EXAPS Code of Conduct & Ethical Charter

Our Standards

At EXAPS (Expats Alliance of Professional Standard), we believe that expatriates and immigrants deserve the same quality of service, transparency, and respect as local citizens. Our Code of Conduct and ethos sets out the standards every EXAPS professional member must meet, earn, and keep - the EXAPS Trusted Provider mark.

Membership of EXAPS is voluntary. It is a badge of honour, awarded only to those professionals and firms who commit to treating expats fairly, communicating clearly, and operating with integrity across borders.

Our Code is written in simple, direct language so it can be applied consistently in different countries and translated easily into other languages.

What EXAPS Members Commit To:

Integrity and Equality

EXAPS members must act honestly, transparently, and without discrimination. They agree to:

  • Treat expats and immigrants with the same respect, effort, and professionalism as local clients.
  • Charge reasonable, clearly disclosed fees, free from hidden charges or exploitation.
  • Never take advantage of a client’s unfamiliarity with local laws, culture, or language.
  • Avoid promising or guaranteeing outcomes that depend on authorities, regulators, courts, or market conditions.

Professional Standards and Compliance

EXAPS members remain fully responsible for complying with the laws and regulations that govern their country and profession. They must:

  • Hold all required licences, insurances, and qualifications in their jurisdiction.
  • Stay up to date with legal and industry changes affecting international and expatriate clients.
  • Ensure that their staff and representatives follow EXAPS standards.
  • Inform EXAPS promptly if they are suspended, seriously sanctioned by a regulator, struck off, or convicted of a serious offence relevant to their professional role.

Transparency, Communication, and Conflicts of Interest

Clear communication is essential when clients are navigating a new country. EXAPS members must:

  • Provide full written information on costs, fees, and terms of engagement.
  • Ensure marketing and advertising are factual, fair, and not misleading.
  • Explain complaint procedures and how EXAPS can oversee concerns.
  • Avoid conflicts of interest wherever possible, and be open and honest about referral fees, commissions, or financial benefits they receive in connection with a client referral.

Accountability and Cooperation with EXAPS

EXAPS is the Expats Alliance of Professional Standard. Members agree that:

  • EXAPS may investigate legitimate complaints or allegations of misconduct.
  • They will cooperate fully with any EXAPS investigation, including providing and explanations when requested.
  • Failure to cooperate or to correct proven misconduct can lead to suspension or permanent removal of EXAPS alliance membership.
  • In rare cases, where there is a serious concern of criminal conduct, EXAPS may have to share limited and necessary information with relevant authorities.

Ethical Responsibility and Cultural Sensitivity

EXAPS members work with clients from many cultures and legal systems. They commit to:

  • Deliver services respectfully, mindful of language and cultural differences.
  • Promote inclusion and understanding within their teams and client interactions.
  • Prohibit discrimination of any kind.

Continuous Improvement

Membership in EXAPS is an ongoing commitment to excellence. Members agree to:

  • Take part in professional development and improvement initiatives recommended by EXAPS.
  • Share best practices where appropriate and support the collective reputation of the Alliance.

EXAPS is

  • A guardian of equality in expat services
  • An alliance that upholds a Code of Conduct
  • A trust mark with meaning
  • Our role is to protect the integrity of the EXAPS Trusted Provider mark, promote higher standards, and give expats a clear, independent signal of who they can trust.

EXAPS is not

  • A regulator, law firm, or court.
  • We do not provide legal advice or representation
  • We do not replace local regulators or professional bodies
  • We do not pay compensation or decide legal disputes between clients and providers