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Moving back to the UK after living abroad

8th November 2024

Making the decision to move back to the UK after living abroad can be a very long and tough one. While it might not be an easy decision to pack up and move your life again, you’re transition can be made easier by researching how to move back to the UK from another country. Whether you’re an expat, abroad with your family, or have been studying away, there are several things you need to know before settling back into the UK.

 

Reasons for moving back to the UK

 

Before you commit to moving back to the UK, it is important to think about why you want to move back and whether it is definitely the right decision to make. Ask yourself: Will I still receive the same income as I currently do? How do prices compare between companies? Why do I really want to leave? What do I want that I can’t get from living here or in the UK? Once you are certain that you are ready to move, you must start organising your return. 

You need to start by contacting your bank and telling them you are moving back to the UK, if you have closed down your UK one, let them know you are looking to reopen on your return. Contact the UK authorities for advice on tax as this can get very confusing. Organise transport for your belongings to be removed and shipped back to the UK and work out any logistics surrounding selling your property, transporting your pets and finalising your move.

 

The UK government website offers lots of information on logistics for those looking to move back to the UK after living abroad.

1. Residency and Legal Status

As a British citizen returning to the UK after living abroad, you retain the right to live, work, and access public services. However, if you’ve been away for an extended period, it’s important to re-establish your UK residency. You may need to take several steps to reintegrate into the system, such as registering for healthcare, updating your address with relevant authorities, and ensuring your financial and tax details are current. Notify HMRC of your return and inform your local council. You may need to update your status with the NHS. In some cases, you may need to meet certain residency requirements or pass the “Life in the UK” test if you’ve been gone for a very long time. Taking care of these requirements ahead of your return will help you re-establish yourself in the UK without unexpected complications.

 

2. Healthcare and NHS Access

Upon returning to the UK, expats must re-register with the NHS by registering with a local GP. This involves visiting a nearby GP surgery, providing proof of identity and address, and informing the NHS if you are re-establishing residency. Expats using private health insurance abroad should decide whether to continue with it in the UK or rely on the NHS. They should contact their insurer to update their policy and compare the benefits of private insurance against those provided by the NHS.

 

3. Taxation and Financial Planning

Upon returning to the UK, it’s essential to update your tax status with HMRC to reflect any changes in your tax obligations, especially if you have income from foreign sources. Understanding UK tax regulations and double taxation treaties with your previous country of residence can help you avoid penalties. Check for any gaps in your National Insurance contributions from your time abroad, as these could affect your eligibility for state benefits, including your pension; making voluntary contributions may be necessary to cover any missing payments. Ensure you set up or reactivate a UK bank account and plan the transfer of funds from overseas accounts, considering potential currency conversion fees and managing any existing international banking relationships to streamline your financial transition.

 

5. Pensions and Benefits

When returning to the UK after living abroad, it’s essential to manage financial and practical considerations for a smooth transition, especially for pensioners. Key actions include updating your status with the Department for Work and Pensions to align your state pension with UK regulations and exploring eligibility for benefits like Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance. Assessing private or workplace pensions for currency and tax implications is crucial, and consulting a financial advisor can help understand how these incomes will be taxed under UK law. Reacquaint yourself with UK tax regulations, ensuring to notify HMRC of your return to update your tax status and make any necessary declarations. Reviewing and addressing any gaps in National Insurance contributions is also important to maintain eligibility for certain benefits and pensions. Proactively managing these aspects can help avoid unexpected tax issues and facilitate a smoother reintegration into UK life.

 

 FAQ’s

Will I lose my pension if I move back to the UK? 

No, it is highly unlikely that if you transferred your pension across, you won’t be able to get it back. If you have ever paid or contributed to National Insurance in the UK, then you will be eligible for a state pension, even if you have lived outside of the UK for a time. Personal pensions are slightly different, and you should talk to your provider, but it still shouldn’t affect you.

If you’ve paid contributions to more than one country, then you might even be eligible for state pensions across both countries.

Do I need to tell HMCR that I am moving back to England?

You must tell HMCR that you are moving back to the UK, you will be classed as a UK citizen again and will need to pay taxes. To advise them when you are returning to the UK, you can phone the Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310.

Can I use the NHS when I move back to the UK?

If you are a UK national currently moving abroad, you will be eligible to use the NHS upon your return. However, you must provide a range of documents to prove that you are eligible. This includes 2 of the following documents:

Proof of current UK Residency

• Proof of property purchase or tenancy agreement
• Recent utility bill or council tax bill payment
• UK bank account statement showing recent activity

Employment Status

• Payslip or letter from employer
• Bank statement
• Unique tax reference number
• Document from your local job centre to show that you are receiving job seeker’s allowance.

Other Paperwork

• Proof of sale or tenancy termination of property in the previous country of residence
• Terminated employment and or education at the previous country of residence
• Proof of shipped goods to assets to the UK from outside of the UK
• Proos of ended international insurance policies or utility contracts.

You will need to fill out a GMS1 form to re-register with a local GP and provide them with your eligibility evidence.

Can I lose my UK residency if I move abroad and then try to come back?

If you were a British Citizen before moving out of the UK, you will not lose your UK residency if you move back. You can still vote in UK general elections if you move or retire abroad. When you return, you will be able to reclaim your citizenship.

Can I move out of England, then back again as a Non-Brit?

If you’re not from the UK, you may be eligible to return to the UK as a returning resident if you previously had settled status there. You need to apply for and obtain entry clearance as a returning resident before coming to the UK. The duration of your previous residence can influence your application, but other factors will also be taken into consideration. For instance, if you have strong ties to the UK, your application may not be rejected solely because your original residence was short.

 

There are other factors to consider that might affect your returning to the UK:

 

Indefinite leave to remain

If you have been out of the UK for less than two years, you may be allowed to return, provided that you did not receive financial assistance from the Home Office to leave.

 

Pre-settled status

If you have pre-settled status, you are allowed to be outside the UK for up to six months within a 12-month period. Being away for more than six months may result in losing your pre-settled status. Once you have lived in the UK for five consecutive years, you can apply for settled status in order to extend your stay.

 

If you’re thinking of moving back to the UK after living abroad, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team today. We can help you find an international partner, collect your items from a port, airport, or drop-off location, store these items until you are ready to have them delivered to your home, and then unbox and put together your furniture once you are back in the UK. Contact us on 01638 515335