fry - Expat Network

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I Want To Be UK Tax Resident

In February 2015 I received my UK residence permit. I am married to a UK resident and now live in the UK. I own a holding company based in Canada from which I earn dividends. I have not received any dividend income since arriving in the UK and I have filed my 2014 return with...

Musician Wants To Change His Tax Tune

We specialise in business management for international recording acts etc. We recently had a question from a UK citizen relocating to Canada as a permanent resident. Can he sever his UK residency and file taxes in Canada until his return? “In short, it is possible for your client to sever their UK tax residency,” says...

Paying Off A UK Mortgage From Abroad

My son and I are both UK non-residents. It is possible that he might return to the UK after some years. I will not return. My son bought a flat in UK and has asked me to pay the remaining mortgage on it. The flat is rented out and is not his/my home. What are the...

Taxed On UK Mortgage Payments From Abroad?

I am planning to work in Qatar but want to carry on paying my UK mortgage and sending money to my family. Will this be subject to UK taxation? You should be in the clear as far as UK tax is concerned. Dean Power of The Fry Group says that the amount you send back...

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.