Expat Life

Yes, we understand that in the eyes of many Brits we all come from a land of sun, surf, sea and sand. So, why would we ever choose to live in the cold and wet? We love you! Please be nice...

One of the most tricky issues that clients sometimes have is the issue of name changes due to marriage and other reasons, and the resultant admin involving their UK immigration documents.

There are special reporting requirements and the possibility of a tax bill when you sell your home in the UK and you are living overseas.

Life in the UK doesn’t always mean a series of problems to be solved. Here’s how ladies should see the silver lining on London’s grey autumnal clouds.

There are a number of considerations that parents with children who are school-going age need to consider when moving to the UK. This can vary from the time of year to move, as well as where to rent or buy property.

When Paul arrived in London he discovered the American tourist. Then he wound up being one... sort of.

Many people assume that there is a separate type of British visa application for the unmarried partner. However, this is not the case.

The statutory resident test (SRT) is used to determine if someone is resident in the UK for tax purposes when coming to the UK.

Stepping past the Tube barriers at Richmond is like walking into that delightful English village of your imagination.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Our misperceptions reveal a lot about how we see the world. They are a brilliant clue to our deep-seated biases, as our guesses at what is “normal” are more automatic and unguarded.

Too often in London expats find themselves clinging to home, often materialised in yet another night getting wasted in the same bar with the same people. This is nice, sometimes. But how is it possible to grow?

I dirtied up my spotless trainers to ensure that they didn’t look appealing enough to steal, before daring to set foot into the tower block estate. I was in for quite a surprise...

Aussie expats looking for law jobs in London can find themselves at the back of the pack in a crowded field.

Australia may have a cockroach problem and the spiders are huge, but at least you can deal with them with a can of bug spray. London's mice are a different kind of fret altogether.

Polish citizenship equals access to the EU, making getting hold of a Polish passport even more attractive. But what are some of the pitfalls?

SPECIAL FEATURE: Young Australians on Britain's Youth Mobility Scheme are the ideal migrant for both the state and employers alike as they take on precarious but skilled jobs in the UK labour market, without the electoral costs of permanent migration.

The new British citizenship solution is giving some people with British descent renewed hope of obtaining UK nationality through their parents and grandparents.

Career isn't everything and why be rich when you can travel and have the time of your life?

European passports are amongst the most powerful passports in the world. German passport holders can travel to 157 countries without a visa, with other EU countries, including Poland, not far behind.

Considering upping sticks for a life somewhere else on the planet? Have a think about what you can earn and what you are likely to have to pay a landlord.

Britain's Home Office has announced that it will henceforth exclude doctors and nurses from the cap on the Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa.

Financially and emotionally independent, expats know growing old is mandatory, but ‘growing up’ is not what it used to be.

Take your Monopoly piece with you and stay out of jail (down behind Kings Cross, by the way) and keep an eye out for the little man in the top hat.

Returning home for good is an important financial milestone for any returning expat, so you may even want to start planning for leaving your adopted home as soon as you arrive.

You can’t predict most of how your time overseas will unfold. Be willing to adjust and remain adaptable to reap the greatest rewards.

Tea is supposed to brew before adding milk, however this is London and if the coffee is burnt and bitter you can assume the tea will be scalding and flavourless.

The recent Australian state level land tax changes for Australian property owners are important and something to ensure that each property owner is aware of and registered for if applicable, according to expat property and tax firm ATS.

Forget about Brexit, Wimbledon, and even the football World Cup; instead for the next three months it will be all about the heatwaves.

How can a dependent spouse, partner and/or children join the UK Ancestry Visa holder in the UK?

INTERVIEW: Eva Hussain, founder of Australia based citizenship services company Polaron, talks about Brexit and the fantastic opportunities available through Polish heritage.

No expat's story is quite the same. But apparently those of us living abroad do have characteristic features that pin us to a certain expat 'type'. Which of these expats are you?

There’s lots to consider when shipping a car to Australia. Here’s a quick run-down of how it’s done - directly from the experienced professionals at AutoShippers.

If successful, proposed changes would take away any rightful Capital Gains Tax Free status for a family home if sold when living overseas. Expat property and tax firm ATS has been leading a formal submission and petition against the changes.

The Anzac Spirit continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity. It moulds and shapes who we are as Australians. In an essence, it still continues to define us.

Thousands of Aussie and Kiwi expats in London come together each year to mark Anzac Day. It is a solemn and emotional experience. Here's where and when the major ceremonies, including the Dawn Service, will be taking place.

One of the immigration routes in to the United Kingdom that is often overlooked is the Tier 1 Entrepreneur immigration route that is available to entrepreneur teams.

Believe it or not, Australians are not the only expats in London. We aren’t the only ones who like to make a bit of homegrown noise every now and then, so there's no need to be embarrassed about it.

It is never an easy decision on whether to fix your interest rate on your loans, so we have put this quick guide together to assist you in assessing your options.

There are ways to span the distance. Here are a few fantastic tips to help you maintain genuine, healthy relationships with your loved ones while living as an expat.

The Tax-Free Childcare Scheme (TFCS) was launched in April 2017 to the first tranche of working parents.

AUSSIE LENDING UPDATE: We continue to see great change in lending conditions in Australia, especially for overseas based borrowers.

I sacrificed a lot for the love of my life, travel, and it had always given back. But then something changed...

Every Australian who has lived in the UK has experienced the delights and horrors of sharehouse living; particularly when it comes to overseas guests. You need t work out a policy early with housemates to ensure your expat sanctuary doesn’t become a 24/7 motel.

Had I finally found where I was meant to exist in the world? Did I belong in the UK more than I belong in Australia?

Being homesick is a universal constant for the intrepid globetrotter. Here's a few thoughts from the wise to keep you smiling through your adventure.

Although a person can still use a valid UK visa in an expired passport, the situation is not ideal.

If a thong-clad bogan from woop-woop sold you a goon-bag for for a few bucks would it make you a dag if you said yes?

When you receive your first UK visa or permit, your Indefinite Leave to Remain application may seem far in the future. However, the preparation for your Indefinite Leave to Remain should start from your first arrival in the UK.

Home is beckoning and you are ready to pack up and leave London. Before you do, think about all the things you're going to miss about the city and make the most of the time you have left. Or if you are long gone, here's some reminiscing.

To assist Tier 2 Visa holders to ensure that they fulfil the requirements of the Minimum Pay Threshold, we have answered some of the concerns and questions of readers on the topic.