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What The Federal Budget Announcements Mean For Australia’s Migration Program

If you are seeking the expat lifestyle in Australia, you may be keen to know how international travel restrictions impact your plans. Australia’s 2020-21 Federal Budget has confirmed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be felt by the nation’s migration program for years to come. Interstaff set out the implications. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 20...

Passport and Visa Requirements in Portugal

Passport and visa requirements are subject to change. Use the following information only as general guidelines. The embassy or consulate of your destination country is the best source for current, detailed requirements. Allow plenty of lead time to obtain detailed information and prepare the requisite credentials. Passport and visa applications must be accompanied by documents...

New Cross-Europe Online Bank Account Launches

ipagoo, a new online current account for consumers, has launched in the UK, France, Spain and Italy. By separating cash management from credit, ipagoo can offer real-time, cross-border transactions across Europe, available through a single relationship for the first time. The new account, developed by the Orwell Group, is designed for everyone, but is particularly...

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.