Latest news with #BritishExpats
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
British expat WINS French court battle to restore pre-Brexit right that could open floodgates for Brits
A British woman living in France is overjoyed to have her voting rights restored in a move that could shake up post-Brexit rules. Alice Bouilliez said she was 'extremely surprised' that a court in Auch, south-west France, ruled she would be able to vote in local elections. Experts now believe the shock ruling could set a precedent for all Brits who had permanent resident status in the European country before the referendum. Ms Bouilliez, who has lived in France for nearly four decades, was able to vote before the Brexit deal went through in 2020 but it was not made clear what her rights would be afterwards. Despite having residency and being married to a Frenchman, Ms Bouillez never became a citizen - in part down to her oath she took to the British Crown while working as a civil servant in the Foreign Office. The retiree, alongside several other disgruntled Brits, eventually took the case to the European court of justice in 2022 after years of legal battles, although they ruled against her. Their argument, based on the advice of advocate general Anthony Collins, was that 'nationality of a member state' was an 'essential condition of a person to be able to acquire and retain the status of citizens of the union and to benefit fully from the rights attaching to that status'. Her being stripped of her voting rights was 'an automatic consequence of the sole sovereign decision taken by the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union'. But Ms Bouillez's lawyer argued that the court could not disenfranchise those who already had the rights protected under the EU treaty before Brexit - an argument that proved true. 'The court ruled that Alice had not committed any crime and that to lose her voting rights was a fundamental and disproportionate infringement of her voting rights,' Julien Fouchet said after today's ruling. 'The right to vote is a common good, it is more than just a right,' he was reported saying in The Guardian. An 'extremely happy' Ms Bouillez said 'when I went to get the ruling from the court I was extremely surprised because I was expecting a knock on the knuckles'. The barrister added that this ruling could now restore the rights of Brits on the continent if they wanted their name on the electoral register for local elections. He said: 'The French and UK governments should have a bilateral treaty reciprocating the right to vote in municipal elections. 'I see this judgment as an opportunity, especially in light of the recent UK-EU summit, to get an agreement on this.' Before the Brexit referendum, Brits living in France could vote in municipal and European parliamentary elections but not in national, presidential or legislative elections. This was generally the same rules across most European countries. Europeans also had these same rights living in the UK but most countries - apart from Ireland, Cyprus and Malta - are now unable to vote here. The British government had tried to make reciprocal voting rights part of the Brexit deal but the EU insisted on having bilateral treaties instead. And in 2018, the House of Commons passed a motion which insisted British nationals who have an EU citizenship should have 'the range of rights and protections afforded to individuals as European Union citizens are integral to a person's European identity'.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Brits are rushing to buy homes for £3k without even seeing them in this unlikely country - now YOU could join the boom
Bulgaria: home of rose oil, numerous resorts on the Black Sea, some of the world's finest Byzantine preserved architecture - and somewhere in the region of 5,000 Britons. The Balkan state, nestled at the edge of the former Eastern Bloc, is welcoming an influx of British expats attracted by its low cost of living, cheap property prices and the promise of Slavic sun. Results from the 2021 Bulgarian census show there were 4,484 British citizens living in the country, up from 2,605 in 2011. Many are fleeing sky-high mortgages and spiralling interest rates in the UK - and snapping up dirt-cheap ramshackle properties to turn into their dream homes. So enthusiastic are some buyers that they're buying plots and homes on eBay, often unseen, and knuckling down to restore them for far less than it would cost to renovate a similar property in Britain. And they're moving out there despite it being the European Union's poorest state - with the lowest GDP per head of around £11,857, less than a third of the UK's - which is also in the throes of political turmoil. Three rounds of attempting to form a coalition government last autumn eventually saw the right-leaning GERB and ITN parties form an uneasy alliance with the BSP - United Left. The election was marred by allegations of voter intimidation and fraud. The spectre of Delyan Peevski, a heavily sanctioned oligarch accused of operating like a mafioso, still looms large despite his failure to win a spot in government. Have YOU bought a property in Bulgaria? Email Donna Hardy, from Scunthorpe, moved to Bulgaria last year and bought a huge house with land for just under £22,000 Jordan Vye pictured with daughter Fae