Healthcare costs are rising everywhere in the world and no matter where you are living, healthcare is a priority. Some factors are unavoidable but there are ways to manage the cost of your healthcare.  International Insurance set out what impacts the costs and what decisions you can make to control the cost. Written by Joe...

Whether you are planning to buy a holiday or investment property or are moving to France to live and are buying your main residence you need to consider the best options for funding your purchase. Here we set out how the French property market works and the options available to borrowers. Sources of funding...

Whatever reason you have for taking the plunge and moving abroad, there’s a lot of planning that goes into it. One of the most important things you should arrange before you make the big move is where you are going to live. But, how does renting accommodation in Portugal compare to your home country? Written...

Portugal is divided into seven provinces or regions with the enchanting city of Porto and a craggy landscape of montanhas e serras in the frequently chilly north, and the balmy coastline of the Algarve in the south. Whilst the Algarve is possibly the best known region in Portugal, there is much else to explore and...

Portugal is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most visited countries, thanks mainly to its affordability, ideal holiday weather, and unique attractions. Located on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal’s geography differs from green farmlands and ancient towns to gorgeous vineyards and mountains in the north to the Algarve’s sensational beaches in the south. Portugal’s...

There are many advantages to renting rather than buying in Spain and it is worth considering renting initially even if you plan to buy. How do you find a rental property, what are your options and how does the rental process work? Here we set out what you need to know before renting in Spain...

Access to the Portuguese health system is based on residence. Everyone who’s registered as a resident can also register to access the Portuguese national health service (SNS) on the same basis as a Portuguese citizen. This is the same if you’re employed, self-employed or not working. Here we outline how expats can access healthcare in...

Although the Spanish property market and mortgage process may be different from what you are used to at home, it is possible for foreigners and expats to buy and get a mortgage in Spain. However not all banks – and certainly not all mortgage brokers – follow the procedures of the recently regulated mortgage market...

Driving in Spain is allowed on a foreign licence as a visitor but non-EU residents need to exchange for a Spanish licence after six months. What is involved? You will also need to understand what items and documentation you need to carry in the car with you and what the penalties for traffic violations....

In Malaga there are many things to do… A place that blends history, nature, culture, art, sports and leisure with great dining experiences. Malaka, as it was known in the olden days was thought to first be inhabited by the Phoenicians since the century VIII B.C. using the natural port on the foothill of Gibralfaro...

Malaga Capital is steeped in history. The area was first discovered some 2,800 years ago by the Phoenicians and has evolved ever since. Here Jason Wild of Marbella Connection looks at the shopping, nightlife, food and drink, festivals and the beaches that continue to attract interest and investment from all over the world. Festivals &...

The first part of a series of extracts from articles by Jason Wild of The Marbella Connection about the capital of the Costa del Sol in Southerrn Spain… Malaga the City. In these articles Jason will set out the attractions of this wonderful city starting here with some of its history. Written by and published...