Insights & Guides

The Link Independent Blog

Expert insight on international financial planning, tax, property, and life abroad — written for global citizens.

The Financial Checklist Every Expat Needs Before They Move
Expat PlanningFeatured

The Financial Checklist Every Expat Needs Before They Move

Most people spend months planning the logistics of moving abroad — but less than a week on their finances. Here is the complete financial checklist to work through before you go.

April 22, 20267 min read
Moving Abroad in Your 40s: What Your Financial Plan Needs to Look Like
Expat Planning

Moving Abroad in Your 40s: What Your Financial Plan Needs to Look Like

Your 40s are often the decade when the expat dream becomes a real possibility. But with retirement on the horizon, the financial stakes are higher than they were in your 20s.

April 23, 20266 min read
Retiring Abroad: The Financial Reality vs The Dream
Expat Planning

Retiring Abroad: The Financial Reality vs The Dream

Retiring to the sun sounds idyllic — and it can be. But the financial reality of living abroad in retirement is more complex than most people anticipate. Here is what you need to know.

April 24, 20268 min read
Why Most Financial Advisers Are Not Equipped for Expat Clients
Finding an Adviser

Why Most Financial Advisers Are Not Equipped for Expat Clients

A good financial adviser in your home country is not the same as a good adviser for someone living or moving abroad. Here is the critical difference — and why it matters.

April 25, 20266 min read
How Link Independent Works — And Why We Do It Differently
Finding an Adviser

How Link Independent Works — And Why We Do It Differently

There are several ways to find a financial adviser. Most of them are broken for expats. Here is how Link Independent approaches it — and why we built it this way.

April 26, 20267 min read
10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Expat Financial Adviser
Finding an Adviser

10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Expat Financial Adviser

Not all expat financial advisers are created equal. These are the ten questions that separate the genuine experts from those who will figure it out at your expense.

April 27, 20267 min read
Moving from the USA to the UK: The Tax Complexity No One Warns You About
Cross-Border Tax

Moving from the USA to the UK: The Tax Complexity No One Warns You About

Americans moving to the UK face one of the most complex cross-border tax situations in the world. US citizenship-based taxation means you do not simply leave your US obligations behind.

April 28, 20268 min read
Double Taxation Treaties: What They Are and Why They Matter to Every Expat
Cross-Border Tax

Double Taxation Treaties: What They Are and Why They Matter to Every Expat

Most expats have heard of double taxation treaties but few understand how they actually work. This guide explains the essentials — and how they affect your financial planning.

April 29, 20267 min read
Moving to a Zero-Tax Country: The Reality Behind the Headlines
Cross-Border Tax

Moving to a Zero-Tax Country: The Reality Behind the Headlines

Dubai, Monaco, the Cayman Islands — locations famous for zero income tax. But is it really as simple as moving there? The tax picture is considerably more nuanced than most people realise.

April 30, 20267 min read
Buying Property Abroad: The Financial Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Property Abroad

Buying Property Abroad: The Financial Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

International property is one of the most appealing investments for expats — and one of the most risky if approached without the right preparation. Here is what you need to know.

May 1, 20268 min read
International Mortgages Explained: How to Finance Property Abroad
Property Abroad

International Mortgages Explained: How to Finance Property Abroad

Financing property in another country is more complicated than getting a domestic mortgage — but it is entirely achievable with the right preparation and the right broker.

May 2, 20267 min read
Spain, Portugal or France? Comparing the Financials for UK Expat Buyers
Property Abroad

Spain, Portugal or France? Comparing the Financials for UK Expat Buyers

Three of the most popular destinations for UK expats each offer very different financial profiles. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you make a more informed decision.

May 3, 20269 min read
Your Will May Be Invalid Abroad: What Every Expat Must Know
Estate Planning

Your Will May Be Invalid Abroad: What Every Expat Must Know

An English will is legally valid in England and Wales. It may not be valid — or may be significantly less effective — in the country where you now live. This is what you need to do.

May 4, 20268 min read
Inheritance Tax for Expats: The Rules Are Not What You Think
Estate Planning

Inheritance Tax for Expats: The Rules Are Not What You Think

Many expats assume that leaving the UK means leaving UK inheritance tax behind. The reality is considerably more complicated — and more expensive for those who get it wrong.

May 5, 20268 min read
Power of Attorney Abroad: Why You Need One and How to Get It Right
Estate Planning

Power of Attorney Abroad: Why You Need One and How to Get It Right

A UK Lasting Power of Attorney does not work in most other countries. If you live or own assets abroad, you need to understand how power of attorney works across borders.

May 6, 20267 min read
Passing Wealth to the Next Generation Across Borders
Estate Planning

Passing Wealth to the Next Generation Across Borders

Intergenerational wealth transfer is complex enough domestically. When assets and family members span multiple countries, the planning required is significantly more sophisticated.

May 7, 20268 min read
QROPS Explained: Should You Transfer Your UK Pension Abroad?
Expat Planning

QROPS Explained: Should You Transfer Your UK Pension Abroad?

Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes allow expats to transfer UK pensions to overseas arrangements. But QROPS are complex, regulated, and not right for everyone.

May 8, 20268 min read
The UAE Financial Guide for British Expats
Expat Planning

The UAE Financial Guide for British Expats

The UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for British expats. Here is a comprehensive financial guide covering tax, pensions, property, and planning for life in the Emirates.

May 9, 20269 min read
How to Find a Trusted English-Speaking Financial Adviser Abroad
Finding an Adviser

How to Find a Trusted English-Speaking Financial Adviser Abroad

When you are in a new country, finding a financial adviser you can trust — in a language you understand — is one of the most important things you can do. Here is how to find one.

May 10, 20267 min read
The Hidden Costs of Moving Abroad That Nobody Talks About
Expat Planning

The Hidden Costs of Moving Abroad That Nobody Talks About

Everyone knows that moving abroad costs money. But the costs that catch people off guard are rarely the obvious ones. Here are the financial surprises to prepare for.

May 11, 20267 min read
The Isle of Man Innovator Visa: A Strategic Relocation for Business Owners
Business Strategy

The Isle of Man Innovator Visa: A Strategic Relocation for Business Owners

No capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and income tax capped at £220,000. The Isle of Man Innovator Visa offers business owners a compelling pathway for strategic relocation.

April 23, 20264 min read
Equity Exchange vs Sale: Choosing the Right Business Exit Strategy
Business Strategy

Equity Exchange vs Sale: Choosing the Right Business Exit Strategy

Contemplating the exit strategy for your business? Understanding equity exchange vehicles and equity release strategies is crucial for maximising your hard-earned equity.

April 22, 20264 min read
Is Your Cash Working as Efficiently as It Could?
Expat Planning

Is Your Cash Working as Efficiently as It Could?

UK gilts can offer a combination of income and capital appreciation, with potentially attractive tax treatment for higher-rate taxpayers. Worth understanding if you hold significant cash reserves.

October 14, 20263 min read
When Your Client Needs Something Your Business Doesn't Provide
Business Strategy

When Your Client Needs Something Your Business Doesn't Provide

We work with businesses around the world, helping them connect their clients with trusted professionals. We simply help connect the right people with the right people.

October 13, 20263 min read