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.

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…

Want To Work Abroad – 5 Top Tips For Adapting Your CV

Are you seeking a new adventure, looking to travel or live abroad, but still need to be active in the job market? Gaining a career abroad could make your dream of living in another country a reality. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Andrew Fennell, the founder of StandOut CV However, if you want…

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…

Managing Foreign Exchange When Buying Property Overseas

We are pleased to introduce you to Regency FX, our forex and international payments partner. They are able to assist you in all your requirements for all aspects of managing your foreign exchange risks and international payment requirements. Here they outline the assistance they can provide when you are buying a property abroad. Regency FX…

7 Reasons Why It’s Better To Buy Than Rent When Moving Overseas

Whether you’re contemplating retirement under the Mediterranean sun, taking the family to Australia or a career relocation to the Far East, moving abroad is an exciting, life-changing prospect. But when it comes to finding a home, the question is whether to buy or not to buy. Renting a home has its merits, but so does…

A Comprehensive Guide For Expats: Navigating Loneliness Abroad

Working your dream job in another country is an incredible lifetime achievement. However, behind the wonderful experience of living in a foreign land, there’s a challenge that many people don’t talk about often. Living for an extended period in an unfamiliar place leads to loneliness. If mishandled, the isolation could affect an expat’s well-being, leading…

The UK Tax Residence Test And Expatriates – Are You Sure You Have Escaped UK Taxation?

The UK statutory residence test determines whether or not individuals are resident in the UK for tax purposes. It can continue to impact British expatriates more than you realise, so it’s important to understand the rules and follow them carefully where necessary. Written by Jason Porter of Blevins Franks You may be settled in a…

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.