When you move to New Zealand there are household items concessions available that mean you will not have to pay GST and duties on most of your items. You cannot claim household concessions for: new and unused items cars scooters motorbikes boats aircraft commercial items. Other types of motor vehicle or craft. Clearing your items...

If you are considering visiting, working in or moving to New Zealand there are a range of options for visas depending on your citizenship, the purpose of your move and how long you want to spend there. Visitor Visa You can apply for a Visitor Visa if you want to go to New Zealand as...

If you are moving to Canada it is important to understand the customs requirements for entry in to Canada.  We provide guidelines here but the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website has a wealth of detailed information You will need two copies of an inventory of all the goods you intend to bring into Canada...

There are a range of visa options depending on the purpose and timing of your planned stay in Canada.  There are visas that give the right to temporary residence and those that allow you permanent residence. If you are entering Canada by air from most countries you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), but...

The impact of the Brexit referendum has made investing in UK property for British expatriates an attractive prospect. Yet the practicalities of doing so can be a little more tricky. With increased regulations around lending and changes to lending practices, many lenders have withdrawn from the market, leaving expatriates struggling to find ways to invest...

A passport valid for three months beyond the intended stay and issued within the last ten years is required by anyone entering France unless you are from another EU country. EU citizens must hold a passport of national ID card which is valid for the duration of the stay. Although EU nationals travelling from another...

It is very useful to have access to a local account on arrival and Australian banks encourage you to open an account before you move to Australia.  You can open an account online up to a year before you arrive in Australia.  You can deposit funds in the account once opened but will only be...

If you decide to take your pet with you to Australia you will need to comply with the detailed regulations and procedures and some pets cannot be taken to Australia. Cats and dogs can be imported to Australia under strict conditions designed to manage biosecurity risks. For the import conditions applicable to your cat or...

Taking vehicles to Australia is possible but you should be clear on what is involved and whether it is worthwhile. If you plan to take your vehicle to Australia you will need to be realistic about what is involved and the costs of doing so.  The vehicle will need to comply with Australian design and...

There are no pervasive diseases in New Zealand that would affect travellers or expats. There are a few illnesses, however, that can be contracted by drinking water directly from lakes and streams in some areas. Some lakes in South Island are home to a tiny organism that can cause a skin irritation. As the organism is...

Qualifying Recognised Pensions Schemes (QROPS) may seem ideal to transfer your pension overseas, but beware of changes to these scheme rules which could cost you dear. Read more…