Since 2019, the world has been living under conditions of uncertainty, and the speaker considers adaptation to it a necessary condition. In his view, there is no universal answer to the question of choosing a country. The decision depends on the rhythm of life a person needs, the resources they have, and what they can offer the country. The speaker calls Canada a calm country, but its immigration system, in his words, is complex and changing. In his assessment, relocation to the United States is currently characterized by visa restrictions and unstable rules.

Start of the broadcast and greeting the audience

The host said the recording begins with a live stream. Viewers will be able to ask questions in the chat, and the host will pass them on to Artyom. The other viewers will watch the episode in the recording.

The host will pin a link to Artyom's Instagram in the chat. He also asked viewers to subscribe and write which country they are from.

The host invited viewers to rate their state of being on a scale from 1 to 10. The replies in the chat should show whether the broadcast can be heard.

The host noted that the topic of relocation remains relevant and will generate a flow of questions.

Artyom stated that the significance of this topic grows over time. In his assessment, political and geopolitical events are influencing this.

Artyom said that he is doing fine. In the autumn his mood matches the season, and he is looking forward to winter. Life in Canada, in his words, is going on as usual: work and communication with people.

The host asked whether Artyom follows the topic of immigration constantly. Artyom replied that he turns to this topic when a new publication appears that interests him.

Overview of the Global Political and Economic Situation

Since 2019, the world has been living in conditions of uncertainty. It was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by war, an arms race, and the rearmament of Europe. After Trump came to power, politics began to change around the world.

Inflation in Poland during the pandemic reached 18%. At the time, this was perceived as a crisis, but in retrospect that period looks relatively prosperous.

According to the speaker, the world is now on a plateau. The stage of sharp upheavals is giving way to relative stability, and in conditions of chaos, stability can be sought. The chaos, however, will persist for a long time. Those who adapt will feel best in it. Adaptation to negative circumstances is not a desirable outcome, but it is necessary.

The key event in the near future, the speaker says, is the midterm elections to the U.S. Congress, which will take place in early November. Their results will determine what state Donald Trump finds himself in and whether he will be constrained in relation to geopolitical events. If the president's party loses the elections, his opportunities in foreign policy will, in the speaker's view, expand. He may then seek ways to get revenge with respect to Iran, Ukraine, and Europe.

The speaker allows that Trump will negotiate with Xi Jinping and Putin. However, he doubts that such negotiations will produce results.

The elections are important for Europe and Canada, in determining who will come to power and which party will gain a majority in the Senate. Whether an investigation into Trump will be opened also depends on their outcome.

The speaker notes that his position on these issues has not changed. In 2023, he published a piece about stability in chaos and adaptation to a new era. In his assessment, Trump is a product of chaos and has himself intensified political uncertainty in the Western world.

This uncertainty, according to the speaker, is felt in Poland, in the statements of Tusk and Nawrocki. It is also felt in the results of the elections in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán lost power. A change of power is also underway in Serbia. Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron are in a complicated relationship, while Giorgia Meloni in Italy is strengthening radical right-wing ideas.

The speaker believes that Trump has given Europe a new impulse. He does not assess this impulse as positive, but he acknowledges its novelty and the need to work with its consequences.

Finally, the speaker notes that people most often ask him about specific destinations for relocation. However, in his view, there is currently no correct answer that names a single country or point on the map. He also sees no single formula for such a choice. Each case is assessed individually, and as an example, the speaker cites the question of whether to move to Poland or leave it.

Relocating to Poland and Fears About Emigration

Someone moving to Poland should understand why they are going there. They also need to adapt quickly to changes that may arise from geopolitical events.

Anxiety determines how a person perceives such changes. Someone who is immobile and reacts to any challenge with anxiety, for example to news alerts or statements by politicians such as the calls by Donald Tusk and Radosław Sikorski to prepare bunkers, lives in a state of "deferred life syndrome." They worry but do not live in the present, and over time this shows up as illness in old age.

If, on the other hand, a person does not care about this and focuses on work and business, they calmly accept such risks. Such a person is able to pack up in two days and move wherever necessary, without losing their quality of life, in order to keep their family safe. In the face of threats of this kind, Poland, in the speaker's view, is the ideal option for such people.

The speaker has lived in Poland for six or seven years and knows what life in this country can be like. According to him, there is no universal answer to the question of choosing a country. The decision depends on what rhythm of life a person needs, what they have, and what they can offer the country.

Terms of the Exchange

He describes relocation as a mutually beneficial deal. The country provides documents, legal status, and opportunities for career or business growth. For its part, the person relocating must provide language skills, a financial cushion, and professional competencies.

Taxes

The speaker notes that taxes play an important role in relocation. In his observation, people who do not understand the tax system often overpay. Employees do not see how much their employer pays on their behalf and consider the tax burden too high. Entrepreneurs who formalize their own employment and pay taxes themselves understand the real burden better.

