Relocating in Europe Archives - Page 2 of 4 - European Removal Experts | France Removals, Germany Removals, Netherlands Removals, Switzerland Removals,

Moving to France – Things You Don’t Need

Moving to France can be a great change of scenery, however despite the relative ease of moving to another EU country it can still be a very daunting experience. There might be a temptation to take all of your home comforts when you move, however this – depending on what your planning on taking of course – could be a mistake.

So what kinds of things will your definitely not need?

Well considering that France is an highly developed nation you don’t technically need anything, however some things just wont work; for example, certain fittings such as door knobs will be different in France than they are in the UK; therefore, especially if your going over to France to renovate, this could cause an issue.

Electrical goods will also cause a potential issue, and, for example, PAL televisions will only work in monochrome. Also, any electrical items will require an adaptor to work in the plug, and some might not work altogether due to the different voltage. The best advice, when it comes to white goods and electrical items would be to buy them in France, as this will on the one hand ensure that they function, whilst on the other hand save you on removal costs when moving to France.

Whilst some of your UK items aren’t going to work in France, surely one of the best things about moving to France is that you get to try new things, and therefore if you are pining for your home comforts, just think of all that fine wine and cheese!

Luxembourg Ranks Third for Quality of Life

So what are you waiting for? It was recently hailed as a top financial emerging market by Geneva-based Middle Eastern business, Pictet’s, and Luxembourg also enjoyed the accolade of coming 3rd in 2012 quality of life study carried out by ECA International. The study ranked cities around the world in terms of their quality of life for ex pats. The capital city of Luxembourg – Luxembourg – rose one place from 2011-2012, only falling behind joint 1st place-ranked Copenhagen and Berne.

The study was compiled using independent surveys and ratings submitted by ex pats in relation to European standards and adjustments, e.g. where can a European feel most at home? Ranking was decided based on scores from categories like social life, leisure, infrastructure, political tension, climate, healthcare services, accommodation, utilities, transport, location, personal safety and culture.

But how do you rank a city for it’s liveability in terms of foreigners residing there in a broader sense? For us, the proof is in the figures. Removals to Luxembourg are exceptionally popular in the current market, especially in terms of relocation for professional reasons. The ECA study also cited Luxembourg as a top business destination. It scored very high in terms of HR considerations like ex pat comfort, familiar resources and all-round ease settling into the new environment. It also took into account things like the origin of the ex pat and their ease settling into the candidate city. This information was then used to score cities on their overall appeal and quality of life.

Want a few more high ranking cities to add to the list? Removals to Germany and surrounding areas are pretty popular; the top ranking cities following Luxembourg are, in order, Stuttgart, Antwerp, Geneva, Brussels and Dusseldorf.

Something we see a lot in our removals packing services business is people taking a chance. It could be a move to Luxembourg for work, it could be a year studying in Florence or an early retirement on the Riviera. The bottom line is that the world is a large and splendid place. And with us behind you, you could see a little more of it with your own stuff comfortably around you.

And if you need a little push to head out to Luxembourg to enjoy it’s high ranking quality of life, here are a few facts we found to sugar coat the move!

^Several parts of the city of Luxembourg are labelled as UNSECO World Heritage Sites.
^Luxembourgish is the native language and not just a dialect of German.
^Luxembourg has been noted as one of the safest countries in the world on numerous occasions.
^Luxembourgers love to finish a meal with a very strong plum-based drink, eau-de-vie.
^Luxembourg Euros are amongst the rarest in circulation, so keep hold of any you come across and pass them on to a coin collector.
^Most Luxembourgers are fluent in French, German and English.

Prepare, Plan and Organise

Moving to France can be a great decision, but it can also come with a whole host of issues. However, there are ways that you can make moving to France as easy as possible, and here are just a few of them.

First up, make sure that you’re prepared for every eventuality. You need to start planning as soon as you decide that you’re moving to France, and always have back-up plans in place to make sure that you’re covered should things not go as you expected.

