Many expats looking to settle in Spain to live, work or retire are attracted by the climate and lifestyle to the Costa Blanca and the regions of South East Spain.  Here Girasol Homes outline the attractions of these popular resorts and cities. Written by Nigel Salmon, Founder and MD, Girasol Homes   Alicante The property...

Moving countries can be difficult, there’s a lot to consider before making your next international move. We’ve listed some of our top tips for making leaving the UAE easier for you. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Crown Relocations   Accommodation Find out when your old contract ends, it’s important to know when you are going...

New rules in the UAE allows foreign nationals to sponsor their families to join them in the country.  The new rule makes income, not profession the sole criteria for men and women to sponsor family members.   The new rule allows any UAE resident, male or female, to sponsor family members (spouse, under-18 sons and unmarried...

The Middle East has long been associated with tax-free living, but from January 1st United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia 5% VAT on most goods and services. The introduction of VAT follows the recommendation from the IMF that oil-exporting countries in the Gulf introduce taxes as one way to raise non-oil revenue.  Forbes reports that...

I am looking for a job in the Middle East, ideally the UAE, and wondered if you might have some tips about how to go about this? I have experience in the finance, medical and engineering sectors. Rebecca Steele, from expat financial advisers AES International, based in Dubai, answered this. “Having been a job seeker...

According to the latest Salary Trends Report by ECA International (ECA), UK employees in the private sector are expected to see a real salary increase of just 0.2 per cent in 2018, the equivalent of approximately £4.41 a month (£53 pa) for the average worker before tax. This keeps the UK at the bottom of...

If your expat assignment takes you to the Middle East, why not travel to these recommended places in your time off? Get away from your work assignment and truly explore your new environment, its culture and unique sights. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dubai is a cosmopolitan oasis, a futuristic cityscape that towers over the Arabian...

A majority of UK expat buy-to-let mortgages are concentrated in greater London and the South East, according to new figures. Figures from lender Skipton International show up to 40% of expat mortgage customers are investing in buy-to-let property in Greater London, with another 25% in the South East of England. Just 10% of British expats...

Oman’s Ministry of Manpower has announced work visa fees for expats will increase by 50%. Fees for private sector workers will rise from OMR201 ($522) to OMR301 ($782). Times of Oman cited an official as saying the change would become law when it is published in the official Gazette. The official told the publication a...

The Saudi authorities are considering a tax on remittances by expats. By tightening the rules on employees sending money abroad the Saudi government aims to raise revenue. It is considering plans to impose a tax of up to 6 per cent on money sent out of the country by expats. New rules may also limit...

There was a significant increase in the number of renewable energy contractor roles in the Middle East during the first quarter of 2016, with engineers particularly in demand. The data comes from professional services consultancy Procorre’s latest analysis of recruitment trends in the Middle East. The figures highlight that Saudi Arabia is recruiting the largest...

Qatar, Bahrain and UAE are reckoned to offer some of the best disposal incomes in the world. But Vietnam, Czech Republic and Mexico also often allow expats to live well and save. Read more