Does anyone live between the UK and another overseas location?

[NannyLouise29]

I'm considering (pretty much decided) that come September I'll be accepting a relocation package with my current job, and moving within Europe. They have agreed to allow me to condense my hours to work for two weeks, and then have a week off in rotation. During my week off I'll return to the UK to be with DP.

Does anyone have any practical tips for this kind of backward forward commute? I'm not sure if I'd be better off with temporary accommodation overseas which may need to change every time I'm back, or to rent something long term only to leave it empty 25% of the time.

[OutragedFromLeeds]

If you're home one week in three, then you'll be spending 66% of the time in the accommodation and it will be empty 33% of the time. Personally, I'd want the place where I was spending the majority of my time to feel homely so I would rent something. Needing to pack and unpack every two weeks would be a nightmare! Is there no way you can get accommodation as part of your job package?

[WallyBantersJunkBox]

A few of my colleagues did this. The best fit seemed to be a bedsit or apartment sharing with other professionals.

With the latter they can check your mail, and as there is someone around it is more secure.

The question really will depend on where you are going - if you need a work permit for example, you'll need a permanent address. A hotel will not suffice. Also for some countries you will need a bank account which again could necessitate an address. Will they pay you in sterling into your UK bank account?

If i were you,i would check the regulations of the above first before deciding?

[karmakameleon]

Also think about the tax implications. If you spend a third of your time in the UK you will probably not break residency and may have to pay tax in both countries. Depends on the specifics of how much time you are spending where and the overseas location but could be both very complicated and very expensive.

[NannyLouise29]

Thanks so much for your advice. I won't be breaking UK residency and therefore will be paying tax here, but overall spending less than 183 days in Spain so won't be a Spanish tax resident. There are other factors which mean I won't be in either country for some of the year. However, I will of course have to pay tax on anything I earn whilst in Spain (just not on everything I earn all year). So there will be an overlap which could prove costly. My employers will be paying me sterling into my British bank account.

I would much prefer for them to arrange my accommodation so I will talk to them about that. I think it will all hinge on a meeting I have with them next week where we will clarify all details and I can put forward any concerns I have.