While moving abroad is a big step, it doesn't have to be complicated, so long as you're well prepared.

Take 10 minutes to check out the practicalities.

Before you begin: Check the requirements
UK nationals have the right to live in any European Economic Area (EEA) country (for a full list, see www.direct.gov.uk). For details on requirements like visas for other countries, speak to the British Consul in that country, and its foreign consulate in the UK.

Step 1: Move your money
Opening a bank account in the country you're moving to will give you easy access to cash and avoid currency conversion charges. This will be essential if you want to buy property there.

Lots of high street banks have foreign, or offshore, banking arms. Some may require you to deposit a large initial sum. Or consider banking with an entirely online bank.

Remember that when opening a bank account abroad, you may need to show credit references from the UK to help establish an overseas credit rating.

Step 2: Look after your savings
Your new country may tax you heavily on interest earned on your UK savings so it may be best to move them. The cheapest way to do this, particularly for large sums, is to use a foreign exchange dealer. Do your homework online to find a reputable one.

Step 3: Work out your tax situation
As a non-UK resident, where your earnings are will decide where you pay tax.

You pay tax in the UK on UK earnings like rental income on a property, and investment income arising in the UK. But money earned overseas is taxed in the country you earned it.

It's best to get advice on this issue  and whether you need to change tax status  from a financial advisor.

Step 4: Protect your pension
Any pension can be paid into your account overseas, but you must keep up with your National Insurance (NI) contributions to receive your full UK State Pension.

To pay NI from abroad, call the HMRC International Services Helpline on 0845 9154811. Give your UK NI Number and you'll be told how much you will have to pay for any time spent working abroad.

You can keep paying into a private pension for five years after you've moved abroad. And if you're working in the EEA or some other countries such as Canada, you may also pay into your state pension. Ask the British Consul.

Step 5: Buying a property abroad
Details vary from country to country, but always seek professional advice where you can. Only negotiate with officially registered estate agents, and use a bilingual solicitor to deal with legalities, and to explain everything clearly, especially all potential costs.

When making an offer, do so in writing, outlining every specific, from the deposit to the date you expect to complete.

Local lenders are usually happy to consider mortgages on local properties, whatever your nationality. You won't be able to use a British mortgage lender.

You can apply for your mortgage before you move but you'll need to show proof of earnings. For older borrowers, pension income can count.

Overseas lenders generally ask for a larger deposit - 15-25% - but official residency in your new country can reduce this. Ask the consulate.

Affordability is usually the basis of a foreign loan value, not income, so if you're still paying a mortgage on a property in the UK it will count against you.

A good overseas credit rating will improve your mortgage chances. One of the easiest ways to do this is to bank with an international branch of your UK bank, as they will already have a credit rating for you.