Learning a language is not always essential but it have a real positive impact on life as an expat and help you to settle in to your new life.  Peter Jenkins of Sun-hat Villas & Resorts sets out the benefits. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Peter Jenkins, Managing Director of Sun-hat Villas & Resorts...

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...

What are today’s options for expats with UK pensions moving to Portugal? When it comes to pensions, your long-term financial security is at stake, so you should take extreme care to do what is right for you and your family. Expats also need to consider the tax rules and implications in Portugal or your country...

The HSBC Expat Explorer survey provides insights each year into expat life around the world and highlights the locations that expats love.  Overall expats are very positive about the experience and there are lifestyle as well as financial benefits. Financial The economic drivers for moving abroad are highlighted with expats globally having an average gross personal...

Research has shown that 30 per cent of expats said that they relocated for better career opportunities and a quarter listed increased pay and benefits. A further 15 per cent relocated for an improved work/life balance. The research, by global healthcare provider AXA, also found that 14 per cent moved for a better environment to...

Many people working abroad for UK companies are entitled to death in service benefits either as part of their pension or an employee-run insurance scheme. These will usually pay out up to four times you annual salary as a tax-free lump sum if you die while working for that company. Under the Armed Forces Compensation...

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. By James McLeod, Head of Pensions at chartered financial planners AES...

International experience is key to unlocking innovation in the workplace, a new study argues. The ‘World of Experience’ report reveals that almost half of those who had spent time abroad had gone on to have an innovation-focused role in their working life – including research and development and product improvement. This compares with just one quarter of...

Changes to UAE employment law means employers cannot change contract terms without the consent of the Ministry of Labour. The new mandatory employment offer letter from UAE companies will help expats understand what exactly awaits them once they land in the Emirates. Quoted in Emirates 24/7, Thenji Macanda, Senior Associate at law firm Taylor...

Where should expats in the USA place their pension? British expats resident in the US may be tempted to place their retirement savings in overseas pension schemes. But would they be better off with a UK based scheme? By Mark James Many British expats, who are now living in the US, may request transferring their UK...

Alongside the sea and sunshine some locations offer great tax breaks to expats. Here we consider Australia and New Zealand. Read more…

Alongside the sea and sunshine some locations offer great tax breaks to expats. Here we consider Spain and Portugal. Read more…