You need to sort your home out as soon as possible, both your new one and your home in the UK, to make sure that everything’s tied-up before you begin your new life abroad. You’ll need to consult solicitors to help you with this, so never leave it until the last minute if you want everything to run smoothly.

You’ll also need to make sure than any residency issues are sorted before you leave, as you don’t want to run into issues later down the line.

It’s also essential that you get the move itself organised, and for this you’ll need to consult a professional removals company. Why not come to us here at European Removal Experts? We can make sure that your belongings are shipped over with the minimum of hassle.

All of our removals vehicles are fully insured, with a large cubic capactity of 15 metres and 30 metres, and house removals are even covered with goods-in-transit insurance of up to £10,000.

There are ways that you can make moving to France as easy as possible, and as long as you plan ahead and consult the relevant professionals, you can enjoy your new life with the least amount of stress.

Making Removals To Italy Simple

Romantic Italy

Italy is a beautiful place to move to and no matter where you are in the country it is full of distinctive architecture and lots of history. A move to Italy can really make for a change of pace that many people long for, or even want to return to after having been in the United Kingdom. Our European removals service is one of the best options for getting all of your belongings back to Italy, no matter whether you are in the South, the midlands or the North of either country. We strive to provide you with quality European removals that can allow you to forget about all of the minutiae that comes with packing belongings.

Any Size Any Time

Many people worry about the size of the objects in their homes, from the small to the large. We have an adaptable service however and can provide piano removals to Italy as well as for only a few boxes of items. We treat everything with absolute care and never treat anybody’s personal belongings as we wouldn’t treat our own. This means absolute respect for privacy and the delicacy of what you are taking. If you are transporting delicate objects like furniture or antiques, it is always best to advise us prior. If you have special requirements for certain belongings these can be arranged beforehand, or alternatively, you can provide any protective packaging and simply notify the driver of the item.

Quality And Care

Each of our drivers is insured to provide the quality removals Italy deserves. This means having thousands of hours of road time across Europe as well as extensive experience regarding traffic, directions and even breakdowns. We are covered across this zone as well, so even if the worst does happen, we can call for help and get things moving again in super-quick time. Unlike other removal companies we will not leave you wondering what is going on and will strive to provide you with a quality of service that gives you the peace of mind to relax on your travels. Of course, your belongings may travel by road but you can travel by air and be sure that your belongings will arrive at the time we say. As members of the Removers And Storers, we always strive to provide you with this level of service.

Extra Help

If you are wanting to store your belongings for a period before moving, then we can offer some unsurpassed deals. We won’t charge you for up to 2 weeks of storage, which can buy you some all important time before or even after collection. Long term storage is typically offered in London and is very competitively priced. If you find that you don’t have enough, or the right type of boxes or packing options at your disposal, we can also offer these. We also use the Eurotunnel to ensure the greatest likelihood that we won’t be held up by bad weather or transport issues beyond our control.

Top tips when moving abroad

Heading overseas to start a new life can be exciting, but there is lots to plan before you can embark on your adventure. For example, you might need to book removals to Europe. After all, trying to settle into your new home without your possessions around you can be tricky.

Here at European Removal Experts we’re specialists when it comes to transporting belongings to destinations around the continent. By taking advantage of our services, you should find the process to be smooth and stress-free.

The appeal of starting again abroad

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph recently, Richard Musty, expatriate banking director at Lloyds TSB International, stated: “We conduct regular surveys among British expats to understand the reasons why people decide to leave the UK. Many people move abroad for job opportunities, but quality of life is also a major factor, and many people are attracted to moving abroad because it offers them a more relaxed way of life, new life experiences or better weather.

“Whatever the reason for their move, our research finds that two-thirds (66 per cent) of expats reported they are happier in their new countries than in the UK.”

