Overview
Moving abroad is one of the most significant decisions you can make. Whether you are retiring to Spain, following a partner to Australia, or starting a new chapter in France, there is a lot to organise. This checklist covers the key legal, financial, and practical steps to take before you go and once you arrive, so nothing important gets missed.
Why This Matters
Many people focus on the exciting parts of moving abroad and leave the admin until later. But some things have deadlines or consequences if not done in the right order. Getting your documents, finances, and legal affairs in order before you leave makes everything much easier, and means your family back home knows where things stand.
Key Facts
- You must notify HMRC if you are leaving the UK for tax purposes.
- Your UK State Pension can usually be paid abroad, but may be frozen in some countries.
- You may need to update your will if you own property in another country.
- A UK Lasting Power of Attorney may not be recognised abroad.
- Your UK driving licence may only be valid for a limited period in your new country.
- Some countries require you to register as a resident within a set number of days of arrival.
- Healthcare entitlements change significantly when you move abroad.
- You should review all insurance policies, including life, health, and home insurance.
Step by Step
- 1
Notify HMRC and update your tax status
If you are leaving the UK permanently or for an extended period, you need to tell HMRC. Complete form P85 (Leaving the UK) to claim any tax refund and establish your non-resident status. Your tax obligations will change depending on where you move and how long you are away.
- 2
Sort out your State Pension and benefits
Contact the International Pension Centre to check how your State Pension will be paid abroad and whether it will be uprated annually. If you receive any UK benefits, check whether you can continue to receive them from abroad. Some benefits stop when you leave the UK.
- 3
Review your will and legal documents
If you own property in another country, you may need a separate will for that jurisdiction. Check whether your UK will is valid in your new country. Also review your Lasting Power of Attorney, as it may not be recognised abroad. Consider whether you need local equivalents.
- 4
Arrange healthcare cover
Your entitlement to NHS care changes when you move abroad. Research the healthcare system in your new country. If you are moving to an EU country, check whether you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Many expats take out private international health insurance.
- 5
Notify your bank and review finances
Tell your UK bank you are moving abroad. Some banks restrict services for non-UK residents. Consider opening a local bank account in your new country. Review all direct debits and standing orders. Consider how you will manage currency exchange.
- 6
Update your address and notify key organisations
Notify the DVLA, your pension providers, insurance companies, and any other organisations that hold your details. Update your address with the electoral register if you want to keep your UK voting rights (British citizens abroad can vote in UK elections for up to 15 years).
- 7
Register in your new country
Many countries require you to register as a resident within a set period of arrival. This is often done at a local town hall or government office. You may need to obtain a local identity number, which is required for opening bank accounts, renting property, and accessing services.
- 8
Record everything in your vault
Keep a record of all your accounts, documents, and contacts in both countries. Include your local registration number, healthcare details, property information, and the location of all important documents. This is especially important for your family, who may need to manage affairs in two countries if something happens to you.
Keep all your expat documents and notes in one secure place. Your family will know exactly where to look when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I keep my UK bank account when I move abroad?
- It depends on the bank. Some UK banks allow non-residents to keep their accounts; others close accounts or restrict services. Contact your bank before you move to find out their policy. It is worth keeping a UK account for receiving your State Pension and managing UK financial matters.
- Will my UK will still be valid if I move abroad?
- A UK will may be valid in another country, but the rules vary. If you own property abroad, it is strongly advisable to make a separate will in that country to cover those assets. Speak to a solicitor who specialises in international estate planning.
- Do I need to pay UK tax if I live abroad?
- It depends on your residency status and where your income comes from. UK-sourced income such as rental income or a State Pension may still be subject to UK tax even if you live abroad. Your new country may also tax your worldwide income. Many countries have double taxation agreements with the UK to prevent you being taxed twice on the same income.
- What is the International Pension Centre?
- The International Pension Centre is part of the UK government and handles State Pension claims and payments for people living abroad. Contact them before you move to arrange how your pension will be paid and to check whether it will increase each year in your new country.
- Can I vote in UK elections if I live abroad?
- Yes. British citizens living abroad can register as overseas voters and vote in UK elections for up to 15 years after leaving the UK. You need to register with the electoral register in the last UK constituency where you were registered.
- What happens to my NHS entitlement when I move abroad?
- Once you are no longer ordinarily resident in the UK, you are not automatically entitled to free NHS treatment. You may be entitled to emergency treatment, but routine care will be charged. Check the healthcare arrangements in your new country and consider international health insurance.
Official Resources
These links go directly to official government and trusted organisation websites.
- Leaving the UK for tax purposes (P85)HMRC guidance on tax when you retire or move abroadGOV.UK
- State Pension if you live abroadHow your UK State Pension works when you live outside the UKGOV.UK
- International Pension CentreContact details and guidance for UK State Pension payments abroadGOV.UK
- Living abroad guidanceGOV.UK guidance on living abroad, including healthcare, tax, and votingGOV.UK
- Register as an overseas voterRegister to vote in UK elections as a British citizen living abroadGOV.UK
How Legacy Vault Kit Can Help
Legacy Vault Kit has sections for both your UK and overseas affairs. You can record your local registration numbers, overseas property details, international bank accounts, healthcare arrangements, and the location of all important documents in both countries. If something happens to you abroad, your family will have everything they need in one place, wherever they are in the world.