If you’ve ever moved to another country, you’ve probably thought about what to call yourself: an expat or an immigrant?
It might seem like just picking a word. But it’s more than that. It involves social issues, money, and hidden biases. As the world gets smaller and more people become digital nomads, it’s harder than ever to tell the difference between these two words.
Let’s look at what expat and immigrant really mean, why they cause disagreement, and which one fits you best.
What the Dictionary Says vs. What’s Real
The dictionary says the difference is about time and plans.
Expat: Someone who lives in another country for a short time, usually for a job. Like a business person in another country for a few years.
Immigrant: Someone who moves to another country to stay forever. They want to make a new home, become a citizen, and settle down.
But here’s the thing: We don’t always use these words right. Some people who have lived overseas for 20 years still say they’re expats. Meanwhile, someone who just got there for a short-term job might be called an immigrant.
The Real Problem: Money and Status
You can’t talk about expat vs. immigrant without talking about money.
For years, expat has been a word mostly for Westerners, English speakers, and people from rich countries. If you’re British and moving to Spain for retirement, you’re an expat. But if you’re Moroccan and moving to Spain for work, you’re often called an immigrant.
That’s the problem. Some say expat is just a way for rich foreigners to avoid the word immigrant, which has a bad reputation in some places.
Does the Word Change Things?
You might wonder if it matters what people call you. It does.
The words we use can change how we fit into a new culture.
The Expat Way: Often means staying in an international bubble. You might go to bars where everyone speaks your language, send your kids to international schools, and not learn the local language because you think you’re only staying a short time.
The Immigrant Way: Usually means trying harder to fit in. You need to learn the language, know the laws, and make friends with locals because you’re making a home there.
Good tip: If you’re looking for how to fit in as an expat, you might find that acting like an immigrant is the best way to feel happy in your new country.
Digital Nomads: A New Group?
Now that more people are working remotely, there’s a new term: Digital Nomads. They’re like super-expats. They move every few months, so they’re not immigrants, but they stay longer than tourists.
This group makes things even more confusing. They often make money like they’re in a rich country but live in poorer countries, which can raise prices for locals. It reminds us that whatever word we use, our living in another country affects the locals.
A More Fair Way to Talk
Some people are skipping expat and using global migrant or international resident instead. Why? Because migrant is the most correct word for anyone moving from one place to another, no matter how much money they have or what they look like.
Which One Are You?
To help you decide, ask yourself:
Do I plan to go back home someday? (Sounds more like an expat)
Am I trying to get a local passport or stay permanently? (Sounds more like an immigrant)
Am I meeting locals, or just other foreigners? (How well are you fitting in?)
What It All Means
Whether you’re an expat, an immigrant, or just someone living in another country, you’re doing the same thing: trying to live in two different worlds.
If we know the difference between expats and immigrants, we can remember our own advantages and respect the people who move to another country for a better life.
Disclaimer: while we aim to spark your interest and keep things entertaining, please treat everything shared here as food for thought rather than a rulebook for life. Since we don’t have a crystal ball and your situation is as unique as a fingerprint, we cannot guarantee accuracy or specific results, nor should you rely on this as professional advice. Please take these insights with a grain of salt, do your own homework, and always consult a qualified expert before making any big moves—because what works for one person might not work for all!
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