Getting help with moving or living abroad
For most questions about moving or living abroad, you should:
- contact the government in your destination country
- get professional help – for example from a local lawyer
The UK government, including British embassies and consulates, cannot give personalised guidance on moving to, living or retiring in another country.
Help from your destination country
You can contact:
Country-specific information from the UK government
We publish guidance on living in your destination country for many countries. This covers topics like working, healthcare, pensions and driving.
Read the travel advice for your destination country to understand the risks you may face as a resident or visitor. This includes the latest information on:
- entry requirements, passports and visas
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
- vaccines and medical treatment
- getting help in an emergency
Read our guidance on UK help and services in your destination country.
More help and information from the UK government
You can also read our guidance on:
Telling the UK authorities
Tell HMRC, your local council and other authorities that you’re moving or retiring abroad.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Before you travel to your destination country, you should:
Make sure you meet all visa and entry requirements before you travel.
You may also need to register as a resident in your destination country.
For country-specific information:
Police records and certificates
You may need to get a copy of your police records if you’re applying for a visa or emigrating to some countries.
Permanent residency and citizenship
You may be able to apply for permanent residency or citizenship of your destination country.
You can normally only apply if:
- you have been living in the country permanently for several years
- you have close family who are citizens or nationals of the country – like a spouse, civil partner or parents
However, some countries may offer other routes. These could include investment programmes or fast-tracked residency for highly skilled professionals.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply:
Dual citizenship
Some countries do not recognise dual citizenship. You may have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship or nationality to become a citizen of your destination country.
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The UK government, including British embassies and consulates, cannot give personalised guidance on foreign visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports and travel
In most cases, you can apply for or renew your British passport from abroad. British embassies and consulates do not issue passports.
Read guidance on travelling urgently from abroad without your UK passport if your passport is lost, expired, full or damaged.
For more information, including passport validity and entry requirements, read:
You may need a valid passport to access services in your destination country.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Healthcare abroad
You may not be entitled to free medical treatment in the UK if you move abroad permanently. For more information, read NHS guidance on planning your healthcare when living abroad.
Foreign travel insurance is not intended to cover your healthcare costs if you live abroad permanently.
You should:
To find out more about accessing healthcare abroad:
Medicine
Make sure you have a supply of your prescription medication or can get it in your destination country.
Some medicines may not be available, and you may not be able to take them into the country.
Speak to your GP before you leave to find out about any alternative medicines.
Read guidance on taking your medicine abroad.
Mental health
Read guidance on:
Working abroad
Check if you need a work permit or visa, and make sure that you meet all requirements before you travel.
You may also need to:
To find out more:
Working in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
Find out more about:
Driving abroad
Read guidance on:
For country-specific guidance:
Check rules on licences as you get older or if you have specific medical conditions.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority when you move abroad.
Tax and National Insurance
The UK has double taxation agreements with many countries, so that you do not pay tax on the same income twice.
Read guidance on:
For information on paying tax in your destination country:
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
While abroad, you may be able to claim your UK State Pension.
Read guidance on:
If you have served in the armed forces, you may be eligible for an armed forces pension. To check if you’re eligible and how to apply, read guidance on support for veterans and their families.
Life certificates
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your pension payments may stop if you do not.
Transferring a workplace or personal pension abroad
Read guidance on transferring your UK pension savings to an overseas pension scheme.
Claiming a pension from your destination country
To find out if you can claim a pension from your destination country:
Planning for later life abroad
Plan for your needs as you grow older or if you’re bereaved while living abroad. Consider:
- making a will
- having a living will or lasting power of attorney
- getting advice from a local lawyer or other English-speaking professionals to make sure any documents will be accepted where you live
- filling in the emergency contact information in your passport
- giving a copy of your emergency and legal contact information to a trusted friend or neighbour
- researching nursing and dementia care facilities
- making funeral arrangements, such as a pre-paid plan
- making sure you’ll be able to access bank accounts and services if your spouse or partner dies
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
You cannot get many income-related benefits, like Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
You can check which benefits you can claim if you’re going or living abroad.
