Returning to the UK after years abroad can feel overwhelming. Whether you're coming back for family, work, or because life overseas didn't pan out, the practical side needs careful planning.
Many people agonise over the decision for months. Some become serial movers, relocating several times before settling back home. Whatever brought you to this point, getting the logistics right makes everything easier.
Healthcare and medical records
Get hold of your medical records before you leave, especially if you have ongoing health conditions. Your new UK GP will need these, and chasing records across international borders later is a headache you don't need.
Registering with a UK GP practice requires proof of address, so sort this after you've found somewhere to live. Many practices let you register online or by phone, though some still want you to visit in person. Call ahead to check their process.
If you have private health insurance abroad, contact your provider about your options. Some can transfer policies to the UK, others require you to cancel and start fresh.
Don't overlook dental records. If you've had significant work done abroad, those records could save you time and money with your new UK dentist.

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Your tax situation needs attention in both countries. Make sure you've settled outstanding tax obligations where you currently live. Some countries require you to formally notify tax authorities when you leave.
Complete a P85 form to notify HMRC of your return to the UK. They'll need to know when you're planning to become UK resident again for tax purposes. Understanding the Statutory Residence Test is crucial here, as the rules around tax residency can be complex. Getting professional advice makes sense if you have significant assets or income.
Check your National Insurance record by contacting the National Insurance Contributions Office. You may have gaps from your time abroad, depending on whether you paid voluntary contributions. These gaps could affect your state pension entitlement.
For pensions from abroad, the rules vary enormously depending on which country and what type of scheme. Contact the Department for Work and Pensions about UK state pensions, and request a State Pension forecast to check your eligibility. Private pensions often need professional advice.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Housing and money matters
Unless you kept a UK property, you need somewhere to live when you arrive. Family or friends might work short-term, but have a backup plan. Short-term rentals offer more flexibility than hotels, especially if you're house-hunting.
If you own property abroad, list it well before your departure date. Sales can drag on longer than expected, leaving you with ongoing costs after you've left. Consider the tax implications too, such as Capital Gains Tax on the sale.
Take your time buying in the UK. Areas change while you're away, and what looks good online might feel wrong in person. Renting first gives you time to get your bearings.
Banking can be surprisingly awkward when you return. If you closed UK accounts when you left, you might hit a catch-22 where banks want proof of address but landlords want bank statements. Some banks have procedures for returning residents, so call ahead. If you're struggling with requirements, consider opening a basic bank account, which typically has fewer criteria.
For transferring money back to the UK, exchange rates and fees vary widely between providers. Shop around and consider whether to transfer everything at once or in stages.
Children and the emotional side
School arrangements need early attention if you're moving with children. Contact local councils in your intended area as soon as possible, especially if moving during the school year. Popular schools may have waiting lists, and catchment areas matter for applications. Request school records from their current school early.
Your children might need time to readjust to UK teaching methods, particularly if they've been in international or foreign schools. Some may need extra support with certain subjects.
Returning home isn't always the straightforward relief people expect. You've probably changed during your time abroad, and so has the UK. Places you remember fondly might feel different, and you might miss aspects of your overseas life.
This reverse culture shock is normal. Give yourself time to readjust without feeling you must slot back into your old life immediately. Consider joining support networks or groups for returnees, which can provide valuable emotional support. Many people find it helpful to stay in touch with overseas friends and keep up interests they developed while abroad.
Moving back is a major life change, but proper planning means you can focus on settling in rather than wrestling with paperwork. Take it step by step, and ask for help when you need it.
We are an elderly couple m79, f 75 retired ex-pats from Uk ,UK passports living in Cyprus eu. We have a property to sell in Cyprus and want to buy in UK poss,. West Country.Small savings of £20,000 and whar we make if we sell here ,maybe 350,000, poss more we also have a car to sell, euros.
Both in failing health,my wife is nearly blind,registered disabled, I am her carer. Is there a buying agent that can handle all of this for us please, please recommend if poss,. any other help would be grarefully received. It is daunting to us. Thanks.
I will have access to funds in the UK.
I am living in colombia.
And can I bring my young children (citizens by birth) on Canadian passports till I apply for British passports when settled ?
Thank you.
Thank you for your advice.
I have been living in Australia for 18 years now , due to family issues i have to return back home to the uk .
I left the uk when i was 41 , i have since had a kidney transplant while being here .
Would i still be able to have treatment / check ups on the National health ?
lso, as a pensioner, how long will I need to be resident before I am ( or will I ever be) eligible for emergency and regular medical benefits through NHS?
Thank you for your time
What should my first steps be for the move ahead?
I went back to England last October for first time in 42 years.
I was home! It felt so good to be back on familiar soil.
I have a British Passport with right of abode as a British Citizen wth family in England.
Should Brexit go through, will I still be able to permanently move back to UK?
Or will I be faced with any barriers. Thank you for response.
I would be making a permanent move back home.
I can have my Canadian pensions directly deposited to a British account but while here on holiday found out that I can not open an account without a British address
I am not sure of the steps I would need to do when I sell up in Canada and actually move here what steps I would have to do once I get off the plane
However 3 years ago I took up Italian residency. Does this effect anything when I return to the UK. Am I still a UK resident.