The speaker received a Polish passport after the previous release. He calculated how much tax he paid in Poland over that period, but the total sum is not named in this excerpt. He invites the audience to estimate how much tax he has personally paid over 12 years.

Income and Salaries in Zloty

Tax Burden and Calculation

The host invited the audience to name the amount of taxes they had paid for themselves, and clarified that this referred only to personal income tax (PIT). He did not take into account corporate tax or taxes on employees' income. At the same time, he noted that employee costs are the largest cost item.

The benchmark at the start of the segment was about 40,000 zloty. Andrey suggested 75,000 zloty, and Yuri named 500,000. The host said that an amount in zloty sounds reasonable, and that 500 thousand also looks like a reasonable estimate.

The host stressed that ZUS (Polish social insurance contributions) is not a tax in Poland. Tax consultants, he said, would confirm this.

When hiring a new employee, the host considers PIT and ZUS together. Based on these calculations, he decides whether the task can be automated or whether a person is needed.

Automation and Manual Labor

For the first six months, the company studied the implementation of AI in business and trained clients in automation. In the last two months, the company has been training AI to perform mechanical manual work. According to the host, this is how work begins to shift from people to machines.

The company is digitizing the work of carpenters, repairmen, home renovation specialists, and auto service workers. The goal is for mechanical systems to be able to perform these tasks within five to ten years. The host believes this will happen sooner in the US, while in Europe the process will take about ten years due to lengthy regulatory procedures.

The interlocutor noted that Europe makes decisions quickly, for example regarding bottle caps. On the issue of plastic cups, he mentioned the transition to paper alternatives.

Real Estate in Italy

The host called the purchase of real estate in Italy the most significant event of the last month. He noted that compatriots often describe such purchases online, but he personally has not spoken with any of the buyers.

The host plans to discuss with the guest, Artyom, the real cost of such purchases, the order of expenses, and subsequent legalization.

The host put the total of his tax expenses related to this story at approximately 500,000 zloty. He included ZUS in this figure, since he considers these payments a tax, although formally they are not. The interlocutor added that VAT should be taken into account in every purchase.

Choosing a Country for Relocation and Business Options

Citizenship-by-Investment Programs 12 Years Ago

The host asked whether, 12 years ago, half a million could buy real estate that would give legal grounds for citizenship. Artyom replied that half a million at that time amounted to just over 100,000 dollars. In his estimate, the exchange rate had not changed significantly.

He noted that citizenship-by-investment programs in the Caribbean already existed before that. He was referring to Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada. He clarified that the main option of this kind below the 100,000-dollar level was not necessarily a real estate property, but a non-refundable contribution to a government fund. Citizenship was granted in exchange for this contribution. In his words, islands in the Indian Ocean also offered a similar opportunity.

In Europe 12 years ago, according to Artyom, Montenegro and Turkey were available. He is not sure that these countries required an amount of around 100,000 dollars. In his opinion, the deal was profitable because the state received a significant volume of investment. The host agreed that such an option is beneficial for the state.

Why Italy

The host asked why Artyom had bought property in Italy rather than in Canada or Latin American countries. Artyom named three reasons.

The first reason is his personal attitude toward Europe. He often travels to Europe, has lived there before, and does not rule out that he will live there again. He has many friends in European countries. For him, Europe is effectively one large country where it is pleasant to spend time.

The second reason is a need for a change of scenery. Artyom was looking for a place that would become a "dacha," that is, a change of climate and of the familiar surroundings.

The third reason is his assessment of Italy as a country. Artyom has repeatedly written on social media that he considers Italy the best country for himself personally. He evaluates it in terms of its pace of life, cuisine, leisure, and nature. In his words, it is easy to rest one's soul in Italy.

Country and State

Artyom distinguished between the concepts of "country" and "state." A country, by his definition, includes geographical, historical, and cultural features: cuisine, music, theater, and architecture. This is what can be seen and felt.

A state, by his definition, is connected with a person's everyday interaction with authority. It includes taxes, security, communication with government bodies, healthcare, education, licensing, and doing business.

Assessing Italy as a state, Artyom stated that it is not the best and is far from the best. In this respect, in his words, Italy raises many questions. He placed Italy among the old European countries together with Germany, France, and Spain. For rest, in his words, Italy has always appealed to him more.

Financial Requirements and Legalization Issues

The price-to-quality ratio of real estate in Italy is more favorable than in the south of France and in Spain. Prices there remain low. Italy's state-specific features also affect the market. According to the speaker, the reason is that housing in Italy is one of the oldest in Europe.

The cost depends on the buyer's requirements. Houses and villas in Italy can be found from 20,000 euros to several million. A house with a sea view can cost from 100,000 to one million euros.

For a country house that the owner will use one month a year, the speaker gives an approximate sum of 30–35 thousand euros, including taxes, registration, and the real estate agent's commission. Within a radius of about 100 km from the chosen region, in his estimate, it is easy to find about ten suitable options. They are viewed together with the real estate agent.

