You can continue to claim your State Pension when you decide to retire abroad, provided you have paid enough UK National Insurance contributions to qualify. If you have not yet started receiving your pension you can get a State Pension statement to tell you how much State Pension you may get In order to claim...

Many expats having spent a proportion or all of their career abroad get used to a different climate and lifestyle and do not feel drawn back to their home country when considering their retirement. There are many options for retiring and it is a very personal decision on where to retire. For some retiring where...

Over the last 14 years we have seen many reforms in the pensions industry some for better, some for worse. One thing that does stand out is the human nature of wanting something we cannot have which exists in our everyday lives. Making difficult decisions in a timely manner has always been uneasy for us...

As an expat you are often in your best-earning years while overseas, so you need to make sure you are saving and investing tax-efficiently and getting good advice from people who understand your residence and tax situation.  Here are some issues to consider. Residence Residence is a key issue when determining whether you are...

One of the members of the Expat Network community asked the following question about where her UK pension will be taxed having emigrated to Canada. Richard Watts-Joyce, Partner at Global Tax Network responded to her query. Question: “I have just submitted a request to collect my pension early from Merseyside Pension Fund of which...

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...

What are today’s options for expats with UK pensions moving to Portugal? When it comes to pensions, your long-term financial security is at stake, so you should take extreme care to do what is right for you and your family. Expats also need to consider the tax rules and implications in Portugal or your country...

The recent breakthrough in the Brexit negotiations has given some clarity to the question of expat rights. Jason Porter of Blevins Franks commented, ‘A landmark agreement has been reached in Brexit talks which should cement the rights of UK citizens resident in other EU countries. The most important aspect is obviously the right to reside, but...

Understand how to apply for and maintain residence in Spain An NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) and a Tarjeta de Residencia (residency card) is required if you intend to stay in Spain for more than 90 days. It is possible to stay without applying for residence, but it is required for many purposes, including...

Malta has a British feel, and so attracts UK retires who want something familiar – but with sunny Mediterranean living. Pensions might go further on this island too. ‘Retiring to Europe’, a new website and book, explores in depth the attractions of Malta. The following are brief extracts. Understanding where you are tax resident is...

A new book, Retiring to Europe, with accompanying website, provides important information for those considering retiring to France, including personal finance and pensions issues, healthcare and affordability. The following are brief extracts. France has a reputation as a high tax jurisdiction. But France can be a tax-efficient place to live for retirees, providing you understand the...

My wife and I have been expats since 2000 and are likely to return to the UK this year. We have invested in UK property as a ‘retirement fund’ but have heard that new capital gains tax rules may affect our returns. We have been offered a qualifying non-UK pension scheme (QNUPS) as an alternative....