May mean nothing to worry about.
I left England when I was 24 to go and live in Canada. Now 20 years later I want to move back home to England. I worked for a long time in Canada. Can I apply for my Canadian government to pension from England, when I eventually retire? I have dual nationality with both passports British and Canadian. I also still have my national insurance number, nhs number, British drivers license and birth certificate. What are the first steps I need to take to move home? I also own property abroad that I want to sell.
I have lived in Belguim for nearly 30 years, unfortunately I am an invalid since 1996 and have major problems being alone most of the time, my closest family is still in the north east of England and they keep telling me I should move back so I have family around me to help. I can’t work, I have no savings, I have dual nationality and would love to be back with my family who care. Would I be entitled to claim any benefits here I have invalidity through the sick insurance I live in a social house and have no idea where to start and what I can do! I am desperate I have tried to take my life twice and see no future here on my own. Please could someone advise me on what I am entitled to and what I need to do so I can be with my family again. Thankyou
Thank you.
What would i need to do if I return?
Do I have to inform anyone that I'm returning? Will I be considered a resident? How do I get my NI number?
He is 39 years old and has lived in the states since 1998 Since living in the states he has married and has a daughter with his wife. His wife has a little boy from a previous relationship. My son sees himself as his own child I am prepared to provide temporary accommodation. I just need to know what I can do to make it happen. Also is there a time frame to be followed. Thanks for any help. Jim
What do I have to do ? Why cant I open a bank acc. When I have a permanent address?
I really need advice Now. Please
Regards
Lilian
Thankyou in advance x
I am a British citizen that was born and raised in Hong Kong. I've just moved back to the UK but I'm not sure if I'm a resident or if I'm eligible to vote. I studied in the UK from 2012-2015, but am unsure of my residency status. Thank you!
I’m 73 and my wife is 68,
Can you tell me if or what help would be available to us,
Many thanks
Citizen. My husband is American, our oldest son was born in England and our youngest in America, they both have UK and US passports. Do we all need too apply for visas or just my husband with him being the only one without a UK passport? Can you please point us in the right direction, Many thanks!
We stayed and worked in the in the UK twice before for about 6 months each time.
We returned to South Africa 6 yrs ago.
We want to return to the UK. My husband and I still intend to work.
What do I need to return?
Thank you
Left for the first ten years of my life
Returned at the age of 13.( I was on my mother's passport)
One unsettled parent, still to this day 2018
Went to school from there on in college and Uni
I have a degree , two children under the age of Ten.
Have always worked and paid my taxes.
How do I start in gaining citizenship / British passport.
We came to the states, lived here almost 30 years. I go home periodically, Scotland to see my family.
Only worked in Scotland for about a year when I left high school.
My question is: I’m now classed as disabled on Medicare now.
If my husband and I go back to Scotland for good, can I claim my benefits either still from over in states, or am I able to claim once I get back home.
I’m now 49 years old, can’t work due to my health issues , my husband would be retired by time going back to Scotland.
Am I able to claim for my disibility benefits there and stay on my pain and phycological medications too. I understand I will need to show bring all medical records regarding my health issues. I still maintain my British passport, I’m a permanent resident of the USA.
Thank you
I am a citizen of the USA but have a duel Uk and USA passport. And I receive a small UK pension which goes into my UK Bank Account.
I wish to sell my house In the USA and move back to UK, but I don't know if the USA will allow me to transfer the money from the sale of my house to the UK without taxing me on it, I have lived in this house for almost 24yrs.
I visit my family in UK every year for 5 weeks, I am 72 yrs old and would feel much better living close to my family.
Could you tell me if I would have any problems with repatriation to UK.
I was born in London and at my 8 year my parents relocate to Canada and I became a naturalised Canadian citizen. I have lived my life in Canada and am 53 years now, 10 years ago I came to UK to stay due to marital issue and I got right of abode on my passport and my national insurance, I worked for about 2 and half years and went back to Canada due custody case my ex institute against me and now all settled and I returned to UK. I went to the council for help to settle but all my application were denied telling me all the rules have changed. Please what can i do bcos have been in for 3 months nd a week. I was ask to get a british passport or visa on my passport to be able to get asdistance. Help !!!, thabk you
I have now been here for six weeks i am 6 months pregnant nowhere to live and am not entitled to any goverment funding anywhere or even council funding.
Until i do an HRT in 3 months time.
I really dont understand this i would really love some advice thanks.
(p.s. am I automatically a duel citizen? Would it be somewhat easy to come back or would I have to apply for a visa of some sort? Thankyou)
No children are involved and it’s just my personal belongings that my friends will keep safe for me.
I have a place to stay until I’m on my feet if I go back.
I have no intention of going back to the US not even to visit.
I know the UK like the back of my hand. I’m English born and bred.
I won’t have very much money though. I need a jjob to get my feet on the ground though. Agency, part time etc.
Any ideas?
Thank you in advance.
I would like to know what steps to take if I leave the US as a legal resident with a valid UK passport through break down of marriage.
What do I do to get UK resident permanent status. I was born and lived in the UK for 50 years before moving to the US in 2011.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Steve in the USA.
