Moving abroad

People move abroad for work, for family or to retire. A move abroad brings paperwork in the UK and in the new country.

Start with the country you are moving to

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says that for most questions about moving abroad, people should contact the government of the country they are moving to. It also suggests professional help, for example from a local lawyer. The UK government and its embassies cannot give personal guidance on moving to another country.

The FCDO publishes a guide to living in many countries. Each one covers topics like working, healthcare, pensions and driving. Its travel advice for each country covers entry requirements, passports and visas.

Visas and residence

The FCDO says to check the country's entry, passport and visa requirements before you travel. You then apply for the right visa or residence permit. You may also need to register as a resident once you arrive.

Some countries ask for a copy of your police records when you apply for a visa or emigrate.

Telling people in the UK

GOV.UK lists who you need to tell before you go:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), so that you pay the right amount of tax;
• your local council, with a forwarding address;
• the offices that deal with any benefits you get;
• the International Pension Centre, about your pension;
• the Student Loans Company, if you have a student loan.

GOV.UK also says you can usually still vote in UK elections, and your UK citizenship stays the same.

Healthcare

The FCDO says you may lose the right to free medical treatment in the UK if you move abroad for good. It says foreign travel insurance is not intended to cover healthcare costs for people who live abroad permanently. Some countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, and the FCDO links to the list.

Taking a dog, cat or ferret

GOV.UK sets out the steps for taking a pet dog, cat or ferret to an EU country:

• Your pet must be microchipped before, or at the same time as, its rabies vaccination.
• Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies, and must be at least 12 weeks old for that. After the first rabies vaccination, you then wait at least 21 full days before travelling.
• You need an animal health certificate from your vet. For entry into the EU, it is valid for 10 days after it is issued.
• Some countries require dogs to have a tapeworm treatment, so check whether yours needs one.

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, a pet passport will not get your pet into the EU. Travel to Northern Ireland, or to a country outside the EU, has its own rules, which GOV.UK covers separately.

Coming back to the UK

HMRC has a form for transfer of residence relief. People moving to the UK, or returning after living abroad for at least 12 months in a row, can use it to claim relief from customs charges on belongings they have owned for at least 6 months. HMRC says the goods must be brought in within 12 months of coming to live in the UK, and that you must get its approval before claiming the relief. HMRC sets out the other conditions. On the form, you list what you are bringing, and you can estimate numbers for things like cutlery and crockery.

Useful links

• Moving, living or retiring abroad (FCDO, GOV.UK)
• Moving or retiring abroad: who to tell (GOV.UK)
• Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad (GOV.UK)
• Transfer of residence to the UK: who can claim and the conditions (HMRC, GOV.UK)
• Transfer of residence relief (ToR1) (HMRC, GOV.UK)
• Voting when you live abroad (GOV.UK)
• Driving abroad (GOV.UK)