What is an Offshore Bond? An Expat Guide

Thinking about investing as an expat and wondering what an offshore bond is? Offshore bonds are popular with British expats looking for tax-efficient ways to grow and manage their wealth while living abroad. In simple terms, an offshore bond is an investment wrapper based in a low-tax jurisdiction that allows your money to grow free from immediate tax. The benefits of offshore bonds include tax deferral, investment flexibility, and portability across borders—making them especially useful for expats with complex cross-border…

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Moving Back to the UK? Here’s What the New Tax Rules Mean for You

If you’re a Brit planning to return to the UK after years of living abroad, a major tax shake-up is coming your way. From 6 April 2025, the UK is switching to a residence-based tax system, moving away from centuries of domicile-based rules. That means your tax status will depend entirely on whether you’re considered a UK resident, not where your parents are from or where your wealth is held. If you’re a former expat returning to live in the…

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Expat State Pension guide (2025/2026 update)

Understanding the Expat State Pension is crucial for British expats who are living abroad. As a British expat, it’s important to know how the UK state pension works and how it affects your retirement planning, ensuring you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.

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Retire to Poland with Confidence: Essential Tips for Brits Looking to Move

Retiring abroad is a big step, and Poland is becoming an increasingly popular choice for British expats. Whether you’re considering retiring to Poland for its lower cost of living, quality healthcare, or cultural appeal, this guide covers everything you need to know. From legal requirements to finances, we’ll help Brits in Poland and those returning to Poland plan their retirement successfully.

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Expat retirement: Which countries are affected by Frozen State Pension?

When retiring abroad, understanding the impact of the UK’s frozen state pension policy is crucial. Over half a million retirees face financial challenges as their pensions remain stagnant in certain countries. This article explores how the frozen state pension affects expat state pensions abroad, providing insight into which countries are impacted and offering advice on how to navigate this issue.

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How do I apply for an NT Code for pension income? An expat guide

An NT (No Tax) code is granted to individuals who receive UK-sourced income and reside in a country that has a double taxation agreement (DTA) with the UK. [Note, for expats in Europe these rules still apply after Brexit, as these tax treaties were made outside of EU legislation.] The code allows you to receive UK pension income, without having tax deducted at source.

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Why Are So Many Wealthy Brits Moving to Dubai? (Plus Five Financial Pitfalls to Avoid When Doing So)

Why Are So Many Wealthy Brits Moving to Dubai? Moving to Dubai In recent years, a noticeable trend has emerged: an increasing number of wealthy British individuals are packing their bags and relocating to Dubai. This shift is not just a fleeting phenomenon but part of a broader movement of high-net-worth individuals seeking new opportunities and lifestyles abroad. But what exactly is driving this exodus? Why are so many wealthy Brits choosing Dubai over more traditional destinations like Spain, France,…

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How British Expats Can Boost Their UK State Pension Before the April 2025 Deadline

If you’ve spent part of your career outside the UK, your State Pension entitlement may not be as high as you expect. Many British expats miss out on thousands of pounds in retirement simply because they don’t check their National Insurance (NI) record in time. But right now, there’s a limited-time opportunity to top up missing contributions and increase your pension—it could be one of the best financial decisions you make. The deadline to fill in gaps in your NI…

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10 Key Financial Questions to Ask HR Before Taking an Expat Role Overseas

Taking an expat role overseas can be an exciting career move, but it also comes with financial complexities that need to be carefully considered. If you have a family, your financial considerations will be even more intricate. Before signing a contract, make sure you ask your HR department the right questions to avoid unexpected financial surprises and ensure your family’s well-being. 1. How is my salary structured? Understanding the breakdown of your salary, including base pay, bonuses, and allowances, will…

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When Bad Advice Costs Everything: How British Expats Can Learn From an England Manager

Sven-Göran Eriksson, the renowned football manager who led England from 2001 to 2006, amassed significant wealth throughout his illustrious career. However, a series of poor financial decisions and misplaced trust in the wrong advisers led to the depletion of his fortune, leaving him £3.7 million in debt at the time of his passing in August 2024. Eriksson’s financial downfall is not just a cautionary tale for footballers.  It’s a lesson for anyone—especially British expats—who place their trust in…

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How Brexit Changed Financial Advice for UK Expats in the EU

How Brexit Changed Financial Advice for UK Expats For British expats living and retiring in EU countries such as 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇹 Portugal and 🇪🇸 Spain, Brexit has had a profound impact on financial planning. Many have found themselves unable to access UK-based financial products, while others have struggled to find an adviser willing to work with them. So, what exactly has changed since the UK left the EU, and what can UK expats do to navigate these new…

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UK Expat Tax Rules: What You Need to Know

Navigating UK expat tax rules can be complex, especially for those living abroad. This UK expat tax guide outlines crucial information on tax obligations for UK tax non-residents, including income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and property taxes. Understanding these rules is essential for expats to manage their tax affairs and avoid unexpected liabilities. If you’re a British expat, understanding UK tax rules can be confusing. While you may have left the UK, you could still have tax obligations…

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How to Save for Retirement as an Expat

Planning for retirement is a challenge at the best of times, but for expats, it can be even more complicated.  If you’re living overseas, you will not have access to the same pension and investment options as you did in the UK. You might also face tax complications and currency risks. So how do you save for retirement as an expat?  In this guide, we’ll break it down into simple steps to help you build a secure…

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The Pros and Cons of a SIPP for Expats

A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) can be a great retirement savings tool for UK expats, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. If you’re living abroad and wondering whether a SIPP is suitable for your financial situation, this guide will walk you through the key advantages and potential pitfalls. What is a SIPP? A SIPP is a UK-based pension that gives you control over how your retirement savings are invested. Unlike traditional workplace pensions, a SIPP allows you to…

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What Happens to My UK State Pension if I Retire Abroad?

UK State Pension If you’re planning to retire abroad, it’s essential to understand how your UK state pension will be affected. While you can still receive your pension as an expat, there are important considerations regarding the frozen state pension and whether you’ll benefit from annual increases. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of receiving a UK state pension overseas, ensuring you make informed decisions about your retirement income. Did you know? - There are currently over…

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Why UK-Based IFAs Won’t Work with Expats (And What You Can Do)

If you are a British expat, you might have hit a frustrating wall: Finding a financial adviser who will work with you. Many UK-based Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) simply won’t take you on as a client once you’re no longer a UK resident. But why is this the case? And more importantly, what can you do about it? Let’s break it down.

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Top 10 Mistakes British Expats Make with Their Finances

Expat money mistakes Moving abroad as a British expat can be a life-changing adventure, but it also comes with unique financial challenges. Many make costly mistakes that could have been avoided with proper planning and advice. Here are the top 10 financial mistakes British expats often make — and how to avoid them. 1. Failing to Plan for Currency Exchange Risks When you’re earning in one currency and spending in another, exchange rate fluctuations can have a significant…

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RISKS

Investments involve risks. The investment return and principal value of an investment may fluctuate so that an investment, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the capital invested. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. There is no guarantee strategies will be successful.

 

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