Over the last 14 years we have seen many reforms in the pensions industry some for better, some for worse. One thing that does stand out is the human nature of wanting something we cannot have which exists in our everyday lives. Making difficult decisions in a timely manner has always been uneasy for us...

With a wide range of distinct governments bound together by mutually-beneficial agreements, the EU presents some interesting business opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. If you’re considering starting a business in the EU, though, you need to be prepared to do some research and confirm that it’s the right move — particularly if you’re currently based...

If you’re new to self-employment, record-keeping might sound like hard work – even for those who have been filing for years it can be daunting. While that may be true, it does come with its own reward – namely, that sole traders can claim back allowable expenses and pay less tax on their earnings. Written...

Managing exchange rate risk and transferring funds internationally are a part of life for expats and making sure that you do this effectively can make a significant difference to the cost of covering regular expenses and major purchases.  Currency Index, the expert currency consultants, set out their top tips for managing your exchange rate exposure...

Many expats have assets such as bank accounts, pension funds, life insurances, and real estate in multiple countries. We all believe that if anything happened to us, these assets would go to our families.   Unfortunately, it is quite possible that your hard-earned money and assets would be legally “stolen” if anything happened to you, instead...

Barclays International Banking connects individuals with local market expertise and a financial network that spans the world. To pursue our clients’ goals, we introduce new possibilities, both in the UK and internationally. This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by Barclays International. Apply Now At home or in unfamiliar territory, we provide familiar banking...

Why establish tax residency? With most Western countries around the world having marginal tax rates upwards of 30-40%, it is not surprising that second residencies and passports are on the rise as people begin looking for low tax alternatives. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Mark John of Offshore Protection Thanks in large part...

Just one month after the UK government effectively put large parts of the UK property market into a form of hibernation, evidence is emerging that many specialist UK expat mortgage lenders are finding ingenious ways of keeping expat house purchases moving and delivering completions. Written for Expat Network by Guy Stephenson of Offshoreonline With much...

Skipton International, the UK Buy to Let mortgage lender for overseas residents, has returned to the remortgage market. Due to COVID-19 restrictions preventing physical property valuations, Skipton International had previously stopped accepting mortgage applications. With a limited number of mortgage providers offering Buy to Let mortgages to British Expats and Foreign nationals, this is...

What will happen to the UK Buy To Let market as we come out of lockdown?  Expat Mortgage broker, OffshoreOnline argue that expats in areas that recover more quickly from the pandemic will be well placed to take advantage of the later recovery of the UK economy. With much of the UK buy to...

Many expats move abroad and rent their flats or houses out, often not having had the time to advise their existing UK lender. Whilst not advised, as it can be a breach of the lender’s terms and conditions, most UK lenders will be flexible  for periods of less than a year and will offer a...

Foreign property ownership can be a rewarding and lucrative experience for many Americans living overseas. But when it comes time to sell your foreign property, you may be in for a scary surprise. In addition to paying local taxes on property sales, you may be on the hook for US taxes on phantom gains—a hidden...