Available second passport and citizenship

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Taliban Open Up Front in Once-Quiet Afghan North
Nov 27, 2009 12:31 am | By CARLOTTA GALL

Militants have had a resurgence in Kunduz, a province that American and Afghan officials did not think they had to worry about.

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Stalemate in Legislature Has New York Near Its Last Dollar
Nov 26, 2009 11:39 pm | By DANNY HAKIM

With no end in sight to a dispute over a budget deficit, the state could have as little as $36 million in the bank by year end.

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राष्ट्रमंडल सम्मेलन में ध्यान जलवायु परिवर्तन पर
Nov 26, 2009 09:54 pm | BBC Hindi

शुक्रवार से शुरु हो रहे राष्ट्रमंडल सम्मेलन में जलवायु परिवर्तन छाया रहेगा. अन्य नेताओं समेत मनमोहन सिंह भी वहाँ पहुँचे हैं.

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Торги на Токийской бирже начались с обвала котировок
Nov 26, 2009 09:05 pm | “Ведомости”. Ежедневная деловая газета

Сегодня утром торги на крупнейшей в Азии Токийской фондовой бирже начались с обвала котировок из-за ослабления доллара.

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Grande-Marlaska prohíbe dos homenajes a etarras
Nov 26, 2009 08:59 pm | Los Angeles

El juez de la Audiencia Nacional ordena también que se retire una placa en recuerdo a dos terroristas de la banda.  Leer. Escuchar

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São Paulo registra mais de 100 km de filas às 21h30
Nov 26, 2009 07:44 pm | G1 – O Portal de Notícias da Globo

Capital teve 21 pontos de alagamentos, segundo CGE. Chove moderamente em vários pontos da cidade.

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Барак Обама попросил американцев потерпеть
Nov 26, 2009 06:39 pm | “Ведомости”. Ежедневная деловая газета

Американский президент в своем обращении к нации призвал всех граждан государства к терпению в связи с тяжелым экономическим положением в стране.

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Troops celebrate Thanksgiving
Nov 26, 2009 06:35 pm | CNN.com – U.S.

Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, a visit by the commanding general in Iraq and a phone call from President Obama, were some of the ways the White House and Pentagon helped U.S. troops overseas celebrate Thanksgiving.

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Jockeys’ Fire Deaths: Man On Murder Charge
Nov 26, 2009 06:28 pm | Sky News | Home | First For Breaking News

A 37-year-old man has been charged with the murders of two young jockeys who died in a fire at a flat.

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Guerra se desmarca de la cúpula del PSOE y censura las «presiones» al TC
Nov 26, 2009 06:00 pm | RSS Agregación ABC

Heridas abiertas entre los cargos socialistas, de la vieja y nueva guardia, ante la inminente sentencia del Tribunal Constitucional (TC) sobre el recurso interpuesto por el PP en julio de 2006 contra el «Estatut» de Cataluña. La publicación hoy de un editorial consensuado por doce periódicos catalanes -al que se han adherido posteriormente tres emisoras de la misma región- ha desatado una oleada de comentarios y críticas, pronunciados de forma soterrada y también a micrófono abierto.

Guerra se desmarca. El presidente de la Comisión Constitucional del Congreso, el socialista Alfonso Guerra, …

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Militants have had a resurgence in Kunduz, a province that American and Afghan officials did not think they had to worry about.

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Second passport: Living in the Philippines on $500 per Month

 

Let’s face it 500 bucks isn’t a vast amount of money, at the time of writing and with the current exchange rate it’s around £340 – so is it possible to live abroad anywhere on that amount of cash per month, or are we talking cardboard boxes under flyovers?

Well you can live in the Philippines on $500 per month and here’s how.

First thing you’re going to need to sort out is your accommodation.  Obviously there are plenty of houses for rent throughout the Philippines, but a small house in Manila might set you back up to $360 (£240) per month – which is going to eat into our budget quite a bit.  So, if you want to be living in the Philippines on $500 per month or less you need to be getting away from the capital city.