Read guidance on:
Claiming destination country benefits
You may be able to claim some benefits in your destination country.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
Buying and renting property abroad
Read guidance on buying a property abroad. Consider getting independent legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in your destination country.
Some countries may have local restrictions on foreign nationals buying or renting property. For country-specific information, read guidance on living in your destination country (if available).
Voting abroad
UK elections
You may be able to vote in some UK elections while living abroad.
Read more about voting if you move or live abroad.
Destination country elections
To find out if you can vote in your destination country’s elections:
Studying abroad
Check if you need a student visa or residence permit, and make sure that you meet all requirements before you travel.
For country-specific requirements:
You can also read guidance on:
Children
If you plan to take your children to live abroad, read guidance on how to:
Schools and education
To find out how to enrol your child in a local school, contact your destination country’s education authority.
There may also be more information in our guidance on living in your destination country (if available).
Child Benefit
You may be able to claim UK Child Benefit if you live abroad.
Child maintenance
Read guidance on child maintenance if a parent lives abroad.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Read guidance on documents for British people abroad for information on:
- where to get official UK documents, like marriage or birth certificates, when you’re abroad
- how to get UK documents legalised, certified and translated for use abroad
Births
Read guidance on registering a birth abroad.
Deaths
Read guidance on what to do when someone dies abroad.
You can also register a death abroad with the UK authorities.
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read guidance on getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad.
Divorce and separation
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get a divorce or legal separation in the UK or your destination country.
If you plan to divorce or separate abroad, you can take legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in your destination country. There may also be information on divorce in your destination country in our guidance on living in your destination country (if available).
If you plan to divorce or separate in the UK, read guidance on how to:
Documents for British people abroad
Our guidance on documents for British people abroad covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary abroad, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
Read guidance on taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad.
For more information:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the relevant authority in your destination country.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Getting help with moving or living abroad
For most questions about moving or living abroad, you should:
- contact the government in your destination country
- get professional help – for example from a local lawyer
The UK government, including British embassies and consulates, cannot give personalised guidance on moving to, living or retiring in another country.
Help from your destination country
You can contact:
Country-specific information from the UK government
We publish guidance on living in your destination country for many countries. This covers topics like working, healthcare, pensions and driving.
Read the travel advice for your destination country to understand the risks you may face as a resident or visitor. This includes the latest information on:
- entry requirements, passports and visas
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
- vaccines and medical treatment
- getting help in an emergency
Read our guidance on UK help and services in your destination country.
More help and information from the UK government
You can also read our guidance on:
Telling the UK authorities
Tell HMRC, your local council and other authorities that you’re moving or retiring abroad.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Before you travel to your destination country, you should:
Make sure you meet all visa and entry requirements before you travel.
You may also need to register as a resident in your destination country.
For country-specific information:
Police records and certificates
You may need to get a copy of your police records if you’re applying for a visa or emigrating to some countries.
Permanent residency and citizenship
You may be able to apply for permanent residency or citizenship of your destination country.
You can normally only apply if:
- you have been living in the country permanently for several years
- you have close family who are citizens or nationals of the country – like a spouse, civil partner or parents
However, some countries may offer other routes. These could include investment programmes or fast-tracked residency for highly skilled professionals.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply:
Dual citizenship
Some countries do not recognise dual citizenship. You may have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship or nationality to become a citizen of your destination country.
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The UK government, including British embassies and consulates, cannot give personalised guidance on foreign visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Passports and travel
In most cases, you can apply for or renew your British passport from abroad. British embassies and consulates do not issue passports.
Read guidance on travelling urgently from abroad without your UK passport if your passport is lost, expired, full or damaged.
For more information, including passport validity and entry requirements, read:
You may need a valid passport to access services in your destination country.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Healthcare abroad
You may not be entitled to free medical treatment in the UK if you move abroad permanently. For more information, read NHS guidance on planning your healthcare when living abroad.
