isa updates, housing shifts, community wins, and key events shaping our journey abroad
Whether you’re living abroad already or just dreaming about your next move, July 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Black expats across the globe. From sweeping new visa laws to rising housing prices and mental health breakthroughs, the world is shifting fast—and we’re right in the middle of it.
Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s happening around the world that affects us as Black travelers, professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs living beyond borders.
Visas Are Opening Doors Worldwide
Remote work and digital nomad lifestyles have reshaped how countries define residency. This month, several key nations have implemented or expanded visa programs that could be game-changers for Black expats looking to move, settle, or invest abroad.
Italy: The New Digital Nomad Visa Is Live
Italy has launched its long-awaited Digital Nomad/Remote-Worker Visa, offering a one-year renewable stay for non-EU professionals. Unlike golden visa programs that favor the ultra-wealthy, this new option is more accessible and even includes family reunification benefits. It also puts you on a path to EU citizenship after 10 years.
Spain: Predictable Taxes, Family-Friendly Policies
Spain’s digital nomad visa now features a 24% flat tax rate for the first €600,000 of income, making it one of the more affordable European options for remote workers. It’s renewable for up to five years, and dependents can come along.
Japan: Asia’s High-Income Nomad Gateway
Since April 2024, Japan has allowed digital nomads from 49 countries to live and work for up to six months. While the income threshold is relatively high (~¥10 million or $68,000 USD), the country’s unique cultural landscape and safety make it an appealing option, especially for expats with a solid income base.
Malaysia: DE Rantau Pass Gaining Momentum
Malaysia’s DE Rantau program offers 3 to 12 months of legal stay, designed with digital nomads in mind. It now includes clearer guidelines on income requirements as of late June 2025. Kuala Lumpur and Penang remain two of the most English-accessible and affordable urban hubs in Southeast Asia.
South Africa: A Bold Step Forward
South Africa has finally launched its own remote work visa, allowing non-citizens to stay for up to three years. With a minimum annual income requirement of about $36,800 USD, it’s one of the most affordable digital nomad programs globally. The country has also pledged AI-powered visa processing and anti-xenophobia initiatives—a promising start to a more inclusive system.
Housing Costs Are Reshaping Expat Life
Portugal’s Rental Crisis
Despite ending its golden visa program, Portugal—especially Lisbon—continues to struggle with housing shortages. Rents for a basic one-bedroom in the city center range from €800 to €1,200 and are still rising. The government has recently zoned 70% of rural land for affordable housing projects, but those changes are slow to materialize.
Ghana: A Diaspora Dilemma
Accra has seen a massive influx of diaspora returnees and long-term expats. While it’s inspiring to see the community flourish, it’s also sparking a housing affordability crisis for locals, especially in coastal districts. The tension has sparked conversations around “reverse-gentrification” and sustainable community building.
Spain & Italy Push Back on Airbnb
Both countries are actively cracking down on short-term rentals, limiting Airbnb listings in certain neighborhoods to protect long-term housing. If you were planning to travel across Europe and rely on short-term stays, it’s worth looking into updated regulations.
Safety, Race & Representation: The Bigger Picture
The Trump Effect
Since the 2024 U.S. election brought Donald Trump back into the White House, U.S. passport applications and visa interest for Europe have skyrocketed. Many Black Americans cite racial justice, political stress, and LGBTQ+ protections as core reasons to leave—or not return home.
Japan’s Subtle Shift Toward Inclusion
Japan has launched a national inclusion initiative encouraging municipalities to create support systems for foreign residents. While change is slow, small wins like multilingual mental health hotlines and cultural events are beginning to emerge in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
South Africa’s Digital Visa Portal
South Africa’s new remote visa will be powered by AI to reduce paperwork delays and limit discriminatory gatekeeping. This is a direct response to past criticisms about xenophobia and government inefficiency—and could be a major step forward for the African expat scene.
Mental Health & Wellness in the Diaspora
As more Black expats report burnout, loneliness, or lack of culturally responsive care, mental health conversations are growing louder—and more global.
“Reclaiming Our Power” Virtual Conference
Held this October, this virtual and in-person conference (based in DC) will focus on culturally affirming mental health strategies for Black people living abroad. Topics include trauma recovery, expat stress, and navigating cultural isolation.
Canada Funds Black Mental Health
In June 2025, Canada launched a $279,000 grant program for Black-led, culturally relevant mental health services. It’s a trailblazing move that could inspire similar models elsewhere, especially in countries with growing Black migrant communities.
Business, Money & Legacy Building
Africa Impact Summit (June, Accra)
This year’s Africa Impact Summit brought together over 500 Black investors, tech founders, and creatives from across the globe. Topics ranged from infrastructure to crypto to the arts—all focused on pan-African economic unity.
Ghanaian Citizenship & Land Tour
Dre Taylor, a U.S. entrepreneur, is hosting a 14-city American tour teaching how to legally acquire land and obtain dual citizenship in Ghana. This is especially relevant as “Return to Africa” movements gain steam in the post-2020s era.
Tax-Friendly Expat Hotspots
If you’re working remotely, countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal remain highly competitive due to flat-tax systems, residency incentives, and legal structures that favor digital professionals.
Upcoming Expat Events Worth Bookmarking
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 8–11 | Black Digital Nomad Retreat | Chiang Mai, Thailand |
| Sept 18–21 | Global Impact Summit | Accra, Ghana |
| Oct 8 | Africa Fintech Summit | Accra, Ghana |
| Nov 20–22 | Young African Leaders Summit | Accra, Ghana |
| Dec 1–7 | Detty December Meet-Ups | Accra & Lagos |
These events offer powerful opportunities to network, recharge, and build bridges within our global community.
Key Takeaways for the Black Expat Community
- Look beyond borders. With so many visa options available now, don’t settle. Find the country that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and financial goals.
- Plan ahead for housing. Whether you’re heading to Ghana, Portugal, or Japan, housing costs are fluctuating fast. Book long-term rentals early.
- Stay mentally grounded. Use available wellness resources, attend virtual support spaces, and don’t hesitate to talk about mental health.
- Build while you move. Whether it’s investing in land, launching a business, or creating a support circle, now is the time to plant roots—globally.
Final Thought
We’re living through a Black expat renaissance. Our stories, our movements, and our ambitions are changing the face of global mobility. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, uplifting each other, and writing our own narratives—city by city, visa by visa, country by country.
If you’ve got insights, questions, or updates from your corner of the world, drop them in the group. Let’s keep building, together.
