Immigration Glossary

AIMA (Portugal)

Agencia para a Integracao, Migracao e Asilo — Portugal's immigration and asylum agency, which replaced SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in 2023. AIMA handles residence permits, long-stay visas, and citizenship applications for Portugal.

Ancestry Visa

A visa or right of residence granted to people who can prove ancestral connection to a country — typically a grandparent or great-grandparent born there. The UK Ancestry Visa is a well-known example, available to Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.

Apostille

A form of international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document (birth certificate, degree, police record) so it is accepted in another country. Established under the Hague Convention of 1961 — only valid between member states.

Au Pair Visa

A visa allowing young people (typically 18-30) to live with a host family abroad, providing childcare in exchange for accommodation, meals, and a small allowance. Duration is usually 6-24 months and provides a cultural exchange rather than standard employment.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

A card issued to non-EEA nationals in the United Kingdom confirming their right to live, work, or study in the UK. It contains biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and replaces paper visa vignettes for stays longer than 6 months.

Blue Card (EU)

EU-wide work permit for highly qualified professionals. Requires a job offer with a minimum salary threshold (typically 1.5x the average national salary) and a recognised degree. Available in most EU member states. Read more →

Brain Drain

The emigration of highly educated or skilled individuals from their home country, typically to countries with better economic opportunities, salaries, or stability. Countries like India, Nigeria, and Eastern European nations frequently experience significant brain drain.

Business Visitor Visa

A short-stay visa permitting travel for business activities — attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations — without taking up employment in the destination country. Typically limited to 30-90 days and does not permit earning income locally.

Certificate of Good Conduct

An official document (also called a police clearance certificate or criminal record check) confirming that the applicant has no significant criminal convictions. Required by most countries as part of a residence permit or visa application.

Chain Migration

The pattern by which immigrants sponsor family members to join them in the destination country, creating a self-reinforcing migration flow. Many immigration systems, including the US family preference categories, formalise chain migration pathways.

Chancenkarte (Germany)

Germany's "Opportunity Card" — a points-based job-seeker visa introduced in 2024 allowing skilled workers to enter Germany to look for work without a prior job offer. Points are awarded for qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and age.

Citizenship by Descent

Citizenship acquired automatically — or through application — based on the nationality of a parent or grandparent. Also referred to as jus sanguinis. Ireland, Italy, and Poland are among the most accessible through ancestry.

Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

A programme granting citizenship in exchange for a qualifying financial contribution — usually a non-refundable donation to a national fund or real estate purchase. Available in several Caribbean nations (St Kitts, Grenada, Dominica) and Malta. Investment minimums typically start at USD 100,000. Read more →

Citizenship by Naturalisation

The standard path to citizenship for immigrants, requiring a minimum period of legal residence (typically 3-10 years), language proficiency, and integration tests. Some countries also require renouncing prior citizenship.

Conditional Residence

A temporary residence status tied to specific conditions — for example, maintaining a marriage, continuing employment, or meeting investment thresholds. Failure to meet the conditions can result in revocation of the permit.

Consular Processing

The process of applying for an immigrant visa through a country's consulate or embassy in your home country, rather than while already in the destination country (which is called adjustment of status). Most immigration journeys involve at least one consular processing step.

Cost of Living

The total amount needed to cover basic expenses (rent, food, transport, utilities) in a given location. A key factor in emigration decisions — the same salary can buy very different lifestyles depending on the country. Read more →

Cost of Living Index

A standardised score allowing cost comparison between cities or countries, usually benchmarked against a reference city (often New York = 100). Common sources include cost-of-living tools, Mercer, and the Economist Intelligence Unit. Used by our scoring engine to assess financial fit.

Country of Habitual Residence

The country where a person normally lives, which may differ from their country of nationality or citizenship. Relevant for determining refugee status, social benefit eligibility, and tax obligations. Some visa applications are only accepted from applicants based in their country of habitual residence.

Credential Evaluation

The formal assessment of foreign academic or professional qualifications to determine their equivalence to local standards. Required in many countries before a foreign degree is accepted by employers or licensing bodies. Done by bodies like ENIC-NARIC (Europe) or WES (Canada/US).

Critical Skills Permit (Ireland)

Ireland's employment permit for highly skilled workers in occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List — primarily technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance roles. Holders can apply for a stamp 4 after two years, granting unrestricted work rights.

D7 Visa (Portugal)

Portugal's passive income visa for retirees and financially independent individuals. Requires proof of regular passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends) above the national minimum wage (~EUR 820/month in 2026). One of Europe's most accessible residency pathways.