Please make them both separate articles to avoid confusion.
Thanks
Thanks & regards
Afshan
I am thinking about returning to live in Shrewsbury where I was born and where I have friends. I hold a current NZ passport as a citizen of NZ. Would I be able to return and live in the UK, and would I be eligible for a UK pension or wld my NZ pension need to be transferred to UK? I may just about be able to buy a small flat in Shrewsbury while property prices in Auckland remain high.
Sincerely
Ronnie
I lived in Indonesia with my British partner who has died now.My partner’s parent wants me and my son to join them in UK.My child never lived in UK How can we come and live in U.K.??Aporeciate any information on this .
Thank you very much
His father lives in the uk and at the age of 82 is struggling alone at home and has early stages dementia. My family member would like to come back to the uk and care for his father but would be unable to work (most likely as unable to get a job (golfing isn’t easy to find work in when older) and doesn’t have any savings etc.
I am unsure if he would be entitled to benefits (his fathers Home is owned outright so accommodation is covered as he would live with him)
Does anyone know if he would be entitled to help and if so what?
What is the p procedure and I have no money to move back can get UK help me at all?
Thank you
We live in Indonesia
I lived in Indonesia with my British partner who has died now
Which category do I apply as
Access to child living in UK ?can I apply under this category
My child never lived in UK
Thank you very much
So.......cdn this ever be done please?
My husband is a British citizen with dual Australian citizenship, I am Australian and we are wanting to move to the UK for 3-5 yrs for work and travel.
We are very confused by the spousal visa, as it is geared for a resident living in the UK applying for an overseas spouse to join them there.
Is there something we are missing?
We tried ringing the UK immigration department but they were not very helpful.
What is the best way to do this?
I came to Australia when I was 15 years never got a choice my dad just said we are going I lived here 42 years but now all my family lives back in the UK I have only a British passport was born in Yorkshire I am British can I just come back to live there? now I always wanted to return home what steps would I have to take ?
I was born in the UK but raised, educated & have worked all of my life in Africa.
My kids are now educated & travelling the world.
I want to investigate returning to the UK to live near family.
Whats the best way to go about this?
Could I transition back to the UK hassle free. The only thing I still own there is one bank account. I would also like to start paying into my contributions since I have only about 9 years worth which seems like a good idea for pension purposes. Is this going to be more complicated than remaining resident in Italy?
Do I need to secure a job beforehand? And how much money do I need to be able to be let back into England?
Would I be helped initially till I get on my feet and a job secured, as I don't intend on living off the system.
I'm in IT Re recruitment, so I will be able to contribute to the working market in England.
Thank you and I look forward to a response.
regards
Jules
My question is this, what right do I have to benefits and/or housing benefits, and would I have to pass the HRT test before applying.
I want to know what I can do to help him to get back and what proof will home office ask. Thank you
Thank you.
Regards
Tina
I could really use some professional advice. Thank you..
Having lived in NZ for six years we have decided to move home to England, the problem is that our sixteen year old daughter who has a year left at high school will not be ellegable for a UK student loan.This would mean that she could be deprived of a university education for three years after moving back, does anybody know if there is a way of getting around this problem?
My reason for moving back is education for the children.
Can you tell me exactly what we would need to do, who to contact in order to register us back in the uk for health, education etc.
Many thanks
I came to Canada when I was two in 1964 and have lived in the same city ever since, visiting Scotland every couple of years in my adult life. I have dual citizenship. It sounds like the same situation as the person above me. I am financially sound and plan on selling my flat here and buying in Glasgow. Will be able to I have plenty of savings/mutual and will have a good pension.rent a flat in Glasgow/area for a few months until I buy and furnish. I won't be in a position to move for a few years (morbid but I won't move 'til someone here dies and hate to say "it shouldn't be long now" but that's how it goes.)
By the sounds of it, as long as my financial means can be proven, I won't have to apply for any kind of official papers. Am I right?
My 77 year old mother and I are returning to the UK next year. Been away for 32 years in New Zealand. Mohr has paid 30 NC so has a letter to state full UK pension.
Myself not sure only that been told recipient agreement "every day in NY is seen as a daughter in UK" WE are both British born and have National insurance numbers.
Is this true?
Also coming back to live as family there and one is very I'll.
So will my mother pass the habitual test so she can claim pension credit winter fuel and housing allowances?
Thanks
They are now considering a move back to the UK to be nearer family.
Is this possible?
What steps do they need to take to return here?
What about Doctors etc?
I am on the Aussie aged pension. Will I be able to access NHS care if I return to the UK to be closer to my two elderly sisters? And how about my eligibility for housing and other welfare benefits there? I am still willing to work if I can find teaching work in the UK at my age. It is impossible here once you're in your 60s because of age discrimination, despite the law prohibiting it. Is it also rampant in the UK?
I did work for 6 years in the UK before coming to Australia.
Feeling trapped in an increasingly hostile country and looking to live in a fairer society. Australia has really gone to the dogs and is no longer "the lucky country".
Any advice appreciated.
Question 1. I have never registered in the UK as I know I don't have to. But now I'm wondering how long can I stay out of the country and will be able to return ? and would it be better to register before I leave or would it be enough that I can proof up until when I was living and working in the UK?
