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.

Retiring Abroad, Some Insurance Advice

The freedom to retire means no longer having to work every day and having the ability to travel at leisure. It also means you can sell your house and spend your senior years living in a foreign country, taking in new experiences and meeting new people; but as romantic as retiring abroad sounds, there are insurance considerations that…

Portugal Passes 1 Million Foreign Residents In 2023

2023 has been a landmark year for foreign residency permits and Portuguese Golden Visa applications. According to the recent report released by AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum) in September 2024, Portugal remains a magnet for foreign residents and investors. Based on the numbers shared by the Portuguese government and Get Golden Visa’s inquiries…

Portugal’s Non Habitual Resident Scheme Replaced By Fiscal Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation Program

The Non Habitual Residence Scheme was closed at the end of 2023 and is now being replaced by the Fiscal Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI) Program. It is still possible to take advantage of the NHR scheme if you meet certain conditions and the new scheme gives opportunities to encourage qualified individuals to…

The Portuguese Way Of Life – What To Expect

Perhaps you are thinking of moving to Portugal to live and work, or to enjoy your retirement in the sunshine. Whilst an unquestioning observance of social and religious customs plays an important role in daily life, the Portuguese know how to let their hair down. If you are planning a trip to Portugal or to…

Real Estate Market Prospects In Portugal In 2024

The removal of property investment as an option when applying for a Golden Visa in Portugal and the closure of the Non Habitual Residence scheme is due to the Government’s belief that these have been driving unsustainable property price increases. So what are the real estate market prospects in Portugal in 2024? Bloomberg report that…

Portuguese Mortgages – Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Portuguese mortgages follow different rules to those you may be used to in the UK or in the US. Here Mortgage Direct, a leading mortgage broker in Portugal, provide answers to the frequently asked questions from expats looking to take out a Portuguese mortgage. Written for Expat Network by Mortgage Direct …

Cambridge Home School Online – The School That Travels With You!

The world of education has seen a dramatic shift over the past decade, accelerated by the global pandemic. As families seek quality alternatives to traditional schooling, online education has gained prominence. Among the institutions that have risen to meet this demand, we are proud to say that CHS stands out as one of the leading…

Buying Property In Portugal

Portuguese estate agents must be licensed and qualified, so ask to see their INCI certificate and AMI licence. With typical agent fees of more than 5%, private sales are common – look out for boards saying vende-se or para venda. By Christopher Nye Among Portugal’s largest online property portals are casa.sapo.pt and imovirtual.com, or a…

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…

A New Horizon – The Upside Of Downsizing For Retirement Overseas

As the UK’s baby boomers enjoy their retirement and Generation X begin to follow them, a significant shift is occurring in the housing market. Empty nesters are choosing to downsize and relocate abroad, seeking sunnier climates and a cheaper lifestyle. This trend is not just financial savvy; it’s a move towards a new chapter of…

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.