D8 Visa (Portugal)

Portugal's digital nomad / remote worker visa, introduced in 2022. Requires proof of employment or self-employment income of at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage from a foreign source. Provides a legal pathway to residency for location-independent workers.

DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)

A bilateral treaty allowing US citizens to obtain a Dutch self-employment residence permit with relatively low capital requirements (around EUR 4,500). One of the more accessible European residency options for American entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Denizenship

A status between permanent residency and full citizenship — granting most civic rights (right to work, access to services) without full political rights such as voting. The term is increasingly used by scholars to describe the practical status of long-term residents who cannot or choose not to naturalise.

Dependent Visa

A visa granted to the spouse, children, or other qualifying family members of a primary visa holder. Dependent visas often mirror the rights of the main applicant's visa — some allow work rights, others do not. Requirements (e.g., income thresholds) vary by country.

Deportation

The compulsory removal of a foreign national from a country, typically for violating immigration law, overstaying a visa, or committing a criminal offence. Deportation orders often include a re-entry ban of several years.

Diaspora

The collective community of people who have emigrated from a particular country or region and maintain cultural, social, or economic ties to their homeland. Some countries (e.g., India, Portugal) maintain specific diaspora engagement programmes or preferential visa arrangements for their communities abroad.

Digital Nomad Visa

A residence permit allowing remote workers to live in a country while working for a foreign employer or clients. Usually requires proof of minimum monthly income and that income is earned outside the destination country. Available in 50+ countries as of 2026. Read more →

Double Taxation Agreement (DTA)

A bilateral treaty between two countries that prevents individuals from being taxed twice on the same income — once in the country where it is earned and again in the country of residence. Essential knowledge for expats earning income across borders.

Dual Citizenship

Holding citizenship in two countries simultaneously. Not all countries allow it — some require you to renounce your original citizenship upon naturalisation. Countries such as Portugal, Ireland, and most of Latin America explicitly permit dual citizenship. Read more →

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa (US)

A non-immigrant US visa for nationals of treaty countries who invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business and direct its operations. Unlike the EB-5, the E-2 has no minimum investment specified by law — but amounts under USD 100,000 are rarely approved. It does not directly lead to a green card.

EB-5 Investor Visa (US)

A US immigrant investor programme granting permanent residency (green card) to foreigners who invest a minimum of USD 1.05 million (or USD 800,000 in targeted employment areas) and create at least 10 full-time jobs for US workers. Processing times can exceed 5 years.

Emigration vs Immigration

Emigration is leaving your home country to live elsewhere. Immigration is entering and settling in a new country. The same person is both an emigrant (from their origin country's perspective) and an immigrant (from the destination country's perspective). The terms describe the same movement from different viewpoints.

Employment Pass (Singapore)

Singapore's work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Requires a minimum monthly salary (SGD 5,000 for most, higher for financial services). Applicants are scored under the COMPASS framework on salary, qualifications, and employer diversity factors.

ENIC-NARIC

The European Network of Information Centres and National Academic Recognition Information Centres — a network of bodies in European countries responsible for evaluating foreign academic qualifications. Each EU country has its own NARIC body; applicants typically submit degrees for recognition before applying for a skilled worker visa.

EU Blue Card

See Blue Card (EU). An EU-harmonised work permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals, offering a faster path to long-term resident status and the right to move between member states after 12 months.

EU Free Movement

The right of EU citizens (and EEA nationals) to live, work, and study in any EU member state without requiring a visa or work permit. One of the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union. UK citizens lost this right after Brexit in 2021.

Exit Tax

A tax levied on individuals who give up their tax residency or citizenship, typically applied to unrealised capital gains on assets (investments, property). The US, Germany, Australia, and several other countries impose exit taxes. The US additionally taxes former citizens' worldwide income for 10 years under the expatriation tax rules.

Expat vs Immigrant

Both terms describe people living outside their country of origin. "Expat" (short for expatriate) is commonly used informally to describe professionals on temporary assignments or financially comfortable migrants, while "immigrant" is the neutral legal/official term for anyone who has moved to another country to live. The distinction is sociological rather than legal.

Express Entry (Canada)

Canada's online immigration management system for skilled workers applying under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class programmes. Uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to invite top-scoring applicants. The minimum CRS score fluctuates depending on draw type and volume. Read more →

Expression of Interest (EOI)

A preliminary registration used in points-based immigration systems (Australia, New Zealand, Canada) where candidates declare their intent to apply and are ranked. Applicants above a score threshold receive invitations to apply (ITAs). Submitting an EOI is not the same as submitting a formal application.