Maintenance costs depend on whether the owner lives in the property permanently.

• With permanent residence, utilities are paid based on meter readings. The total is determined by actual consumption. The speaker did not name electricity tariffs.
• If the owner does not live in the property, they pay:
  • property tax of about 200–250 euros per year;
  • garbage collection of about 85 euros per year;
  • gas of about 15 euros, water of about 15 euros, and electricity of about 12 euros. These are fixed payments when the property is not in use.

According to the speaker, there are no other mandatory expenses under this arrangement. The property requires periodic investment in cosmetic repairs. Without them, it ages and falls into disrepair, especially if the owners do not visit for years.

The speaker considers such a purchase quite affordable by world and European standards.

At the end of the fragment, the host moves on to the question of property purchase by a foreigner. No detailed statements on this topic are made in this fragment.

Real Estate and Visas in Europe as a Path to Citizenship and Permanent Residence

Buying real estate in Italy does not give a foreigner the right to legalization, except for an address for receiving correspondence. The course of action depends on the goal. If a person wants to live in Italy permanently and become an Italian citizen, they need a separate naturalization procedure. Holding a Polish residence card (karta pobytu) does not affect this process.

For citizens of Ukraine, only temporary protection is currently available. A transitional pathway has been promised, but it is unknown whether it will appear.

The most popular route for real estate buyers in Italy is the residence permit for digital nomads. The income requirements are low. The speaker did not name the exact amount, but, in his words, it is less than 2,000 euros.

The applicant submits documents as a remote specialist with remote income. Three options are suitable: a remote business, a remote contract with a permanent employer, or self-employment.

Real estate in Italy does not provide independent advantages when obtaining a residence permit.

According to the speaker, in Italy property cannot be confiscated, as is the case in Spain. Foreigners can buy land without restrictions related to origin. In Poland, there is a ban on land purchases by foreigners without Polish origin. In Italy, no such ban exists, and the right of ownership is full.

Immigration to Canada: Restrictions and Difficulties

Restrictions on Buying Real Estate in Italy

Canadians who apply to buy property in Italy must wait two years. The speaker cannot say why: he does not know why the restriction applies specifically to Canadian citizens. In his view, Italy has lists of countries, and distant wealthy states fall under the restrictions so that their citizens do not buy up property. He also allows for another explanation, related to rising housing costs.

Ukrainians and Belarusians are not subject to such restrictions. They can come, buy property, and complete the transaction without additional obstacles.

After working in Italy, the speaker himself returned to Canada and did not stay in Europe.

Canada's Immigration System

Canada's immigration system is complex and multi-level. The federal government runs general national programs. Each province has its own programs. Within the provinces, there are separate programs for large urban agglomerations and for remote agricultural territories. All these levels differ from one another.

In total, Canada has about 80 programs. According to the speaker, it is impossible to make sense of them without the help of a specialist.

Many programs are currently undergoing reform, which will continue this year. The speaker notes that it is not yet clear whether they will work.

Under Canadian law, only a licensed specialist is permitted to provide operational immigration advice. This procedure is strictly enforced. The speaker does not know all the programs and does not undertake to give advice about them.

He emphasizes that the meeting is not a consultation. It is a gathering of an immigrant community of people who are looking for a country where they can live calmly, safely, and with a positive balance.

Life in Canada

The speaker says that he likes Canada precisely for the calmness of life. He regularly visits Europe, has lived there, and sees how quickly political events and the news agenda can change living conditions. In Canada there is no such feeling. Local problems prevail here.

The country is large, and the problems of a resident of Montreal do not affect a resident of the province of Saskatchewan.

Bulgaria, the EU and European Immigration Measures

Canada's Status in Relations with the EU

According to the speaker, comparing Bulgaria with Switzerland shows the difference between two separate news agendas. Canada is moving toward Europe, and the next episode, in his assessment, may be devoted to this topic.

During a visit to Strasbourg, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received a proposal for associate membership in the European Union. Such a status implies the right to representation in the European Parliament while retaining non-member status in the EU. The speaker notes that this is not like the status of the United Kingdom after Brexit. According to him, the proposed status has no precedent: no country has such a status at present, and it is being proposed for the first time.

On the 29th and 30th, an EU–Canada summit will take place in Montreal. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Montreal. The agenda includes economic, trade and military cooperation.

Canada seeks closer ties with the EU in the trade and military spheres. EU membership and participation in the Schengen Area are not part of these plans. Nor does it involve freedom of movement for citizens between European countries. The goal is duty-free trade and access to the single European market. The speaker cites Norway as an example, which trades with the EU without being a full member.

The speaker believes that the coming year will be more important for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Tariffs may decrease, although they are already low. Special conditions may also emerge for European entrepreneurs in Canada.

Migration Flows and Residence Status

Asked whether Ukrainians, Belarusians and other foreigners are arriving or leaving, the speaker replied that for most immigrants Canada is becoming a final destination rather than an intermediate stop before America or Europe. He emphasizes that this is almost always a definitive choice.