Apartments in Cebu, one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, can start from around $150 (£103) per month.  Not that Cebu is particularly off the beaten track.  Cebu city boasts 5 star hotels, casinos, shopping malls, golf courses and nearby sandy beaches.  If you’re prepared to take cost savings further you can rent a room in a house.

A room with a shared bathroom in a location like Damaguete City in the province of Negros Oriental, can be had for as little as $60 (£41) per month.  But don’t think you’ll be living in a flea infested backward city at this price!  Damaguete City is one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines and known as the “university town” as it has 7 universities and colleges.

Home to around 115,000 people, the city also offers nearby whale and dolphin watching, excellent beaches and is fast becoming a prime location for those wanting to retire in the Philippines as it has a large number of medical clinics, good city amenities, as well as a laid back lifestyle.

So we can tick off housing.  Accommodation is cheap enough to allow you to live for less than $500 per month in the Philippines.

Next it is on to groceries, if we are living in a rented room we have around $440 (£303) of our $500 budget left.  Starting with the essentials, a pack of cigarettes will set you back around $0.80 (£0.55) and a 1/3 of a litre of San Miguel beer $0.50 (£0.34).  So to live a typical expat lifestyle and feed a 20 a day habit with 4 bottles of beer each night costs around $40 (£27) per month.  We are down to $400 (£270).

Next, on to the secondary products such as food!  Lets say you use half a litre of milk per day, 3 litres of bottled water per day, breakfast on two boiled eggs, buy a kilo of rice every 3 days and usually eat out every lunch time and evening at a local roadside stall – something like sizzling pork cheeks or Tapsilog (beef fried rice and eggs), and you obviously get through a kilo of coffee a week, average costs for a month would run to around $350 (£240).  So a months worth of groceries plus accommodation costs would still allow you to live on less than $500 per month in the Philippines.

We’re now down to the final $50 (£35).  A 5 kilometre taxi ride costs around $1.64 (£1.13) so you can either go on a 152 kilometre taxi ride with the rest of your money or splash out $40 (£27) on a Brazilian wax and head for the beach…walking.

You can see from the above figures that it is possible to live on less than $500 per month in the Philippines.  Obviously you won’t be saving an awful lot of your cash, but then, the sun’s going to be shining and the beach is free!

 

Second passport: Retiring in Spain

 

Spain has long held the top spot with Britons looking for a place to retire abroad – it has the perfect blend of beauty, a fantastic climate, accessibility, culture and sophistication.  However, with the recent collapse in the nation’s property market, a lot of bad feeling has gone Spain’s way from us Brits.  But is it time to reconsider Spain as a suitable place to retire abroad?  It certainly ticks so many boxes, and now that property prices are falling, it could be a time to consider moving to Spain for retirement.

In many of the more touristy and popular parts of Spain English is widely understood – so this can be good for those who don’t fancy the thought of having to get to grips with another language in order to move abroad.  And for those for whom the idea of moving to such an area is abhorrent, there are plenty of pockets of more rural Spain where there are no English people!  This means that in theory, no matter what your preference, you can find a place for your retirement in Spain.

The weather in Southern Spain is the best – further north and you’re facing almost a similar climate to that which we ‘enjoy’ in the UK.  The food’s good, the healthcare’s good in terms of accessibility and quality, and for retiring and qualifying Britons, it’s free.  On the downside?  Well, you have to tread carefully when buying a property at the moment, make sure you involve a lawyer in the transaction to protect your interests.

 

Second passport: Living in Thailand on Less Than $500 a Month

 

How to live abroad cheaply, if you’ve decided to get out of the rat race during the current economic doom and gloom but haven’t really got much in the way of cash, or if you’re thinking about retiring early, or maybe you just want to be a beach bum for a few months, why not get yourself over to Thailand?

Obviously you could log on to Thais are Us, one of the many internet dating sites, get yourself married to a lovely smiling Thai and go off and live in a village amongst the water buffalos – but it doesn’t have to be your only option…unless you want it to be!

If you get away from Bangkok it is possible to find yourself living in Thailand on less than $500 (£344) per month…

The first consideration is going to be accommodation.  You’re not going to be able to put yourself up in the Bangkok Hilton on a budget of $500 a month living in Thailand, but accommodation can be found from as little as $30 (£20) a month for a small apartment without air conditioning in places like Chang Mai up in the mountains of northern Thailand.

