Moving Abroad Checklist

Moving abroad can be daunting, so we’ve created this moving abroad checklist to help simplify the process and reduce the stress. A detailed insight into everything you need to do before moving abroad and also what to consider in your first few months in your new home, including important factors to consider.

Taking your pet with you

Get your pet micro-chipped by your vet

Have your pet immunized against rabies at least 21 days before you are due to travel
Seek the help from a professional animal transportation company
Consider the transportation itself – including the transportation crate, food and water

Capital Gains Tax

If you are keeping property in the UK, you may incur capital gains tax on future sales as an expat

Each country has its own tax rules, some specific for expats
Get advice from a local financial adviser if you are unsure about local tax rules

Renting out your home in the UK

There are a number of decisions to make: how to manage the property, find and replace tenants, collect rent, and manage improvements or repairs

As a non-resident, you will need to establish your likely income from rent as this could be subject to UK income tax
Find suitable expat landlord insurance which will cover you and your property

Estate planning

Create a will

Get advice from a financial adviser
Minimize tax liabilities
Find out what happens to your estate if you’re planning to move abroad
Consider the tax implications of your decision when you apply for an overseas financial adviser

Other Investments

ISAs

Typically you need to have a permanent UK residential address for tax purposes.
If you are planning to move abroad, consider whether you want to keep your ISA while you live abroad, payments before you move and whether you are returning to the UK at some point in the future.

Medical insurance and health care

Check to see whether the country where you are going to live has special agreements with a number of countries.

If not, you may need to make arrangements which ensure your health is covered as required.
NHS Choices is an excellent resource for medical advice.

Registering to vote

Even as an expat you have an important role to play in the UK voting system

Gain expert guidance to help you better plan for your financial future
Request a free introduction and we’ll connect you to one of our trusted independent financial advisors

Plan to settle in

How will you settle in once you’ve moved?

Top ten essential tips for settling in to your new home
From setting up utilities to understanding the culture, there is a lot of preparation you can do in advance to help make the transition smoother
Don’t get homesick

Tax planning

Fill out a form R105 from HMRC and send it to the financial institutions where your savings are held.

Normally tax is deducted from your interest income before you receive it. Fill out this if you expect to continue to receive interest income from savings in the UK.

“At a glance” checklist

Know your visa requirements of your new country of residence

Decide whether you should rent or purchase a property
Get to know your tax requirements for your home country when you live abroad
What financial planning options you have and sort out your bank accounts
Make plans for relocating pets
Sort out your insurance requirements and ensure that you comply with the rules of any existing policies

Post

Set up a mail redirection as soon as you know where you’ll be living

Local authorities

Let the local authority know that you will be leaving and give them your new address so they can send you your Council Tax bill

European Health Insurance Card

Replaced the E111 in 2006

Valid across the EC including Switzerland
Only valid for short-term stays
If you’re going to live in a country long-term, you must integrate with the local social insurance system if there is one

Driving and Getting Around

Check with your new country of residence before you travel to make sure you know the local driving laws and regulations.

If you are heading outside of Europe, you need to request an International Driving Permit which you can do from the Post Office.

Non resident tax returns

Completing a tax return as an expat

UK tax requirements

You need to notify the tax authorities (i.e. HMRC) in the UK that you are planning to leave.

Get your P85 form from Revenue and Customs, fill it in, and return it. This helps ensure that you’ll be taxed appropriately in each jurisdiction.

Bank accounts

Currency fluctuations and transaction fees can mean that if you earn or spend money, you could be paying unnecessarily

To avoid this, you should initially open an international bank account which is specifically designed to assist with the movement of money.
Alternatively, you may also be able to open an Expat Bank account.

Expat Pensions

If you are planning to retire abroad, your pension is going to be one of your most important factors.

As an Expat, depending on your plans, you may have unique opportunities available to you and an adviser will be able to discuss each of the options enabling you to make a decision.