Question 2. can I get travel insurance from the uk whilst not paying tax or NHS contributions anymore after I will leave my job and go travelling ? (I have been contributing for the past 6 years) And is there a certain time frame I can get NHS cover after quitting my job and not contributing anymore?
Can we, at any time, after a prolonged period abroad move back to UK?
I am a British citizen and currently in Thailand and I have been working on a
self employed basis there on and off as well as travelling to various Asian countries (visa runs) since Sept 2015...
My travel insurance policy has now run out and I need to extend.
I want to be medically repatriated back to my family in the UK in the event that I have a bad
accident or become very ill on my trip. If I managed to get some travel insurance , would I be able to get NHS help on arrival.
I am a British born citizen and passport holder who migrated with my parents at the age of 12 and have not been back to the UK since. I am now almost fifty and married to a none European but as ive gotten older I find myself thinking of Britain as home and want to relocate there with my wife. My siblings relocated years ago but I didnt start hankering to go home until a few years ago.
Ive checked the immigration site and apparently unless I can magically find a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end returning home to live is not an option at least not with my wife and as much as I love my country I love my queen more. Can someone advise on how i can have both? I do not own any property and ive been living in a third world country for the past thirty years so money is scarce which is why I could not look at relocation as an option earlier and I do not see anyway of raising the stipulated amount of money.
Can it really be true that by the rules of the British Government i would have to agree to leave my wife behind if I wish to return home or choose to leave with her and never to leave in the land of my birth because I am not a rich man?
This smacks of class justice. Is there a way around this? Please advise
I was granted indefinite leave to remain 2006
I had to move to india for pressing family circumstances to care for my motherinlaw suffering from alzimers
I could not return to UK since
I have a job offer from nhs
Which visa should i apply for
Should i apply for returning visa which may take long or may not ne given or should i go on work visa
Can i go on work visa and then apply for returning visa .is this allwed
Is there any solution in this situation? Otherwise, come august, we're homeless with a little child. Had I known this I'd probably remain in Norway and not give up a perfectly good job here and a house.
P.S. I have a British bank account still active from the time I lived in England before.
He has struggled with holding down a job in the US due to childcare issues, and is now close to being evicted from their home. He desperately wants to return to the UK with his daughter, and has approached the consulate who are unable to offer any help. Unfortunately I am not in a position to help financially, and should they return I do not have room to offer them accommodation but I'd like to know what assistance if any the UK government could offer in helping my friend and his daughter relocate back to the UK. They both have dual citizenship.
Any advice or contacts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Chris
Which will leave me to sell up here in France to return .no home in the Uk no Job and out of work for the last 5 years very scared but cannot see my future here in france. I am 53 and do not have good French
There will be very little money to help me get on the property ladder again.
Depressed not eating and not having an income here in France and lost the S1 protection for my husband. The pressure was too much and I should not have got rid of the family home. No support from family. Domestic Abuse Victim stayed in a Spanish Safe House . Will have to get rid of most of my possessions here in France as the costs to store will be prohibitive. No Car and lost money selling here. Scared and alone.
Highland Mike - 8-Jun-17 @ 1:00 AM............................................................................
Hi Highland Mike, here is nicssss and if you don't mind i would like ask you what country do you currently live in now. Because moving back to the UK would be the best thing that will ever happen to you as you are just a school leaver holder. I am moving back too, two month time, i just help someone to move back in February and she started to work with BMW in Doncaster, she has never live in England before, she was born in Germany, by a British father and German mother, i live in Germany too. Germany is a country that does not guarantee foreigner happiness, Germany is only for German, Please do not hesitate to return back to UK a land of Hope and prosperities, it may be hard the few weeks moving back, it worth moving back. better to suffer for three month than, hundred year of waste of life, time and energy in foreign land that cannot help you. i speak perfect German language, but no chance.
nicssss
Thank you x
With regards
Angela
I look forward to hearing from you as I am in need of advice
I lived in Scotland, Aberdeenshire all my life until about eleven years ago when the bankruptcy of my father forced our family out of the home we had been living in for over twenty years. This ultimately led us to sadly leave the UK and move to another country where my mother had family. At the time, I only had a job in the local supermarket and it would have not been enough to support me living on my own. I never wished to leave Britain and each day away from my home country has been a nightmare. Since then, I have received little help from the country I currently reside and have failed to find a job here due to many reasons. Now, my parents and family have little means to support me if I was to return back to the UK and with only a school leavers education, I have little chance of returning home without help. There is no-one back in Scotland whom I can contact and after being effectively stranded in another country for so long, I am beginning to loose hope with each passing year. As if this was not bad enough, I am now in my thirties and have never been in a relationship. I have barely held a job, I cannot drive and I cannot learn the language of the country I find myself in.
As you can imagine I am almost always extremely depressed (or worse) and simply put, I don't see a way out of this torment. I regularly contact charities and other such places but know one replies or wants to know.
I have big fears that my medical condition will make me uninsurable in the near future! My medical condition has wrought havoc on me financially and i was wondering if it would even be viable for me to return to England!
