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.
TL;DR
Many British expats make avoidable financial mistakes by assuming that moving abroad simplifies everything. Common errors include misunderstanding UK tax residency rules, withdrawing pensions too early, ignoring inheritance tax exposure, overlooking currency risk, and relying on unsuitable offshore products. These issues often only surface years later — especially when returning to the UK. A joined-up, cross-border financial plan can prevent costly surprises and protect long-term wealth.
British Expat Financial Mistakes Moving abroad as a British expat can be…
TL;DR
Specialist expat financial advice focuses on the complex interaction between UK tax, pensions, inheritance rules, and the laws of the country where you live. Standard UK advice often does not account for cross-border residency tests, double tax treaties, offshore structures, or future return planning. Without expertise in expatriate issues, well-intended decisions can create unintended tax and compliance problems. Working with an adviser experienced in expat planning helps ensure your strategy is coordinated across countries and built for…
📚 Financial Guidance for Expats in Saudi Arabia
This series provides clear, expert guidance for British expats living in Saudi Arabia—or planning to move there or return to the UK.
From understanding UK tax, pensions, and succession planning in Saudi Arabia to navigating the financial implications of moving in either direction,
these resources will help you make informed, confident decisions about your long-term finances.
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Moving to Saudi Arabia can be an exciting and life-changing decision, offering opportunities to experience a unique culture, benefit from tax-free income, and work in a rapidly developing economy. However, as an expat in Riyadh or elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, financial planning can be complex. Proper financial advice is essential to ensure your wealth grows, you comply with legal requirements, and you plan for your future.
If you’re an expatriate and wondering how to keep your UK bank account active while living abroad, you’re not alone. Many British expats face this challenge, whether it’s for managing finances, receiving pensions, or maintaining easy access to UK funds.
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.
If you are going to be living or working outside of the UK for a period of less than 5 years, you need to be sure that you don’t fall foul of HMRC’s Temporary Non-Residence Rules.
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.
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.
Are you looking to retire to Canada from the UK? I recently started working with a client who did so. Here are 5 things he told me that he wished he knew before doing so.

