The overseas pension transfer tax can see the UK taxman take a quarter of expats’ transferred funds. Those thinking of moving UK pensions need to know the new rules. One of the few surprise announcements in the UK 2017 Spring Budget was the ‘Overseas Transfer Charge’ – an immediate tax on certain transfers to offshore...

For many, moving to a new country means making big adjustments due to the different culture and systems. If, for example, you were moving from a Scandinavian country that has universal healthcare to an Asian country that does not provide healthcare to new expats, you may find yourself unfamiliar with the private insurance plans that...

Buying UK property as a British expat used to be tricky – yet, thanks to mortgage products specifically created for this purpose, and new applications that calculate how much you can borrow, and that even give you an agreement in principle online, securing an investment property in the UK is easier than ever before. Since...

Almost three quarters of expats wait until after relocating to purchase health insurance cover, with 54 per cent doing so within two months of arriving and 17 per cent doing so only after experiencing the healthcare facilities available locally. Five per cent of respondents to a survey by AXA’s international healthcare business said that they...

If you are considering working overseas you should find out before you go how far your salary is going to stretch. Luckily there is new research showing the relative cost of living in major cities worldwide. Singapore retains its title as the world’s most expensive city for a fourth consecutive year in a top ten...

Relationship breakdown is always stressful, but if your marriage has run into trouble after moving overseas, the thought of sorting out finances and child issues in a less familiar setting can feel overwhelming. Based on our experience advising expats at Morton Fraser, these are our top three tips for dealing with a separation when you...

Moving to a new country is very exciting but adapting to a new culture can be stressful and make you feel confused and disorientated. Preparing your expatriation to a new country should be coupled with in-depth research of your new country in order to avoid culture shock. By AGS Movers When you move to a...

My wife and I have been expats since 2000 and are likely to return to the UK this year. We have invested in UK property as a ‘retirement fund’ but have heard that new capital gains tax rules may affect our returns. We have been offered a qualifying non-UK pension scheme (QNUPS) as an alternative....

Skipton International has launched an upgraded online calculator, giving expat mortgage customers a quick guide to loan options. The calculator uses information such as property value and rental income to show customers the maximum amount they would be able to borrow, along with estimated monthly repayment costs, based on Skipton’s mortgage offerings for the requested...

If you are an American have seriously delinquent tax debt, IRC 7345 authorises the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to certify that to the State Department. The department generally will not issue or renew a passport to you after receiving certification from the IRS.   Upon receiving certification, the State Department may revoke your passport. If...

We are quickly approaching the first of several US tax deadlines – and as an American abroad, it’s time to begin preparing to file your US expat taxes. Since your reporting and filing requirements can be a bit more complex while living abroad, being prepared well in advance can set your mind at ease when...

Many people on the verge of retirement see a change of scenery abroad as the perfect life move, when relaxation and indulgence take over following long careers that may have spanned over 40 years. While retirement options differ from person to person, the general consensus is that ending your working commitments and retiring abroad is...