outside their Bulgarian farmhouse Britons have been moving to Bulgaria in increasing numbers in recent years to snap up bargain properties - like this £8,000 three-bed home primed for renovation Welsh couple Maxwell and Leah Jones, who have snapped up the house pictured above, with their two kids Lorenzo and Indy The inside of the house in Bulgaria - which the couple purchased without even viewing Peevski has been sanctioned in the UK and US over allegations of bribing government officials and embezzling state funds, while also leaning on the courts and the security services to protect himself from public scrutiny. But despite being known as a 'mafia state' by many due to claims of political corruption, the allure of cheap homes, a low cost of living and sun by the Black Sea has been too much for expats to resist. Gemma Stevenson moved to the country in 2007 and set up Bulgarian Property Experts to help other Britons find their perfect home. UK vs Bulgaria: How do costs compare? UK expats Maxwell and Leah Jones are leaving life in Prestatyn, Wales behind to relocate to Bulgaria. Here, they detail their approximate costs now, and after they move: UK Rent: £680 a month Electric and gas bill: £250 a month Food shop: £130 to £200 a week Council tax: £140 a month WiFi: £45 Water: £40 to £50 a month Bulgaria (estimated) Electric bill: £15 to £20 a month Food shop: £40 to £80 a week Council tax: £25 a year WiFi: £60 to £100 a year Water: £5 a month Advertisement !- - ad: - -> Corresponding with MailOnline by email, she said people were drawn to the country by its low cost of living across property, food, bills and transport - as well as its breathtaking landscapes and enviable weather. 'Whether you're renting or buying, the prices are significantly lower than in most Western European countries,' she said. There are other draws: a low crime rate in rural communities outside of major cities - where the Foreign Office warns that pickpockets can run rife - and, inevitably, some things that Britons can only dream of. 'It has more than 300 days of sunshine a year, particularly in the south,' she notes - far more than back home. And there's also its position on the continent, at the furthest reaches of the European Union, bordering on Greece and Turkey, which are both accessible by road or dirt-cheap trains. An overnight couchette on the Sofia-Istanbul Express can run to as little as 30 Euros. But Ms Stevenson says there is also a culture of Bulgarians being a welcoming people - one that can take Britons by surprise at first, before drawing them in. She moved with her daughter Sky - who is now studying at a university in the northern city of Veliko Tarnovo - and has become engaged to electrician Georgi, with whom she has had another daughter, Katrina. In her experience, the country could not have been more accommodating as she developed her business and built relationships with local councils and lawyers. 'The local village people take young families under their wing and even if they can not speak with you in the same language, they will go out of their way to make you feel at home,' she recalled. 'They bring you homemade chutneys, preserves or wine and rakia (fruit brandy) for you to try. [In the] summer months, you will have neighbours dropping by with bags of fruit and vegetables to fill your fridges, all homegrown in the garden. 'You could not ask for a more welcoming nation.' Britons are increasingly moving to Bulgaria seeking cheaper homes, with coastal towns on the Black Sea such as Nessebar seen as attractive While Scunthorpe native Donna admits her house is 'very run down', she has been sharing constant updates on its condition and giving people an insight into Bulgarian life Bulgarian Property Experts' listings serve as a microcosm of why Britons move: a three-bed home in Popovo, a village in the north-east of Bulgaria, costs as little as 15,000 Euros (£12,000) and is primed for renovation. A fully renovated three-bed, three-bath house, which also boasts two kitchens and a 32 square metre swimming pool is just 143,000 Euros (£120,000) - barely enough for a suburban terraced house in the average British town. Among them are Maxwell and Leah Jones, aged 38 and 29, who bought a house outright for £8,000 without even viewing it after growing tired of trying to get a foot on the property ladder in Britain. The couple bought their three-bed home in Popovo, in the north-east, for less than 3 per cent of the £300,000 cost of a similar sized home in their home town of Prestatyn, Wales. They flew out in May to see it and plan to move there full time by the end of the year after investing an estimated £15-20,000 in bringing it up to scratch. With monthly living costs thought to be around £300, or £680 for a 'comfortable' living standard, they plan to raise and homeschool children Lorenzo and Indy there as they integrate themselves fully into Bulgarian life. Handily, Maxwell is a joiner. 'It was exactly like it looked online,' he said earlier this month. 'We were due to buy a house in the UK but it became hard to put all this money out and still be paying it off for 25 years. 'We looked at the price in Bulgaria and it became a no brainer.' 