Repatriation Advice for Expats Returning to the UK
Make your move back to the UK easy and stress-free
We provide expert help with cross-border finances, taxes, and pensions so you can return to the UK smoothly and securely.
Repatriation and the challenges expats face
Repatriation is the process of returning to live in the UK after spending time working or residing abroad.
Moving back to the UK is more than just changing your address. Tax rules change as soon as you become a UK resident again, and your choices before moving can have lasting effects.
With the right planning, you can avoid common problems and make your move home simple and stress-free.
Our repatriation services provide a clear, personalised financial plan for your return. This helps you avoid unnecessary taxes and costly mistakes with pension or investment transfers.
Why choose us
If you’re planning to return to the UK, you need advisers who understand your full financial situation. Here’s what sets us apart:
Comprehensive solutions
We provide a range of financial services to support you and your long-term objectives.
Experience
We have almost 30 years of experience giving trusted advice to expats returning to the UK from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Expat specialists
We know the challenges expats face and how to help you overcome them.
Global expertise
Our offices around the world mean you can get expert advice wherever you are.
Things expats need to consider when moving back to the UK
Overseas properties
Once you’re a UK resident for tax purposes, you pay tax on foreign income and gains. This means that rental income or the sale of an overseas property could lead to income and capital gains tax.
Investments and savings
Many investments that worked well while you lived abroad may not be suitable once you’re a UK resident. It’s important to review any offshore investment accounts to make sure they still fit your needs.
Overseas pension and transfer options
Your international pension arrangements can affect your tax position and retirement income when you move back to the UK. It’s important to understand how they will be treated under UK rules.
UK tax residency
The Statutory Residence Test decides your residency status. The date you become a UK resident is when you start paying UK tax. This includes:
- Income Tax
- Inheritance Tax (IHT)
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Timing your move can make a real difference and help avoid potential tax issues.
How we help expats moving back to the UK
UK tax planning
We review all tax implications of your return, help you plan the timing, reduce unnecessary tax, and make sure your overseas income, assets, and pensions are set up properly for the UK tax system.
Financial planning
If you’re a British expat returning home, it can be hard to stay on track with your long-term goals. Get expert financial planning to help you create a plan tailored to your needs.
Pension transfers and reviews
Our specialists review your overseas and UK pensions, explain the pros and cons of each transfer option, and help you choose the best path for you.
UK State Pension review
If you’ve lived outside the UK for a while, you might have gaps in your National Insurance record that could affect your State Pension. We check your contributions, find any gaps, and recommend top-up options.
Estate planning
We help you update your estate planning to match UK law, including wills, inheritance tax planning, and cross-border issues.
Retirement planning
Retirement planning is important for expats moving back to the UK. Whether you plan to retire soon or in the future, we make sure your investments, pensions, and savings align with your UK retirement goals.
Repatriation resources
We provide free resources and tools designed for people returning to the UK.
Use our currency calculator to check the latest exchange rates and convert between major currencies. If you’re coming home, it can help you get the most from your money.
For more help managing your finances, check out our financial tools.
How our repatriation services work
If you’re an expat returning to the UK, make sure you’re prepared. Here’s how our process works:
Initial consultation
We begin by assessing your situation, assets, and plans to return to the UK.
Review
We do a detailed analysis of your pensions, investments, property, income, and tax residency.
Plan
We create a strategy tailored to your financial and tax needs before, during, and after your move.
Implement
We help with paperwork, pension transfers, restructuring investments, and any other steps you need.
Expats moving back to the UK often face tax issues and other challenges. With the right planning, though, coming home can be straightforward.
Starting early makes it easier to keep up with rising education costs. Our experts are here to help you begin planning for your child’s future today.
Repatriation FAQs
There’s a lot to think about before moving back to the UK. You’ll need to consider your taxes, pension arrangements, investments, property, and how your income will be handled once you’re a UK resident again.
Depending on when you return and your residency status, you might be taxed on your worldwide income. As a UK resident, you’ll also pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on assets both in the UK and overseas. Good tax planning can help reduce your tax bill.
Yes, you can transfer an overseas pension to the UK, but it’s not always the best choice. It depends on your pension scheme, your goals, and the tax rules. Our experts can help you review your options.
The Statutory Residence Test (SRT) decides your tax residency status and the date you become a UK resident, which is when UK taxes start to apply. The rules can be complex, so it’s best to talk to a professional for advice.
Absolutely. We often help clients after they’ve returned to the UK by reviewing their arrangements and resolving any issues.
Double taxation treaties usually stop you from being taxed twice on the same income. But if you don’t plan ahead before moving back to the UK, you could end up paying more tax than needed. Talk to our team to make sure you’re ready.