Expats

Expats, short for expatriates, are people who live outside their native country for an extended period, typically due to work, study, or retirement. The term is usually used to describe professionals and their families on short- to mid-term assignments, rather than migrants who settle permanently. The etymology traces to Latin patria, meaning country, with ex- meaning outside.

Common destinations include high-income, globally connected countries and city-states with demand for skilled labor and international services, such as in Western Europe, North America, the Gulf states, and parts of Asia. Work-related relocation often involves corporate or government sponsorship, relocation packages, and visa arrangements that enable temporary residence, work permits, or permanent residency.

Life as an expat can involve housing searches, navigating healthcare and schooling, language barriers, and cultural adjustment. Expat communities and networks can provide social support and information, while expat-focused services, schools, and clubs aid adaptation. Costs of living and taxation vary by country; some hosts offer favorable tax treatments or double taxation treaties to reduce financial burden.

Critics note that expat flows can reflect global inequalities and contribute to brain drain or housing pressures in host cities, while favoring middle- and upper-income individuals. Overall, expats are a diverse group linked by cross-border residence and the global mobility of labor, study, and retirement.