'Now we're mortgage-free. There is a lot to do - it's a shell but we are up for a challenge.' He will fly out in two months to re-wire the house before the rest of the family joins him before the year is out. They will then live off the land, keeping animals and growing fruit and vegetables. Last year, Scunthorpe native Donna Hardy moved out to Veliko Tarnovo - the university city where estate agent Gemma's daughter is studying - and bought a huge house for some 26,000 Euros (£21,900). The estate included a barn, several outbuildings and an acre of land - all for less than it would cost to buy a family hatchback in Britain. Bulgaria is in a state of political instability following a number of elections and accusations of vote rigging and corruption, many centred around sanctioned oligarch and MP Delyan Peevski Lewis and Jordan ditched Britain for Bulgaria in 2022, buying a dilapidated farmhouse for £7,000 where they will raise children Fae and Leo The pair had been inspired by Ben Fogle's New Lives in the Wild - and found themselves appearing on the show earlier this year Taking to TikTok to share her experience of moving overseas, she admitted the house was 'very run down' but was ready to get her hands dirty - and has, in the months since, documented the journey on social media. Posting an update to her near-50,000 followers last week, she revealed her almost unbelievably low cost of living. 'This is my property. For my electric, this month, I paid 66 lev... which works up around about £31 for the month,' she said. 'For my water, this month, I paid 22 lev, which works out around nine, ten pounds, give or take.' Ms Hardy's home does not have a connection to Bulgaria's domestic gas network, which remains in its infancy in rural areas. But she does buy gas bottles - refilling two gargantuan, waist-height gas bottles that can hold around 19kg of fuel each. 'To fill the gas bottle, up here in Bulgaria, costs you just short of 100 Lev, which works out at around £42 in English money,' she said. 'We've had that bottle since we've come out here, and we haven't used all of them, so we haven't had to fill up yet.' Refilling a smaller 13kg bottle in Britain costs around £50, depending on supplier. The stories come thick and fast: of Jordan and Lewis Vye, who packed up their life in Bournemouth and bought a dilapidated farmhouse in what they called their own 'pound shop version of Escape to the Chateau'. They purchased it unseen for just £7,000 in June 2022 after speaking to a friend who had bought another property for £3,000. Realising they were unlikely to ever be able to afford a mortgage, they hit the road with their caravan. Sharing their journey on YouTube under the name From Bournemouth to Bulgaria, the Vyes are still restoring their home - but recently hosted TV's Ben Fogle. His series New Lives in the Wild had inspired them as he visited people who had dived into a whole new lifestyle - and their journey came full circle as they appeared on the show in January. Scottish delivery driver Rob Davies bought a house in Golyamo Krushevo - and liked it so much he bought two more He snapped up this six-bed house for £3,000, before buying two more - each requiring substantial renovation He purchased the houses on eBay, unseen - as an investment in his family's long-term future On the Channel 5 show, they admitted they had been in a cycle of drinking and partying to escape their unhappiness and stress while struggling to save. But they say they have found peace raising their children among nature in Bulgaria. Jordan said: 'We've always kind of struggled to make ends meet. That really pushed us to come here because you're 30 years old and you own two acres of land and a house, three buildings, outright, no mortgage.' Lewis added: 'I was doing things I shouldn't have been doing far too regularly, and I think it feels like I'm in a better place when I'm here. When I'm here, that cycle is broken. 'And I'm just a guy who's renovating his house, who's farming his land, who's being a great dad, who's being a great husband, and I'm closer to the person that I want to be here.' And in 2023, Scottish delivery driver Rob Davies made headlines when he bought three homes in Golyamo Krushevo, Bulgaria on eBay for around £3,000 each - without ever seeing them in person. As documented in Channel 4 programme Help! We Bought a Village, Mr Davies had a huge task on his hands: fitting bathrooms, kitchens, windows, and even carrying out wiring and plumbing. 'I sent them a message saying I was interested, I want it, I think we paid a £200 deposit, got the keys and the rest is history,' he said at the time. 'It was basically four walls with a roof, but, it was ours. It felt amazing to actually go, we want a property, we can't do that in the UK.' There has been no word from him since - presumably, he's still fixing them up now. Living in Bulgaria, then, comes with a great deal of advantages, from the low cost of living to the wide availability of cheap, ready-to-renovate properties. It's not easy work and, even with lower labour and supply costs than in Britain, will doubtless require huge investment. That being said, those who move out there find themselves more than happy to put in the work. Estate agent Gemma adds: 'It's a country where you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a slower, more relaxed pace of life, reminding us of what the UK was 60 years ago, with the excitement of exploring new opportunities.'
