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Your Guide to a Happy Retirement in Spain

Spain has become one of the top options for many people who seek to take a break from work, retire, or even take a tour. The fantastic gardens and parks, the excellent metro system, and the unique cuisines in Madrid alone make it an option for comfort. With all these, retirement in Spain may be...

Five Financial Things To Consider If You Plan To Retire Abroad

When retirement is around the corner US citizens may want to consider is whether you want to retire in the U.S or abroad. Here Rick Pendykoski of Self Directed Retirement Plans sets out the financial considerations you need to make before moving abroad. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Rick Pendykoski of Self Directed Retirement...

Retiring Abroad – The Joys And The Practicalities

For many Brits retiring abroad provides the opportunity to turn their dream holiday destination into a permanent lifestyle. Surveys indicate that around one in ten people in the UK are considering retiring abroad and although many will not follow through to actually make the move the numbers are increasing. Choosing a retirement destination Expats often...

World’s Best Places For Retirement In 2018

What are the top ten places to retire to internationally? International Living Magazine has published its Annual Global Retirement Index, identifying the best places to retire in the world. They have looked at a wide range of criteria including the ease and cost of buying or renting property, the visa and residence options available, the cost of...

Retiring to Cyprus

Cyprus is a popular retirement destination for Britons in search of Mediterranean sun and possible tax advantages. The book and website, ‘Retiring To Europe’, provides essential information for those thinking of retiring to the island. The following are brief extracts. There are various tax issues Britons face when moving to Cyprus. With specialist advice from...

Retiring to Malta

Malta has a British feel, and so attracts UK retires who want something familiar – but with sunny Mediterranean living. Pensions might go further on this island too. ‘Retiring to Europe’, a new website and book, explores in depth the attractions of Malta. The following are brief extracts. Understanding where you are tax resident is...

Retiring to Portugal

Portugal and the UK have had close links for centuries and in recent years Portugal has become a popular retirement place for Britons. As a new website and book – ‘Retiring To Europe’ – explains in depth, there may be tax advantages in moving there. The following are brief extracts. There are many issues that...

Retiring to France

A new book, Retiring to Europe, with accompanying website, provides important information for those considering retiring to France, including personal finance and pensions issues, healthcare and affordability. The following are brief extracts. France has a reputation as a high tax jurisdiction. But France can be a tax-efficient place to live for retirees, providing you understand the...

Moving Abroad Checklist

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.