If you are intending to move to another country to start a new life, or even if you are planning on spending long periods out of your native home country, you will need to ensure that you find out all there is to know about the country your moving to, to make sure your move and new life will be as fruitful and enjoyable as possible.
Being a UK citizen, you have the right to live in any EEA country. If you are thinking of moving/retiring to a non-EEA country, speak to the British Consul abroad and the foreign consulate in the UK .
Before you go
Request a UK state pension forecast:
A retirement pension forecasts tells you, in today's money value's, the amount of state pension you have earned already and the amount you can expect to receive at the state pension age. Obtain form BR19 from your local social security office or contact the Retirement Pension Forecasting and Advice Unit (RPFA). If you wish to obtain a pension forecast from abroad you should contact the Inland Revenue and ask for form CA3638. You will still receive your state pension on retirement (provided you have reached the state pension age) if you live overseas, but it may not be increased annually if you are going to live outside the EEA.
Find out your tax liability abroad:
If you move or retire abroad you will still have to pay UK tax on income you receive form the UK . If you go to a country that has a double taxation agreement with the UK , you may be able to pay less.
Think about banking offshore:
Once you are no longer a resident of the UK , different taxation rules apply depending on your country of residence. See see countries for more information. An offshore bank account can play an important role in helping you reduce you tax liabilities. Additional benefits may include asset protection, estate planning, confidentiality, security and ability to deal with English-speaking professionals who understand culture sensitivities and the unique needs of expatriates.
Find out about health costs abroad:
If you are retiring to another country within the EEA and you are entitled to a UK state retirement pension, incapacity benefit, widows or bereavement benefits, you will need form E121. When you ask the DWP about getting your pension paid to you in another EEA country, it will automatically check to see if you get the same free or reduced cost medical treatment as a pensioner of the country you are in, under its health care scheme. You are also strongly advised to get health insurance to cover private medical and dental treatment and medical repatriation to the UK . For more information see healthcare.
Let people know your change of address:
Let your social security office, and the Inland Revenue National Insurance Contributions Office - International Services and the DWP know when are where you are going . Keep them updated including if you move back to the UK . This way if anything needs to be done about your contributions or benefit rights, it can be done straight away.
When you arrive
Register with the local authorities:
This will give you access to the local welfare services after a short period of time. If you are moving to another EEA country you must apply for a residence permit within three months of arrival.
Register with British Consulate:
This will help the Consul keep in touch with you if you get into difficulties, or in the case of an emergency abroad.
Open a foreign bank account:
Within the EEA you can apply for a non-resident bank account on arrival. Once your residence permit has been granted - usually after three to six months- you can open a normal bank account. In many countries any retirement pensions can be paid directly into your bank account there.
Learn the local language:
It will make it easier to fit in with the local community. Hospital and local welfare services staff will not usually speak English. In general it will make life easier with day to day activities.
Make a will.
If you die abroad this can cause great difficulties with your heirs. For more information see wills.
Check out schools:
Depending on where you go there will be a range of English speaking and local schools. You can find out more from The European Council of International schools.
