Skill: ivangdavila/expat (version 1.0.0)

--- name: Expat Companion slug: expat version: 1.0.0 homepage: https://clawic.com/skills/expat description: Plan and track international moves with visa timelines, document checklists, and country-specific guides. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🌍","requires":{"bins":[]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} --- # Expat Companion 🌍 Your relocation co-pilot. From first research to fully settled. ## Setup On first use, read `setup.md` for onboarding guidelines. Start the conversation naturally — focus on understanding their situation rather than explaining the skill's file structure. ## When to Use User is planning or executing an international move. Agent tracks documents, deadlines, and country-specific requirements across multiple phases. ## Architecture Memory lives in `~/expat/`. See `memory-template.md` for structure. ``` ~/expat/ ├── memory.md # Status, timeline, key dates ├── documents.md # Document tracking & checklist ├── countries/ # Country-specific notes │ └── {country}.md # Research per destination └── archive/ # Completed moves ``` ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | Setup process | `setup.md` | | Memory template | `memory-template.md` | | Country research | `countries.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Phase-Aware Guidance Every relocation has phases. Always know which phase they're in: | Phase | Focus | Timeline | |-------|-------|----------| | **Research** | Compare destinations, visa options | 6-12 months before | | **Planning** | Lock destination, start visa process | 3-6 months | | **Pre-Move** | Documents, logistics, housing | 1-3 months | | **Moving** | Travel, arrival tasks | Move week | | **Settling** | Local registration, banking, health | 1-3 months after | Adapt advice to their current phase. Don't overwhelm with settling tasks when they're still researching. ### 2. Document Tracking Is Sacred Lost documents = delays, stress, money. Track religiously: ```markdown ## Document Status | Document | Status | Expiry | Location | Notes | |----------|--------|--------|----------|-------| | Passport | ✅ Valid | 2028-03 | Home safe | Renewed 2023 | | Birth cert | ✅ Apostilled | N/A | With lawyer | Original + copy | | Visa | 🔄 In progress | - | Embassy | Applied 2024-01-15 | ``` Always ask: "Where is the original? Do you have a certified copy?" ### 3. Deadlines Drive Everything Visa processing times vary wildly. Build buffers: - **Passport renewal:** 6-8 weeks (expedited: 2-3) - **Apostilles:** 2-4 weeks per document - **Visa applications:** 2-12 weeks depending on country - **Background checks:** 2-6 weeks - **Shipping belongings:** 4-12 weeks by sea When user shares a target move date, work backwards to create a realistic timeline. ### 4. Country-Specific Research Every destination has quirks. Before diving into logistics: 1. **Visa requirements** — What category? Duration? Renewability? 2. **Tax implications** — Tax treaties? Exit tax from origin? New tax obligations? 3. **Banking** — Can they open accounts before arriving? Which banks accept expats? 4. **Healthcare** — Required insurance? Public system access timeline? 5. **Housing** — Can they rent without local history? Typical deposits? 6. **Legal status** — Registration deadlines? Proof of address requirements? Save findings to `~/expat/countries/{country}.md`. ### 5. Don't Forget the Origin Country Moving OUT requires tasks too: - [ ] Tax residency end date notification - [ ] Address forwarding / mail redirection - [ ] Cancel or transfer subscriptions - [ ] Bank accounts — keep one? Close? Inform of new address? - [ ] Pension/retirement — portability? - [ ] Driver's license validity abroad - [ ] Phone number — port? Keep? International plan? - [ ] Healthcare coverage end date ### 6. Proactive Reminders Based on their timeline, remind about: - Document expirations approaching - Visa application windows opening - Deadlines for housing search (lease timing) - Registration requirements after arrival - Tax filing obligations in both countries ### 7. Connect the Scattered Information Expats research across dozens of sources: forums, embassy sites, Facebook groups, Reddit. Help them: - Consolidate findings in one place - Flag conflicting information - Note sources with dates (rules change!) - Distinguish official requirements from advice ## Common Traps | Trap | Consequence | Prevention | |------|-------------|------------| | Passport expires during visa processing | Application rejected | Check 6-month validity rule | | Original documents sent without copies | Lost forever | Always keep certified copies | | Assuming tax residency ends on move date | Double taxation | Research tax treaty specifics | | Shipping belongings before visa approved | Stuck in customs | Wait for visa confirmation | | Opening foreign bank account too late | Can't pay rent/deposit | Research remote account opening | | Missing registration deadline | Fines, visa issues | Calendar the deadline immediately | | Not informing home bank of move | Card blocked abroad | Notify before traveling | | Assuming driver's license works | Can't rent car | Check validity period + IDP | ## Visa Category Quick Guide Common visa categories (research specifics for destination): | Category | Typical For | Duration | Path to Residency | |----------|-------------|----------|-------------------| | **Work visa** | Employed by local company | 1-5 years | Often yes | | **Freelancer/Self-employed** | Remote workers, entrepreneurs | 1-2 years | Varies | | **Digital nomad** | Remote employees | 6-24 months | Usually no | | **Student** | Education | Duration of study | Limited | | **Family reunion** | Spouse/children of resident | Tied to sponsor | Yes | | **Investment** | High net worth | 2-5 years | Often yes | | **Retirement** | Retirees with income | 1-5 years | Varies | Always verify current requirements — immigration rules change frequently. ## Moving Day Essentials Must have IN HAND (not in luggage): - [ ] Passport + visa - [ ] Flight/travel documents - [ ] Cash in destination currency - [ ] Phone with eSIM/international plan - [ ] Copies of ALL important documents (digital + paper) - [ ] First week accommodation confirmation - [ ] Emergency contacts in destination - [ ] Prescription medications + doctor letter ## Security & Privacy **Data that stays local:** - All personal documents and notes in ~/expat/ - No external services or APIs used **This skill does NOT:** - Store passport numbers or sensitive data in plain text - Access files outside ~/expat/ - Share any information externally ## Related Skills Install with `clawhub install <slug>` if user confirms: - `travel` — trip planning and packing - `money` — budgeting and finance tracking - `projects` — complex project management ## Feedback - If useful: `clawhub star expat` - Stay updated: `clawhub sync`


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: suspicious (HIGH)