Air conditioned apartments start from $70 (£50) per month.  If you want to be nearer the coast, then apartments and guest houses in Phuket start from $90 (£62) per month.  With accommodation under $100 a month that leaves us $400 to play with if we are going to prove to you that you can still live in Thailand on under $500 per month…so, here goes: -

Whilst it would be very tempting to go straight into trying to fit a months worth of nightlife in Thailand into $400 it’s probably better to consider the cost of food as your next priority.  The majority of lower end apartments won’t have cooking facilities so it’s going to be a case of eating out.  Obviously you can eat in a restaurant every night, but again budgetary requirements won’t cover this.  You can however get fantastic Thai food from street side food stalls.  A good meal for one will cost around $1.10 (£0.75), and it usually consists of rice with spicy chicken, spicy pork or spicy something else!

A bottle of beer runs to around $1.50 (£1.00) and a glass of beer can be had for around $1 (£0.70), soft drinks and orange juice run to about the same.  Three meals a day and fresh fruit snacks should come to about $180 (£125) per month.  So far we’ve spent $280 of our budget, so we are well on track to showing you that you can live in Thailand on less than $500 per month.

Obviously you’re going to need to get out a bit while you’re living in Thailand, and with $220 remaining we can do that.  Put aside around $30 (£20) for a months worth of laundry and we are now down to $190.  Going out to dinner without getting too heavy on the alcohol should run to about $12 (£8.25) per person, and getting to and from your preferred spot shouldn’t be too expensive as a 3 kilometre taxi ride will run to about $0.40 (£0.27), so you can look to spend around $72 (£50) a month on eating dinner out once or twice a week and maybe $25 (£17) in taxi rides.

The remaining $90 (£62) you can invest in wine, women and song, or fritter it away on other things as you see fit.  But you can see by the figures, it is possible to live in Thailand on less than $500 a month.  Now let me get that flight schedule!

 

Second passport: Move Further Abroad – Europe’s Doomed

 

Following suggestions that Tony Blair, (harbinger of UK’s economic doom), is perhaps to become president of the EU, we feel that it’s probably time to move much further abroad because Europe’s clearly doomed!

Just the mere suggestion that Blair could be considered for this new post means that Europe needs to be left well alone in terms of a destination for expat Britons, and when you throw in the uncertainty surrounding the future of the euro as a strong global currency, it really does make sense to research alternative nations to call home.

Unfortunately for us Brits, countries in Europe are generally the easiest for us to move to with the least bureaucracy involved in the relocation process – but in this report we’ll show you how, with just a little more effort, you can move further afield and perhaps achieve a far more positive lifestyle abroad.

Not content with having implemented the policies that have led to the UK’s spectacular and catastrophic economic decline, and not content with achieving seemingly nothing in his role as Envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East, Tony Blair is apparently considering standing as president of the European council, should the Lisbon Treaty be ratified by all EU member states.

Of course, this could just be media speculation alone, but strong voices have already come out both in support and against Blair’s standing – so there may well be truth in the speculation…

To us it’s a terrifying prospect – Tony in charge of Europe?

As if things in the euro zone were not bad enough already…

You have economies such as the Spanish and German ones on their knees for example, you have reports detailing the fact that the Euro zone cannot be considered an optimal currency area any more, and you have what may prove to be a fatal combination of centralised monetary policy and decentralised fiscal policy throughout Europe.  This has created a scenario where there are sharp differences in inflation throughout Europe which is directly affecting the euro’s purchasing power in each Eurozone nation in turn.