Does anyone out there know what help financially and otherwise i may be entitled to ! My medical condition here has left me thousands of dollars in debt with no means left and a sneaking suspicion that the new government administration will cut me off the insurance rolls! I have not been to England in over 40 years and have no freinds or family for support?
My family and myself have just returned back from the US. We spent 3 years there. My husband has found a job and is now going back to work but I was wondering if he will just pay income tax automatically again or if there will be a delay I.e, you pay tax on income after earning "x" amount of pounds. He's English but he has never lived abroad and returned. Thank you
if I was to leave my job and move abroad, and it didn't work out for any reason, how easy would it be to return and claim housing benefit, job seekers allowance?
I am currently just renting at the moment.
I have tried to settle but I cannot get through one day without wanting to go back. I know it would be hard but with or without my husband I need to go back .. short term we would stay with my sister can I connect authorities such as schools and benefits already for that area or would I have to wait till I arrive? Also my children's U.K. Passports have expired and my youngest doesn't have one , would they be able to use their Brazilian passports to 'be let in'?
I moved here to be with my partner, who seems like he wants to end the relationship. I have an 18 year old daughter. (also English)
I don't even know where to start, regards moving back, and I have no savings, no home, and no job to go to. I thought I would be in France for the rest of my life.
to return to UK as my second wife is very English. While in France I have been frugal
and invested wisely on the Paris Bourse thru a tax efficient PEA from which I enjoy a
virtual tax free income. On returning to UK could I keep the PEA tax free status from these investments which I plan to keep.
I am Portuguese citizen. And I have live in UK since 2005 (Worked part time and studied full time).in 2012 I graduate in Business at Coventry University.
Moreover, since I could not find job locally, in 2013 I had an offer to work overseas, mainly in Africa. But after one year I got really sick and I had to go to Portugal (this health issues started in UK but MRI did not show nothing).I came to Uk to see if they could help .Either countries could not find out what was the problem. But in 2015 came back to UK again but to my pains and plus lack of help from the GP I went back to refer doctor in Portugal who find out that I had (fibroids) after all this painful years. And they did a surgery before xmas. I had to recover for several months (2016).
However came to UK last November .However, I moved this year March and I start working full time already.
Since I lived here for many. And I still have to pay the student loan. I want to apply for permanent residence .I would like to know if I am entitle to it.
What are documents necessary?
Thanks,
Mary
Thank you
Also, I'mean going to give myself a year to make sure I really do want to go home and I'm going to use that year to train as a CILEX Legal Executive. However I find recruitment agencies are unresponsive to requests for advice until I'm back permanently on British soil and I'don't like to have a job in place to go back to. Any advice? Thank you.
I am now pregnant and would like to go back to the U.K. To deliver later this year
Would I be eligible on on NHS to healthcare and delivery? Is there a certain point in my pregnancy when I should head back?
I don't believe my old GP has deregistered me but when I return I will no longer be living at my precious address.
Would advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Nics
Who has to fill it in?
Why?
How does it change what expats returning were permitted to do before 31 Mar?
I have U.S. pension income, but would need NHS if I move to the UK. Is this possible after such a long time? I would stay with relatives for a short period, then hope to find something of my own.
I have no where to live or job lined up what would be my first step?
I am an Englishman born in the UK in 1967,and started work at age 16.Then at the age of 32 moved to Belguim .I am now 49 married with an English wife.I am thinking of moving back to the UK and would like to know how much pension I would be entiteled at retirement age 67.I paid income tax and national Insurance at age 16 and continued to pay untill I left the UK at age 32.
Thank you in advance for any help you can give
My wife has an old passport that has an indefinite 'leave to reside' visa and we still have a bank account in the UK.
what are the steps/links where we could get help in returning to the UK?
Thanks for your time
MTC
Does he need to "resettle" in the UK before I can apply as the spouse of a settled UK resident?
I have just completed Malta tax returns for the Malta year end 31/12/17 and left Malta to stay for a few months in France. This creates a gap when I am no longer resident in Malta and not yet resident in the UK. I am confused about this. Is my return date the date of my physical presence or the date that I left Malta? Am I liable for UK tax, Malta tax or no tax in either for this gap period?
What forms would she need to complete etc..
Kind regards
Any info that will help is appreciated
Also the further info that I have a full state pension, a still valid NI number and now have a permanent address in Kent and am receiving free medical attention with no complications. I don't know whether I have done everything necessary to break my ties with Spain, not helped by my age and living alone.
Hope you can point me in right direction for some answers.
I am eighty years old. I do not know whether I am a resident of the uk in all senses of the word, nor do I know how to rescind my Spanish residency if I have to.
a If returned what conditions if any would be required
b would we recieve the full British Pension once resident in the uk
c As both retired over 70yrs would we recieve any benifits (like free travel)
d We still have numerouse blood relatives in the UK
Thanks
Ron
Regards
I was wondering if I could get some help/advice please. My husband and I are both Irish but have been living in Australia for 5yrs now. We have had a baby here and want to bring her back to live in the Uk. As I will still be on maternity leave and not able to work or pay for childcare, will I be entitled to any government help/benefits when I get there? Thank you. Any help appreciated
Do I have to pay tax on all my pay from my job here in the UAE if I return to the UK?