The speaker identifies several categories of people who have left Canada or want to return:

• Emigrants who did not like Canada. They leave extremely negative reviews. According to him, the ratings in such reviews are either very high or very low.
• People who left and want to come back. The editorial office receives many requests of this kind. For example, one person asks how to return after their work permit has expired. Another lived in Spain for two years after Canada and wants to return.
• People who remain on an open work permit and do not know how to obtain legal status. According to the speaker, this is the largest group. Many programs have been suspended or are being reformed, and for them there is no path to legalization.

Work Permit Program

One program has been closed, and new applications are no longer accepted. Only those who obtained a permit within the established deadlines are eligible for an extension. Two conditions are required for an extension: the person arrived in Canada no later than the end of 2024 and currently resides there.

Those who meet the conditions may apply until April 1, 2027. Those who apply receive a new work permit for a period of two to three years.

Poland: Languages, Professions, and Relocation Applications

Choosing Canada as a Way to Leave Poland

If the host lived in Poland and wanted to move to Canada, he would look at immigration programs. The discussion involved a citizen of Ukraine without formalized status, or a person holding a Polish DG status of the third group. Such a person had not yet received a passport, for which Poland requires 10 years of residence and a B2-level exam. The motives named were dissatisfaction with local order and the news background. Canada was mentioned in this context by Artem, who said that life there is calm.

Program Conditions and Costs

The procedure does not suit everyone. A candidate must meet the criteria for language skills, profession, and age. Even with full compliance, an application does not guarantee approval, since the Canadian immigration service is undergoing reform. Costs include several thousand dollars for support services and several thousand dollars in government fees. For these programs, the fee is 700–800 Canadian dollars per person.

According to the speaker's estimate, waiting for a draw takes three to four years. Only highly qualified specialists are selected quickly. In his words, there is one such candidate per million.

Professions and Languages

The main in-demand fields are medicine and engineering. A substantial work experience, high qualifications, and knowledge of English and French are important. Currently, priority is given to French, while English is considered additional. Canada focuses on Francophones: there are many programs for them, and their applications are reviewed faster. Emigrating with English alone is now practically impossible.

Military personnel form a separate group. Military nurses, male nurses, and military personnel with service experience in NATO countries are in demand. For these professions, a draw may take one to one and a half years.

If a candidate knows neither English nor French and is only starting to learn a language, he should study French. He needs to expect several years and prepare for life in this country.

Required French Level

The Canadian system requires level 5–7, which corresponds to B1–B2. The speaker advises aiming closer to C1. In his opinion, some Poles would not pass the C1 exam in Polish because of grammar difficulties. The interlocutor added that people rarely use the language daily and do not bring it to confident proficiency.

Experience of Living in Canada

The host did not agree with Artem's claim about the difficulty of life in Canada. He moved there under a program, and before that he worked as a consultant in Poland on starting businesses. In Canada, he chose business management consulting.

At the first government agency he visited, he was served quickly, without a queue. The employee listened to him patiently and explained the procedures in detail, after which he had no further questions.

After obtaining status, in his words, life in the country is simple as long as one understands the rules. He encounters no problems when filing a tax return or deducting expenses. Compared with Poland, where he also did business, everything is considerably easier and cheaper. He carries out most operations on his own.

For deducting a business expense, an invoice with an NIP or a receipt with an NIP is not required. The expense can be explained verbally, supported by documentation, and kept on record. The accountant understands this approach, and the procedure is not complicated. In his observation, businesses in Poland need accountants who track constant changes in legislation, whereas in Canada there is no such need. Communication within the country is also simple.

Difficulties at the Entry Stage

The main difficulty arises at the first contact with the system: obtaining documents and submitting an application. In 2026, in his words, this is difficult.

Canadian Policy

According to the speaker, in 2027 Canada will return to a controlled increase in the number of immigrants. The prime minister announced this about a month ago and said that immigration programs would open again. The speaker is not sure this will happen, since the opposition is against it and has won seats almost everywhere at the regional level.

Canada and US Politics and Their Impact on Immigrants

Federal and Provincial Power in Canada

The federal government of Canada is Liberal. Provincial governments are generally Conservative. How this confrontation will develop is still unclear.

Immigration to Canada and the Role of Business Immigration

Obtaining an immigration visa under a program linked to "shiny money" (investment) is difficult. Even if such a visa is held, its validity has likely expired. For example, if the visa was obtained in 2022, the time buffer has already passed.

Consulting in Canada exists but operates at a different level. It concerns large businesses entering the Canadian market.

Canada is now actively developing its defense sector. A consultant who brings a Ukrainian drone manufacturer to a plant in Canada will receive a commission for the services and for the deal. The Canadian Department of National Defence, according to the speaker, meets such participants and provides space at exhibitions. Military marketplaces are open to foreign companies and suppliers.

