options - Page 2 of 2 - Expat Network

expat network

What Are The Best Options For Moving Money Abroad?

Today there are many options for moving money abroad and making the most appropriate choice depends on how much you are moving and whether you will be sending regular amounts. Short Term Travel Credit cards or holiday cash can cover short term holiday requirements, but if you are planning to buy a house or cover...

Australia Relaxes Working Holiday Visa Program Restrictions

Interstaff provide an update on the relaxation of the Working Holiday Visa, which enables young people to work while they travel in Australia and to extend their stay if they are eligible. Written by Sheila Woods of Interstaff 7th November, 2018 The Government has announced it will relax Working Holiday Visa program restrictions relating to age...

Looking To Transfer Your Expat Pension?

Expats generally have the right to transfer their pension abroad into a qualifying scheme. For some, the benefits of doing so are manifold. However, there are risks, and it’s fair to say that you need to tread very carefully when considering all your options, as a significant tax charge can apply in certain circumstances. Written...

Moving To France? Seven Questions Could Save You Money

With early and careful planning, you can prevent costly mistakes and make the most of tax-efficient opportunities when moving to France. It is important to be wary of UK rules on residence. By Jason Porter This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by Jason Porter, Business Development Director at tax and wealth management advisors Blevins...

Where In The World Is Best For Expats?

Escaping the grey weather seems to be a major priority for those emigrating from the UK as sunny Spain tops the list of favorite British expat destinations. With some areas basking in as many as 300 sunny days a year, almost one in ten expats from the UK heads for Spain. Nearly seven in ten...

New Options For Expats Seeking Insurance Cover

Research by life insurance advisers Unusual Risks shows that 28% of UK insurance companies offer life insurance products to British expats. Only 7% of providers are prepared to accept an application for critical illness cover from expats. The figure for life insurance was a significant increase from the previous year’s finding of 16% and indicates...

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.