Foreign travel insurance is not intended to cover your healthcare costs if you live abroad permanently.
You should:
To find out more about accessing healthcare abroad:
Medicine
Make sure you have a supply of your prescription medication or can get it in your destination country.
Some medicines may not be available, and you may not be able to take them into the country.
Speak to your GP before you leave to find out about any alternative medicines.
Read guidance on taking your medicine abroad.
Mental health
Read guidance on:
Working abroad
Check if you need a work permit or visa, and make sure that you meet all requirements before you travel.
You may also need to:
To find out more:
Working in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
Find out more about:
Driving abroad
Read guidance on:
For country-specific guidance:
Check rules on licences as you get older or if you have specific medical conditions.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority when you move abroad.
Tax and National Insurance
The UK has double taxation agreements with many countries, so that you do not pay tax on the same income twice.
Read guidance on:
For information on paying tax in your destination country:
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
While abroad, you may be able to claim your UK State Pension.
Read guidance on:
If you have served in the armed forces, you may be eligible for an armed forces pension. To check if you’re eligible and how to apply, read guidance on support for veterans and their families.
Life certificates
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your pension payments may stop if you do not.
Transferring a workplace or personal pension abroad
Read guidance on transferring your UK pension savings to an overseas pension scheme.
Claiming a pension from your destination country
To find out if you can claim a pension from your destination country:
Planning for later life abroad
Plan for your needs as you grow older or if you’re bereaved while living abroad. Consider:
- making a will
- having a living will or lasting power of attorney
- getting advice from a local lawyer or other English-speaking professionals to make sure any documents will be accepted where you live
- filling in the emergency contact information in your passport
- giving a copy of your emergency and legal contact information to a trusted friend or neighbour
- researching nursing and dementia care facilities
- making funeral arrangements, such as a pre-paid plan
- making sure you’ll be able to access bank accounts and services if your spouse or partner dies
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
You cannot get many income-related benefits, like Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
You can check which benefits you can claim if you’re going or living abroad.
Read guidance on:
Claiming destination country benefits
You may be able to claim some benefits in your destination country.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
Buying and renting property abroad
Read guidance on buying a property abroad. Consider getting independent legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in your destination country.
Some countries may have local restrictions on foreign nationals buying or renting property. For country-specific information, read guidance on living in your destination country (if available).
Voting abroad
UK elections
You may be able to vote in some UK elections while living abroad.
Read more about voting if you move or live abroad.
Destination country elections
To find out if you can vote in your destination country’s elections:
Studying abroad
Check if you need a student visa or residence permit, and make sure that you meet all requirements before you travel.
For country-specific requirements:
You can also read guidance on:
Children
If you plan to take your children to live abroad, read guidance on how to:
Schools and education
To find out how to enrol your child in a local school, contact your destination country’s education authority.
There may also be more information in our guidance on living in your destination country (if available).
Child Benefit
You may be able to claim UK Child Benefit if you live abroad.
Child maintenance
Read guidance on child maintenance if a parent lives abroad.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Read guidance on documents for British people abroad for information on:
- where to get official UK documents, like marriage or birth certificates, when you’re abroad
- how to get UK documents legalised, certified and translated for use abroad
Births
Read guidance on registering a birth abroad.
Deaths
Read guidance on what to do when someone dies abroad.
You can also register a death abroad with the UK authorities.
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read guidance on getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad.
Divorce and separation
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get a divorce or legal separation in the UK or your destination country.
If you plan to divorce or separate abroad, you can take legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in your destination country. There may also be information on divorce in your destination country in our guidance on living in your destination country (if available).
If you plan to divorce or separate in the UK, read guidance on how to:
Documents for British people abroad
Our guidance on documents for British people abroad covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary abroad, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
Read guidance on taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad.
For more information:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the relevant authority in your destination country.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
This article was originally published on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad. It is shared here under a Creative Commons license.