According to the speaker, Canada serves as a rear base for Europe, which is preparing for war or rearming and allocating large sums of money. Canada is signing trade agreements with Europe without tariffs. As an associate member of the European Union, Canada is expanding its engagement with Europe.

The speaker also points to cheap energy in Canada. According to him, the electricity and heating bill for his home is 25–35 Canadian dollars per month. He considers Canada a safe territory over which drones do not fly, unlike Lublin in Poland or Germany, where, in his words, a drone recently flew.

Canada promotes these advantages on the international political stage. A summit on this topic is scheduled for the day after tomorrow.

US Immigration Policy

The speaker's friends living in the US give mixed assessments of the situation. The question of whether there are programs for moving to the US and whether moving is advisable remains open.

The speaker describes President Trump as a source of chaos. In his assessment, Trump is not a dictator but the president of an electoral democracy. The speaker notes that Trump cannot be re-elected and believes he seeks to leave his mark on history. In his view, the next US president could be elected in two years or sooner if the Democrats initiate impeachment.

The speaker raises the question of whether Trump's influence will persist on the left wing of the Democratic Party. According to him, US politics is moving toward sharp polarization: right-wing conservatism with anti-immigrant ideas, tariffs, and wars diverges sharply from the left flank. He points out that the left is now actively testing the idea of socialism.

Mentality, Life Climate and Vibe of Canada

Economic Views of the Left and the Right

The right views the economy through the lens of people as a resource. Each person spends a certain amount of time earning a certain income. This resource is distributed across economic sectors and shapes businesses and industries.

In the conservative right-wing model, access to this resource is distributed unevenly. Someone born into a wealthy family or who has built capital gets more than a person without capital.

The far left proceeds from the idea of fair distribution. The question of how to distribute the resource systematically and fairly is also decided by the left. The speaker points out that the definition of fairness remains unanswered. The left takes from some and gives to others so that the standard of living is roughly the same.

The far right is dissatisfied that not everyone gets access to the resource from the start. By their logic, once a person gains access, they quickly increase their personal capital, happiness, mobility, and opportunities for immigration.

The speaker does not accept the left's interpretation of fairness. He believes the question of who defines fairness in the economy remains open.

According to the speaker, the future of the US will be determined by pronounced polarities.

Choosing Between the US and Canada

The speaker states that, in short, he would emigrate to the US. He would move to America. Canada's ideological system and policies fully match his views, and he feels maximally comfortable in Canada. The US, in his words, also attracts him.

The speaker formulates the difference between the two countries as follows. Canada is oriented toward families. The country supports families and child development. It is calmer and, at the same time, does not restrict freedom with harsh Scandinavian-style socialism. The income level, in his words, is roughly the same across the country.

According to the speaker, the US suits those who are ready for a high workload. The result depends on one's own actions: a person can work more and earn more. Someone who works poorly risks losing the competition. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the risks and opportunities.

On the indicators the speaker calls key, the US remains the leader. The largest startups, the broadest access to investment capital, and cutting-edge technologies are concentrated in the United States, not in the Scandinavian countries or Canada. The speaker states that nothing has changed in this regard.

Dubai and the Competition for Startups

The Emirates, according to the host, strive to attract the best startups and specialists. The speaker acknowledges that Dubai is trying to do this. However, in his assessment, Dubai cannot yet compete with the US on equal terms.

The American startup ecosystem developed organically and originally grew out of universities. Dubai, in the speaker's words, is on the path to creating its own "Silicon Valley" and startup infrastructure, but artificially creating such an environment differs from natural development.

The Global Role of the US

The main threat to the US, in the speaker's view, lies in the possible loss of the global race for world leadership. The speaker is not sure which events could lead to this. He names two scenarios. The first: a world war ends in a Chinese victory, and the world changes. The second: the US deliberately withdraws from all global agreements and stops being the global policeman.

According to the speaker, the US is indeed trying to give up the role of global policeman. He does not believe this step will be successful.

The host noted that this moment was chosen poorly, since Ukraine currently needs support.

Audience Questions

The host describes Canada as a country with a mentality and vibe characterized by calm and equality, as well as a relaxed way of life. He associates the US with American capitalism. He invites viewers to choose one word: America or Canada. Separately, he asks Artyom whether there are other regimes and types of vibe in which a person feels differently.

Support, Potential, and Moving with Family

Criteria for Choosing a Country

European countries differ noticeably not only economically but also in their overall atmosphere of life. According to the author, Romania and France feel completely different.

The author himself values a certain level of government support and social security. Prospects that allow one to raise children calmly and build a family for decades ahead are also important.

Uncertainty and the Desire for Less Regulation

Today it is impossible to predict the situation five or ten years ahead. In the past, moving meant deciding to live in a specific country. Now one cannot be sure that a person will stay in one country for long.

The author also wants the state to interfere less in his activities. This concerns rules of conduct, the procedure for filing tax returns, hiring employees, and issuing invoices. The author strives for a minimum of regulation, from routine bookkeeping to entering the global market. He values international mobility and the ability to work in the international market with fewer restrictions.

