expat network
retire in spain

The Best Places To Live Or Retire In Spain

Having made the decision to move to Spain what will determine which region you choose to live in? Here we set out the attractions of some of the most popular locations to retire, take up a new lifestyle working for yourself as a digital nomad or by using your trade or profession. The capital city...

banking in spain

Banking In Spain

When moving to a new country you should take a look at your banking arrangements.  It is generally possible to use your existing bank from your home country for many purposes, but it is worth opening a local Spanish account for most people.  International Online Banks You can also consider using one of the growing...

taxation

Taxation Of US Expats: The Basics

The basic principle is that Americans living and working abroad are subject to the same tax rules as those who remain in the US.  Americans are subject to US income tax on their worldwide income.  There are the additional reporting requirements of FATCA and FBAR (see Five Things American Expats Need to Know About Foreign...

Filing US Expat Taxes Late

A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing US Expat Taxes Late

Filing US expat taxes late – if you’re behind on your taxes, you aren’t alone. The 2018 US Expat Opinion Survey, which gathered the opinions of over 3,800 expats worldwide, found that nearly 7% of expats were behind on their taxes. Becoming compliant on expat taxes might be easier than you think! Just follow the...

the IB

Getting More Out Of The IB

A guide to the International Baccalaureate for parents whose children want to create social change… Is the IB the right fit for your child? Helping your child choose the next step in their education can be a particularly stressful time for parents. There are so many options available but the most important piece of advice...

Looking To Transfer Your Expat Pension?

Expats generally have the right to transfer their pension abroad into a qualifying scheme. For some, the benefits of doing so are manifold. However, there are risks, and it’s fair to say that you need to tread very carefully when considering all your options, as a significant tax charge can apply in certain circumstances. Written...

expatriate children adjusting

Expatriate Children: Adjusting to a New Environment and Taking Over the World!

While there is no denying that expatriate children have certain invaluable opportunities by being exposed to different (and often multiple) cultures, there can also be a big price to pay: these children may find themselves feeling sad and alone a great deal of the time while being challenged to make new friends and integrate into...

negotiating your salary

Top Tips For Negotiating Your Salary

Negotiating your salary should whenever possible be left until you have received a job offer as this is the time when you are in the best position: they have indicated that they want you to take the job, but you have not yet accepted. The salary is often not specified in job adverts and what...

accepting a job

Should I Take The Job? Considerations Before Accepting A Job

When you are applying for a job abroad there can often be a prolonged selection process. When you have finally made it from the initial application through to the shortlist and receive a job offer the natural instinct is to accept the offer and look forward to your exciting new life abroad. However, before accepting...

offshore banking for expats

What Are The Benefits Of Offshore Banking For Expats?

It is true that offshore banking has sometimes been associated with tax avoidance schemes which give it a bad name.  However, offshore banking for expats can have many benefits, even if there are no tax savings. Expats by definition work away from their home country and will therefore tend to earn in one currency whilst...

insurance

Expats’ Special Insurance Needs

Everyone faces risks that require reliable insurance coverage.  Expats face the same risks as well as additional risks caused by their decision to live abroad.  It is important to recognise the risks that you face and to be sure that the coverage does not have terms invalidating the insurance because of your location or because...

Great Move

How To Achieve A Great Move Abroad

Katia Vlachos, born of Greek parents in Cameroon, has lived as an expat in Paris, LA, the Netherlands, Vienna and Zurich and so is well placed to write on living the expat life. At the London book launch of her new book, A Great Move, she outlined her top seven tips for a successful expatriate...