As Britons using sterling we’ve also been affected by this concept – our purchasing power in the Eurozone has never been worse.  But we have to recognise that things in Europe itself, and within the Eurozone in particular are no better because there is an intrinsic inability to respond to inflation so the purchasing power of the euro is rapidly eroding in several countries.  This could create a situation for a retiring Briton where their sterling based income buys few euros, and those few euros buy absolutely nothing at all in the new nation they decided to call home.  It’s a terrifying prospect…

According to Laurent Jacque, professor of international finance and banking: “However traumatic it may be to reinstate national currencies, some countries could decide to abandon the euro to recover their economic competitiveness…But this is unlikely in the short-term, if only because national debts denominated in euros would become very expensive to service with a newly restored but devalued currency for the seceding country.  Even so, further deterioration of an already fragile social climate (such as the recent demonstrations in Greece) fuelled by a brutal acceleration of unemployment, may push some countries to this solution of last resort.”

Therefore, Europe really is doomed because leading voices are suggesting it could be on its way back to reinstating national currencies!  And to have Tony at it’s helm means that it’s going to become more of a no-go area for escaping Britons going in search of a new and better life abroad too – so we’d all better start researching our options for an escape further afield!

New Zealand, Canada and Australia are all favourite long haul destinations with escaping Brits, but each requires one to complete a merry bureaucratic dance just to gain temporary residency.  What’s more, the skilled migrant programmes that each nation uses to attract the best professionals from around the world have been slashed as each of the three nations has its own economic issues and therefore each requires fewer newcomers thank you.

So where else can we Britons look for a new life abroad?  We could look to emerging economies such as India, China, Russia or Brazil – these nations need international professionals so could be a good bet for anyone of working age looking for a new life overseas…but such countries are less favourable for retirees – perhaps with the exception of Brazil?  So how about nations with programmes still designed to attract us such as Malaysia and Belize?  Both countries offer tax attractive solutions to Britons who meet certain criteria, both offer a lower cost of living and a high standard of life.

Alternatively what about nations that have yet to emerge onto the British expat radar but which are growing significantly in interest for Americans?  Argentina or Mexico perhaps?  Both are stunningly beautiful countries with fabulous climates, plenty of potential for anyone with confidence and get up and go for example.

In conclusion…it does seem as though there is very little standing in Europe’s favour at the moment for anyone thinking about moving to live, work or retire abroad.  But the good news is, this perhaps means we’ll all become more adventurous when it comes to researching our options, and we’ll discover a whole new world of opportunity in countries we may never have thought of otherwise.

 

Second passport: Panama for Retirement Abroad

Panama for Retirement Abroad

Panama has been on the American radar for some time as an overseas retirement destination, but for us Britons, because it has not be straightforward to get to in terms of direct flights, we have overlooked it.  However, to overlook Panama is to overlook what could be your perfect retirement paradise.

It’s easy to get to and from the States so you can have first world services etc., almost on your doorstep if you’re worried about that – although if you live in or around Panama city, you’ll be surprised how sophisticated it is.  Panama City is considered the safest city in Central America, and it is home to fabulous shopping, first class health care and the quality of life in Panama is good and affordable meaning you can have your cake and eat it!  Real estate away from the main urban areas is also affordable, particularly as Panama boomed recently and is undergoing a decent negative price readjustment!!

With the expansion of the canal there is strong investment and a sense of positivity in the country at the moment – and this certainly rubs off and is infectious!  You can live tax attractively in Panama and there are plenty of discounts for retirees on many services.  The main troubles you need to be aware of are that, as Forbes puts it, there are “pockets of corruption” – and this can make leading a straightforward life sometimes tricky as you have to learn who to bribe to get some things done!  If you’re happy to adapt however, you could find that Panama ticks all your boxes.

Second passport: How to obtain work in Europe (EU)

 

The countries which compose the European Union have always attracted a large number of expatriate Americans, in part because of Europe’s culture, history, and scenic beauty, but also in because Europe used to offer many well-paying jobs for foreigners. Over a million Americans currently call Europe their home, and the draw of the “Old World” for North American citizens continues unabated. Unfortunately, the ongoing global recession has significantly dampened the prospect for Americans to find work in Europe. All European countries suffer from high unemployment, government cutbacks, and reduced growth. But despite the current crisis there are still jobs available for foreigners in a variety of fields and roles. Below I have outlined several options for people who are interested in working in Europe but do not have European citizenship or a residency permit.

