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What You Need To Know Before Renting Property In Spain

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...

Finding Schools in America

When considering your options for schools in America, assuming you have decided against a boarding school back home, you will need to decide between American public and private schools and international and foreign-language schools. International Schools International schools generally teach in English and focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) examination and diploma. The advantage of...

How To Find Your First Expat Job

The idea of finding a job abroad is very appealing for a wide range of reasons. For some people there are clear financial benefits and career-boosting opportunities. Others may find the idea of living abroad a romantic experience that should be seized at every opportunity. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Sabrina Bucknole on behalf...

UK Expat Mortgages Are Easier To Find Than You Might Think

One of the key reasons many expats move abroad is to realise their dreams of living a better quality of life and gaining financial independence. By choosing to work in a low tax environment, expats willingly make a choice to live and work away in order to help realise not only their own dreams but...

Finding A Job In New Zealand

Whether you are planning to work in New Zealand for a few years or emigrate permanently you will need to find a job and understand your visa options. Finding a job in New Zealand is similar to anywhere else in the world but we set out some of the issues you will face so you...

Finding Expat Schools In France

When deciding between a French school and an international school, parents have several factors to consider. A local school offers the advantages of acquiring fluency in French, broader acquaintanceships with French children and their culture. Young children typically adapt well to the French system, becoming comfortable within a matter of months. For older students, the...

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.