The author suggests including this criterion in the list of questions when choosing a country. He notes that it matters to some people and not to others.

An Example from Consulting Practice

The day before, the author held a consultation in which a client, an entrepreneur with businesses in several countries, expressed the same request: she does not want the state to bother her much. The conversation lasted about an hour and a half. The options were analyzed, and the dialogue continued.

Choosing a Place for Self-Realization

One should choose not a point on the map, but a place where a person can make the fullest use of their skills. Such a place does not have to be permanent. However, a person should be sufficiently satisfied and fulfilled there so that, if circumstances change, they can move to another place without losing quality of life. A move may be the person's own decision or the result of an external factor.

The Experience of Ukrainian Displaced Persons

Many citizens of Ukraine lived in their country and did not plan to leave it. The full-scale war in 2022 forced them to move, and they were not prepared for this.

Over time, the situation changes. People who have gone through this stage, for example, those who moved from Kharkiv to a region near Poland's eastern border, better understand how to act in unfavorable circumstances without losing quality of life. In the author's view, it is not necessary to wait for an extreme situation. Migration can be planned in advance.

Planning Migration

One can emigrate for the sake of self-realization, family, and well-being. However, such well-being is impossible if everything depends on one job, one document, or one type of residence permit, and on political decisions. The author notes that alarming news arrives constantly, and for such situations one needs to have a plan in advance. He himself has been living abroad for almost five years, since 2022. Emigrating and leaving a country can happen in different ways, depending on goals and conditions.

A Method for Choosing a Country

If the author were choosing a country to move to from Poland all over again, he would ask himself the same questions as when he first chose:

• What do I want to do?
• What can I do in a new place?
• How relevant is this country to my activities?
• Can I provide comfort for my family, so that everyone feels good, is well fed and content, and so that the family is morally fulfilled and happy?
• What can I offer the state within this "deal," and what will I receive in return?

The author analyzes his skills, desired outcome, and possible contribution, and then selects a country. He does not consider all 193 countries of the world, gathering information from YouTube, ChatGPT, personal contacts, Threads, and TikTok. Instead, he chooses two or three countries and conducts a SWOT analysis for each: strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and risks. This is exactly how he proceeded earlier. His list included Canada, Spain, Malta, and Portugal.

Countries to Move To: Canada, Spain, Malta, Portugal

The author included Malta on the list, where he has already lived. He wants to check whether his opinion of that country has changed.

Canada scored nearly all the advantages in terms of quality of life, compared with the country his family lives in, and in terms of prospects for further development.

As for the USA, the decision is not final yet. The author asks whether it is possible to emigrate there now, or whether the American option lacks attractive conditions.

Immigration Procedures and Visas

According to the speaker, the immigration situation in the United States has deteriorated significantly. In Canada, immigration procedures can be changed systematically, as in European countries. In the US, laws are changed through the courts: about 50 years ago, 16 programs were created, and they are suspended by court order.

Obtaining a visa has become harder, and passing an interview has become more difficult. Immigration interviews were closed, then reopened, then closed again. As a result, people who won green cards cannot receive them, because they are not allowed into their interviews.

The speaker also pointed to the reduction of consulates. The state is cutting consular staff, closing consulates, and reassigning employees to other tasks. According to him, dissatisfied consular officers do not hear applicants at their interviews. Work visas, by his information, are being issued against a bond.

Talent visas are now difficult to obtain. Under the Biden administration, they were granted to, for example, nail masters with blogs, salons, and awards. Such a specialist entered the US on an O-1 visa and then changed it to a green card or immediately applied for an EB-1 green card based on extraordinary ability. According to the speaker, that option no longer exists.

As an example, he cited a Ukrainian blogger living in the Czech Republic, who, by his estimate, has about one million subscribers. He was denied a talent visa, even though he had run a YouTube channel for about 10 years. In the speaker's view, the US is closing its doors to refugees and migrants, and for American authorities, migrants and refugees are one category.

From the standpoint of economics, business, and opportunities for growth, moving to the US is, according to the speaker, practically impossible today. Illegal entry across the border, including through the wall in Mexico, does not guarantee that one will stay: people are deported if they cross the border. The speaker believes that the US needs to wait for its return to the Western world, or that the US has long lost its status as a predictable partner for the West. For this reason, obtaining a visa is currently difficult.

Visas can be obtained for large sums of money. The speaker mentioned the golden visa and the "Trump visa" costing 5 million dollars. In his opinion, this option is justified only for those for whom this sum is insignificant. For a general audience, he said, discussing such visas is pointless.

Next, the speaker turned to Latin America, which he called a large unknown region. Moving there means a complete break with European life, time zones, and habits. Nevertheless, in his observation, instability and new threats are pushing people to move more and more often.

