EXPATLEGAL#Stand With Ukraine
Reference

Glossary of legal, immigration & financial terms

Plain-language explanations of the terms you will encounter on the platform and in your case.

22 terms
Administrative AppealImmigration
A formal challenge to a government decision — such as a rejected visa or revoked status — through the administrative court system.
AML (Anti-Money Laundering)Platform
The regulatory framework that prevents financial crime through transaction monitoring.
ApostilleLegal
An official certification that authenticates a document for use in another country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention.Learn more
Attorney-Client PrivilegeLegal
A legal protection that keeps communications between a lawyer and their client confidential. It applies to formal representation, not to advisory consultations.
Auto-entrepreneurFranceFinancial
The French simplified self-employment status for freelancers and small businesses.
Due DiligenceLegal
A thorough investigation and verification process carried out before entering a legal or financial arrangement.
EMI (Electronic Money Institution)Platform
An EU-licensed entity authorised to issue electronic money and process payments — Mercuryo's regulatory status.
EscrowFinancial
A financial arrangement in which a third party holds funds until agreed conditions are met by both sides.
FiduciaryFinancial
A person or organisation legally obliged to act in the best interest of another party.
JDG (Jednoosobowa Działalność Gospodarcza)PolandFinancial
The Polish sole-trader / self-employment registration.
JurisdictionLegal
The geographic area or court system in which a lawyer is licensed to practise. A Polish lawyer cannot represent you before a German court without specific authorisation.
KYC (Know Your Customer)Platform
The verification process that confirms the identity and legitimacy of people using financial services.
NotarizationLegal
Certification by a notary that a document is authentic and that the signatory's identity has been verified.
Partita IVAItalyFinancial
The Italian VAT number required for self-employed individuals and freelancers working in Italy.Learn more
Power of Attorney (PoA)Legal
A legal document that authorises someone to act on your behalf in legal or financial matters.
Pro BonoLegal
Professional services provided free of charge, typically for those who cannot otherwise afford them.
Retainer AgreementLegal
A formal contract between a client and a lawyer that sets out the scope and cost of legal representation. It differs from a one-time consultation.
Schengen AreaImmigration
The group of European countries that have abolished passport controls at their shared borders.Learn more
Settlement (T+3)Financial
An industry standard meaning a transaction is finalised three business days after it is initiated.
Statute of LimitationsLegal
The legal deadline by which a claim must be filed. Missing it usually means losing the right to pursue the case.
Temporary Protection StatusImmigration
An EU mechanism that provides immediate protection to displaced persons, activated for Ukrainians in 2022.Learn more
VNJ / Residence PermitPolandImmigration
The Polish permit (zezwolenie na pobyt) that allows a non-EU citizen to reside legally in Poland.