Get your Foot in the Door

Few European employers will be interested in hiring Americans who have little or no work experience in Europe. This is why you need to gain international experience early in your professional career. Get your foot in the door by learning a European language and pursuing a summer job, language course, and /or internship in the country that interests you the most. This allows you to get to know the working culture, as well as tax laws, benefits, rights, and obligations, etc. as an employee in the European Union. And when you apply for a real job in Europe later on, your previous experience and exposure to working in Europe will prove very useful.

Foreign Language Skills

If you want to successfully compete with local candidates for a job in Europe, you need to prove that your skills exceed those of your competitors. For many jobs, excellent knowledge of the local language is essential, and having a working knowledge of German, Spanish, or French, will significantly improve your chances of getting a job offer. There are also many multinational companies that are looking for American or English-speaking candidates. However, keep in mind that during times of economic slowdown, few multinational companies are planning an expansion of their overseas operations.

Do your Homework Ahead of Time

Each country has its own procedures and etiquette for job-seekers. Instead of learning from your own mistakes, it is better to learn about the details of the job application process ahead of time. Buy a book about Living and Working in your country of interest, and gather as much information as possible. The job application process varies from country to country. Some countries have very bureaucratic and meticulous requirements, such as official certificates and diplomas documenting your education, training, and past work experience that often need to be accompanied by certified translations in the local language.

Jobs for Highly Skilled Professionals

Having professional skills that are in great demand is your best way to get a job offer from a European company. Unfortunately, due to strict labor laws, Americans have a significant disadvantage over Europeans when it comes to finding a job in the European Union. Citizens of the EU can work in any member country of the EU without a work permit, but Americans need an employer to sponsor their work visa. And even if you are lucky enough to get a job offer in the EU, your employment contract still needs to be approved by the respective Labor Department, which will determine if you are the best candidate and if your position could also be filled by a local candidate.  However, most European countries have shortages of skilled professionals in certain fields, such as engineering, information technology, health care, and teaching. If you fall into this category, your application for a work permit will be speedily expedited, and you have a good chance of getting approved.

Visas for the Self-Employed

As Europe’s population rapidly ages, there is a constant demand for young entrepreneurs and professionals who can inject new ideas and entrepreneurial skills into European economies, either by opening businesses or by working as highly skilled self-employed professionals. If you fall in this category, you do not need a job offer. All you need is to demonstrate exceptional professional skills and enough funds to get started. Europe’s major economies all offer such programs. France has recently changed its immigration law by offering the “Skills and Talents” permit, a new program for people that can make a considerable cultural, artistic or economic contribution to the country. The UK offers the similar “Tier 1 General Migrants Visa” (formerly known as the highly skilled migrant program–HSMP). Germany has enacted a ban on recruiting foreign labor for unskilled and less-skilled workers, and even for the most skilled workers. However, the government still allows self-employed professionals to live and work in Germany if your planned business or activity is expected to have a positive economic effect.

Work Exchange Programs for Students

Unfortunately, the U.S. only has short-term work exchange agreements with a few European countries. The agreement allows to you to work in France (up to three months), Ireland (up to four months), and the U.K. (up to six months). Rules and regulations vary from country to country. The U.K.’s new program requires students to arrange employment ahead of time, whereas the programs in Ireland and France are not employer-specific. This means that students can take up any job anywhere in the country, giving them great flexibility about what work experience they would like to gain. In the U.S. the program is administered by BUNAC,

Internships

In addition to work programs designed exclusively for college students, there are many paid internships offered by companies and organizations all across Europe that are aimed at young people regardless of their academic status. Check out our “Internships in Europe” section on TransitionsAbroad.com.

Teaching English

The job market for English teachers in Western and Central Europe has tightened in recent years, either due to decreased demand or overabundance of qualified native English speakers. Many language institutes and schools across Europe require a TEFL or CELTA certification in addition to a college degree. Preference is usually given to English-speakers who are already citizens or legal residents of the European Union. However, in the new member countries of the EU in Eastern Europe, non-EU citizens still have a good chance of landing an English teaching job.

