returning - Expat Network

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Only One In Three British Expats Plan To Return To The UK Permanently

Over half of British expats feel the UK has changed for the worst, since leaving the country according to a recent survey. In addition, only one in three British expats now intend on residing in the UK in the future. The research, conducted by independent financial advisory, Hoxton Capital Management, questioned over a thousand British...

Living Abroad – Can I Get Free NHS Healthcare When Visiting The UK?

One of our members who lives in The Philippines asked whether they could still access the services of the NHS as a British passport holder. I have been living and working outside the UK for a number of years but plan to visit family in the UK and wanted to know whether I can make use...

Confidence Returning To Oil & Gas Market

After a tough four years new research shows that for the first time since 2014 the oil and gas industry expects more new jobs to be created than lost over the next 12 months. Since the price of oil crashed in 2014 it is estimated that more than 440,000 jobs have been cut in 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.