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Everyone has a milkman who delivers bootleg booze': life as a British expat in Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump's first foreign trip since returning to the White House was highly symbolic. In a typically Trumpian turn of phrase, he told business leaders in Saudi Arabia that 'the US is the hottest country, with the exception of your country.' He is not the only fan of the Middle Eastern country, which is urgently trying to shed its image as a repressive state with an appalling human rights record. Tens of thousands of British expats now call Saudi home, attracted by zero income taxes and salaries that surpass even those offered in Dubai. Yet, despite the presence of British comforts like Marks & Spencer, living a typical Western lifestyle remains tricky – with restricted access to alcohol and women still expected to cover up. Saudi's 'Vision 2030' project is fast diversifying its economy away from oil with renewable energy, technology, finance, tourism and sport. And a key part of the transformation are 35 infrastructure projects, or 'giga projects', the star of which is Neom, a new super-state the size of Belgium in a corner of desert next to the Red Sea. The Saudi housing market is booming with apartment prices up 70pc in Riyadh, the capital, since 2019, according to Knight Frank. The country has slowly been opening up to international buyers, expanding its 'golden visa' style Premium Residency scheme last year. With so many highly-paid jobs to fill, the financial allure of a stint in Saudi is strong. Like the other GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) there is no personal income tax. Senior jobs in some sectors offer salaries between 15pc and 25pc more than in Dubai, and the cost of living is around 34pc lower than in Britain, according to An executive PA working for an energy company might earn between £50,000 and £90,000 tax-free, according to Oriel Partners, a recruitment agency, while the average teaching salary is £2,700 a month (plus benefits such as private healthcare and free housing). Expat salaries typically range from £2,010 to £7,036 a month, according to Hays, another recruiter. Yet the atrocious human rights record of the country ruled by an absolute monarchy remains a big deterrent for many. Although some reforms have been promised in the run-up to Saudi hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034, there is still little tolerance for openly gay people, for instance. Its social conservatism can be tough to stomach. Jordan Henderson was one of the top-flight footballers tempted by eye-watering salaries offered at Saudi clubs, but he and his family only lasted six months. Yet as the labour and rental markets have become fiercely competitive in Dubai, some Britons are packing their bags for Saudi, according to Harry Goodson-Wickes, head of Savills Northern Gulf. He says: 'There are still misconceptions and mental barriers about the country, but for many it's the most exciting story in the world right now. 'People who see the opportunities are coming with their eyes open. The door is ajar but has not swung open [to foreign property ownership].' It is believed that between 26,000 and 30,000 Britons live in Saudi, and evidence suggests that number is growing. The relocation company John Mason International moved three households between the UK and Saudi Arabia in 2018, and last year it was 277. The tally for this year so far suggests 2025 will surpass that. Amongst those attracted by the higher remuneration is Sarah*, who moved to Riyadh last year with her husband after he secured a job in the sports industry. 'Saudi Arabia is turning into an entrepreneurial country. I have found people here friendly, helpful and with a great sense of humour. It reminds me of Oman,' says Sarah, 40, who has two children in private school in Riyadh, the capital. She says the cost of living is slightly more in Saudi Arabia than in Dubai. They rent a three-bedroom home on a compound that costs £30,000 a year. Most families have drivers (public transport is minimal and the road network around Riyadh is changing rapidly) and domestic staff. Weekends sound rather like those in Dubai, revolving around pool parties, going to the shopping mall, a myriad of indoor-based activities for the children to escape the heat, and camping trips into the desert. The ban on women driving was lifted in 2018 and Sarah says she's noticed an influx of female entrepreneurs, especially fashion pop-ups. Around 36pc of the workforce in Saudi are now women, according to the Saudi government – double the proportion in 2017. The abaya (robe) is no longer mandatory but still commonplace, and women are expected to cover their arms and legs – for gyms this means leggings and a T-shirt, she says. But the influx of new expats has downsides. The British International School was 'massively oversubscribed', she says. Increased demand from expats has led to new schools, including an offshoot of Sherborne in Jeddah, and two new schools from the SEK Education Group this year. School fees are around £10,000 per year for her primary age children, but rise to £20,000 a year for older children. Reigate Grammar School Riyadh charges £15,000. Julie*, who has also moved from Dubai, sees more expats in public since she arrived more than three years ago from Edinburgh, for her husband's job at the airport. They live in a nearby compound with their toddler – with their rent covered by his employer. 'Like many, he came for a bigger and better job than in Dubai. The salaries are higher and, as expats, we follow the money. Who knows what life will be like here in four years' time?' She says it feels much more cosmopolitan than when they arrived. 'Saudi men now chat to me rather than avoiding eye contact. 'Life is more difficult after having everything easy. I was a 'Dubai brat' – but new shops and restaurants are arriving fast: Marks & Spencer, Boots and global brands like Zuma. There are glitzy bars set up with gleaming champagne glasses but of course you can't buy alcohol.' Equally at odds are the window displays of barely-there lingerie in Victoria's Secret. Julie explains every compound has their 'milkman' sourcing bootleg booze for residents (alcohol is only permitted in the Diplomatic Quarter). Western expats have always rented in compounds, but as rules on foreign ownership loosen, there's been a move towards a more inclusive society with resort-style and mixed-use schemes designed to tempt residents to buy. One is SEDRA, a new community of 30,000 homes in north Riyadh, where four-bedroom villas cost around SAR 2.8m (£571,069), and come with maid and driver rooms. 'A new Freehold Law is in the final draft. The country is cautiously opening the flood gates to foreign investment, but ensuring that domestic demand is first met,' says Goodson-Wickes. In the luxury market, branded residences have arrived – like The Armani Residences Diriyah – 15 homes styled by Giorgio Armani. The ancient mud-brick UNESCO World Heritage Site is being developed into a mega-city as toured by Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week week. Erick Knaider, from estate agent Saudi Arabia Sotheby's International Realty, says: 'We are at a turning point. International buyers are becoming curious. 'As soon as the legal framework allows off-plan purchase for foreigners it will level the playing field with Dubai.' Offering something starkly different from the traffic-clogged six-lane highways of Dubai is Neom, where Emma moved last year from Dubai, for her husband's job in logistics. Neom is where The Line is being constructed, probably the planet's most futuristic concept city. Originally meant to be 170km long, the project has been drastically scaled back and will now only be 2.4km long by 2030. Emma*, 44, an education consultant who grew up in Dubai, says her family have 'a very simple life' in a compound with her two children attending its only school. 'It's quite different from life elsewhere in Saudi, but we like it much more than we thought. 'The kids cycle to school, it's very safe and freer than in Riyadh, and we have supermarkets and restaurants on our doorstep, though the nearest mall is two hours' away. Buses take us around the compound, where I chat to the young [Saudi] women teachers in the school.' It would certainly not suit many, and while she misses all that was on tap in Dubai, she says she is not bored. 'We have a car to get out and do things: to the beach to snorkel – it's like the Maldives – or camping in the mountains. We have Alula, an ancient oasis city, nearby with its five-star hotels and a wellness festival.' Emma's visa came with her husband's job, as did private healthcare for the family. But if you're not being sponsored by a company, there are five types of the Premium Residency visa – the 'Saudi Green Card' – which can be for special talents (business), gifted (sport, culture arts), investors, entrepreneurs or investment of over four million Saudi riyals (£807,000) in real estate. There is also an option with a one-off payment of 800,000 riyals (£160,857). *Names have been changed. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘Everyone has a milkman who delivers bootleg booze': life as a British expat in Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump's first foreign trip since returning to the White House was highly symbolic. In a typically Trumpian turn of phrase, he told business leaders in Saudi Arabia that 'the US is the hottest country, with the exception of your country.' He is not the only fan of the Middle Eastern country, which is urgently trying to shed its image as a repressive state with an appalling human rights record. Tens of thousands of British expats now call Saudi home, attracted by zero income taxes and salaries that surpass even those offered in Dubai. Yet, despite the presence of British comforts like Marks & Spencer, living a typical Western lifestyle remains tricky – with restricted access to alcohol and women still expected to cover up. Saudi's 'Vision 2030' projec t is fast diversifying its economy away from oil with renewable energy, technology, finance, tourism and sport. And a key part of the transformation are 35 infrastructure projects, or 'giga projects', the star of which is Neom, a new super-state the size of Belgium in a corner of desert next to the Red Sea. The Saudi housing market is booming with apartment prices up 70pc in Riyadh, the capital, since 2019, according to Knight Frank. The country has slowly been opening up to international buyers, expanding its 'golden visa' style Premium Residency scheme last year. With so many highly-paid jobs to fill, the financial allure of a stint in Saudi is strong. Like the other GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) there is no personal income tax. Senior jobs in some sectors offer salaries between 15pc and 25pc more than in Dubai, and the cost of living is around 34pc lower than in Britain, according to An executive PA working for an energy company might earn between £50,000 and £90,000 tax-free, according to Oriel Partners, a recruitment agency, while the average teaching salary is £2,700 a month (plus benefits such as private healthcare and free housing). Expat salaries typically range from £2,010 to £7,036 a month, according to Hays, another recruiter. Yet the atrocious human rights record of the country ruled by an absolute monarchy remains a big deterrent for many. Although some reforms have been promised in the run-up to Saudi hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034, there is still little tolerance for openly gay people, for instance. Its social conservatism can be tough to stomach. Jordan Henderson was one of the top-flight footballers tempted by eye-watering salaries offered at Saudi clubs, but he and his family only lasted six months. 'Saudi Arabia is turning into an entrepreneurial country' Yet as the labour and rental markets have become fiercely competitive in Dubai, some Britons are packing their bags for Saudi, according to Harry Goodson-Wickes, head of Savills Northern Gulf. He says: 'There are still misconceptions and mental barriers about the country, but for many it's the most exciting story in the world right now. 'People who see the opportunities are coming with their eyes open. The door is ajar but has not swung open [to foreign property ownership].' It is believed that between 26,000 and 30,000 Britons live in Saudi, and evidence suggests that number is growing. The relocation company John Mason International moved three households between the UK and Saudi Arabia in 2018, and last year it was 277. The tally for this year so far suggests 2025 will surpass that. Amongst those attracted by the higher remuneration is Sarah*, who moved to Riyadh last year with her husband after he secured a job in the sports industry. 'Saudi Arabia is turning into an entrepreneurial country. I have found people here friendly, helpful and with a great sense of humour. It reminds me of Oman,' says Sarah, 40, who has two children in private school in Riyadh, the capital. She says the cost of living is slightly more in Saudi Arabia than in Dubai. They rent a three-bedroom home on a compound that costs £30,000 a year. Most families have drivers (public transport is minimal and the road network around Riyadh is changing rapidly) and domestic staff. Weekends sound rather like those in Dubai, revolving around pool parties, going to the shopping mall, a myriad of indoor-based activities for the children to escape the heat, and camping trips into the desert. The ban on women driving was lifted in 2018 and Sarah says she's noticed an influx of female entrepreneurs, especially fashion pop-ups. Around 36pc of the workforce in Saudi are now women, according to the Saudi government – double the proportion in 2017. The abaya (robe) is no longer mandatory but still commonplace, and women are expected to cover their arms and legs – for gyms this means leggings and a T-shirt, she says. 