Moving Back to the UK After Living Abroad

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Moving Back to the UK After Living Abroad

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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Tax, National Insurance and pensions

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.

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Ask Emigration Expert a Question
EmigrationExpert Editor 22/08/2026 at 6:00 pm
@phyllis Living in the UK from age 2 doesn't automatically give you British citizenship, so on a Canadian passport alone you'd normally need a visa to settle here. The good news is that as the spouse of a British citizen you can apply for a family visa from Canada before you travel. It's also worth checking whether you ever held indefinite leave to remain or picked up citizenship without realising, as that could change things. A quick chat with an OISC adviser would sort it out properly.
phyllis 22/08/2026 at 5:32 pm
i only have canadian passport but have lived and worked in england since i was 2 years old i have an english national insurance number can i return to england after 20 years in canada with my british husband on my canadian passport
EmigrationExpert Editor 04/08/2026 at 11:52 am
@PaulCyprus What you're describing really does need a buying agent who can manage the search, viewings and legal side on your behalf, especially given the distance and your wife's health. Have a look at The Property Buying Company or Garrington Property Finders, both cover the West Country and are used to helping people relocating from abroad. For the Cyprus sale, a local estate agent plus a solicitor familiar with cross-border transfers will be essential, and Wise or Currencies Direct are worth comparing for moving the euros over without losing a chunk to bank fees. Also worth ringing your council's adult social care team once you know the area, as they can arrange support for your wife on arrival. Wishing you both a smooth move.
PaulCyprus 04/08/2026 at 11:52 am
Hello,
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 19/05/2026 at 9:20 am
@Mick Unfortunately the British embassy won't pay your airfare home, even as a loan you'd repay later. Emergency loans for repatriation were scrapped years ago, so consular staff will only help in very limited cases like vulnerable minors or trafficking victims. Your best bet is to ask family or friends in the UK to book the flight for you, or contact your bank to arrange a replacement card sent to Colombia. Charities like the Forces Pension Society or Turn2us may help if you qualify.
Mick 31/05/2024 at 3:05 pm
Will the British embassy pay my air fare back to the UK until I pay it back once in the UK as my UK debit card has expired.
I will have access to funds in the UK.
I am living in colombia.
Canadareturn 08/05/2024 at 6:45 pm
As an expat British passport holder returning to live in uk, is it necessary to declare my intention to stay at the border?
And can I bring my young children (citizens by birth) on Canadian passports till I apply for British passports when settled ?
Jorge or George 06/01/2024 at 10:05 am
Hi. I'm a British citizen by birth. Lived in the UK for 2.5years after I was born. I'm 50yo now and I'm planning to go back by May this year. I am applying for a job there but still want to go back. I hold a valid passport and I was wondering if you can give some points for my return in order to not make any mistakes upon arriving. I don't have children and if I can't get a job before I arrive I will try to find any job so I can stay for good. Thanks
Glo 13/09/2020 at 9:39 pm
I am a UK citizen by birth but have never lived in the UK for any reasonable length of time, now I am considering moving to the UK with my husband and three children all under sixteen years. How do I go about making this desire a reality?
Nan 25/09/2019 at 10:41 am
I am a British citizen and also have US citizenship and have lived in the USA for 20 years. I need to return to the UK to take care of ageing parents for approximately a year. Am eligible for NHS healthcare benefits while I am there? No other benefits required, housing and income are secure.
Thank you.
Fleur 19/09/2019 at 3:29 pm
I have been living in Canada for the past 13 years.I do not have any assets so would need help with benefits.I take medications for my mental illnesses so it is imperative that I have some kind of assistance.I have been trying to get help online but it is like trailing through a labyrinth of information.Any help would be much appreciated.Thank you for your assistance.
Lynd 11/09/2019 at 11:06 pm
I am a british citizen living in Argentina since 1991. I have since married and have 4 children, 3 of which are over 20 and inly one is 13 years old. I would like to return to the UK where I lived in the past for 12 years, completed my secondary education there and worked for 6 years. My sisiter and aunts, cousins live in UK. Could I retun to live in the UK with my husband and children, they do not hold british passports.
Thank you for your advice.
denno60 10/09/2019 at 1:35 am
Hi ,
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 ?
Sheena 03/09/2019 at 9:24 am
I am a British Citizen living in South Africa since 1982. My husband has an EU passport (German) and a South African Passport. We are planning to retire in England and would like to know if my husband ( of 30 years) will require any kind of Visa to settle in England post Brexit. I know that before it wouldn't have been an issue as he has an EU passport but now we don't know where he stands.
Norah 20/08/2019 at 1:00 am
