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Expats Concerned About The UK Leaving The EU

David Cameron’s intention to re-shape British ties with the European Union has caused concern among many of the 2.2 million British expats living in the EU, writes Heather Landau. The referendum on whether or not Britain will remain a member of the EU will be held before the end of 2017 with the results having...

Southern Europe as a low-tax location

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

Working in Germany

Read our guide to living, working and doing business in Germany, home to a robust economy that has weathered economic slump elsewhere. Read more…

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...

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.