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.

Increase In Americans Moving To Portugal

There seems to be an increase in the number of Americans deciding to move to Portugal. Factors including increasing cost of living and a growing trend for remote working have led to a significant surge of interest from Americans buying property in Portugal Data from Kyero.com, the leading online platform for…

Top Probiotic Strains That Can Keep Your Gut Healthy In Another Country

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your gut. They are often called “good” or “friendly” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. Probiotics can be found in some foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, and supplements. Some people believe that probiotics can also protect you from getting sick…

UK Inheritance Tax And Domicile – What You Need To Know Today

UK inheritance tax follows you around the world since it’s based on domicile, not residence. You could live abroad long term and still be liable for this legacy tax. Here, Blevins Franks look at key facts about UK inheritance tax and domicile and how it could affect your intended heirs. Written…

Reasons Why Drinking Organic Wine Is Healthy

Is drinking organic wine better for you? In a nutshell, yes. Organic wine is produced according to organic viticulture standards that prohibit the use of harmful chemicals and substances. Here we set out why drinking organic wine is healthy. Statistics show that the wine market will reach up to 1…

7 Useful Ways To Finance Your Studies Abroad

Studying abroad can be an amazing experience, but it can also be expensive. If you are not careful, the cost of tuition, room and board, and other associated expenses can add up quickly. That’s why it is important to explore all of your options to finance your studies abroad. In…

5 Tips to Help Your Dog Settle In After Relocating Abroad

Moving to another country or simply to another home can put some stress on the whole family. This includes your pets as well, as they understand the concept of moving less than us. You need to basically explain everything to them and hope they will not find the whole move too stressful. And, luckily, there…

7 Tips for Coping With Expat Depression

It is widespread for expats to lack the proper mental health care coverage abroad. Some locations even lack access to mental health professionals and institutions for everyone, not just expats. And even if you end up in a place where counseling is available, like a school in case you are studying abroad, it’s most likely only going…

How To Find The Right Type Of Job Search That Works For Expats

Expats are often faced with different experiences in their job search. While companies may be fighting to recruit some intelligent minds out there, some other job seekers may have to put up a valiant effort to find a good fit. Many expat job seekers employ different means to look for available vacancies in their…

Buyers Reveal Most Desirable Holiday Home Must-Haves

Prospective expats and holiday home owners have revealed the non-negotiable features in their dream property. In a survey of over 1,500 home hunters conducted by overseas property consultants at YourOverseasHome, 71% of respondents stated that being within walking distance to shops and cafes was essential, while 68% needed a garden, and 54% wanted a good…

Moving Abroad? Why You Should Consider A Pet-Nup

If you’re moving abroad, there’s so much to consider – especially when it comes to relocating beloved pets. Rules and regulations vary when it comes to moving to different countries – for example, New Zealand doesn’t allow certain animals such as birds or reptiles. Quarantine periods vary and most countries require pets being brought over…

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.