'As expats, we follow the money' But the influx of new expats has downsides. The British International School was 'massively oversubscribed', she says. Increased demand from expats has led to new schools, including an offshoot of Sherborne in Jeddah, and two new schools from the SEK Education Group this year. School fees are around £10,000 per year for her primary age children, but rise to £20,000 a year for older children. Reigate Grammar School Riyadh charges £15,000. Julie*, who has also moved from Dubai, sees more expats in public since she arrived more than three years ago from Edinburgh, for her husband's job at the airport. They live in a nearby compound with their toddler – with their rent covered by his employer. 'Like many, he came for a bigger and better job than in Dubai. The salaries are higher and, as expats, we follow the money. Who knows what life will be like here in four years' time?' She says it feels much more cosmopolitan than when they arrived. 'Saudi men now chat to me rather than avoiding eye contact. 'Life is more difficult after having everything easy. I was a 'Dubai brat' – but new shops and restaurants are arriving fast: Marks & Spencer, Boots and global brands like Zuma. There are glitzy bars set up with gleaming champagne glasses but of course you can't buy alcohol.' Equally at odds are the window displays of barely-there lingerie in Victoria's Secret. Julie explains every compound has their 'milkman' sourcing bootleg booze for residents (alcohol is only permitted in the Diplomatic Quarter). Western expats have always rented in compounds, but as rules on foreign ownership loosen, there's been a move towards a more inclusive society with resort-style and mixed-use schemes designed to tempt residents to buy. One is SEDRA, a new community of 30,000 homes in north Riyadh, where four-bedroom villas cost around SAR 2.8m (£571,069), and come with maid and driver rooms. 'A new Freehold Law is in the final draft. The country is cautiously opening the flood gates to foreign investment, but ensuring that domestic demand is first met,' says Goodson-Wickes. In the luxury market, branded residences have arrived – like The Armani Residences Diriyah – 15 homes styled by Giorgio Armani. The ancient mud-brick UNESCO World Heritage Site is being developed into a mega-city as toured by Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week week. Erick Knaider, from estate agent Saudi Arabia Sotheby's International Realty, says: 'We are at a turning point. International buyers are becoming curious. 'As soon as the legal framework allows off-plan purchase for foreigners it will level the playing field with Dubai.' Offering something starkly different from the traffic-clogged six-lane highways of Dubai is Neom, where Emma moved last year from Dubai, for her husband's job in logistics. Neom is where The Line is being constructed, probably the planet's most futuristic concept city. Originally meant to be 170km long, the project has been drastically scaled back and will now only be 2.4km long by 2030. Emma*, 44, an education consultant who grew up in Dubai, says her family have 'a very simple life' in a compound with her two children attending its only school. 'It's quite different from life elsewhere in Saudi, but we like it much more than we thought. 'The kids cycle to school, it's very safe and freer than in Riyadh, and we have supermarkets and restaurants on our doorstep, though the nearest mall is two hours' away. Buses take us around the compound, where I chat to the young [Saudi] women teachers in the school.' It would certainly not suit many, and while she misses all that was on tap in Dubai, she says she is not bored. 'We have a car to get out and do things: to the beach to snorkel – it's like the Maldives – or camping in the mountains. We have Alula, an ancient oasis city, nearby with its five-star hotels and a wellness festival.' How can you move to Saudi? Emma's visa came with her husband's job, as did private healthcare for the family. But if you're not being sponsored by a company, there are five types of the Premium Residency visa – the 'Saudi Green Card' – which can be for special talents (business), gifted (sport, culture arts), investors, entrepreneurs or investment of over four million Saudi riyals (£807,000) in real estate. There is also an option with a one-off payment of 800,000 riyals (£160,857). *Names have been changed.
