COVID - Page 2 of 2 - Expat Network

expat network

Keeping In Touch With Friends And Family From Abroad

Missing friends and family is something we’re becoming all too used to at the moment. For expats though, it can be especially tough. Prior to lockdown, research by AXA – Global Healthcare found that nearly half (48%) of expats who have felt isolated at some point, miss friends and family. Written for Expat Network by...

Expat Lenders Keep Expat Mortgage Deal Flowing During COVID-19

Just one month after the UK government effectively put large parts of the UK property market into a form of hibernation, evidence is emerging that many specialist UK expat mortgage lenders are finding ingenious ways of keeping expat house purchases moving and delivering completions. Written for Expat Network by Guy Stephenson of Offshoreonline With much...

Education Options For The Expat Family After Covid-19

Moving overseas with family is stressful, we all know that. Add in obstacles from a global pandemic and matters become even more complicated. For those who are still looking to make an international move soon, especially with children, the route is looking rough. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Stephen Spriggs of William Clarence Education. ...

Skipton Return To The UK Buy To Let Remortgage Market

Skipton International, the UK Buy to Let mortgage lender for overseas residents, has returned to the remortgage market. Due to COVID-19 restrictions preventing physical property valuations, Skipton International had previously stopped accepting mortgage applications. With a limited number of mortgage providers offering Buy to Let mortgages to British Expats and Foreign nationals, this is...

Upper Hand For Expats In UK Buy To Let Market After Lockdown

What will happen to the UK Buy To Let market as we come out of lockdown? Expat Mortgage broker, OffshoreOnline argue that expats in areas that recover more quickly from the pandemic will be well placed to take advantage of the later recovery of the UK economy. With much of the UK buy to...

How Expats Can Stay Fit And Healthy At Home

As expats across the globe continue to be isolated in their homes, keeping up with physical fitness is quickly becoming an overwhelming concern, especially for those who are used to regularly visiting the gym and enjoy staying active. Exercise is not only important for physical fitness, however. Getting your heart pumping is also extremely beneficial...

4 Work From Home Productivity Tips

People all around the world have been given the opportunity to work from home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Some companies are suggesting employees work remotely during the outbreak, while others are requiring them to. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Pacific Prime UK For many, working from home is an entirely new experience and, as...

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.