Thanks
I could take her in temporarily. How would she stand regarding state pension here and could she get sheltered housing?
I was born in the UK and have an expired passport. I have dual citizenship with the US, and have been living is the US for the last 14 years. I'll be getting married in July, and I want to move back to the UK with my wife soon after. I know that she needs to complete a spouse visa while still living in the US, but how long must I be living in the UK before she can apply? Any advice would be helpful! Thanks!
If we move back to the UK, what can we claim so long until we get on our feet again?
We don't have much cash leftover from the sale of our South African property so we would need assistance with daily living expenses until I found work and possibly housing?
Your advice will be appreciated.
I would appreciate your comments.
I'm a British citizen living and working in Kuwait since 2008
i'd like to move back to UK and seek employment in UK as soon as i move back
unfortunately i do not have a place to live in UK either have any savings at the present time
as well as planing to bring over my Egyptian lawful wedded wife and 2 kids ( my sons ) to join me in UK on a family reunion visa in the future after I've sateled down in UK .
what should i do please advice ?
I went to UK on 01 of april and i left the country on 30 of June to see my boyfriend at that time, now we are married, we got married here in Brazil. However i'm planning to spend Christmas with him before we start doing the application for my settlement visa which ll be in March.
Does someone knows if it ll be a problem if i go again on december 04 to UK?
And it will be a problem if they ask me what r i going to do there, and i say that i m going to see my husband?
Please if anyone can help i ll be grateful.
Thank you so much.
.
I have had a few jobs (although nothing 'officially' in the last 10 years since losing our jobs with a UK company in Spain), and paid into the Spanish system and receive free medical care on the Spanish health service but there are no benefits in Span so it is very much a hand to mouth existence since the 'crisis' and getting worse..
My wife is Danish (61) but has held Spanish citizenship for 28 years, we have been married for 15 years.
We have no assets or saving and are struggling on my pension and a little part time work.
I was thinking of returning to England so I could be with my family in my last years but the thought of moving back seems daunting and we would have to receive benefits such as housing etc to survive.
I hate the thought of "throwing myself at the mercy of the welfare state" (even though I paid into it for 50 years) but cannot think of any alternative.
What would I need to do and in what order and what could I hope to receive in help to do the move and initial settling in costs etc?
Donna
My parents don't currently have their title deeds (those who have purchased in Cyprus, know why that has occured). We have a Cypriot solicitor looking into this for us, but they now need my parents Power of Attorney to act for them. We will have a problem proving to a Notary Public that my mother understands what she is signing. So we are now concerned that it will need to wait until that is no longer an issue and be dealt with by the Will.
The Will is what causes us concern, they have a Cypriot Will that relates to the property and the belongings that were in it at the time. Now they have moved back to the UK is that Will still valid? They went to Cyprus with a valid Will and the Cypriot Will was an addendum to the original will. If it is not, can we get a Will written that will encompass the property in Cyprus?
Grateful for any advice.
Thank you,
I have lived abroad for 6 years. I am British, I have two British children both under 10. I am not a home owner, I have no home in the uk, nor a job lined up, but I am prepared to work.
any advice of what steps I should take to start making my life in the U.K. again....
thank you in advance
I have both the US and British passport.
I'm thinking of returning to Britain at 66 years old and settling down. What would I need to do upon entering bd settling in UK? I may work part time as I receive my US pension and have savings to live on. Thank you!
I was born in England and have lived here all my life ,in 2012 I went to work in Australia with my wife and my youngest daughter aged 14 and have now returned 2016 on a permanent basis.
My daughter now 18 would like to go to university , I would like to know where we stand, will she classes as an international student ? Or will she be eligible for home fee status ?
Regards
Gary
I really don't know what to do, I moved out to Spain from uk with my husband in April this year, we sold our flat paid up the mortgage brought a resturant near to our holiday home. Our marriage has not worked and I need to return to the uk. Unfortunately I have no home no job or family to go back to, I also don't have enough money left from the sale of the house to buy any property in the uk? We have had the house up for sale in Spain since January as our original intention was to buy a bigger house but we have had little interest in the sale of he house and since brexit no interest at all. The buissness is failing miserably too but my husband wants to stay in Spain and continue to try and build the buissness, which incidentally is in he's name. Please can anyone advise me on what to do? I'm 53 years old and so my working years are limited.
Debbie
Any advice
I have been back 4 times since then and now I want settle there as marriage has gone bust due to no compromise on wanting to retire there.
I have a British passport and dual nationality
Can I go back get all my numbers like tax etc upon arrival with GOVT departments
buy a house etc, I have enough to support myself for a few months and have been approaching firm for work with good response so far.
I HAVE to go back because NZ is driving me insane, I'm only a week away I hope from my house being officially sold going unconditional so I can get my ticket and renew my passport Anything important I need to know
Could you please advise.
I am now over 65 and on the verge of a divorce which basically means I'll be on the street.
I have been awarded a U.K pension of 78 pounds per week which they began paying in June.
As I currently live in Spain I have no pension claim here until October and that claim I must file in the country I am living in, which I hope will be England.
So in summary, no work, no home almost no income.
