An expat, or expatriate, is a person who resides outside their native country or country of origin. This term often describes someone who lives and works in a foreign country, typically for a limited period, such as a few months or several years.
Expats may move abroad for various reasons, including employment opportunities, education, retirement, or personal reasons.
The main difference between expats and remote workers who live abroad is their purpose for moving and the nature of their work. Expats usually move abroad for a specific job or project and often have an employer in their host country. They may work for multinational companies, governments, or other organizations.
By contrast, remote workers (which include digital nomads) who live abroad often work for themselves or for companies that allow remote work. They may have no specific ties to the country where they are living and may work for clients or employers located in different countries.