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Forbes
Everything To Know About Retiring In Italy
Enjoy cafe culture in Italy's great cities, with the world's most famous museums, cathedrals, and architecture at your fingertips... Retiring in Italy is a dream for many Americans—and for those who make the dream come true, it doesn't disappoint. With some of the most history, art, and culture in the world packed into this small country, as well as amazing food and wine, this is a culture vulture's paradise. What most people don't know is that Italy also delivers on outdoor pastimes , with mountains for skiing, long coasts full of award-winning beaches, oodles of countryside, and national parks to explore. Whatever kind of lifestyle you're looking for, Italy will deliver. With such a massive population of Italian descendants in the United States, numbered at 17.3 million according to a 2024 census, it's no surprise than many of them dream of returning to the old country… And many of them do—nearly 16,000 Americans are reported to be currently living in Italy . Plus, according to the British Embassy in Rome, 30,000 Brits were living in Italy in 2021, a number which has likely risen since. That means that you won't have trouble finding English-speaking friends or community here in Italy, though in smaller towns or remote villages, you might need to go to more of a population center to find them. I've often heard expats in the Italian countryside report that they had lived there for years and had just recently met another foreign couple who'd also been there for years—they had just never crossed paths. The best way to meet people is to be active on social media and join lots of local groups. La dolce vita in Italia (the sweet life in Italy) is renowned for a reason… Italy offers a wide variety of lifestyles, from countryside to cosmopolitan city, from beaches to mountains, and from luxury to completely off-grid. Because of its location on the Mediterranean, Italy enjoys fairly temperate year-round weather. Even in the north, where it can be rainier, foggier, and cooler than in the south, you won't experience extreme colds here. In the summer, though, prepare for heat and humidity, as well as lots of sunshine. With its two long coastlines along the Med and the Adriatic, there's a wealth of beaches to enjoy, as well as any other water diversion you'd like. Its world-class historical cities drew over 68 million visitors from around the world in 2024, a record-breaking number. From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, Italy maintains its connection to its past. When it comes to history and cultural sites, Italy has 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites… to put that in perspective, China has 59 and is about 32 times bigger than Italy. Italy offers endless opportunities for fun and adventure—especially for nature and history lovers. Plus Rome and Milan's international airports offer easy access to the world, with direct flights to the United States, Canada, and dozens of destinations all over Europe… All that in addition to the cuisine, wine, history, culture, arts, and general attitude towards life, make Italy one of the most popular overseas locations in the world for retirement. On the plus side… On the other hand… Tax residents of Italy are subject to income tax on their worldwide income. There are three types of income tax in Italy: national income tax, regional income tax, and municipal income tax. National income tax is quite high at 23% to 43%. Regional income tax ranges from 1.23% to 3.33% depending on which region you live in. Municipal income ranges from 0% to 0.9% (according to municipality). On the bright side, first-time buyers of a primary residence in Italy are not subject to tax, and subsequent homes are taxes at just 0.05%. Italy imposes a wealth tax of 1.06% on real estate and 0.2% to 0.4% on financial investments owned outside of Italy. Tax treaties with the United States and Canada prevent any risk of double taxation. Italy does not have a retiree-specific visa, but offers an independent means visa known as the Elective Residency Visa that many retirees use to live in the country long-term. The basic requirement to qualify is proof of passive income (pensions, dividends, royalties, rents, etc.) of 32,000 euros per year. This grants you a one-year residence permit that is renewable. The Golden Visa requires an investment of €250,000, €500,000, or €2 million in approved sectors. It's valid for five years and is renewable. A digital nomad visa is available if you can prove an income of €32,400 per year outside Italy as well as savings of €30,00. It's valid for a year and is renewable. After five years you can apply for permanent residency and after another five for citizenship. Cities that have become overcrowded with tourists in summer, particularly Venice, have been putting in regulations to limit the number of visitors per day. But this attitude generally only applies to tourists, especially those who descend for just a few hours from cruise ships. When it comes to people wanting to move to the country, Italy has been known to be especially welcoming, putting in incentive programs for business people and digital nomads, selling homes for just a few euros, offering tax breaks, and offering citizenship through proving you have Italian-born parents or grandparents. Italy is no secret to those of us who love culture, great food and wine, and the beauty of the Old World. Any lover of history, art, culture, fashion, and food would love a life in Italy. This popular European destination is a haven for expats searching for a dreamy, sunshine-filled retirement that offers the best of the outdoors, as well. Along with this generous stretches of coastline, Italy offers one of the most varied landscapes on Earth, including scenic mountain ranges like the Alps and the Apennines, and stunning lakes such as Lake Garda and Lake Como. If you don't think you're up for learning Italian, though, you'll have a hard time settling in here. It's also not the best destination for LGBTQ+ retirees, as this is one of the most conservative and traditional Catholic cultures in Europe. Aside from those two caveats, Italy is a welcoming and hospitable country for Americans. So whether you prefer cities or the outdoors, retiring in Italy will deliver an enviable lifestyle for just about anyone.
