Expats 'should get legal advice'

Expatriates have been urged to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations of their new home.

According to Calculis, foreign nationals who live abroad could benefit from getting legal advice as soon as they arrive at their destination.

The financial advice group said this is important as people need to be aware of the fact that a different country will have its own laws that expats may be unfamiliar with.

Alex Pegley, director of Calculis, said the tax regime in particular could be very different to what they are used to at home.

He added that people who are thinking of moving abroad could also find renting a home overseas a prudent measure during the first few months.

"See if you like it before you buy it," he commented.

"Get to know the area and get to know how business is done there."

According to official figures, more than 200,000 British nationals moved overseas in 2006.