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Considerations for Expats Moving to Belgium from the UK

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  Belgium is an attractive destination for expatriates looking to relocate within the European Union, not least due to its position as the de facto capital of the EU and home to many European institutions. This small, peaceful country offers excellent professional and educational opportunities, with charming Belgian cities and towns, historic architecture, a well-developed infrastructure and transport network, and the cuisine and culture that many expats prioritise. As a unique location with three official languages, regions such as Gent, Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp have multicultural communities, with around 1.5 million international residents and roughly 30,000 UK citizens. Let’s look at the practicalities of moving to Belgium, from selecting the most relevant visa category and structuring your finances to finding a home to settle into your new life overseas.   Visa Routes for British Citizens Moving to Belgium There is little doubt that the Belgian government’s immigra
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Planning for Retirement: Transferring Your UK Pension to France

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  Whether you are relocating to France in retirement, moving with your family or exploring the opportunity of life overseas, deciding whether to take your pension with you – and how to go about it – can make a significant difference to your future income. There are multiple considerations, and the right decisions will depend on your expectations, intended retirement age, the type of pension funds you own, and the flexibility offered by your current pension provider. The Chase Buchanan Wealth Management Bordeaux team explains some potential options, the pros and cons, and why we always recommend seeking professional financial advice before making any long-term decisions. Managing Your Pension Savings When Moving to France Finances are a key aspect of any international move, and choosing what to do with your UK-registered pension scheme is one of several tasks – but it isn’t something we’d suggest delaying or placing further down your list of priorities. Leaving a pension in situ wit
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Visa Routes And The Costs of Moving to Canada From the UK

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  Canada is one of the most desirable relocation destinations for UK citizens, as well as for expats from the US and around the world. The stable economy, thriving cities, family-centered communities, and wealth of places to live, appeal to professionals, families, and retirees alike. As with any international move, creating a clear and comprehensive budget, before you make any plans, is essential. You need to factor in the practicalities of flights, shipping your belongings, as well as the legal process of applying for a visa and work permit. The Chase Buchanan Wealth Management - Financial Adviser Canada Team has pulled together a brief guide to provide examples what a move to Canada from the UK might cost – and why your visa category may make a difference.   Visa Routes for British Nationals Looking to Move to Canada The Canadian immigration system offers a variety of work permits and visa categories. The investment visas and skilled workers visas are intended for those
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The Cost of Living in the Canary Islands – Including Taxes and Visa Routes for Expats

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  The archipelago of islands that make up the Canaries has long attracted expats from around the world, looking for beautiful beaches, a relaxed pace of life and friendly communities suited to family living. While the Canaries are an autonomous region of Spain, geographically, the islands are closer to Africa – resulting in a warm climate year-round. Whether you plan to retire to Gran Canaria, take advantage of the low house prices in Lanzarote or settle down in the rustic, peaceful settings of the smaller islands, such as El Hierro and La Gomera, creating a careful budget to ensure you have full control over your relocation and living costs, is key. Chase Buchanan’s Canary Islands team , based in Tenerife, have put this article together to explore some of the primary living costs you should consider, as well as an overview of the tax environment and potential outgoings linked with visas for foreign nationals.   Canary Islands Average Living Costs One of the first aspects t
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Budgeting for Taxes When Buying a Property in Spain

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  Buying a property in Spain is a fantastic opportunity to discover a change of pace and lifestyle, whether you’d like a weekend apartment in Barcelona, a holiday home in beautiful Valencia, or are planning an overseas retirement along the golden coastlines of San Sebastián. As with all elements of an international acquisition, it is important for you to understand the property ownership rules throughout Spain and the taxation associated with owning a home, holiday property or rental apartment to ensure you budget accordingly. Here we look at the various costs, tax liabilities and legalities you should be aware of before proceeding with your Spanish property purchase plans.   Rules for Foreign Nationals Buying a Property in Spain Post-Brexit, purchasing a home in Spain is slightly more complex, but there are no sweeping restrictions. The main requirement is that you will need a Número de Identidad de Extranjero or NIE. This identification number enables foreign nationals to r
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Financial Planning for Retirement When Relocating Both Short and Long-Term

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  Whether you are moving overseas permanently, taking up a new job post for a couple of years, or hedging your bets before you make any decisions about where you’d like to settle down with your family, your retirement plans should always be an important consideration. Although financial planning for retirement might seem years away, or you may assume there isn’t anything you need to do immediately to protect your pension wealth, proactive pension management can make a significant difference to your future finances. UK nationals who live in another country for any period of time should evaluate how this may impact their eligibility for the State Pension, how they intend to make contributions to private or workplace pensions from abroad, and how best to manage pension products – we’ll run through some of the primary reasons this is worthwhile.   Managing State Pension Entitlement During an International Move British expats are entitled to the State Pension regardless of where
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