Expert advice

He went on to offer some advice that may be of interest to you. For example, Mr Musty remarked: “Anybody moving abroad must have a good understanding of complex issues such as tax status, foreign exchange, local laws and customs, all of which require in-depth research.

“Employers may not always provide all the guidance needed, meaning potential expats themselves must spend a good deal of time planning ahead of a move, ideally six months if possible.”

Financial matters

He went on to point to the importance of sorting out financial matters in advance of any move. For example, you might have to look into the flexibility with which you’ll be able to access your money internationally and it may also be necessary to establish your tax status in your new country.

Other issues

Of course, there are other things to bear in mind. For example, Mr Musty drew attention to the importance of finding goods schools if you’re travelling with children, building a social network and potentially learning a foreign language.

He also noted that it’s necessary to choose a house. Once you’ve got your property sorted, you can arrange furniture removals.

How we can help

Here at European Removal Experts we’re experts when it comes to the transportation of possessions. Whether you’re after removals to France, removals to Belgium or any other such services, we’re perfectly placed to help.

We can take the stress out of these moves and ensure that the process of moving your belongings runs smoothly. We specialise in providing removals to France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy and Holland.

Find out more

If you’re keen to discover more about how we operate and to see whether or not we’re the right firm for you, just take a look around the rest of our website or get in touch with our friendly and professional team by phone or email.

Finding a French Property

If you are planning on moving to France then the biggest challenge will be to find a property; unfortunately France is a very “document heavy” society and therefore there can be a lot of leg-work before you close the deal; this however, is a little ahead of ourselves! And before you buy a property, quite obviously your going to need to find a property.

The first question your going to need to ask yourself is “why are you moving to France in the first place?” The answer to which will determine the kind of property that will be most suitable to your needs; for example, do you plan on living in France for a certain number of months of the year or are looking for a permanent residence?

Of course, your perfect property will be a matter of personal taste, however as a general rule a pied-à-terre (literally meaning foot on the ground) – which is a small place – will be perfectly suited as a temporary or “short-term” residence.

Also, if you are moving to France on a temporary rather than permanent basis, then it is likely that you will be in France for the warmer months, and therefore issues like insulation and heating costs may not be as permanent than if you were moving to France permanently.

Remember, France is a lot bigger than the UK, so moving to France will be markedly different depending on exactly where you plan on moving, for example a move to Paris will have its own challenges, in terms, for example, parking.

Moving to Portugal from the UK

Introduction

Portugal, with its sun-drenched beaches, rich cultural history, and high quality of life, has become a sought-after destination for UK nationals. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, family, or education, Portugal offers a welcoming environment steeped in charm and opportunity.

This guide explores the key aspects of moving to Portugal from the UK, focusing on the processes, requirements, and benefits of making this Mediterranean paradise your new home.

Choosing Between Shipping and Driving for Your Move to Portugal

Deciding between shipping and driving for your relocation to Portugal depends on your unique circumstances and needs. For those planning removals to Portugal with a family home and a substantial amount of belongings, shipping may be the more practical option, offering ample space for larger loads despite the longer transit times. Conversely, individuals or small families moving to Portugal from the UK might benefit from the speed and flexibility of road transport.

Planning a Successful Relocation to Portugal

Successfully moving to Portugal involves balancing costs, convenience, and the safe transport of your belongings. Whether you’re exploring removal companies UK to Portugal or considering options for removal companies to Portugal, careful planning is crucial.

Understanding the post-Brexit requirements for British moving to Portugal is essential to avoid unexpected delays or costs. Whether you’re wondering how easy it is to move to Portugal from the UK or simply need advice on how to move to Portugal from the UK, choosing the right removal partner makes all the difference.

By relying on experienced professionals, you can enjoy a smoother, more streamlined process as you make the exciting transition to life in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal from the UK After Brexit

The UK’s departure from the EU has introduced new requirements for those wishing to live in Portugal. Understanding these changes is essential for a smooth transition.

