FAQs
Welcome to, your guide to navigating international living, travel, and relocation.
Our FAQ section is designed to answer the most common queries, from visas and residency, to cross‑border finances, legalities, and lifestyle adjustments, so you can feel more confident, informed, and prepared for whatever comes next.
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What exactly is your role?
Our role is to be your single point of contact and project manager. We do not personally handle the local legal work (e.g., drafting the will or filing land registry documents); instead, we orchestrate the entire process. We vet, instruct, and manage a trusted network of specialist lawyers, accountants, and agents in the relevant foreign jurisdiction to ensure your goals are met efficiently and in compliance, minimising your risk and time commitment.
How do you select your overseas partners?
We maintain a proven and reliable network of professionals who specialise in serving international clients. Selection is based on specialist experience in cross-border issues, a clear track record of success, language capabilities, and adherence to our high ethical and service standards. They are specialists we trust to deliver the local expertise you need.
How long does the asset tracing or recovery process typically take?
The timeline varies significantly based on the asset type, its location, and the complexity of the jurisdiction. Simple cases may take a few months. Complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions, corporate structures, or litigation can take six months to several years. We can advise on realistic dates following our initial investigation.
What is the difference between asset tracing and escheatment?
Asset Tracing is the investigative process of finding and locating assets that have been hidden, misused, or simply forgotten. Escheatment is the legal process by which unclaimed or dormant financial assets are turned over to a state or government authority after a statutory period of inactivity. We help you with both: tracing the lost assets and reclaiming escheated property before or after the state takes custody.
If an asset has been escheated, can it still be recovered?
Yes, in most jurisdictions, the government holds the escheated asset on behalf of the original owner or their heirs in perpetuity. Recovery is still possible, but it requires submitting extensive documentation and proof of ownership to the relevant government department, a process we manage entirely on your behalf.
Selling foreign property - what are the tax implications?
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the country of sale and your home country might doubly tax foreign property sales. We work with cross-border tax consultants to use Double Taxation Treaties and structure the transaction to minimise your tax burden before the monies are repatriated lawfully.
How are your fees structured?
Our fees are generally structured depending on the job. Contact our team, and we can give you a no-obligation quote based on the case.
How can you help me avoid excessive exchange-rate markups during repatriation?
The cost of transferring funds across borders often lies in poor foreign exchange (FX) rates offered by traditional banks. We connect you with specialist FX firms to implement a strategic repatriation plan, which may include forward contracts or multi-currency accounts, ensuring your funds are converted and transferred at competitive rates to maximise your net return.
What is Forced Heirship?
In civil law countries like France and Spain, forced heirship statutes require a portion of your inheritance to be distributed to legal heirs, regardless of what your Will has expressed. We can liaise with local solicitors to address matters such as the EU’s Brussels IV Regulation, which may allow you to choose your country’s law to manage your inheritance. This could enable you to control your estate distribution.
How does Domicile affect my international Will?
Your legal Domicile (which is not necessarily the same as your residency) decides which country’s law rules the succession of your movable assets (bank accounts, investments). Correctly mentioning your Domicile is crucial. To avoid costly legal issues, we ensure your Will addresses conflict of laws in all relevant jurisdictions.
Which international property purchase mistake is most common?
The most common and costly mistake is inadequate legal due diligence. This generally includes neglecting to verify that the seller has a clear title, that the property is free of undeclared debts or liens (such as a mortgage), or that it was built with required permissions and licenses. We ensure a clear title by having our local legal partners review everything.
Can you help finance international property?
We can refer you to international mortgage brokers and institutions that finance foreign nationals, but we are not lenders. We can help you understand the financial due diligence costs, including local taxes, notary fees, and currency fluctuations, for your mortgage payments.
Whether you’re moving abroad, managing overseas affairs, or simply exploring life beyond your borders, we understand that questions can arise at every step. Contact us for more support.
Call Oversee Matters on: 020 8017 2050 or +44 20 8017 2050 (if calling from outside the UK) or fill in our form below and we will get back to you.
WhatsApp: +44 79 4918 6454