What advice can you give.
This is our first foray into looking into the possibility of returning and know nothing about what is entailed or what we need to concider?
Thanks for your time
MTC
UK Gov website although packed with info doesn't really highlight specifically what paperwork or the process inmuch detail.
Any information.......
The kid was born in Brazil, but we spent some ys in other european countries, and my child have a british passport.
We are trying to move back to europe, but this time to England, and I`m struggling to find a visa category for myself.
Somebody on the brazilian embassy advise me to choose the Zambrano, but as far as I understood, Zambrano is applied when the kid is already in UK.
Which visa category should I choose?
Thanks
I will be staying with my sister once there until I find my own place
I do know I will need to register with a GP as I wont have a NH number etc
although I did have many years ago and mislaid it as I worked in UK when leaving school there. My sister is also British although I am married to a South African and she will be applying for a Married Visa to join me initially I would appreciate your advice
Thank you!
Tea
With this in mind I started to think about how easy/difficult it will be to return to the UK (I am a British citizen and was born here) once we have left. We have set a minimum of 2 years over there so would not be coming back before that time.
This has come from something someone said about it not being straight forward to return once you have left.
Please can you pass me some links so I can see what needs to be done should it not work over there?
Thank you
They have been married and divorced whilst in USA and now want to come back home to UK
How can I find out how to get the 3 of them to the UK? Along with what is needed?
I really need to get back to my family and my husband has non alive now.
I need to start planning and setting things up please, I really need some help with this.
In 2012 we bought unit on the net with a view to using it asa holiday base whilst on holiday. We did this over a couple of years then in 2013 our last living family member died in OZ so we headed back for a worldwide holiday and we were in and out of the UK until returning to OZ. We did this again in 2014 and then decided to return to the UK on 5th May 2014 permanently.On two occasions we stayed more than 90 days. Our main home and our tax was paid in OZ. The super and my shares in a business I set up were tax free in OZ. As the exchange rate was good we moved a large sum to the UK.
My question is the tax implication of our stays. We transferred over a period of time my superannuation as a lump which I took from my self managed.The shares in the business were held from 1990 when the business was set up. Any advise please.
What do I need to do ?
Thank you.
I got married and moved to the US in 1995 and I moved back here, alone in January of last year.
I'm staying with friends and will be for the foreseeable future. Until such time as I can get a place of my own. I have no intentions of returning to the US.
Recently I had a slight accident (in this country) and realized I needed to sign on with a doctor's office.
They inform me that I need to have a utility bill or landline phone bill for the address I'm at from the last three months. The bank where I tried to open an account has told me the same.
Is this true?
I am working over here and expect to be paid soon. I've asked them to defer payment until I can get an account sorted as I don't want it sent over to the states.
Best regards
Nash
Many thanks
I will be returning to the UK shortly after being abroad for nearly 2 years. Due to visa issues in the country I have not be granted an exit visa and so have been delayed for nearly a year extra than I intended to stay. (I am currently in East Africa.)
The British Embassy have been helpful during my ordeal.
My question is Should I get a supporting letter from the Vice-Consular explaining the situation? Because upon returning I will not have any where to stay and I am not sure whether I will eligible for state benefits. What immediate help is there for someone in my situation upon returning?
Regards
I was born in the UK and moved to Australia in 1967 with my parents. I am considering moving back to the UK and would like to know what I would need to make that happen.
I do and hold both Australian and UK passports.
Looking forward to your reply
Regards
Gary
Thanks
I am going to return to England permanently in 2016. I have a permanent residence arranged (living with my UK Partner). I do not intend to go on any benefits - I will work and pay my own way.
I will get all my dental, doctor, insurance records etc from Australia to bring to the UK with me.
I will sell my Australian house etc before I come to the UK - is there a limit on the amount of money I can transfer to England?
I know I can only apply for an NI number once I'm there but is there anything else I need to do to legally live and work in England?
Thank you for your help, Ian.
Thank you
I have been living abroad for the last 2 years.I am british and my 5 kids are British. I would like to return to the UK with my kids but have no place to stay. Where can I go to for help?
My husband and I are both French and we lived and worked in the UK for 3 years (2009-2012). We moved to Spain in 2012 and we might want to go back to the UK in the near future. We were wondering if we would could claim anything as we've lived there before? Do we need to follow certain steps before coming back? Thank you very much!
My husband is South African and has a 2.5 year work visa which we will then renew to be able to apply for a British Passport. He is at present looking for employment as he was born in 1947, but was interested to see what is the forecast for him regarding pension possibility?
I have returned to the UK after 25 years in the US, I was born in the U.K. as we're both of my parents and lived in the UK until I was 25.
I became a U.S. citizen in 2000, so I travel on a U.S. passport.
I returned to take care of my aging mother who is housebound and losing her sight, my sister passed away 8 months ago so I am the only carer.
My questions are; can I get car insurance? And buy a car? I have a uk licence which is valid until 2036. I can use my mothers address. And can I renew my out of date uk passport? And can I work legally? And am I entitled to see a doctor or optician on the nhs?
I really appreciate any answers you can offer, I have a lot to do to help my mum, but I am concerned about the legality of these things and cannot afford legal advice.
