Buying Rural Property – Welcome To The Awkward Squad

Article published with permission from Portugalresident.com. The old adage of ‘market value is what someone is willing to pay’ often is heard when a property has changed hands at an inflated price. Some foreign buyers of properties in Portugal’s increasingly popular inland areas have been left with chronic post-purchase blues when discovering that equivalent properties … Read more

Possible Legislative Remedies for US Taxation of Expats – 2024 US Expat Finance Conference

The 2024 US Expat Finance Conference kicked off with a comprehensive presentation by Mary Louise Serrato, Executive Director of American Citizens Abroad (ACA), on the group’s ongoing efforts to address the complex tax issues faced by Americans living overseas. Serrato began by introducing ACA, a non-partisan advocacy organization founded in 1978 to represent the interests … Read more

Once Around The Sun, Jessica Mudditt

This extract is taken from Jessica Mudditt’s new book, Once Around the Sun – from Cambodia to Tibet. Jessica details the highs and lows of backpacking in Southeast Asia – from $2 hostel rooms, to drinking Coca Cola out of a plastic bag and eating duck foetus, to riding a horse along the steppes of … Read more

Expat Focus Financial Update April 2024

Expats in Thailand ‘May Have Bank Accounts Investigated’ In late March, the Pattaya Times reported that UK banks may have to pass customers’ information over to the Department of Work and Pensions, as part of the data protection and digital information bill. The DWP says that there is a history of overpayments to British pensioners … Read more

Expat Focus International Healthcare Update April 2024

Spanish Hospitals ‘Crackdown’ After Painkiller Scandal In Spain, the National Court’s Prosecutor’s Office plans to investigate potential adverse effects of the painkiller Nolotil, following several deaths among Brits and other Northern Europeans, who appear particularly susceptible to its side effects. Health Minister Mónica García described the situation as a “pharmacovigilance issue” to the press and … Read more

Tax Relief For Foreign Nationals In The UK

Oliver Heslop from Global Expatriate Tax Services (GETS), the official Expat Focus UK Taxation partner, discusses tax relief for foreign nationals in the UK. Okay, so you’ve just arrived in the UK. You’re a tax resident, most likely; you’re taxable. So we’re looking for tax relief for you and tax benefits for an expat whilst based here. … Read more