Family Reunion Visa

A visa pathway that allows you to join a family member (spouse, parent, child) already residing legally in another country. Requirements typically include proof of the relationship, evidence of sufficient income from the sponsoring resident, and accommodation. Processing times vary from weeks to years.

FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report)

A US Treasury filing requirement for Americans (citizens and residents) who hold foreign bank accounts with an aggregate value exceeding USD 10,000 at any point during the year. Failure to file can result in substantial penalties — up to USD 10,000 per violation. Required regardless of whether any tax is owed.

FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion)

A US tax provision (IRS Form 2555) allowing Americans living abroad to exclude a portion of their foreign-earned income from US federal income tax — up to USD 126,500 in 2024, indexed annually for inflation. Requires meeting the Bona Fide Residence Test or Physical Presence Test. Does not cover passive income (interest, dividends, capital gains).

Freelance Visa

A residence permit allowing self-employed individuals to work for multiple clients in a country. Germany's Freiberufler permit and the UAE Freelance Permit are prominent examples. Typically requires registration as self-employed, proof of sufficient income, and sometimes professional qualifications or a client roster.

Global Talent Visa

A visa category for individuals who are internationally recognised as leaders or emerging talents in their field — typically academia, research, technology, arts, or culture. Requires endorsement from an approved body. The UK Global Talent Visa and Australia's Global Talent Independent programme are key examples.

Golden Visa

Residence permit obtained through a qualifying investment — typically in real estate, government bonds, or a national investment fund. Popular in Portugal (now restricted to non-residential investment), Spain, Greece, and UAE. Minimum investment thresholds typically range from EUR 250,000 to EUR 500,000. Read more →

H-1B Visa (US)

US temporary work visa for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree equivalent. Subject to an annual cap of 65,000 (plus 20,000 for US master's graduates) and a lottery when oversubscribed. Initial duration is 3 years, extendable to 6 years.

Home Office (UK)

The United Kingdom's government department responsible for immigration, asylum, and nationality. The Home Office processes all UK visa applications, manages border control, and sets immigration policy. UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) is the operational unit within the Home Office that handles individual cases.

Humanitarian Visa

A visa granted on compassionate or humanitarian grounds — typically to individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, or serious hardship who do not qualify under standard refugee definitions. Offers a legal status (often temporary) while humanitarian needs are assessed. Australia's Humanitarian Programme is one of the best-known examples.

ICT (Intra-Company Transfer)

A visa category allowing employees of multinational companies to be temporarily transferred to a subsidiary, affiliate, or branch in another country. Common for managers, executives, and specialised knowledge workers. The EU has a dedicated ICT directive; the UK Skilled Worker route covers similar transfers.

IELTS

International English Language Testing System — a globally recognised English proficiency exam required for immigration to many English-speaking countries. Scores range from 0-9; minimum requirements for skilled worker visas typically range from 6.0 to 7.0 overall. Academic and General Training versions exist for different purposes.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

The United Kingdom's form of permanent residence — granting the right to live and work in the UK without any immigration time limit. Usually requires 5 years of continuous lawful residence. ILR can lapse if you spend more than 2 consecutive years outside the UK. It is a prerequisite for British citizenship by naturalisation.

Investor Visa

A broad category of residence permits requiring a financial investment in the destination country's economy — through business creation, real estate, government bonds, or a national fund. Distinct from citizenship by investment in that it grants residency rather than immediate citizenship. Includes golden visas, EB-5 (US), and similar programmes worldwide. Read more →

IRCC (Canada)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — the federal department responsible for processing all immigration and citizenship applications in Canada. IRCC manages Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, student and visitor permits, and naturalisation applications.

Job Seeker Visa

A visa allowing you to enter a country to search for employment without a prior job offer. Available in Germany (Chancenkarte and the classic job seeker visa), Austria, and a few others. Usually valid for 6-12 months and must be converted to a work permit once employment is secured. Read more →

Jus Sanguinis

Latin for "right of blood" — the legal principle by which citizenship is determined by the nationality of one or both parents, regardless of where the child is born. Most European countries use jus sanguinis as the primary basis for citizenship, allowing descendants to claim nationality across generations.

Jus Soli

Latin for "right of soil" — the principle that citizenship is granted to anyone born on a country's territory, regardless of the parents' nationality. The United States, Canada, and Brazil apply birthright citizenship. Most European and Asian countries do not, or apply it only conditionally.