I am a UK citizen who has lived in the US for 50 years and plan on returning to the UK to live permanently. What medical benefits, if any, am I eligible for through NHS since I have not lived there for the requisite 10 years? Can I see a regular doctor if needed and am I covered for Hospital emergencies should one occur?
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
Coco 14/08/2019 at 7:47 pm
If I move back to uk from Canada am I entitled to use the nhs
Lottie 17/07/2019 at 9:30 am
My brother has been living in the US since 1980, he is 65 years old and has recently lost his job and fallen into debt and is considering moving back to the UK. He is still a British Citizen but hasn't worked here for over 40 years and therefore hasn't paid tax or NI here. Would he be entitled to any state help at all as he has no assets and would need help. Any advice gratefully received,
Al 16/07/2019 at 9:12 pm
My parents moved me from Scotland to the US when I was 8. I am now 45 and I am looking to move back and was wondering what steps I need to take. I am still a British Citizen with a British passport and will be moving by myself. I know here in the US you need a social security number to work and was wondering if and how I would achieve what is needed to work there?
What should my first steps be for the move ahead?
Dolphin 16/07/2019 at 7:58 pm
I left England when I was 13 years old and immigrated to Canada in 1974
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.
CATPAU 27/06/2019 at 11:41 am
I left England for Canada when I was 12 years old and am now 67 and am trying to move back to the Preston area next year
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
Monty 22/06/2019 at 2:57 am
I'm a British citizen, born in London 1966. I left the UK in 2009. I want to return imminently, as a habitual resident. What, if any, steps do I need to take to return to my previous status. I have two children whom I want to bring back with me.
Caz 07/06/2019 at 4:08 pm
Hi Both me and my husband are British citizens been living in Australia for the past 25years .We are planning to move back to N.Ireland. Is there any information we need to know before we actually leave Australia in approximately 3years time or earlier. Would appreciate any information that will hep us in any way. Kind Regards
Dobar 24/05/2019 at 4:32 pm
Hello, my husband (1944) and I (1956) both born in UK and lived there until 2005. Husband was a 'War Babe" and we came to USA in 2005 to spend time with family. Husband given Citizenship under the War Babes Act. We want to move back in 2022 when I reach retirement age. I have also been a US Citizen since 2010. Can we just move back, allowing for informing Inland Revenue, Pensions etc. Do we need to get UK passports before we leave? Any help will be gratefully appreciated. Thank you.
Oggi 06/05/2019 at 3:12 pm
I'm a UK citizen (British Passport) born in London 1970. I have lived in Italy for 5 years. Now I'd like to return to the UK.
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.
Andrew 03/05/2019 at 2:04 am
Hello, I want to move back to the UK. I am in the very beginning phase as in this won’t be for a few years yet as my partner needs to finish school. But my question is about returning and I just want to get my duck in a row. My parents moved me away when i 6 years old i am now 38 how difficult will it be for me to return? I realize i will not qualify for NHS services for a time. I still have a British passport.
Tba 10/04/2019 at 1:19 pm
I have been living in Thailand for 11 years with my UK born son (now 13 yrs old) To return to the UK, do we both require a TB cert for re-entry. My son had all his vaccination including TB carried out in the UK before we moved to Thailand. I am over 60 yrs now. The GOV UK site does not mention this case only for Visa applicants which we are not. Thank you.
catriona 20/03/2019 at 12:30 am
Hello i am a UK resident who has lived in US for 40 yrs but now that im older i would like to move back home What happens to my Social Security benefits which i am receiving now? I still hold a British passport
samson 24/02/2019 at 1:50 pm
Hi, I just moved back to the UK after nine years living in Spain. In Spain I had Spanish residencia. I am English by nationality. I am unable to find much information at all as to what I should do to declare myself as now living in the UK again. How do I become a UK resident again? Any advise on any things I should do would be appreciated. Many thanks.
Chipstickmam 26/01/2019 at 6:47 pm
I was born in 1925 in Canada and moved to the uk around 1944 where I lived until for around 30 years where I raised a family who stayed in the UK and had families of their own. Although I moved back to Canada for 39 years, I now want to move back to the il to be with my English family in my later years. I have a British passport as well as a Canadian one and get an English pension too as I worked in the uk for so many years albeit smaller then if I was living back in the UK. My question is, Can I just move back as I have a British passport and family to stay with? Is there any advice you can offer? TIA
Monman 06/01/2019 at 9:39 am
What? Is the situation.Return to UK after 30 years in Germany. (Pensioner in reciept of UK Pension).Will be living with sister in law ina property that I partly own.What benefits am I entitled to (Health etc etc)
Bert 01/01/2019 at 5:13 am
Hi! I have been living in Sydney, Australia for 20 years. I emigrated with my now Australian ex husband and have 2 independent children with him. I have since remarried an Australian man and now that my children are over 18 I would like to return home with my husband. I’m hearing more and more of the difficulty of this venture!! Please could you advice me of how best to source the information required... thank you!!!
Mk 29/11/2018 at 8:27 pm
Hiya,