Thank you,
Sincerely, Michaela
My husband and I are planning to travel and work abroad in asia and we will probably be gone for 4/5 years, however my husband is a british national overseas with indefinite leave to stay in the UK. If we leave will we (he) be able to come back and live after 4/5 years out of the UK? he has been working here for 10 years and has been in england for 17 years.
I'm going to guess this is not going to be easy, and we have no savings. We can live with my parents until we find jobs/housing.
Is there anything we can do to make it easier, or what steps we have to take? I'm hearing we need x amount of savings, and that's quite impossible.
What is the process for getting her back in the system and how long before she can work? I presume she needs to complete the HRT but is there any estimate as to how long that takes and can she apply for it before she returns? Can I apply for it on her behalf?
She holds a UK passport and is not an Italian Citizen but doesn't have a NI and hasn't worked in the UK before.
Awe there any legal issues that will say that I have to stay here ?
He is married to a South African and has two grown up children who want to come with him. All his family members live in the UK including my husband who is his brother. Do his children get dual nationality and how difficult will it be to get his wife and children into the uk. What do they need to do to get here
Thanks.
Thanks
He has applied to go to university and has been offered a place after completing a fast track entry course this year.
He is unable to get a student loan as he hadn't lived in this country for 3 years. Is there any way around this? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you in advance.
This all seems unfair when an asylum seeker can claim. I have recently lost my job and can't keep her. Please help
Would really appreciate your answer.
I was born and raised in the UK and moved to the USA in 2009 (I was 30). My wife (who I married in the USA) and two daughters (aged 6 and 2) are all American citizens. Both of our girls were born deaf but both have cochlear implants which allow them to hear as well as a 'normal hearing' person. Without the implants on though they cannot hear anything however. The primary reason we stayed in the USA were the facilities for therapy, specialist schooling and auditory services. The youngest will finish her specialist schooling in 2 years and we were considering moving back to the UK to be closer to my family.
Would it be a straightforward process for my wife and daughters to get visas/citizenship/UK passports?
Would my daughters be eligible for any sort of services due to their disability?
My wife lived and worked in the UK before we were married and has a national insurance number. Does this mean she could just walk into a job once she found one or would she need to reapply for a new number?
Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks
I have lived in Oz since returning to UK often as my family live here but only for holidays.
I am in the UK at present for 3 months as both my father and brother are very sick and I have come home to care for them. I need to find out what visa I need to apply for as I feel I will need to extend my stay in the UK and probably need to live in the UK permanently. I may have to return to Australia to do this could you please advise.
I am 52yrs old and would need a National Insurance nos to be able to find casual work maybe. I would however be staying at my fathers residence and caring for him so I may not be in a position to work. i would not need to claim any benefits from the UK.
Please advise what visa if any and how to apply.
Many thanks Karen
I worked approximately three years in the UK before my daughter was born. What benefits am I entitled to?
please help or direct me to the right place where i can find out.
She now wants to come back to live in England. she did work for a year or so before she got married in England and moved to Italy,is now divorced.
As she is now past retirement age,is she entitled to any benefits .
I am wondering if I moved to Canada to marry my girlfriend can I still get my statutory sick pay from work as I am on permanent sick leave due to arthritis.
Thank you
Husband has opportunity to relocate.
It's a must see for young families and all walks of life.
Many thanks Ken and lisa johnson
My wife and I were both born in England, 7 years ago we moved to Australia (her parents emigrated 30 years ago, she's dual citizen) we were married and had our son in Australia. Now, I've had enough and we are going to come home to England. I have applied for a British passport for our son. What are the steps we need to go through to move back? We both have NI numbers, are these no longer valid? We have savings and pensions in Australia, but are planning on leaving them here as the exchange rate is awful.
David
thanks
I am planning a move back to the UK next year (2015) and need to find a JOB! Like other people I have applied, indicated that I am a citizen but nobody seems interested
I am educated (university degree) and currently hold an executive position ... Any suggestions? I need to secure employment but I also need to address some issues with my brother - the reason for my return
Any help would be terrific!
Thanks:)
Any advice appreciated.
Right of abode means you are entirely free from UK Immigration Control and don’t need permission from an Immigration Officer to enter the UK
can live and work in the UK without restriction.
It includes people who were born in the UK, were born in a British colony and had the right of abode in the UK, have been naturalised in the UK, had registered as a citizen of the UK and Colonies
could prove legitimate descent from a father to whom one of these applies.
I hope this goes some way to answering your question.
What to do??????
Any help please
Sister who is older than me and lives alone. I am drawing a very small UK pension.What additional benefits can I receive.Please advise. Many thanks
but now we wish to return to the uk, our funds are now running low and at the most will only last for maybe 2 years we have had a wonderful adventure for the last few years, but now is the difficulties when we come back to the uk how do we start, do we rent a property and then go to the local housing dept to get any housing benifit if we are entitled to any benefits we are both on basic oap pensions, can you give us some info on which way we godog
What benefits will I be entitled to?, will they only take into account I'm having a baby once the child is born?
Can I get any form of help towards getting a deposit and paid upfront rental as I will be leaving with nothing.
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