Kafala System

A sponsorship-based labour system used in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman — under which migrant workers' legal status is tied to their employer (sponsor). Critics argue it limits workers' ability to change jobs or leave the country without employer permission. Reforms are ongoing in several GCC states.

Labour Market Test

A requirement for employers to demonstrate that no suitably qualified local or settled worker is available before hiring a foreign national. Common in the EU and formerly the UK (abolished in 2020 for the Skilled Worker route). Adds time and cost to the employer's hiring process.

L-1 Visa (US)

A US non-immigrant visa for intra-company transferees — managers or executives (L-1A) and workers with specialised knowledge (L-1B). Requires the employee to have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 year within the past 3 years. L-1A holders may be eligible for EB-1C green card sponsorship.

Legalisation

The process of authenticating foreign documents for use in another country, typically through a chain of government certifications. Countries that have not signed the Hague Convention require full legalisation (also called consular legalisation or apostille chain) rather than a simple apostille.

Long-Term Resident Permit (EU)

An EU-harmonised permanent residence status available to non-EU nationals who have legally resided in an EU member state for at least 5 years. Grants similar rights to EU citizens including freedom to work, access social services, and in some cases move to other EU countries.

National Insurance Number (NI Number)

A unique personal reference number used in the United Kingdom to track individual contributions to the National Insurance system (state pension, benefits). Anyone working in the UK needs one. Foreign nationals with the right to work can apply for an NI number after arriving in the UK.

Naturalisation

The legal process by which a foreign national acquires citizenship of a country after meeting residence, language, and integration requirements. The standard residency period before naturalisation ranges from 3 years (Portugal, Ireland under certain conditions) to 10 years (Spain, most non-Ibero-American cases). See also: Citizenship by Naturalisation.

Non-Habitual Resident / IFICI+ (Portugal)

Portugal's special tax regime for new residents. The original NHR scheme (now closed to new applicants) offered a flat 20% rate on Portuguese-source income and tax exemption on foreign income for 10 years. It was replaced in 2024 by IFICI+ (Incentivo Fiscal a Investigacao Cientifica e Inovacao), which targets researchers, technology professionals, and qualified expats with similar benefits.

Nomad Visa

See Digital Nomad Visa. A colloquial term for remote-work visas that allow location-independent workers to live in a country while working for foreign employers. Over 50 countries have launched dedicated nomad visa schemes since 2020.

Nulla Osta (Italy)

Italian for "no obstacle" — an authorisation issued by the Italian government (through the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione) confirming that a foreign worker is permitted to enter Italy for work purposes. Required by non-EU nationals before applying for a work visa at an Italian consulate abroad. Issued within annual quotas (the "Decreto Flussi").

cost-of-living tools Index

A crowd-sourced database providing cost of living, quality of life, safety, and healthcare data by city and country. One of our primary data sources for scoring countries. Updated quarterly by user submissions and cross-validated against official statistics. Read more →

O-1 Visa (US)

A US non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics (O-1A) or extraordinary achievement in the film and television industry (O-1B). No annual cap applies. Requires demonstrating sustained national or international acclaim through awards, publications, or high compensation.

OISC (UK)

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner — the UK body that regulates immigration advisers who are not qualified solicitors or barristers. Only OISC-registered advisers or regulated solicitors can legally provide immigration advice in the UK for payment. Always verify an adviser's registration before paying for immigration help.

Overstay

Remaining in a country beyond the authorised period of stay on a visa or visa waiver. Even a single day's overstay can trigger bans on future visa applications. In the US, overstaying by more than 180 days triggers a 3-year re-entry bar; overstaying by more than 1 year triggers a 10-year bar.

Passive Income Visa

A residency category for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient income from passive sources — pensions, dividends, rental income, or investments — without needing to work locally. Portugal's D7 visa is a leading example. Common income thresholds range from EUR 700 to EUR 2,000 per month depending on the country.

Permanent Residence (PR)

The right to live indefinitely in a country without being a citizen. Usually a prerequisite for naturalisation. PR typically requires meeting minimum residence periods, tax compliance, language proficiency, and clean criminal records. Some PR statuses can lapse if the holder spends extended periods abroad. Read more →

Points-Based System

An immigration selection system that assigns points to applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and job offer status. Candidates above a minimum threshold are eligible to apply or receive an invitation. Used by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Read more →

Police Clearance Certificate

An official document issued by national or local police authorities certifying that the applicant has no (or a clean) criminal record. Also called a Background Check or Good Conduct Certificate. Required for most long-stay visa applications. Some countries require certificates from every country where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months.

