expat network

Singapore Implements Online Criminal Harms Act To Combat Cyber Crimes

Singapore recently implemented the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) to address online criminal activities. OCHA allows for the issuance of directions to online service providers, entities, or individuals when specified criminal offenses occur. In this article, our friends at Pacific Prime CXA will provide a succinct summary of the main provisions of OCHA. Background and...

Right International Health Insurance Company For You

Finding The Right International Health Insurance Company For You

Finding the right international health insurance company for you is a challenge. There are so many companies but they do not all offer the same coverage and service. This comprehensive guide and listing of the top international health insurance companies can help you start your research. Review and compare available plans and be sure...

electronic border controls

Electronic border controls to affect Britons travelling to Europe

The EU and UK are introducing new automatic, electronic border controls for third-country nationals entering and exiting a territory. It does not apply to holders of residence permits and long-stay visas, says Jason Porter, director of specialist expat financial advisory firm Blevins Franks.  Note that these new systems are simply travel authorisations for short stays...

Valentine's Day

Celebrating Love Around The Globe: Valentine’s Day Traditions In 10 Countries

Valentine’s Day, universally recognised as a day of love and romance, is celebrated across the globe in myriad fascinating ways. While the Western notion of Valentine’s Day has permeated many cultures, local customs and traditions have shaped unique celebrations in different countries. From gift-giving to symbolic gestures, Annie Waldron, a relationship expert  at The Best...

Non Habitual Resident regime

Non Habitual Resident Regime, Out With The Old And In With The New

The surprise announcement by the Portuguese prime minister that he saw no value for the Non Habitual Resident regime (NHR) and it would cease at the end of 2023 was swiftly followed by the surprise announcement that he would be resigning.  The new rules regarding NHR were to be included in the budget so there...

guide to EU visas

A guide to EU visas and residency permits for Britons

A guide to EU visas and residency permits for Britons thinking of buying a holiday home in Europe or retiring to the sun. How much money you will need? By Jason Porter, director of specialist expat financial advice firm Blevins Franks and head of its European Emigration Advisory Service. The majority of UK nationals who...

Global Healthcare Benefit Cost Increases Projected To Continue Into 2024

High costs are likely to remain with nearly three in five insurers expecting larger increases over the next three years. Global medical care benefit cost increases, as reported by health insurers, show little to no decline in 2024, one year after hitting a historic double-digit inflation, according to a survey by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a...

NHR

Does the demise of NHR mean Portugal is no longer attractive for UK retirees?

The non-habitual resident (NHR) scheme, which has proved so popular with UK retirees, is due to come to an end at the end of 2023. By Jason Porter, director of specialist expat financial planning firm Blevins Franks In 2009, the Portuguese government introduced a unique tax regime for those who moved there. The non-habitual resident...

Moving To Italy

Why Moving To Italy Could Be Good For Your Wallet

Moving to Italy could be a seriously smart move for workers, retirees and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) looking to make their money stretch further. According to the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK, there are three special tax regimes that are serving to attract a diverse range of individuals from different...

Best Expat Locations

What Are The Best Expat Locations If You Want A Safe, Low-Crime Environment?

When looking for global locations to move to, you will want to consider various factors, such as the place’s natural beauty, the cost of living, and the amenities that are available. One other factor that may be high on your priority list is safety. If you want a safe, low-crime environment, here are some of...

Mental Health

Young Expats Struggling The Most With Mental Health – Is Social Media The Cause?

Research by AXA has revealed that as many as two in five (41%) young expats aged 18-24 are negatively impacted mentally by social media and tech addiction. AXA – Global Healthcare has reviewed the Mind Health Index, looking at how young expats are affected by social media. The research found that those who report a negative...

The Most Family-Friendly European City

Vienna Revealed As The Most Family-Friendly European City

A new survey, commissioned by life insurance broker, Reassured, has revealed the top cities in Europe for families, with Vienna as the most family-friendly European city, and Austria ranking as the best country overall.  The survey looked at a range of metrics, such as average cost of a 3 bed, average monthly costs, number of...