Temporary and Seasonal Work

Unless you have highly desirable job skills that cannot be performed by a local, or have a convincing business start-up plan, significant amounts of investment funds, your only other options are seasonal jobs or working under the table. There is a great need for seasonal and temporary workers all across Europe, especially in agriculture, construction, the hospitality industry, and tourism. If you are happy with low wages and temporary employment, you will probably be able to find work and make enough money to get by in Europe and even save a little bit. Some EU countries have made it fairly easy to get work permits for seasonal work, but unfortunately your salary will be little more than the minimum wage in most cases. There are several programs and organizations that are referred to in Short-Term Jobs in Europe that can help you get a temporary or seasonal work permit. If you opt to work under the table, keep in mind that you are competing with legal seasonal workers from developing countries and that many European countries impose heavy fines on businesses that hire illegal workers.

 

 

Second passport: Immigrating to South-America – Tutorial

 

South America has gained international notoriety in the past as an easy place to find exile for fugitives from justice and anyone else eager to leave their home country and past behind. But the reality of legally moving to and living in South America is quite different today. Unlike countries in Central America and the Caribbean, most South American countries do not actively lure foreign residents with attractive tax breaks and easy immigration laws. But there are still several legal ways for foreign citizens to obtain permanent residency in South America, although it is no longer as easy at is has been in the past.

As a general rule we recommend that any immigrant consider to apply for a citizenship. Many countries allow dual citizenship. Countries in South-America do not have any report obligation to any country if you prefer to apply for a second citizenship. This means that you`re new citizenship will be a matter of discretion between you and you`re new country and of course the contacts you disclose this information to.

General Considerations

For expatriates, the main difference between South American countries is not immigration laws, which are similar, but the varying cost of living and the local culture.  Each South American country has a unique culture and way of life that sets it apart from its neighbors. Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile have a strong European cultural influence due to many immigrants from Europe, whereas in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, the culture of the native people is dominant in many regions. Brazil, on the other hand, is a fascinating conglomerate of European and African cultural influences. Some countries such as Ecuador and Uruguay are known to be great destinations for expatriates, largely due to their low cost-of-living and easy regulations for investing and buying property. But there is more to immigrating to South America than finding the cheapest destination. Cultural considerations are equally important, since you will be dealing with the local people, way of life, and culture every day.

In general, foreign visitors to South America are allowed to stay from three to six months per year. If you want to stay longer you need to apply for a visa either as a student, employee, retiree, or investor. With the exception of a residency visa obtained through a relative who is a citizen of that country, all other residency visas–such as retirement and investment visas–are temporary and need to be renewed regularly. Having a temporary residency visa does not mean that you are entitled to work. To be able to work you need either a work visa (dependent on a job offer) or permanent residency. The most common way for foreigners to establish residency in South America is buying property or establishing a business. Such an investment entitles you to a temporary residency visa, which needs to be renewed every one or two years.

Permanent residency status is usually only granted if someone is married to a citizen of that country or after someone has legally resided there for a number of years with a temporary residency visa. If you have legally worked in South America for a number of years or have had temporary residency as a retiree or investor, you are usually eligible to apply for permanent residency. Once you obtain permanent residency status in a country you will eventually be able to apply for citizenship, although the waiting period for citizenship varies from country to country. Regardless of the type of visa you have, if you overstay the period of time you are legally granted, expect to pay a fine if you are caught.

Visa fees vary from country to country, and sometimes additional fees are required. For example, Argentina charges US$100 for the residency visa application, and an additional US$200 immigration fee to applicants for residency visas. Consulates may also charge an additional fee if you need to sign a work contract at the consulate and have your signature notarized. In some cases you may also have to appear at the consulate in person, either for an interview or finger printing.

Most South American countries are fairly bureaucratic, and it is best to follow all instructions carefully and allow plenty of time for your visa application to be processed. When I went to register at the Federal Police in Brazil to get my temporary I.D. card they sent me to the Ministry of External Affairs because there was a minor error on the student visa document I received from the Brazilian consulate in the U.S. It took a lot of running around to get it all straightened out, even though the mistake was not mine.