Post-Study Work Visa

Allows international graduates to remain in the country where they studied to gain work experience after graduating. Duration varies: UK (2-3 years), Australia (2-4 years), Canada (up to 3 years via PGWP), Germany (18 months). Usually does not restrict the type of work. Read more →

Proof of Funds

Documentation required by immigration authorities to demonstrate that an applicant has sufficient financial resources to support themselves without relying on public funds. Usually takes the form of bank statements for the past 3-6 months. Minimum amounts vary widely — from EUR 5,000 for some digital nomad visas to EUR 500,000+ for investor visas.

Quota System

A limit on the number of visas or residence permits issued in a given period — typically per nationality, profession, or visa category. The US H-1B, Italy's Decreto Flussi, and many other programmes operate under annual quotas. When quotas are exhausted, qualified applicants may have to wait for the following year's allocation.

Refugee Status

Legal protection granted to individuals who have fled their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group — as defined by the 1951 Refugee Convention. Refugee status is distinct from economic migration and typically grants temporary or permanent protection in the host country.

Remittance

Money sent by migrants back to their country of origin, typically to support family members. Remittances represent a major source of income for many developing economies — India, Mexico, and the Philippines receive over USD 30 billion annually each. Some countries offer favourable tax treatment on income remitted from abroad.

Remittance-Based Taxation

A tax system where residents are only taxed on foreign income that is brought into (remitted to) the country — income kept abroad is not taxed. Historically offered by the UK (non-domicile regime, now abolished), Malta, and Ireland. Attractive to high-net-worth individuals who earn income outside their country of residence.

Repatriation

The return of a person to their country of origin — whether voluntary or compulsory. In an emigration context, repatriation often refers to an expat's planned or unplanned return home. In a refugee context, it refers to the assisted return of refugees to their home country when it is safe to do so.

Retirement Visa

A residency permit for retirees who can demonstrate sufficient pension or investment income to support themselves without working locally. Thailand, Malaysia, Panama, and Portugal (D7) are popular retirement visa destinations. Typically does not permit employment in the host country.

Right of Abode

The right to live and work in a country without any immigration restrictions — distinct from citizenship in that it does not confer a passport or full civic rights (such as voting). In the UK, right of abode applies to certain Commonwealth citizens (particularly those with a UK-born parent) who hold a Certificate of Entitlement in their passport.

Right to Work

Legal authorisation allowing a foreign national to take employment in a given country. Employers in many countries are legally required to verify that all workers have the right to work before hiring them. Some visa categories (such as student visas) grant limited work rights — e.g., 20 hours per week during term time.

Schengen Area

A zone of 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. A Schengen short-stay visa allows travel across all member states for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Importantly, a Schengen visa does not grant the right to work or live in any member state long-term.

Schengen Visa

A short-stay visa (type C) allowing the holder to travel within the Schengen Area for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period. Applied for at the embassy of the country of main destination. Does not allow employment or long-term residence.

Seasonal Worker Visa

A short-term work permit for employment in sectors with predictable seasonal peaks — typically agriculture, horticulture, hospitality, and tourism. Common in the UK (Seasonal Worker visa), EU member states, and Australia (Working Holiday visa with specific conditions). Does not typically lead to permanent residence.

Settled Status (UK)

The immigration status granted to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens (and their family members) who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 under the EU Settlement Scheme. Settled Status is equivalent to indefinite leave to remain and allows the holder to live, work, and access benefits in the UK permanently.

Skilled Occupation List

A government-published list of professions deemed to be in shortage or high demand, which qualify for accelerated or preferential immigration pathways. Australia (MLTSSL/STSOL), the UK (Shortage Occupation List), and Canada maintain their own versions. Being on the list often means lower fees, faster processing, or reduced salary thresholds.

Skilled Worker Visa

A work permit for professionals meeting specific skill, salary, and/or qualification requirements set by the destination country. The most common long-term immigration pathway for working-age adults. Includes the UK Skilled Worker visa, Germany's Fachkrafteeinwanderungsgesetz routes, and similar categories worldwide.

Special Talent Visa

A visa category for individuals with exceptional or distinguished talent in a specific field — science, arts, sports, or culture. Similar to the Global Talent Visa in scope but varies by country. UAE's Golden Visa for talent and Australia's Distinguished Talent visa are prominent examples. Usually requires endorsement from a recognised body or government agency.

