Category: Asia Pacific

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

New Zealand Hikes Tourist Tax: How It Will Affect Your Visit

Planning a trip to New Zealand? Starting October 1, 2024, the cost of entry will be significantly higher, with the country’s International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) set to nearly triple. The IVL, originally introduced in 2019 to support environmental conservation efforts, will increase from NZ$35 to NZ$100. This hike comes despite international tourist…
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A Spanish Region Offers To Pay Digital Nomads to Relocate

Some parts of Spain desperately want fewer tourists but the region of Extremadura is doing the opposite by offering substantial financial incentives to attract new residents, especially digital nomads. Located on the border with Portugal, Extremadura is a less-visited and remote region of Spain. Despite its rich cultural heritage, including three UNESCO World Heritage sites,…
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Greece Golden Visa Changes Trigger a Buying Frenzy

Securing the right to live and work in another country can be a complex and time-consuming process, but for those with financial means, golden visas have provided a quicker path to residency.  These programs allow wealthy individuals to essentially “purchase” the right to live in a country, often without the need to reside there permanently.…
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New Zealand To Increase Visa Fees In October

The New Zealand government has announced a significant increase in visa fees set to take effect in October, aiming to generate over NZ$500 million in revenue over the next four years. The fee hike will affect various visa categories, including student, work, and visitor visas.  The most notable change is for student visas, which will…
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Germany Student Visa: Increased Required Proof Of Funds

Starting in the 2024/25 academic year, international students planning to study in Germany will need to demonstrate increased financial resources as part of their visa application process.  The new requirement raises the annual proof of financial resources from €11,208 to €11,904, marking a roughly 6% increase. As of September, non-EU students must prove they have…
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