Connect with us

General

Getting The Best Out Of Retiring Abroad

Getting The Best Out Of Retiring Abroad

Living Abroad – the Dream of many

Do you want to live overseas when your working life is complete and it’s time to live the perfect retirement?

If so, you’re definitely not alone. In fact according to a recent survey, nearly a half of the people in UK aged over 50 would ideally like to retire overseas.

And it makes a lot of sense, when you think about all of the benefits that being an expat can bring, such as

Better weather (if you’re headed somewhere sunny, at least!)

  •  Change of scene, with many locations offering a relaxed pace of life
  • Property opportunities – places where a very nice house can be purchased for the price that a tiny London apartment would cost

Of course, with the high number of UK nationals already living in Australia, Spain and other countries, moving abroad in many cases means that there will already be family and or friends in the new location – and what better way to settle into a new country than by already having a small network of people already out there.

Getting The Best Out Of Retiring Abroad

For some, the idea of moving abroad may be little more than a pleasant daydream when skies are grey and rain’s battering off the window pane. But for many, it’s something that after a lot of planning and preparation – becomes a reality. And it’s in the planning that the success of a move abroad lies.  Obviously it’s a decision that nobody takes lightly, but in order to help people get the best start to their experience living overseas, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office recently released a ‘top ten’ tips for moving abroad, outlining some of the most important things to think about when planning the big move.

The all-Important Planning Stage

The first thing on the checklist is, of course, research. The FCO guide also recommends checking out the various expat forums – and the more famous expat forums really are a great resource. Also very handy for getting up-to-date information from those in the know.

Much of the FCOs guide is centred around finance – and this is if course crucial too. They advise prospective expats not to rush into buying a house abroad. And with continued economic uncertainty around much of the world, it definitely makes sense to find out about local property markets. Some countries are easier to get a mortgage in than others, with Spain recently being reported in the Telegraph newspaper as being somewhere that it’s ‘very difficult’ to get a house loan.

The FCO tips also include being up to speed on local tax regulations. Recent changes to the law in Spain have meant that expats living there for a specified amount of time each year, and with assets over and above a certain amount, must now declare those assets. Indeed when the law came into force there were a number of news stories about expats returning home as a result.

Success in a New Country

The final thing on the top ten lists is one word: integrate. This is often highlighted as one of the biggies for people moving abroad permanently or going overseas long term. There’s a lot to take in when moving to a new country, but making sure you’re not isolated and accepting social invites can really make the difference in terms of getting to feel at home.

Useful online resources:

Expat top ten tips guide from the FCO

International private medical insurance – AXA PPP International

Expat forums – Expat Blog, Internations

Featured images:
  •  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1098818

Article by J. Jones, health and travel writer from the UK. I’m on Google+ if you’d like to joing my travel circles.

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Home Improvement24 hours ago

How To Add More Value To Your Home

If you have some spare cash in the bank, it is likely you would like to spend it on your...

Lifestyle3 days ago

What is a Deep Plane Facelift

Cosmetic surgery is a choice that needs a lot of research and when it comes to thinking about a facelift...

Entrepreneur3 days ago

Unveiling the Demand for Digital Marketing Courses: A Comprehensive Analysis

In recent years, the realm of marketing has undergone a seismic shift propelled by the digital revolution. As businesses increasingly...

Home Improvement2 weeks ago

What Does an Effective Wardrobe Spring Clean Entail?

Spring is upon us which means one thing and one thing only. It is time for the annual purge of...

Business2 months ago

Your Basic Guide To Creating A Unique Investment Blog

Starting your own blog is great and once you get the ball rolling, it can be a good passive income...

Business2 months ago

3 Low-Risk Ways To Get Your New Business Started

Once you’ve got an initial business idea and believe that it will be a success, there are some basic things...

Lifestyle2 months ago

Conquering the Co-free Zone: Tips for Thriving as a Remote Worker

Adjusting to an office environment can come with its downfalls in the sense that it might be a shock to...

General3 months ago

3 Ways To Take Control Of Your Finances Starting Now

If your finances have taken over and are bringing stress to your life, we understand just how overwhelming it can...

Travel5 months ago

Best Places To Visit In The North Of England

If you live in England, you will know there are many different places to visit for the weekend. There are...

General5 months ago

Green Home Improvement Ideas

In a world where environmental concerns are growing, the concept of “green” has gone beyond a trendy catchphrase and is...

Lifestyle5 months ago

How to Host an Unforgettable House-Warming!

The time has finally come. You have moved into your dream pad, and are officially adulting in your very own...

Autos5 months ago

A Guide to Parking Lot Striping

The journey to a well-striped parking lot begins with the right paint. In this brief guide, we’ll unravel the mystery...

Business8 months ago

Business Tips For Protecting Your Finances During A Recession

In 2023, taking the necessary steps to protect your finances for your business is now more important than ever. The...

Lifestyle9 months ago

Tips For Cleaning Your Trainers

If you’re into your trainers and streetwear, you’re likely to be very conscious of keeping them looking their best! So,...

Marketing9 months ago

Branding Trends For Start-Ups in 2023

Branding is incredibly important as it impacts how your business reaches and connects with its target market. If you’re branding...

Categories

Archives

Trending