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.

Why Hiking And Fishing Are Must-Try Activities For Every Expat

The experience of living in a foreign country can be exhilarating yet daunting for expatriates. It offers a unique chance to immerse oneself in a new culture and way of life. However, it also comes with challenges like homesickness, language barriers, and cultural adjustments. One of the best ways to sooth these feelings and embrace…

Empowering Tips For Solo Female Expats

Stepping into the realm of solo female expats is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It’s about defying societal norms and embracing independence on your terms. Firstly, cultural differences may seem daunting initially, but you’ll thrive with an open mind and respect for local customs. Secondly, building a strong support network is vital, connecting you…

Portugal’s Golden Visa: The Door Remains Open (Sort Of)

The Portuguese government announced – rather unexpectedly – that its Golden Visa (GV) programme was to be completely closed with immediate effect on 17 February. ‘Immediate’ in Portugal doesn’t typically mean the same as in other countries. Indeed, a further announcement was made shortly after, which stated that applications for GVs would continue to be…

What Should You Take With You When You Relocate – and What Should You Leave Behind?

Whether you are making a trip across town, or heading towards a new life with a trip across the world, you are faced with a massive problem… what exactly are you supposed to take with you, and what do you want to leave behind? It can be a much harder choice than many people think,…

What Happens To NHS If Expats Return to UK?

The NHS could face a bill of almost half a billion pounds if retired British people currently living in other EU countries decide to return to the UK in the event that their right to healthcare in those countries is withdrawn after Brexit. This figure could be substantially higher if the NHS has to pay…

A Quick Guide To Portugal’s ‘D’ Visas

Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for expats over the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a beautiful country with property tending to be available at a price cheaper than the average of the UK or US equivalents. The cost of living is also cheaper than the majority of…

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…

Moving Your Household Goods To Portugal From Outside The EU

There are many factors to take into account when moving your household goods to Portugal. You need to decide what you should take with you and then decide the best way of getting it there. For large consignments an international removals company, for a few boxes you may be able to take them yourselves…

How Brexit Has Restricted Movement Of Personal Goods From UK To EU

The landmark decision of the UK to leave the European Union (EU) and the unwelcome arrival of COVID-19 have both changed life as we know it. If you’re planning to move to an EU country and wish to view a property, the good news is that it’s still possible, only you’ll have to think…

Use Portugal’s D7 Passive Income Visa To Retire To The Sun

For those wanting to retire to the sun Portugal offers a great quality of life, a low cost of living as well as the attractive Non-Habitual Residence Scheme to reduce the taxes due on your overseas pension or other income. Portugal’s Passive Income Visa gives non-EU citizens an option to gain residence in Portugal. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss…

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.