economic - Expat Network

expat network

What To Expect From The Expat Lifestyle In Spain

The most popular holiday and retirement destination for many British over the last several decades and that is not likely to change. What are the attractions of living and retiring to Spain. There are believed to be more than one million Britons living in Spain permanently, and more British pensioners in Spain than in any...

British Expats With Sterling Incomes Feel The Pinch

Greater economic uncertainty has contributed to the pound declining in value against the majority of major currencies in the past year, according to latest research from Lloyds Private Banking. Over the past 12 months, the pound has fallen in value – to varying degrees – against 56 of the 60 currencies analysed. This followed a...

The Benefits Of International Experience

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...

Predicting The Foreign Exchange Market

There are numerous options that can help you minimise the impact of adverse exchange rate movements on your funds transfer. Nobody can accurately predict future exchange rates consistently and people should be very wary of dealers who claim they can. While keeping in touch with exchange rate fluctuations is important, most people will be better...

Guide To Overseas Mortgages

If you’re thinking of moving abroad, one of the biggest things you’ll have to consider is the mortgage. Edward Hardy has the answers to some of the questions you’ve been asking about a mortgage overseas. What are the advantages of taking out a mortgage overseas? As well as the cut-price properties that have been available on...

UAE Is Country Of Choice For International Talent

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now the first choice location for highly mobile workers, helping to boost its international competitiveness in a range of industries. A survey by professional services company Procorre shows 15.5% of all international workers chose the UAE as their country of choice for relocation, closely followed by the USA with...

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.