116. UK: How do I obtain a study permit? [09-04-2012]
  117. French and expatriate taxation: what to do at the start [13-03-2013] 
  118. What is the European Health Insurance Card?  [10-04-2012]
  119. Can you study with the Erasmus Programme Outside of Europe? [05-03-2013]
  120. America's Diversity Lottery [09-04-2012]
  121. What is a UK Fiance Visa? [07-02-2011]
  122. The European Voluntary Service (EVS) [07-04-2011]
  123. How to immigrate to the USA using an employment-based Visa? [17-06-2011]
  124. What do I need to do to prepare to move house as an expat? [08-09-2012]
  125. What is EURES? [07-04-2011]
  126. What should you include in an Expat Contract? [11-05-2012]
  127. French expatriate: determine your new tax clearance [15-10-2010] 
  128. What is the difference between an Embassy and a Consulate? [16-01-2012]
  129. What is an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)? [07-02-2011]
  130. How to Battle Culture Shock and Win? [07-06-2011]
  131. How do I find a Reputable Mover? [19-01-2012]
  132. How can I travel/live in Muslim countries during Ramadan? [31-08-2011]
  133. UK: How do I apply for a work visa?  [09-04-2012]
  134. Looking for information about Erasmus? [07-04-2011]
  135. UK: Do I need a visa? [09-04-2012]
  136. What is the Lifelong Learning Programme? [07-04-2011]
  137. What is a Pension Plan? [10-12-2010]
  138. Australia: How can I bring my family with me?  [07-04-2012]
  139. What are my voting rights after I move abroad? [25-11-2011]
  140. Should I Keep an Expat Blog? [07-06-2011]
  141. Tax agents of the French state employees abroad [16-10-2010] 
  142. What are the Student Discount Cards? [07-04-2011]
  143. How do I prepare to have a baby abroad? [07-11-2011]
  144. Schengen Area: How do I obtain a study visa? [24-08-2012]
  145. United States of America: How do I obtain a study visa?  [09-04-2012]
  146. What are the benefits of a short-term accommodation? [25-06-2012]
  147. What about your health when abroad? [12-04-2011]
  148. French and expatriate taxation: what to do when you come back [15-10-2010] 
  149. Canada: How do I obtain a Work Visa? [05-04-2012]
  150. How Do I Protect Myself Legally While Abroad? [07-11-2011]
  151. How do I apply for a social security number in the USA? [19-10-2012]
  152. How to eat vegetarian abroad [11-05-2011]
  153. What is a Location Independent Career? [14-08-2012]
  154. What are my rights as a renter in the USA? [03-02-2012]
  155. How should I tip in Australia & New Zealand? [24-07-2011]
  156. Repatriation: how to get a job when moving back? [23-01-2011]
  157. What is the Erasmus Programme? [01-03-2013]
  158. What is a Discount Card? [25-06-2012]
  159. Tourism: Should I take a Tour? [16-01-2012]
  160. Prepare your repatriation: How to find an accommodation? [23-01-2011]
  161. What if I need to make an emergency trip in order to go back home? [26-06-2012]
  162. Form of overseas care reimbursement [08-09-2016] 
  163. Are French non-residents exempt from CSG and CRDS? [26-04-2024] 
  164. Non-French residents: What are my tax obligations if I own a furnished property rented out in France [27-04-2024] 

Consult our FAQ made by the most frequently asked questions and specific terms of expatriation.

You can ask details, information and post comments on the forums.

The list of all the questions in the website language is available in one click, ordered by refreshed date or by number of hits.

For other discussions, advice, question, point of view, get together, etc...: please use the forum.



- My Life Abroad -
A selection of expat stories

"A fun compulsive read!"
J. Matcham, Amazon

"I strongly advise people ready to live abroad to read this book!"
Patrice, Amazon

More on the book >
Read the latest news in the expat world, info, trends, interviews, and much more: Browse our Expat Magazine