Moving abroad is about more than a change of address. It’s about creating the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to achieve.
It’s easy to picture the dream: coffee in the sunshine, an active social life and the freedom to enjoy retirement or a new chapter at your own pace. But turning that dream into everyday reality often requires more support than people expect.
Countless small questions arise once everyday life begins. How does the healthcare system work? Where do you find a reliable lawyer, accountant or builder? Which local vet can you trust? Which sports clubs welcome newcomers? How do you navigate unfamiliar paperwork?
These aren’t usually the reasons people worry about relocating, but they can affect how quickly you settle in. That’s why having local support on the ground can be as valuable as having a sound financial plan.
The reality of starting over
Moving abroad is exciting, but it often means rebuilding your local network from scratch. Back in the UK, you probably know who to call when you need help and who to ask for recommendations.
In a new country, that network does not yet exist. New expatriates can spend months navigating unfamiliar systems, searching online for recommendations and wondering whether they’re making the right decisions. Even simple tasks can become stressful when you’re dealing with a different language, different rules and different ways of doing things.
For some, this uncertainty is temporary. For others, it can become an ongoing source of frustration.
“When clients first arrive in France, they haven’t yet built up the network they had in the UK. Alongside helping with their tax planning and investments, I often recommend everything from a good vet or reliable plumber to a favourite local restaurant.”
David Lamont, Blevins Franks Financial Adviser | Béziers, France
Beyond financial advice
When people think of a financial adviser, they understandably assume the relationship revolves around investments, pensions and tax planning.
Those things are important, of course. But after helping British expatriates for decades, we’ve learnt that genuine peace of mind often comes from something much broader. Financial planning does not happen in isolation. It connects with many aspects of your life, from where you live and how you structure your assets to the professionals you rely on and the decisions you make for your family.
That understanding led us to create the Blevins Franks Family Office. The concept is simple: rather than expecting clients to coordinate multiple advisers and specialists on their own, we help bring the different pieces together.
Need guidance on local tax matters? Transferring money from sterling to euros? Looking for legal expertise? Exploring insurance options? Unsure where to turn for specialist support relating to relocation, property, healthcare or wills and probate?
We can connect you with trusted professionals and coordinate conversations where appropriate. The result is a more joined-up approach, helping to ensure important issues are considered together rather than in isolation.
The value of local knowledge
One of the greatest advantages of working with advisers who live and work in your chosen country is that they understand the realities of everyday expatriate life. They know the local systems and regional differences and are familiar with the questions and challenges British nationals encounter during and after relocating.
Since they’re also part of the local community, their support often extends beyond what you may traditionally associate with financial planning.
“Padel is easy to pick up, even if you’ve never played before. Local clubs organise mix-ins where you can play with different people over a couple of hours, and the socialising afterwards is often just as popular.” David Tait, Blevins Franks Private Client Manager | Marbella, Spain
Whether it’s pointing you towards a social group, helping you understand the healthcare process, recommending a trusted local professional or simply sharing practical insights about life in the area, local knowledge can make a significant difference.
It’s often these small interventions that help you settle more quickly and feel more confident about your new life overseas.
“Many clients arrive in Paphos having only experienced the tourist areas, but there’s also a beautiful Old Town to discover. I enjoy recommending the independent bars, restaurants and coffee shops they might not otherwise find, so they can experience more of what Paphos has to offer.” Lorraine Thomson, Blevins Franks Business Development Manager | Paphos, Cyprus
Support that continues long after the move
Many firms focus on the planning that takes place before or shortly after relocation. Yet life keeps evolving. Tax rules change. Family circumstances and priorities change. New opportunities arise and unexpected challenges appear.
What matters is having access to ongoing support from advisers who understand both your personal circumstances and the country where you live.
Blevins Franks’ lifelong in-country service is built around this principle. We develop long-term relationships with our clients, helping them navigate the different stages of life abroad. That may involve adapting a financial strategy after retirement, planning for the next generation, handling an inheritance or managing assets across multiple countries. Through it all, our local advisers remain close at hand, providing continuity, familiarity and reassurance.
Making the most of life abroad
Ultimately, moving overseas is not simply a financial decision. It’s a lifestyle choice.
People relocate because they want to enjoy their retirement or a slower pace of life, spend more time with family, embrace new experiences and build a rewarding life in a place they love.
“Since moving to Portugal, I’ve taken up padel and golf and joined a sea-swimming group called the ‘Flipper Dippers’. I often recommend activities like these to clients because joining a group is a great way to stay active, meet people and feel part of the local community.” Sharon Farrell, Blevins Franks Partner | Loulé, Portugal
Financial planning plays an important role in making that possible, but real peace of mind comes from knowing you also have support when you need it, whether that’s for a major financial decision or a practical everyday question.
Sometimes it’s advice on pensions and tax planning.
Sometimes it’s finding the right professional to help with a complex issue.
And occasionally, it might even be a recommendation for a good vet, golf club or padel court.
Because when you’re building a new life abroad, having the right people around you can make all the difference.
Learn more about the Blevins Franks Peace of Mind Journey and get in touch for personalised guidance.
