About Digital Émigré
The Digital Émigré Mission
Our mission is to provide information on residency and citizenship across the EU to help investors and remote workers get second passports in Europe.
We understand that navigating the complex immigration systems of different European countries can be daunting. Our goal is to make the process more accessible by providing up-to-date, accurate information on the various options available.
Whether you’re looking to gain residency through real estate investment, start a business, or qualify as a digital nomad, Digital Émigré aims to walk you through every step of the journey. We’ll explain the requirements, costs, and timelines associated with each pathway in detail.
Obtaining a second passport in Europe comes with many benefits. It allows you to live, work and travel freely across the EU. It gives you access to first-class healthcare, education and financial systems. Most importantly, it provides you and your family with the security and stability of an EU citizenship.
At Digital Émigré, we’re focused on helping people achieve their dreams of European residence or citizenship. We want to empower travelers, investors and remote workers to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity. With the right information and guidance, obtaining a second passport in Europe is within your reach.
We chose the name Digital Émigré because, historically, an émigré leaves their country of origin because of political reasons. And digital, because we’re primarily aimed at people who earn their income online, or through other passive sources such as pensions.
Digital Émigré has curated a select network of partners across the EU – including immigration lawyers, tax specialists, financial advisors and real estate agents. They help us make sure our content is accurate and up-to-date.
Our Story
Digital Émigré was created in 2020 by Samantha North, as a resource for British nationals wanting to regain their EU rights after Brexit. It soon became clear that it wasn’t just Brits who wanted to achieve this goal, but citizens from all over the world.
Samantha had recently relocated to Portugal on a long-term mission to acquire citizenship, and wanted to share her knowledge and experience with others in a similar situation. In the process of planning this move, Samantha had already researched numerous citizenship pathways across the EU, and had selected Portugal as the best option.
Digital Émigré originally started by sharing information on moving to Portugal, but has expanded since then to provide information on residency and citizenship across Europe, along with comprehensive guides on moving abroad and various aspects of expat life.
Today, Digital Émigré has become a leading resource on EU relocation, with articles covering every aspect of making this big move.
The Digital Émigré Team
Samantha North
Co-Founder, Editor-in-Chief
Experience
The mission of Digital Émigré reflects Samantha’s personal experience of emigrating to Portugal. She plans to apply for Portuguese citizenship and regain her lost EU rights after Brexit.
During the planning stages, Samantha spoke with several immigration lawyers. She also researched all possible second citizenship pathways across the EU. This knowledge became the foundation of Digital Émigré.
Samantha soon discovered that Portugal ticked the most boxes. It’s the perfect second citizenship destination for those who don’t have any ancestral or spousal links in EU countries (which could otherwise provide a path to citizenship).
Before moving to Portugal, Samantha gained extensive experience of living abroad, in eight countries, plus traveling the world – applying for countless visas and residency permits in the process. Hence, she’s no stranger to the workings of immigration departments.
Education
Samantha’s professional background is in digital marketing and journalism. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Exeter, a masters in business studies (including finance and marketing) from KU Leuven (Belgium), and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Bath.
Malek El-Qallali
Co-Founder, Managing Editor
Experience
Malek also has personal experience with emigration, having moved in 2007 from his native Libya to the UK – and stayed there ever since.
After graduating from the University of Bath with his BA and two Masters degrees, Malek moved to York to begin a PhD program in innovation management, then relocated back to Bath to complete his research.
In 2019, Malek received his UK citizenship, ironically just before Brexit kicked in and stripped British citizens of their previous rights to freedom of movement across the eurozone.
Despite Brexit, Malek’s first-hand experience of the entire process of applying for and being granted second citizenship has been invaluable for his role at Digital Emigré.
Education
Malek holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Bath, and two masters degrees, one in digital communications and the other in innovation management.
He is currently finishing up his PhD at the University of Bath School of Management, while also lecturing in innovation and engineering management.