Visa Requirements Post-Brexit

As a non-EU citizen, UK nationals now require a visa to live, work, or study in Portugal for stays exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period.

Residence Permit Application Paths

UK citizens can apply for residence permits under various categories, including work, family reunification, study, or retirement. Key steps include:

Submitting an application to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
Providing proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation.
Complying with biometric registration.

Moving to Portugal to Work

Portugal’s dynamic economy and thriving sectors such as technology, tourism, and agriculture attract professionals from across the globe.

Work and Residence Permit Options

UK nationals must secure a visa or permit that aligns with their employment circumstances.

D7 Visa for Remote Workers and Freelancers

Designed for individuals with sufficient passive income or remote work opportunities.
Requires proof of financial stability.

Skilled Worker Visas

For individuals employed by Portuguese or multinational companies in areas like IT, engineering, or healthcare.

Moving to Portugal to Be with Family

Family Reunification Visa

This visa enables UK nationals to join family members legally residing in Portugal. Eligible family members include:

Spouses and registered partners.
Dependent children and stepchildren.
Elderly parents requiring care.

Studying in Portugal

Student Residence Permit

Portugal is home to globally recognized universities and specialized institutions. Students require:

Admission to a Portuguese educational institution.
Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.

Popular programs include business, engineering, and arts courses, with many offered in English.

Retiring to Portugal

Portugal is a popular retirement destination due to its affordable living costs, warm climate, and healthcare system.

Lack of a Specific Retirement Visa

While Portugal doesn’t have a dedicated retirement visa, retirees often apply for the D7 visa or obtain residency through property investments.

Path to Permanent Residency

Retirees can apply for permanent residency after five years of legal residence.

Life in Portugal

Happiness and Quality of Life

Portugal ranks highly for its relaxed lifestyle, safety, and community spirit.

Respect and Privacy in Portuguese Society

The Portuguese value privacy and maintain a respectful approach to personal interactions.

Culinary Diversity and Family Culture

From traditional dishes like bacalhau to vibrant food markets, Portugal offers a rich culinary experience. The family-centric culture emphasizes togetherness and hospitality.

Healthcare in Portugal

Overview of the Healthcare System

Portugal provides high-quality healthcare through its public and private systems.

Public and Private Healthcare Options

Public Healthcare: Accessible to residents with a Portuguese residence card.
Private Healthcare: Offers faster access and specialized care.

Access to Medical Assistance

Residents can register with a local health center to access affordable healthcare services.

Education in Portugal

Portugal’s education system is robust, offering public, private, and international schooling options.

Public and Private Education Systems

Public schools provide free education for residents.
Private and international schools cater to expats with English or bilingual curriculums.

International Schools

These schools follow UK or IB curriculums, ensuring continuity for expat children.

Speaking English in Portugal

Prevalence of English

Many Portuguese people, especially in urban areas, speak English fluently.

Benefits of Learning Portuguese

Learning Portuguese enhances integration and improves communication in everyday situations.

Free Portuguese Courses

Government and private organizations often provide free or subsidized language courses.

Business Culture in Portugal

Characteristics of Work Culture

Business relationships are built on trust and personal connections.
Work-life balance is highly valued.

Emphasis on Gender Equality

Portugal promotes workplace equality and inclusivity.

Accommodation in Portugal

Housing Costs Compared to the UK

Portugal generally offers more affordable housing than the UK, particularly outside Lisbon and Porto.

Renting vs. Buying

Renting: A flexible option for newcomers to explore local areas.
Buying: Offers long-term stability and eligibility for the Golden Visa program.

Methods for Finding Housing

Online platforms, local agents, and expat networks are valuable resources for locating properties.

Where to Live in Portugal

Portugal offers diverse living options, from bustling cities to tranquil villages.

Lisbon

The capital city combines historical charm with modern amenities and job opportunities.

Porto

Known for its wine and riverside beauty, Porto is a favorite for expats seeking a slower pace.

