European Union (EU) Countries
The European Union, formally established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, is a political and economic union of 27 member states located in Europe. The EU has developed one single European market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states. Those laws and policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.
European Economic Area (EEA) countries
The European Economic Area, established on January 1, 1994, extends the EU’s single market to three non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It allows these countries to be part of the EU’s single market without being EU member states, although they must adopt most EU legislation concerning the single EU market. The aim of the EEA is to strengthen trade and economic relations between each of the EEA countries.
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Countries
The European Free Trade Association, established in 1960, is a regional trade organization and free trade area consisting of four European countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The EFTA promotes free trade and economic integration between its member states and other countries.
Schengen Area Countries
The Schengen Area, named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement, comprises 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other border controls at their mutual borders. The Schengen Area allows unrestricted movement of people accross member countries, enhancing corporation and travel.
The Schengen Area includes 23 of the 27 EU Member States plus the 4 EFTA countries.
About All About Expats
All About Expats focuses on employers of highly skilled migrants and assists them with the immigration procedure, often in combination with the (temporary) outsourcing of employment through an employer of record construction. We take over the role of recognized sponsor so that employers who do not (yet) have this status can still hire highly skilled migrants. nt Goes Here