At the end of 2023, he published a guide to his own migration in 2024. The guide examines five countries and the criteria for choosing them: Canada, where he lives, Switzerland, New Zealand, Chile, and Uruguay. Of these five countries, he had three options that he seriously considered. He described Switzerland as difficult for migration, and New Zealand as a closed country, suitable for those who can afford a US visa but choose a more remote place.

Citizenship and Visas in Latin American Countries

Popular Destinations

The author names three Latin American countries he likes, including Canada, where he lives. According to him, interest in the Latin American continent has grown noticeably: readers' questions arrive more and more often.

People most often mention Argentina. The author considers it the most popular destination. Buenos Aires is romanticized, and citizenship can be obtained quickly there. However, the author does not claim that Argentina is the best destination. The reason is the politics and the crises the country has gone through.

Brazil is chosen less often. In the author's view, the main barrier is the Portuguese language. In addition, the system in Brazil differs from the familiar one.

Forecast for the Ukrainian Diaspora

The author predicts that in five to ten years, a significant number of Ukrainian citizens will appear in some Latin American countries. His basis is his contacts with consulting firms that work in this area and the number of inquiries from people ready to move.

According to his forecast, the diaspora will create demand for Ukrainian businesses. He expects the emergence of firms, restaurants, and services, in particular "Nova Poshta." He also believes that, sooner or later, a Roshen store will open, and next to it a Wawel store. The author refers to the experience of Torrevieja in Spain, where, in his observation, there are many Ukrainian companies and Nova Poshta branches.

Common Concerns

The author lists three common perceptions of the region.

1. Latin America is associated with drug trafficking and a high level of danger.
2. Because of the time zone difference, it is difficult to stay in touch with clients and relatives in Europe.
3. The region is perceived as distant and little known.

The author notes that video reviews of countries usually do not talk about kidnappings. Many immigrants, according to his data, feel well there. He asks readers to confirm or refute these perceptions. In his words, people most often set these criteria for themselves when deciding whether they are willing to consider a destination.

Time Zone

The author claims that South America is in the same time zone as the USA and Canada. For companies and startups with clients in North America, this is more convenient.

Personally, the author has no problems with the time difference. He has adapted, and he reviews morning news from Europe in Telegram channels in batches, without constantly refreshing feeds. In his words, the difference between him and his interlocutor in Canada is six hours, and this is not critical.

Moving to Chile or Vancouver adds about three hours to the difference with Europe. The author considers this already significant and requiring a separate choice.

Drug Trafficking and Safety

The author responds to concerns about drug trafficking. In his opinion, when viewed from Europe, the European model of how society, cities, and neighborhoods are organized is understandable. This helps in assessing the safety of neighborhoods in the region.

Safety in Cities and Districts

Overall, the level of safety in Latin America is good. The situation is similar to North America: in one city there are areas one should not enter. This is the case in New York, Houston, Dallas, and Philadelphia. There are areas you can go into, and there are areas you should avoid. The speaker gave the example of a drug ghetto in the center of one American city, where, in his words, a Democratic mayor once made a deal with the drug mafia and was never held accountable. According to him, opioids are openly sold there.

Segregation in city centers is not characteristic of all places. New York, Toronto, and Montreal, according to the speaker, do not show it. The centers of Canadian cities, in his assessment, are generally normal. The exception is Winnipeg, which the speaker assessed negatively.

A typical picture in the center looks like this: windows boarded up with plywood due to business bankruptcies, and drug addicts on the streets. At the same time, two kilometers from the center are residential neighborhoods and suburbs with comfortable, well-kept living conditions.

In South America, according to the speaker, the situation is the same. Overall the city is safe, but one should not go into certain districts. Realtors do not show housing there, and local residents do not take visitors there. Because of this, the statistics also suffer.

The speaker referred to the safety and crime indices of the Numbeo service. By city, as he noted, many Latin American cities that are not among the popular destinations for emigrants turn out to be safer than Stockholm. He named Ecuador and Cuenca. According to him, the gap between cities within Latin American countries is very large. In Europe, indicators are averaged across the whole country and are roughly the same in all cities. This gap, in the speaker's opinion, significantly affects the overall perception of the situation and the news agenda.

The speaker noted that in certain cities where many expats live, the safety situation is deteriorating more and more often.

The speaker named three reasons that form stereotypes about safety. He then listed three counterfactors which, in his words, work in the region's favor. The first factor is remoteness from militarization, the arms race, and stray drones. The second is the natural environment: palm trees, the ocean, or mountains, where, in his words, nothing happens. The third is low cost of living.

Tax Exchange, Banks, and Legalization

Ten years ago, Poland made it easier to obtain a first residence permit. Legalization was faster and simpler. According to the speaker, this is currently characteristic of Eastern Europe.

The third factor is the cost of living.

The speaker notes that in a number of countries there is no automatic exchange of tax information. This concerns income from online activity, business, and passive and active income. Banks do not automatically transmit data to the European automatic exchange system, which tracks which card received how much money. The countries of North and South America are not fully connected to such an exchange, and their tax authorities, in his words, do not interfere in citizens' financial affairs as actively as French or Spanish authorities, which carry out such monitoring.