Algarve

Popular among retirees, the Algarve boasts stunning beaches and a warm climate.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Portugal offers a lower cost of living than the UK, particularly in areas like housing, food, and utilities. Dining out, transportation, and healthcare are also more affordable.

What are the moving costs involved in relocating from the UK to Portugal after Brexit?

Understanding Moving Costs from the UK to Portugal Post-Brexit

Relocating internationally always brings a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially when it comes to managing expenses. With Brexit, moving from the UK to Portugal requires extra attention to detail, particularly in regards to cost. Here’s a practical breakdown to answer one crucial question: what can you expect to pay?

Key Factors Affecting Moving Costs

Distance and Route

The journey to Portugal can be tackled by road or sea. Shipping times typically range from 5-10 days, while driving is slightly quicker at 3-7 days via the Channel Tunnel and through France and Spain. Your choice between these depends on budget and time preferences.

Volume of Items

The number of belongings you’re taking plays a significant role. More boxes equal greater costs. It’s helpful to declutter beforehand to minimize expenses.

Additional Services

Packing and Unpacking: Professional packing ensures your items’ safety but adds to the overall cost.
Storage Solutions: Need for temporary storage? This is another expense to consider if your timing doesn’t align perfectly.
Insurance: Peace of mind through transit insurance is wise, especially for high-value items.

Brexit-Related Fees

Customs and border regulations have shifted post-Brexit, potentially introducing tariffs or additional administrative costs.

Estimated Costs

For a typical three-bedroom house move, estimates range between £2,500 and £4,000. Keep in mind these are broad figures; personal circumstances may alter these calculations.

Cost-Saving Tips

Plan Ahead: Early booking may offer discounts with moving companies.
Compare Quotes: Obtain multiple estimates from reputable movers to ensure competitive pricing.
Be Strategic About Timing: Off-peak times might yield better rates.

Choosing the Right Option

Choosing between shipping and driving for your move largely depends on your specific requirements. For families relocating with a larger volume of possessions, shipping may offer a more practical solution, even though it typically takes longer. On the other hand, smaller households or individuals may find road transport a quicker and more adaptable option.

To ensure a seamless move from the UK to Portugal, it’s essential to strike the right balance between cost, convenience, and the safe handling of your belongings. Careful planning, awareness of post-Brexit regulations, and partnering with reliable service providers are key to making the transition as smooth as possible.

Traveling in Portugal

Travel Opportunities

Explore Portugal’s historic cities, scenic coastline, and cultural landmarks, or travel easily to neighboring European countries.

Public Transportation

Portugal has a well-developed public transport system, including trains, buses, and ferries.

Driving in Portugal After Brexit

UK drivers must exchange their licenses for Portuguese ones within 90 days of residency.

How European Removal Experts Can Help You Move from the UK to Portugal

Relocating to Portugal is easier with the help of experienced removal specialists. At European Removal Experts, we provide:

Professional packing and transport services.
Customs clearance support.
Options for shared or dedicated transport.

Moving to Spain from the UK
Navigating International Moves Post-Brexit
Affordable Moving Tips for Expats

By following this guide and seeking professional assistance, your move to Portugal will be a smooth and enjoyable experience, allowing you to focus on embracing your new life in this stunning country.

The savvy approach to office moves

Having the right office is crucial if your firm is to succeed and so you might have decided that it’s time to up sticks and head to new premises. Perhaps your current working space is too costly, or maybe it’s the wrong size. Alternatively, maybe you want to relocate to be in a more convenient location or to be closer to your customers.

Whatever the reason for your transition, it’s important that you approach it in a sensible way. If mishandled, office moves can have disastrous consequences.

Shifting your stuff

Running a company isn’t easy at the best of times and when you have to cope with the added stress and inconvenience of relocating, you might really find you’ve got your work cut out for you.