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.
Lola 23/11/2018 at 5:59 pm
I am a permanent resident of Canada for 30 years. I would like to come back to u.k and take care of my sick mother for an unknown about of time. I still have my British passport. I would like to know if that’s possible and can I have health and dental care?
Donna 04/11/2018 at 10:53 pm
I was born in England and I am thinking about moving back from New Zealand can I just go back? I also want my daughter (16) to come (born in nz) will she be able to come with me?
Lollann 27/09/2018 at 6:28 pm
Hello
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
CHRISTIAN 19/09/2018 at 2:03 pm
hello, I have lived in the Uk for 6 years but I the momento i live in Spain and I would like to come back to the Uk, i used to have a permanet residence but I have lost it because i have lived outside for more tan 2 years. i have EU Passport. what should i do when I return to the UK? thanks very much for your help.
Mel83 16/09/2018 at 11:35 pm
I moved to Canada 20 years ago at age 15 looking at moving back to the uk. I still have my British citizenship and have family to stay with but I am married with 2 children! Are we able to just move to the uk as his family is from the uk also but he was born here and so are my children. We have job opportunities and will have money from the sale of our house but not sure where to start
susan repp 16/09/2018 at 10:35 pm
Just looking for updates that might apply
MissSpeakingUp 14/09/2018 at 8:08 pm
I've been living in the US for over ten whole years but want to move back to the UK permanently, as I haven't been able to settle down properly due to not having any access to any special needs services or resources. But there is a very tough law that forbids one from coming back to visit their loved ones if they should choose to leave the US if they don't have a green card. What makes my situation even harder and more frustrating is not having my green card which I have been kept waiting for up to this day. This is stopping me from freely returning to the UK as I wish. I am considering taking action and fighting for my green card, because I don't want to be kept waiting any longer than I already have. How do I go about finding the right immigration lawyer who will help me with these issues? All I ever want is for there to be a way out of this frustrating cycle.
Britgal 12/09/2018 at 2:47 am
I was born in the U.K. moved to the U.S. and have been in the U.S. for 33 years, I became a U.S. citizen at least 15 years ago. I wish to return to the U.K. for approximately a year due to my aging parents. I know that I have to file U.S. taxes each year even when I live abroad. Is there a limit to how long I can remain in the U.K. either as per U.K. or U.S. law?