The speaker said that the next webinar will be devoted to a comparison of three countries: Ukraine, Poland, and Spain. For this purpose, the owner of an accounting firm from each of them will be invited to the broadcast.

Immigration Programs of Latin America

In response to a question about the programs of Latin America, the speaker proposed dividing the answer into several blocks.

The general rules in the region are similar to those in Poland. If a person works in the local market, they receive a residence permit through employment.

Knowledge of Spanish is essential. Without it, it is difficult to get a job, even a low-skilled one. Competition comes from citizens of Cuba and Venezuela, who speak Spanish as a native language. According to the speaker, getting a job without the language is difficult but not impossible. One needs to choose certain niches.

Many entrepreneurs among emigrants from Russia and the CIS countries open businesses "for their own." Examples include consulting, migration services, real estate agencies, and food products. Services already in demand in Poland are, in his assessment, practically absent in the region. The market is open.

Regarding remote income, the speaker noted that Latin American countries in practice do not check whether active income is documented as passive income, even if the program formally requires passive income. To confirm, usually between 700 and 1,500 dollars per month is sufficient. An amount of 5,000 dollars per month is not required.

Mexico stands out. Its digital nomad residence permit program requires 3,500 dollars per month. The country is aimed at citizens of the USA and Canada. For a number of Mexican villages, such an amount equals the GDP of the entire settlement. The speaker pointed out that there is no objective income level: everything depends on the quality of migrants.

Humanitarian Visas and Refugee Status

The speaker compared the situation with Albania. According to him, citizens of Ukraine and Belarus have humanitarian visas. A person enters visa-free and applies for so-called refugee status. The speaker clarified that this is not full refugee status, as in Europe. The text then breaks off at the description of the international category of refugee status.

Chile, Uruguay and Argentina

Argentina and Brazil

The speaker understands that Argentina grants humanitarian residence permits to citizens of Ukraine. According to his latest information, dating from the beginning of spring this year, people easily received such approval. He did not verify whether the information is current, so conditions may have changed. According to him, the path to citizenship remains available.

Opening a business on Argentina's local market is possible, as is purchasing real estate. In Brazil, according to him, an apartment can be bought for around 200,000. In his assessment, that amount is already significant for this market.

He excluded Italy from this list. He named a residence permit in exchange for investment as one of the possible options in Latin America.

Childbirth and the Right to Citizenship

In Latin American countries, a child automatically receives citizenship. The parents, in turn, receive permanent residence. In some countries, after three years of living with this residence permit, one can apply for citizenship.

According to the speaker, this is the simplest option: come, give birth, and live in the country.

USA: Restrictions and Their Consequences

According to his information, the childbirth program in the US is closed. The situation changes cyclically. The Trump administration closes the program, a court rules the action unlawful, and the program reopens.

According to him, a separate problem is the cancellation of parents' visas when their child was born in the US. The family arrives, but when they leave with the child, the visas are canceled. The parents most likely will not be able to return. The child becomes a US citizen and, at 18, can come and live in the country independently if they wish. For the parents, this option is closed.

Chile

The speaker formulated his choice of country as follows: under current circumstances, he would not move, since he is satisfied with where he lives. Given the initial data he could start with, he would choose Chile. He jokingly called Canada the fifty-first state of the US and excluded it from consideration.

He described Chile as a country with a developed economy and developing cities. According to him, Santiago's modern business-district architecture resembles not American cities but Poland. The city has modern sidewalks, bike lanes, and road markings. These facilities are being built now, not half a century ago as in Canada and the US. The speaker noted glass skyscrapers and modern shopping centers.

Chile has its own stock exchange. In terms of cost of living, the country is among the most expensive in the region. Salaries here are the highest. Legalization takes a little longer. Waiting periods, in his estimate, are comparable to those in modern Poland.

Citizens of Chile are the only ones in Latin America who get visa-free access to the US, albeit through an electronic travel authorization. The speaker compared this passport to a European one. Citizens of other Latin American countries do not have this option.

Paraguay and the South American Bloc

For those not ready to move to a country with a difficult situation, the speaker suggested Paraguay. According to him, legalization there is very simple. To obtain citizenship, one must live in the country for five years. The country is calm.

A citizen of a Latin American country that belongs to the South American bloc can move between bloc members in the same way Europeans move between EU countries. According to his description, a citizen of Ecuador or Paraguay can move to Chile and obtain a residence permit. He compared this model to the Schengen Zone, which operates across the entire continent.

Toronto and Vancouver

The speaker names Toronto and Vancouver as among the most expensive cities in the world. Montreal, where he lives, is not in this group and remains relatively affordable.

By his estimate, the cost of living in Montreal is close to that of Warsaw. According to his data, rent in Warsaw is about 2% cheaper than in Montreal. He says basic expenses in the two cities may differ only slightly.