Coming Home: 10 Financial Steps for Expats Returning to the UK

I have been living outside the UK for 23 years. I rarely get homesick. But last weekend it hit me hard. While I’m not packing my bags just yet, I realise that many expats eventually do. Thinking of returning to the UK? Prepare yourself to face a unique set of financial challenges and opportunities. It is always best to start planning as early as possible. Here are 10 financial action points to get you started.

Read more

The Costly Mistake of Ignoring Tax Residency Laws: A £186m Lesson

Imagine packing your bags, bidding goodbye to the dreary weather, then suddenly finding yourself slapped with an unforeseen £186m tax bill. This isn’t a fictional horror story – it’s the shocking reality British magnate Alan Sugar faced when he tried to dodge the UK tax net by relocating Down Under.

Read more

Understanding UAE Succession Law: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expats

Are you an expat living in the UAE and wondering how succession laws may affect you, your family, and your assets? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step understanding of UAE succession law. Navigating the intricacies of inheritance can be daunting, especially in a foreign country with its unique legal framework. However, with our expert insights, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to ensure your assets are protected and distributed according to your wishes.

Read more

Lifetime gifts and Inheritance Tax: How to notify HMRC

There has been much chatter in the press recently regarding the abolition of Inheritance Tax (IHT). However, for the time being, and for the foreseeable future I expect, it remains a thing and should be planned for accordingly. One effective way to do this is via gifting. If you make a gift during your lifetime, it becomes exempt from IHT after seven years. However, many people are unsure how to report these lifetime gifts to the taxman (HMRC).

Read more

How is UK residency determined?

UK residency is determined based on a combination of factors and the application of the Statutory Residence Test (SRT). Here is an explanation of how it works.

Read more

Unlocking the Benefits of Dubai’s Retirement Visa For Expats – A Comprehensive Guide

Dubai has long been a popular destination for expat professionals. However, back in 2018, the authorities in Dubai decided that they wanted to encourage retirees to live there too. So they launched a Retirement Visa. From tax exemptions to healthcare benefits, the retirement visa is a comprehensive package that guarantees a comfortable retired life in Dubai. But with so much information available online, it can be overwhelming to navigate the ins and outs of the retirement visa.

Read more

How spending changes through the “Active,” “Less Active” and “Not Very Active” years of retirement

Depending on when you retire and how long you live, your retirement could potentially last for 3 decades or more. However, most retirements can be broken into three stages, each of which is typically 5-10 years in length. Furthermore, each stage has its own spending characteristics. Understanding these stages can help you feel more comfortable in knowing what your spending in retirement may look like.

Read more

Selling Property as a British Expat? Don’t Forget About Capital Gains Tax!

Did you know that selling a UK residential property while living abroad can trigger a capital gains tax (CGT) bill, even if you are a non-resident? According to a recent survey conducted by Experts for Expats at the end of last year, 23% of British expats are considering selling their UK property, with the majority looking to use the equity to support their retirement.

Read more

Expat State Pension guide (2024/2025 update)

If you’re a British expat it’s easy to let the State Pension fall off your radar. In fact, most expats simply accept that periods abroad will result in gaps in their contribution record and write their State Pension off.

Read more

8 expat investing lessons from Morgan Housel

Morgan Housel’s book, “The Psychology of Money,” is one of my favourite books about money and investing. It is a must-read for any expat looking to gain a better understanding of their personal finances. Here are some of the key lessons to take away from it:

Read more

Unpacking Millionaire Expat by Andrew Hallam: Your Passport to Financial Independence

Welcome to my comprehensive review of “Millionaire Expat: How to Build Wealth Living Overseas” by Andrew Hallam. He is a staunch advocate for financial independence and international living. In this ground-breaking book, he takes us on a captivating journey that challenges conventional wisdom and explores the possibilities of achieving financial independence while living abroad. Let’s get stuck in!

Read more

I am a 50 something year old expat, how much should I be saving for retirement?

Retirement might seem like a distant dream or it may seem like an oncoming freight train. Whichever the case, it is never too early or too late to start planning for it. If you are age 50 or older, it is time to buckle up and get serious about saving for the future. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through this journey with a sprinkle of good humour and a dollop of practical advice.

Read more

Five ways to invest a bonus

When anticipating an annual bonus, it is natural to envision all the things you want to purchase or start planning a lavish vacation. However, it is worth taking the time to step back and contemplate how you intend to use such a windfall before it lands in your bank account. Consider how your bonus can best serve you and your objectives in both the short and long term, regardless of the amount you earned.

Read more