Rather than trying to arrange the movement of your furniture and other items yourself, it may therefore pay off to bring in the professionals. Here at European Removal Experts, we are experts when it comes to office removal and may be perfectly placed to assist you.

Leaving this task to specialists like us means you can get on with the other important jobs facing you. In contrast, if you were to attempt to transfer your possessions unaided, you might find you’re distracted from crucial issues facing your business.

Minimising damage

Also, because we have plenty of experience when it comes to removal packing services, we’re better able to minimise the risk of damage to your possessions. This could save you stress and hassle. Also, by taking advantage of our insurance policies, you can rest assured you won’t be left out of pocket.

Planning ahead

As well as booking the relevant removals companies in Woodford Green or wherever you’re based, there are other things to plan.

For example, ahead of your move, you’ll need to inform your customers and any organisations you have dealings with about what is happening and provide them with your new contact details. If you don’t, you risk missing out on trade, compromising customer care and getting into bureaucratic difficulties.

Minimising downtime

Another issue to bear in mind is how long it will take you to get set up in your new working environment. Ideally, you want to keep downtime to an absolute minimum. To help ensure this is the case, it’s worthwhile making sure you’ll be able to get your phones and computers operating swiftly once you arrive in your new office.

What your office says about you

Meanwhile, before you sign any contracts concerning office leases, it’s a good idea to consider what the premises say about your firm. Attractive and modern working spaces give the impression that your organisation is professional and optimistic about the future.

In contrast, poky and unattractive offices can really put potential customers, investors and workers off and consequently have a negative impact on your long-term prospects. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for you to choose from these days, so you shouldn’t struggle to find premises that tick each and every one of your boxes.

Moving to Europe

If you are moving from Britain to another country in Europe due to your work or to a new life in retirement, you will want to make sure your furniture and other household items are transported safely and securely by a company experienced in this line of work.

Here at European Removal Experts we have years of experience when it comes to helping people who are moving to France, moving to Germany or moving to Holland. In fact, it doesn’t matter where in Europe you are planning to move to because the staff and management at European Removal Experts have helped people move from the UK to most countries on the continent.

We are a London based removals company which provides everything from European removals, student removals and home removals in the UK itself.

Moving home is always a stressful experience, and if you are moving to France or moving to Holland the stress levels are bound to be increased. So let us take some of the strain out of your life when you are moving to France. We will take care of every aspect of the move, leaving you to concentrate on other important issues which are sure to arise when you are moving to France or moving to Germany.

All of our removals vehicles are fully insured, and have a cubic capacity of either 15 metres or 30 metres, depending on how much furniture you have to take with you when you are relocating to France. And to make sure you have complete peace of mind, all our house removals are covered with a goods-in-transit insurance of up to £10,000!

Enjoy the Transition by Learning the Language

We live in an incredibly multi-national society, and as such the lines between different countries in the EU can often seem blurred. We’re all very accommodating of each other and relocation is on the rise, but while we may think that everyone else speaks our language it isn’t always the case. So, whether you’re moving to France, Germany or anywhere else, make sure that you learn the language.

Learning the language of the country you’re relocating to will give you numerous benefits. It will make the whole process of moving to France or elsewhere far simpler as you won’t have to worry about language barriers when trying to arrange important details, and as we all know, failure to understand each other can be incredibly frustrating.

Not only does it make the general necessities easier, but it also means that the locals will be more accommodating. Moving to France or anywhere else can be a big decision and you want to be able to adjust as quickly and as easily as possible, and learning the language will be one of the best ways to blend in.

This is even more important if you’re relocating to somewhere in the countryside, as although a lot of people will know English they’re often less likely to in areas with fewer citizens. This is often because they won’t have been in contact with so many tourists so have never needed to, and by learning the language they’ll be more likely to accept you as part of their culture.

So, to really enjoy moving to France, Switzerland or anywhere else on the continent, make sure to learn the language to make the transition as smooth and as stress-free as possible.