expat network

Moving To Portugal – What You Need To Know

Portugal Discovery Tours 2022

Enjoy a tailored tour with someone who knows the area inside out to help you decide the right location for you, who can assist you in planning your move and answer your questions.

How UK Pensions Are Taxed In Portugal

If you’re retiring to Portugal, how will your UK pensions be taxed there? Other than government service pensions, your pension income will be liable for Portuguese tax, with the treatment varying according to the type of pension. Understanding the rules helps you plan ahead, avoid unwelcome surprises, and take the opportunity to establish the most…

Navigating UK Passport Renewal From Abroad: A Step-By-Step Guide For Expats

Renewing your UK passport while living overseas can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re in the USA/ Mexico/ South America/ Caribbean, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe, Asia, understanding the process is key to avoiding delays and stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know…

Why More Expats Are Choosing The Algarve In 2025

Portugal continues to rise through the ranks as one of the most popular destinations for expats. Affordable living, mild winters, and a strong healthcare system make it attractive, but it’s the Algarve that consistently captures hearts. If you’re considering a move to the Algarve, here’s what you should know, including where to live, rent, or…

Why Portugal Is The Top Choice For Expats And Investors: TISRI And Golden Visa Explained

Portugal has rapidly emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for expats, investors, and high-net-worth individuals seeking favorable tax treatment and European Union (EU) residency. With stunning landscapes, a high quality of life, and forward-thinking fiscal policies, Portugal combines lifestyle and strategy like few other nations. Whether you’re considering relocation to Portugal or simply…

International Healthcare Tips For Travelers And Expats

Whether you’re moving abroad for a fresh start or traveling to explore new horizons, international healthcare should always be a top priority. While visiting or living in a foreign country offers incredible opportunities, it can also present unique health challenges that you’ll want to be prepared for. From navigating unfamiliar healthcare systems to managing pre-existing conditions in…

Comparing Quotes From Moving Companies

Make sure you get quotes from three potential removal companies. Then you will need to evaluate them and make a choice. Price will clearly be a factor, but you should decide what is important to you and ensure that you take these into account and avoid choosing the cheapest and then incur more cost down…

Why eSIMs Are A Game-Changer For Expats: Stay Connected Across Borders

For expats, staying connected across borders has always been a challenge. Juggling SIM cards, managing roaming charges, and ensuring consistent coverage are just a few of the hurdles involved in maintaining reliable communication while living abroad. However, technological advancements have introduced a revolutionary solution: eSIMs. These embedded SIM cards are redefining how expats stay connected…

How To Open A Restaurant In Another Country

If your dream is to open a restaurant, but you haven’t quite found the perfect opportunity to do so, starting one in a new country may be the right option for you. Opening a restaurant in a completely different country is a little more involved than opening one locally, but it can be an incredibly…

Financial Planning When Retiring Abroad

When retiring to Europe what are the options for funding the move, how do you arrange to receive your state pension and transfer your private pension(s) while abroad. What are the financial issues that need to be considered before you make the move? Jason Porter of Blevins Franks takes you through the key financial issues…

Expats – Plan Your Retirement Abroad

Many expats having spent a proportion or all of their career abroad get used to a different climate and lifestyle and do not feel drawn back to their home country when considering their retirement. There are many options for retiring and it is a very personal decision on where to retire. For some retiring where…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.