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.

Healthcare In Portugal

Access to the Portuguese health system is based on residence. Everyone who’s registered as a resident can also register to access the Portuguese national health service (SNS) on the same basis as a Portuguese citizen. This is the same if you’re employed, self-employed or not working. Here we outline how expats can access healthcare in…

Top 6 Strategies To Balance Motherhood While Living Abroad As An Expat

Being a mother is a beautiful journey that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Now, imagine adding the adventure and excitement of living abroad as an expat to the mix. It can be a thrilling experience, but it also comes with unique considerations for balancing motherhood and the expat lifestyle. In this…

What Are Your Parental Rights If You Need To Move Abroad For Work And Your Ex Wants The Kids To Stay Put?

Moving abroad for a job can be an exciting experience for both you and your children, but if your ex-spouse stops you, it can complicate matters. In this article, we’ll take a look at your parental rights when moving abroad with children, and what you can do if your ex-spouse says “no.” Why Permission is…

Britons Willing To Overcome Brexit Barriers And Retire Abroad Again

New research from overseas property consultants highlights that Brits are coming to terms with post-Brexit restrictions, applying for visas and retiring to favourite European destinations in ever greater numbers. Your Overseas Home have released new data which shows a return to pre-Brexit levels of interest in retiring to Mediterranean and southern European hotspots. After ‘freedom of…

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residence Scheme To End

Portugal’s Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, has announced that the Non-Habitual Residence Scheme will end at the end of 2023. The scheme which gave non-EU residents in Portugal tax advantages has been ended by the socialist government due to its impact in driving up house prices following public protests about high house prices. The Non-Habitual Residence…

6 Essential Tips For Developing A Personal Website As An Expat Living Abroad

Living abroad as an expat is an exhilarating adventure. You’re navigating new cultures, embracing diverse perspectives, and expanding your horizons. But amidst the excitement, it’s important not to overlook the value of establishing and maintaining a strong digital presence. Having a personal website can be a game-changer, helping you showcase your skills, connect with a…

Planning Travel To Portugal

Most travellers will choose to fly direct to one of the country’s three major international airports: Lisbon, Porto and Faro. When planning to buy or sell property in Portugal, proximity to one of these can adversely or favourably affect the price. Any location within an hour’s drive is usually an acceptable distance – beyond that,…

How Fluctuating Exchange Rates Can Affect The Price Of An Overseas Property

The foreign currency market is the largest and most traded financial market in the world, with more than $6 trillion traded each day, and over 80% of the foreign currency trading is for speculation purposes. The main drivers that influence exchange rate movements are economic and geo-political events, and technical trading by investment banks. These…

5 Essential Tips For Expats Starting A Freelancing Career Abroad

As an expat starting a freelancing career abroad, you may feel overwhelmed by the many challenges that come with this lifestyle. Freelancing requires self-discipline, the ability to manage your time, and a commitment to developing a robust network of clients and contacts in your new country. However, with proper planning and execution, you can create…

How To Acclimatise To Heat – FAST

Already this year, Portugal and Spain have seen their hottest April temperatures since records began. The overseas living experts from YourOverseasHome.com have compiled a list of seven tips to help families stay comfortable and safe in the heat – from loading up on electrolytes, to turning DOWN the air con. Christopher Nye, overseas living expert…

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.