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Spain’s growing economy is good news for jobseekers

In the first quarter of 2017, Spain's Gross Domestic Product (GPD) grew by 0.8 per cent, according to preliminary figures from the Spanish Statistical Institute (INE), which was marginally higher than the previous three months' growth of 0.7 per cent.

The was a larger expansion than many had predicted, causing the Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, to update the country's economic growth forecast for 2017 from 2.5 per cent to 2.7 per cent.

"Recent data for the first quarter of the year, as well as national and international forecasts, have pushed us to revise our growth forecast," the Prime Minister said.

Italy introduces new tax break for wealthy expats

Italy has introduced a new 'non-dom' tax incentive which may see many wealthy British expats relocating to its shores, as well as convincing rich Italian expats to return. The new measure was approved by the Italian parliament in December as part of Italy's Finance Bill 2017.

It ensures that foreign residents will be exempt from Italian tax on all offshore income and gains for a flat-rate tax charge of €100,000 (about £84,000). For a further €25,000, the tax exemption can be extended to family members.

Norway’s high cost of living off-set by its perks

Bergen, NorwayNorway is well-known for its high living costs. The Nordic country is one of Europe’s most expensive countries in which to live, with property and food prices much higher than the UK.

But exactly how much more expensive is everyday living? According to figures from Numbeo, the cost of living is 48.5% higher than the United Kingdom, with rent almost 15% higher and consumer prices almost a third higher. And if you’re a fast food fan, The Economist’s Big Mac Index 2017 revealed that Norwegian’s pay the second highest price in the world for the burger.

Inheritance is becoming an increasingly important factor for overall wealth

A big part of your financial planning is deciding what is going to happen to all your money and possessions once you pass away. For many, effective estate planning is a crucial process that should not be taken lightly – and for a good reason.

It appears that inheritances are a key source of wealth for younger generations, although the amount of wealth people will receive varies greatly, many will rely on the death of parents and family in order to help them afford major items such as going to University, buying a property or starting a business.

Buying residential property overseas in 2017 post-Trump with Brexit influences

Advice on buying overseas property from financial expert Simon Conn:

After the “shocks” of 2016, how will the overseas property market be affected in 2017 and will the most popular areas still be of interest? Although the Trump and Brexit decisions did have an initial effect on clients potentially purchasing an overseas property – where some people have deferred until the markets have settled down in the USA after the Presidential inauguration and Article 50 is finally implemented – others have seen this as a good time to look for opportunities and bargains available in the market.

Expats look to invest in UK property market

Clients of expat financial services providers are using the nose-diving pound as an opportunity to invest in the UK buy-to-let property market, with lenders reporting an 80% increase in mortgage applications from British expats looking to make secure future financial provision.

It is a curious position: expats benefiting from economic uncertainty in their home country in order to invest in its property market at a time when the pound is approaching ten-year lows against many of its rival currencies. So, how easy is it?

Spanish Inheritance Tax Explained

As retirement draws near, many of us begin to think about how we want our hard-earned earthly possessions to be distributed amongst our nearest and dearest. Making a will, of course, is a good starting point, but you also might want to think about the slice of the pie that the taxman will take from our relatives’ inheritance.

What should you do with your pension?

One of the most common questions asked of expat financial services firms is what should clients do with their pensions. Some wish to keep all their money in a UK-based pension, some will look to transfer to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) and others will want to take a tax-free lump sum from their fund. In short, what an individual chooses to do will depend heavily on their personal circumstances together with any advice they receive from their expat financial services professional.

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