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.

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…

Your Ultimate Moving Abroad Guide

Are you planning to move abroad soon? Moving abroad comes with its share of challenges and excitement. You are effectively leaving everything you know and embarking on a different journey where you will meet different people, cultures, and ways of life. If you are familiar with change, then you understand that…

Common Mistakes People Make When Purchasing Property Abroad – And How To Avoid Them

Prospective expats and holiday home buyers have been offered expert tips and advice to prevent them from making easily avoidable mistakes during the property buying process. From planning viewing trips in the height of summer to ignoring each country’s basic legal requirements, overseas property experts at YourOverseasHome.com have issued advice to highlight eight of the most…

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…

Finding The Right School

Viable and attractive school options will be a major factor when relocating with family. The choice will generally be between sending your child(ren) to an international or a local school. There are advantages to each option and you need to decide what best for your children. International Schools International schools can provide real advantages: They…

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…

Things To Consider When Moving Abroad

Moving abroad is a brilliant opportunity to learn more about other cultures and yourself. Stepping out and taking this giant leap of faith can easily grant you the opportunity to have many new experiences while allowing you to explore a terrain that is otherwise unknown to you. However, moving abroad is…

5 Ways To Support Your Children While Working Abroad

Flying overseas for a job while your family stays back is one of the most challenging decisions you’ll have to make, considering how much you want your children to feel your love and care. Even though you can send money and ensure they have everything they need, it’s never enough. Here are five ways…

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…

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.