Here at Wild & Lye Removals, we have a particular love of the UK. Over the years, we’ve helped families move up North, down South and all over the country.
But there’s no denying that, in recent years, we’ve had more and more requests for support when people want to move abroad. Deciding on life in the sunshine or one closer to the family may be something you’ve been dreaming about for years. Or, maybe you’ve decided to go for it on a whim because life’s too short.
Either way, the process of moving abroad can be daunting and confusing – especially if you’ve never had to do it before. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about the process, including a checklist of things to follow as you start your plans.
Visa Requirements
Depending on the country you choose to move to, you will need to organise the relevant paperwork and documents – including visas. This will need to be organised and received before the move and the exact requirements will depend on the country you’re moving to. The application process can be very complicated and take a considerable amount of time – especially if you’re making unique requests. Make sure you leave plenty of time before making the move to put your application in and have it approved.
Please note, from the 1st of January 2021, UK citizens will not have the automatic right to live in another country within the EU. You will need to check their existing immigration rules and apply for a visa if required. The gov.uk website has a section on Foreign Travel Advice where you can find all relevant information about applying for visas.
Rent or Buy
Next, you need to consider whether you’re going to rent or buy your new property. If you’ve spent lots of time in your chosen country and know it well, you may be comfortable enough to look into buying straight away.
If you have little experience of actually living there, renting will offer a period of time for you to experience the culture and decide on the next move. Let’s take a quick look at the benefits of both renting and buying.
Renting
Pros:
- Less legal paperwork.
- Allows you to move around a country with more freedom to decide which location you want to set up in permanently.
- Less financial stress.
Cons:
- You won’t be investing in your future.
- Less stability if the landlord wants to sell.
Buying
Pros:
- A financial investment in your future.
- House prices are likely to increase which could fund activities like your retirement.
- More stability.
- Often cheaper per month than renting.
- Enforced savings.
Cons:
- Mortgage payments may increase over the years.
- High house prices may impact your quality of life once there.
- Responsible for all maintenance and repairs.
The final decision will come down to you and your personal preference. But it’s certainly something to start thinking about early on in your decisions.
Understand Tax Requirements
If you choose to move to another country permanently, you will need to tell the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This will ensure you pay the right tax and should be done before you leave. All you need to do is fill out a P85 and supply a P45 form or self-assessment tax return if you’re pregnant. Once you become a ‘non-resident’ of the UK, you will not need to pay UK taxes on the income or gains you make outside this country. The HMRC will also work out if you are due a refund or whether you will need to continue paying for either UK tax (if you have income made in the UK) or national insurance (if you’re planning on coming back).
UK Property – Selling or Renting?
Next, you need to decide whether you’re going to sell or rent your existing property here in the UK. If you’re currently renting, this decision is taken out of your hands. But, if not, consider whether you want to rent out your property while you’re away to make extra income. As we mentioned above, you will have to pay UK tax on this income but it could be a semi-passive way to fund your life in the new country.
Remember, if you do decide to rent, you will need to either appoint somebody to be your acting landlord or do the job yourself.
In the UK, the landlord is responsible for:
- Keeping the rented property safe and free from health hazards.
- Ensuring all gas and electrical equipment is safe for use.
- Provide an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate.
- Protect the tenant’s deposit in a government-approved scheme.
- Ensure the tenant has the right to rent the property.
- Attend or organise attendance in the event of unforeseeable damage or repair work.
You can manage most of this remotely but may need to enlist the support of friends, family, or professional contractors for in-person visits.
Decide on Storage
Shipping your belongings to another country can end up being costly – especially if you have a lot of them. Many expats decide to put unneeded items into storage here in the UK to keep them safe until required. It is more cost-effective to get rid of or store non-essential items to avoid the added expense.
We recommend:
- Consider the layout of your new home.
- Considering your lifestyle and quality of life in the new country.
- Consider value – what will be more cost-effective for you to replace once you’re set up?
The option for storage here in the UK is wide. You could opt for a storage unit which is a cost-effective way to keep items stored safely in a dedicated facility. You could consider asking friends and family if they will hold on to certain items for you too, especially if they have the space for the item that is particularly treasured.
Here at Wild & Lye Removals & Storage, we have secure and fully insured storage facilities for Bath, Bristol and Keynsham to suit your household needs. Our alarmed warehouse is monitored 24 hours a day and provides short and long-term options to keep your goods safe when you’re not around. Moving abroad is an exciting and thrilling time.
And, if you take the time to consider the points we’ve mentioned above, you’ll be able to enjoy this experience as much as possible. For more information about our storage solutions and full removal services in the UK, get in contact with our professional and friendly team here today.