An expat (short for expatriate) is someone living outside their native country, often temporarily for work, study, or retirement, typically retaining their original citizenship and intending to return home, distinguishing them in common use from immigrants who plan to settle permanently. The term comes from Latin ex (out of) and patria (country). While technically anyone living abroad, it often implies skilled professionals or retirees from wealthier nations, creating social distinctions from "migrant workers".
It means a person who lives outside their native country, usually for an extended period, sometimes permanently. The term “Expat” was created to specifically mean that someone has moved to another country for work or a temporary time frame. It's short for “Expatriate.
The term "expat," short for expatriate, refers to someone who lives in a foreign country outside of their origin or citizenship. While their extended stay abroad is often for work, this is not always the case.
What's the difference between an immigrant and an expat?
An expat (expatriate) usually moves abroad temporarily, often for work, intending to return home, while an immigrant moves with the intent to settle permanently in the new country, building a life there. While technically one can be both (an expat leaving their country and an immigrant entering it), societal usage often distinguishes them by perceived class, country of origin, and intent, with "expat" often implying privilege (e.g., Westerner in Asia) and "immigrant" often referring to those from less developed nations seeking permanent settlement, sometimes carrying negative connotations.
The definition of expatriate, commonly abbreviated to "expat", is someone who lives in a country other than their native land. Expats relocate abroad for various reasons, such as better employment and educational opportunities, retirement or improved quality of life.
You may have to pay tax on certain income or gains made while you were non-resident. This doesn't include wages or other employment income. These rules (called 'temporary non-residence') apply if both: you return to the UK within 5 years of moving abroad (or 5 full tax years if you left the UK before 6 April 2013)
1. Portugal. Portugal remains a top destination for expats moving abroad due to its mild climate, low cost of living, and laid-back lifestyle. Expats report high satisfaction with healthcare quality, personal safety, and work-life balance.
An expat is a person who lives outside of their native country. They may be living abroad temporarily, or plan to stay permanently. They may be working, retired, studying, investing, starting a business, or indeed living abroad for any other reason.
Can you collect social security if you are an expat?
If you earned Social Security benefits, you can visit or live in most foreign countries and still receive payments. Look up the country on the Payments Abroad Screening Tool to find out if you can collect your Social Security payments or survivor benefits.
Expat Syndrome refers to the emotional stress and challenges that individuals face when moving abroad. It's not a medical diagnosis, but a term used to describe the feelings of anxiety, depression, and identity loss that can occur.
Some of the best places to live in India for expats include Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Goa. These cities offer diverse lifestyles, strong expat communities, international schools, and modern amenities, ranging from fast-paced business hubs to relaxed coastal destinations.
To thrive as an expat, it is essential to take care of your health and well-being, build a social network, and maintain relationships with loved ones. Be open-minded, work on your mental toughness, and use the experience as an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover new aspects of yourself.
What's it called when someone leaves their country?
Emigration is the act of leaving a resident country or place of residence with the intent to settle elsewhere (to permanently leave a country). Conversely, immigration describes the movement of people into one country from another (to permanently move to a country).
Of the countries polled, Sweden is the non-Anglosphere country seen as friendliest to Britain, with 80% of the public seeing the UK and Sweden as having a positive relationship.
Brits are moving to tax-efficient locations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (especially Dubai) for zero income tax, while Malta attracts many with EU access and favorable remittance-based tax schemes. Other popular spots include Portugal, Greece, and Cyprus, offering tax incentives and lifestyle benefits, with some also considering the Bahamas, BVI, and Jersey for nil/low-tax environments, according to migration advisors.
