Going to live abroad is a major decision to take. It makes sense to get a wide range of information and advice to help you plan and make sure the move goes smoothly.

Before you go, you should:

• Make sure you have a valid passport, any visas you might need and a full health plan
• Be clear about your financial situation. For example, find out about tax liability in the UK, social security benefits and National Insurance contributions, and get a pension forecast. Useful websites include the Department for Work and Pensions; HM Revenue and Customs; and Directgov (under 'Britons living abroad’). You can also find out whether offshore banking is appropriate
• Make a will
• Check whether you can continue to vote in UK parliamentary and European parliament elections on the Electoral Commission website
• Find out about accommodation. We can provide lists of lawyers to help you buy property, although we cannot give you legal advice ourselves or get involved in purchases or disputes
• Make sure your car is in line with local regulations and you have the necessary driving permit
• Try to learn the language before you go
• Contact associations and charities for advice. For example, if you are retiring overseas, you could contact Age Concern or Help the Aged. There is also a guide to going abroad for the over-50s on the Saga website. We also have a leaflet called Going to Live Abroad, which you can find on our website
• It sounds obvious but let people know your new address (and any future changes). As well as friends and family you also need to inform the authorities such as HM Revenue and Customs, National Insurance and the Department for Work and Pensions
• When you arrive, register with the local authorities and get a residence permit. You can also register with the local British embassy. You may also need a local bank account
• British nationals who live overseas can receive the same support as visitors
• And you’ll need full travel insurance for your trip, or health care and other appropriate cover if you are living abroad. The Government cannot cover medical costs or refund you for lost property.

There is a charge for some types of consular support. This is to help cover the cost of providing support worldwide. We do not make a profit from these charges.

If you are considering retirement while abroad, you may find the following details useful:

Department for Work and Pensions

The Pension Service International Pension Centre (IPC)

Tyneview Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1BA

Tel: +44 (0) 191 218 7777

Fax: +44 (0) 191 218 3836

www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

The IPC deal with queries about UK benefits payable to overseas customers

 

State Pension Forecasting Team

Future Pension Centre

The Pension Service, Tyneview Park Whitley Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1BA

Tel: UK 0845 3000 168

Fax: UK(0) 191 218 7006

www.dwp.gov.uk

see also contacts of IPC

 

Age Concern Information Line

Age Concern England

Astral Hoise, 1268 London Road, London SW16 4ER

Tel: 0800 00 99 66

Fax: +44 (0) 208 765 7211

www.ageconcern.org.uk

 

Help the Aged Senior Line

207-221 Pentonville Rd

London N1 9UZ

Freephone 0808 800 6565

Tel: +44 (0) 207 278 1114

Fax: +44 (0) 207 278 1116

info@helptheaged.org.uk

www.helptheaged.org.uk