Private Income and Retiree Visas

People with retirement or independent income (such as a trust) can obtain a temporary residency visa, usually valid for one or two years. For example, Brazil requires US$ 2,000 of guaranteed income, but Argentina only requires about US$ 850 (or 2,500 pesos), Ecuador about US$ 800, and Venezuela US$ 1,200 per month. The amount for each additional family member varies from country to country.

Work Visas

Before applying for a work visa you need a job offer or employment contract signed by your prospective employer. If you visit a South American country and are offered a job, you may not be able to apply for a work permit and change your status while you are in the country. You may be required to go home first and apply for a work visa at the respective consulate in your country. Work visas usually require a number of notarized documents from your home country, and it is probably easier to return home, obtain the required documents, and apply at a consulate. A work visa is usually contingent upon a signed work contracts between you and your prospective employer. If you change jobs, you need to start over with the visa application process. Work permits are usually issued for a period of one to three years and can be renewed.

Student Visas

Visas are also available for foreigners, who intend to study at a high school or university. Students need to prove that they have been accepted at a local school or university and that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves. In general students are not allowed to work while they attend school. Student visas are usually granted for one year, but can be extended.

Investor Visas

Most South American countries allow foreigners to buy property, but this does not automatically qualify you for a residency visa. In some countries, owning property qualifies you for a residency visa, whereas in other countries you actually have to make a business investment to qualify. In order to get a temporary residency visa as an investor, you need to go through a lengthy application process, and you will probably need a lawyer to help you. Most South American countries are stable democracies that abide by the rule of law. Unless you buy a piece of rain forest claimed by a native tribe, your investment should be secure. Each country has its own requirements for investments that qualify you to apply for a residency permit. Argentina requires a business investment of 100,000 pesos (about US$ 34,000). Ecuador issues an investor visa, if you invest at least US$ 25,000 locally. What makes Ecuador attractive is the fact that the U.S. dollar is the country’s legal currency. This eliminates exchange rate fluctuations, which, in these times of a weak dollar, can be a significant advantage. Brazil’s currency, the real, for example, has gained strength over the past four years, while the dollar has weakened. In 2004 the exchange rate was 3 reals for every US dollar, whereas today in 2008 it is 1.6 reals for every US dollar–a significant drop in purchasing power for many foreigners.

Other Options

If you like a particular South American country but do not have the financial means or legal status for a residency visa, you could still legally stay there as a tourist between three and six months every year. In Brazil, for example, you are entitled to stay as a tourist for 180 days out of any given 365 day period (not calendar year). So if you stay from July through December (about 180 days or six month) you are not allowed to stay into the new calendar year.

Additional Information

Here are some of the most common documents you may need to apply for any type of residency visa:

1. A passport that is valid for at least one year from the planned day of entry
2. Birth certificate (usually a notarized copy)
3. Marriage certificate, if applicable (usually a notarized copy)
4. A clean police record from your country of residency
5. A notarized medical certificate to show that you are free of contagious diseases (Chile also requires an HIV test)

Here are some of the things you need to do soon after your arrival:

1. Register with the local police (and possibly have fingerprints taken)
2. Get a local I.D. card
3. Get a social security card for tax purposes and banking

To offer an idea of the size of U.S. expatriate communities in South America, I have collected data from the U.S. State Department Background Notes:

Argentina: 20,000

Bolivia: 13,000

Brazil: 60,000

Chile: 12,000

Colombia: 30,000

Ecuador: 20,000

Paraguay: 3,000

Peru: 16,000

Uruguay: 3,500

Venezuela: 23,000

 

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Second passport: Your Social Life Abroad – Shared experience by an expaat wife

Your Social Life Abroad – Shared experience by an expat wife

This is her story;

“You might think that living in Saudi Arabia would cramp an American’s chance of having a social life, and that a move to England would open the door to many social opportunities. Actually, the opposite is true in my experience.

In Saudi Arabia, where about one-third of all residents are from other parts of the world, expatriates live on enclosed compounds isolated from the local community. As a result, they reach out to each other and forge social ties with an ease rarely experienced at home.

