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Living abroad

If you're thinking of retiring or moving abroad, it's important to research your destination, consider your personal circumstances carefully and plan for the long-term.

You can find tips and information here on starting your new life abroad, including some of the issues you should consider before you go, and what steps you can take when you arrive to help yourself settle into your new community.

Our Going to live Abroad booklet has further information, including useful addresses.

Where can I move to?

British Nationals have the right to live in any country in the European Economic Area (EEA).

The following countries are in the EEA:

All full members of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

For other countries contact the local British embassy for more info.

How British embassies can help you.

There is information on all our embassy websites about living in that country.

But remember: our embassies can only do so much. It's your responsibility to find a place to live, ensure you can support yourself financially and find a school for your children. You should register with the nearest British Embassy or Consulate or use our online LOCATE service so we can provide assistance if you need it.

Before you go.

Going to live abroad is a major decision and you should obtain a wide range of information and advice before you go:

Familiarise yourself with your new destination before moving there permanently.

Understand the different laws, regulations, and customs abroad. You can find more information in our Travel Advice pages.

Budget correctly to take into account currency fluctuations.

Understand the different healthcare systems abroad. Unlike the NHS residence-based system, many countries in the EU have a contribution-based system, which means that you may have to pay into the social security system in order for you and your dependants to get state healthcare.

Be aware of your changing needs as you get older, such as potential increased medical care and as before, know what health services you are entitled to.

Know your income. Unless you are a resident in the UK you may not be eligible for Pension Credits or Tax credits and if you are outside the EU your pension may also not be increased annually. Contact the Department for Work and Pensions for more information.

Contact the country's local education authorities to find out about the education system. The government's website will also have useful information on education in that country. Most countries have English or international schools which you should be able to find on the internet.

Buying property abroad.

If you are considering buying property abroad you should research thoroughly in advance. Property laws and customs in many countries are different from those in the UK. British nationals can run into problems with ownership rights due to these differences.

You should engage an independent local lawyer. A full list of English-speaking lawyers is on each British Embassy's website. You should deal only with established and reputable estate agents or with other contacts whom you know to be reliable and genuine. You should make all payments within bank premises and/or through banking channels.

Timeshare ownership is well established in many countries, with respected companies, agents and resorts operating legally and fairly. However, you should beware of timeshare companies offering incentives (including stock market investments and discounts on airfares and accommodation) when exchanging existing time-share ownership or taking out membership of holiday clubs. Such incentives are often bogus. If you are approached by agents operating such schemes, treat them with caution.

When you arrive.

Once you've moved to a new country, there are several things you can do to help yourself avoid problems and settle in:

Register with the local authorities.

This may give you access to the local welfare services after a short period of time. If you are moving to another EEA country you must apply for a residence permit within three months of arrival. If you do not register, at best you may be unable to access local benefits to which you are entitled and at worst you may be breaking local law.

Register with the local embassy/High Commission/Consulate.

Use our LOCATE online registration service to record and update your address overseas. This will help the Consulate keep in touch with you if you get into difficulties, or in the case of an emergency abroad. In countries with large expatriate communities the Consulate may also have a fact sheet to help retired UK expatriates settle in.

Ensure your passport is valid.

Fill in the contact details of two relatives or friends who can be contacted in an emergency on the back page. If your passport is about to expire apply to the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to have it renewed. For EEA countries your residence permit also serves as an identity document, so you do not need to carry your passport around with you all the time.

Open a foreign bank account.

Within the EEA you can apply for a non-resident bank account on arrival. Once your residence permit has been granted, usually after three to six months, you can open a normal bank account. In many countries, your retirement pension can be paid directly into your bank account there.

Learn the local language.

Try to fit in with the local community. Hospital and local welfare services staff will not usually speak English. You will find day-to-day life much easier if you can make yourself understood.

Make a will.

If you die intestate abroad this can cause difficulties for your heirs. Seek professional legal advice. You may require separate wills for assets and property held in the UK and other countries. Your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate can provide a list of English-speaking lawyers who can assist you.

Check local traffic regulations.

Driving is permitted on a valid UK licence in EEA countries. You will need to be fully insured. You may be required to exchange your UK licence for an EEA national licence once you have gained resident status. Licences are valid for five years for 45 to 70 year-olds and two years thereafter. For other countries you will also need to take an International Driving Permit (IDP), which must be obtained before you leave the UK. Your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate cannot help you export or import your car or personal belongings. For more information, see driving abroad.

Find out about British Associations.

There may be clubs, publications and charity organisations for the expatriate community. Lists of these are available from your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Stay in touch.

Keep your family and friends in the UK, and authorities such as HM Revenue & Customs, National Insurance and the Department for Work and Pensions, informed of your address abroad.

Keep your vote.

To vote in UK elections your name must appear on the electoral register. Once registered as an overseas elector, you will be able to vote in Parliamentary elections and European Parliamentary elections in the UK, but not in local government elections or the elections for the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly. You can register to vote as an overseas elector for up to 15 years after you were last registered in the UK. To register, contact the electoral registration officer at the local council where you were last registered as an elector when living in the UK. For further information see the Electoral Commission website.

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