Sponsorship

A legal arrangement where an employer, institution, or individual takes responsibility for a visa applicant's immigration status and compliance. In work visa contexts, the sponsoring employer must often hold a government licence and is liable if the sponsored worker breaches visa conditions.

Sponsor Licence (UK)

A Home Office approval required for UK employers who wish to hire overseas workers on the Skilled Worker or other sponsored visa routes. Employers must demonstrate HR systems capable of monitoring visa compliance. A certificate of sponsorship (CoS) is then issued to each sponsored worker before they apply for their visa.

Startup Visa

A residence permit for entrepreneurs launching a new business in the destination country. Often requires a validated business plan, minimum funding commitment, or endorsement by an accredited incubator or government body. Available in Canada, Germany, Ireland, the UK, and many others. Read more →

Statelessness

The condition of a person who is not considered a citizen by any country. Stateless individuals lack a passport, cannot access many public services, and are often unable to legally work or travel internationally. The UNHCR estimates there are approximately 4 million stateless people worldwide. Some result from changes in borders, discriminatory laws, or gaps in citizenship registration.

Student Visa

A visa permitting foreign nationals to enrol in a recognised educational institution abroad. Typically requires an offer letter from the institution, proof of tuition funds, and language proficiency. Most student visas permit limited part-time work (10-20 hours per week) and are tied to the duration of the course.

Tax Residency

The status determining which country has the right to tax your worldwide income. Tax residency is typically established by spending more than 183 days per year in a country, though ties (permanent home, family, economic interests) can also create tax residency. Having immigration residency and tax residency in the same country are separate but usually overlapping statuses.

Temporary Residence

A time-limited right to live in a country, typically granted for 1-5 years and subject to renewal. Temporary residence is the starting point for most immigration pathways before permanent residency and citizenship become available. Conditions (employment, income, physical presence) must usually be maintained throughout.

Temporary Work Permit

An authorisation to work in a country for a fixed period — often tied to a specific employer, job, or project. Does not typically lead directly to permanent residency. Commonly used for seasonal labour, project-based professional work, and inter-company transfers.

Territorial Taxation

A tax system where only income earned within the country's borders is subject to local tax — foreign-source income is generally exempt. Popular destinations for expats and digital nomads with territorial tax systems include Panama, Paraguay, Georgia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Contrasts with worldwide taxation systems.

Tourist Visa

A short-stay visa for tourism, recreation, or visiting family — typically valid for 30-90 days and not permitting employment or business activities. Some countries issue tourist visas on arrival; others require advance application. Working while on a tourist visa is illegal in virtually every country.

Transfer Pricing

The pricing of transactions (goods, services, intellectual property) between related entities in different countries — typically subsidiaries of the same multinational group. Relevant to individuals who emigrate while maintaining business ownership across borders, as tax authorities scrutinise inter-company transactions to prevent profit shifting.

Transit Visa

A visa permitting passage through a country to reach another destination. An airside transit visa (ATV) is required to transit through certain countries' airports without entering the country proper. The UK, for example, requires nationals of many countries to obtain an ATV even for layovers that do not involve leaving the international zone.

USCIS (US)

US Citizenship and Immigration Services — the federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security that manages and processes lawful immigration to the United States, including green cards, work authorisations, naturalisations, and refugee/asylum status. Separate from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which handles border entry.

Visa Run

The practice of briefly leaving a country and re-entering to reset a tourist or short-stay visa. Used informally to extend stays beyond the initial visa allowance. Many countries (Thailand, Bali, Schengen Area) actively discourage or prohibit repeated visa runs, and immigration officers can deny entry to travellers they suspect of living in the country long-term on tourist status.

Visa Waiver

An arrangement allowing citizens of certain countries to visit another country for a limited period without obtaining a visa in advance. The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals of 42 countries to visit for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they pre-register via ESTA. Visa waiver agreements are typically reciprocal.

Working Holiday Visa

A visa for young people (typically 18-30 or 35) to work and travel in another country for up to 12 months, sometimes extendable to 2-3 years. Based on bilateral agreements. Popular destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan. Employment is usually unrestricted but often casual or seasonal. Read more →

Worldwide Taxation

A tax system where a country taxes its residents (and in the US case, its citizens) on income earned anywhere in the world — regardless of where it is sourced. The US and Eritrea are the only countries that tax citizens on worldwide income regardless of residency. Most other countries apply worldwide taxation only to tax residents, not to non-residents.