During my four-year stay in Saudi Arabia, the first time I had lived overseas, all I had to do was put out the word that I had an interest in certain activities, and I had no difficulty in meeting people and developing friendships.

Activities for expats there included sports, music, drama, dancing, art and cultural events. The hospital where I worked as a nurse has a social club that sponsors day trips in the Riyadh area as well as aerobics classes. Various groups organized overnight desert camping trips.

I went on desert walks and runs with the Hash House Harriers, a running/social club found in many countries. I took a scuba diving course became PADI-certified along with other expatriates in the Red Sea in Jedda.

However, my experience there gave me a false sense of what it takes to establish a social life in a foreign country. I met my British husband in Saudi Arabia and now live in York, England, where I am in the minority as an American among British nationals.

Being a married expat is different from being a single person who is dating, and living in England is also a very different type of expat experience. Being part of an expatriate community isn’t an option here as it is in certain other areas. I value having expat friends, and I also want to assimilate into the local community.

Tips for Expats

Once in England, I realized that opportunities for socializing were not going to fall in my lap this time, and I’d have to find ways to meet people. Here are some tips based on what I’ve learned that may be helpful to others.

Do your homework before moving overseas

Before making your move, do as much research as possible to learn about your future home and to quash any preconceived ideas. Investigate websites geared toward expatriates. Look for viewpoints of outsiders who have been there, regardless of where they’re from.

Be open to new experiences

Once there, explore things you couldn’t do at home, such as taking a language immersion course or learning a new sport. You might even find that in a new setting you are less self-conscious about pronouncing French words or wielding a tennis racket.

Consider, too, that you don’t have to be athletic to participate in the social functions of an athletic club. In Saudi Arabia,Ê I thoroughly enjoyed being a member of Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) because of the social contacts.

Seek out other newcomers

If you live in a small community, you may need to venture to a metropolitan area. I met other expatriate nurses by traveling to London for events hosted by the healthcare recruitment agency that helped me land my job.

Angela Henry, an American expatriate who has lived in Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and now Singapore, suggests attending functions of women’s organizations. For a list, see the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (www.fawco.org). Don’t discount a group because you don’t fit its demographics. The American Women’s Club of Thailand (www.awcthailand.org) is open to all nationalities, and there are other similar examples.

One might think that seasoned expatriates would be eager to show newcomers the ropes. But some are apt to be a bit jaded about the expat experience and may not wish to be bothered with new expats. Those with less experience are usually more enthusiastic and welcoming. Also, they may be more open to expanding their social network.

Get to know the local people and culture

Local people are surrounded by familiar support systems and may not recognize the needs of a newcomer who is an outsider. This is understandable.

Often there are language hurdles to overcome. My sister. who teaches English in Milan and is fluent in Italian, advises making every attempt to learn the language of the country where you’ll be living. Even after living there off and on for over a decade, she says she still feels somewhat like an outsider.

Cultural differences can be a hurdle, too. In Saudi Arabia, English was the official language of the hospital where I worked but patients spoke mostly Arabic, so I learned some Arabic. I found that misunderstandings arose more because of the way things were said rather than the actual words, particularly between men and women. Tone of voice is important when asking a local male staff member to do something.

With English people, I find the similarities greater than the differences, But even among English speakers, some miscommunications occur. If I say that someone called, people here in England assume that the person popped in for a visit, while I mean that the person telephoned.

To get to know local people, put in an appearance in places where they go. Consider churches, charitable groups, schools, athletic clubs, exercise classes, cases, dance clubs, to name a few. Showing up just once may be all it takes to spark a connection with someone who shares your interests.

Sharing life experiences is a great way to make new friends. My husband and I have just had a baby. Our antennal class and baptism class have expanded our social network immensely.

Make a conscious effort to socialize

Regardless of where you are, how long you’ll stay and whether you want to date or make friends or both, a conscious effort is required. Seek advice from colleagues and acquaintances. Investigate social groups and events, and plan ahead.Ê

Then make the most of any opportunity by getting out and getting involved. Assimilating into a new community and creating a new life takes time as well as effort. However, the people you meet and the relationships you develop along the way are sure to enhance your expatriate experience and your life.Ê”