Thank you.
Liz 30/08/2018 at 4:26 am
I want to return to Scotland after being in the us for 22 yrs. I am disabled MS and other health problems. I cannot work and receive court ordered spousal support from ex American husband. How would this affect me if I returned home. Would I lose the spousal support because its court ordered in America?
chris 24/08/2018 at 4:42 am
Been living in Canada almost 5 years. Before that i lived in the UK over 12 years. I am a Danish passport holder.I am not sure ill get permanent status here in Canada now as things changed in 2016 so if i dont, i want to go back to the UK.i also own property there which has been rented out while im here and tax paid.
What would i need to do if I return?
Looby 18/08/2018 at 9:29 am
Been livng in Portugal for 9 months with 5yr residence permit. Husband became unemployed in uk due to epilepsy, we became homeless in uk so we came here to live in our studio apartment, now sold so we can return back to uk with some funds to rent. No fixed aboard in uk yet, relying in family for a bed. My husband needs more investigation with is health can we go back to our UK GP to pick up where we left off.
SE Asia 17/08/2018 at 12:14 pm
I ve been away for over 30 years and plan to come back next year. How will I work things out for my children who are not (yet ) UK citizens. Can I sort out their UK passports when I get there? Its not possible for them to have dual nationality here in Indonesia. In that case what kind of visa could they enter with?
AlIB Editor 17/08/2018 at 10:03 am
@AWiner - if you have a British passport then you don't have to do anything. But it takes time to be considered 'ordinarily resident' and claim benefits and NHS treatment. You can claim directly to NI to get a number via the gov.uk site.
AWiner 16/08/2018 at 3:11 pm
My family moved away from England 10 years ago when I was 9 years old. I am now returning to the UK and have got a job and am not sure if there is anything I have to do before 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?
MoO Editor 16/08/2018 at 2:22 pm
@UKexpatinCyprus - you should get in touch with NI when you are back in the UK, you should be allowed to pay to catch up with any missing payments.
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/08/2018 at 3:17 pm
Your husband would need to apply for a family (spouse) visa
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/08/2018 at 2:06 pm
You would have to be living in the UK in order to be able to apply. You would have to also fulfil all the requirements laid out here .
Sue 10/08/2018 at 7:17 am
I am a British citizen married to a Thai with a 10 year old Thai son adopted by my husband and I under Thai law. I have lived in Thailand since 2010 and I have been married since 2011. We would like to relocate to the UK next year assuming I get a job there first. My husband would like to be able to work in the UK and obviously I want my son to be able to go to school. What types of visa should I be applying for them initially? Can I apply for UK citizenship for my son more quickly because he is legally adopted or would he need to wait the 3 years for naturalization?
basketcase 09/08/2018 at 7:21 pm
I am a UK citizen who moved to the USA in 1999. I since became a US citizen but my husband (American) and I have been talking about returning to the UK to be closer to my family as we age. How hard is the move, will my husband need a special visa?
Max Editor 07/08/2018 at 10:01 am
@RobD - If your father comes in on the foreign passport he will be treated as a visitor, on the British there won't be a problem as he'll be treated as a British citizen. It's best to check whether he's got a British passport first what it will do is make things much simpler.
RobD 06/08/2018 at 12:36 pm
Hi, I am having great problems trying to find out what documents are required for my father, aged 95, who is born British but currently lives in Fiji, to return to the UK, the government websites are all about foreigners not British Citizens. He has held both Fijian and British Passports but I don;t know if he has a current British passport. He has lived in Fiji for over 50 years, he was posted there as part of the treasury in Fiji before they took independence. I need to know what documents he woulkd require. Help please somebody, I am getting pushed from pillar to post by the UK authorities and can't find information.
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/08/2018 at 2:31 pm
If you're a UK or an Irish citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim. which will tell you all you need to know.
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/08/2018 at 2:29 pm
Your son would have no parental rights to his non-biological child without the consent of the mother, unless he has officially adopted him.
Jim 31/07/2018 at 8:08 pm
I need advice My son is in USA he wants to come back home to the UK
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
Kiwi 31/07/2018 at 7:13 pm
Hi im 55 and returning to uk after living in Spain for 9 years i am unable to work after recently having a heart attack and can stay with friends for a short while. What benefits would i be entitled to? i was self employed and worked from 16 to 46 in uk paying taxes.
Kitty 30/07/2018 at 2:16 pm
Lived in australia for years. After the death of my husband I would like to return to live with my disabled sister...who do I have to talk to?
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 30/07/2018 at 12:43 pm
Unfortunately, there is no way to apply for or claim housing benefit from the UK if you are living abroad. If you return to the UK, , which will explain more.
EM 27/07/2018 at 4:57 pm
Hi there, I am an english citizen living in Italy with my 3 year old daughter for the last 2 years. the father and I have separated and basically raising my child on my own. I can no longer afford to stay in Italy and need to move back to England. I however, cannot afford to move back and have no family that can help. I would like to know if there is any way I can apply for housing from abroad?
Van 26/07/2018 at 9:56 am
Hi,

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!
EmigrationExpert Editor 16/07/2018 at 10:38 am
whichwill help answer your question.
Sue 15/07/2018 at 2:02 pm
My husband and I are moving back to UK after 15years in France. Will we have to wait till we have a permanent address before registering with a GP?
EmigrationExpert Editor 13/07/2018 at 12:53 pm
The link here will tell you all you need to know in answer to your question.
EmigrationExpert Editor 13/07/2018 at 9:49 am
In order to apply for your partner to come to the UK to live and work, you would have to be living in the UK and apply for a visa. You could apply for a visitor visa for your wife and then she would have to return to her home country in order to apply to come to the UK under the requirements listed in the link. I can't advise regarding your job, as it is not easy to apply for a job from abroad (unless you have a specific and unique skill set).
Big Al 13/07/2018 at 4:26 am
Hi ,we are both pensioners living in Crete Greece for 15 years,renting property,however now because of health issues we need to move back to Uk,
I’m 73 and my wife is 68,
Can you tell me if or what help would be available to us,
Many thanks
Smokey 12/07/2018 at 8:16 am
Hi I have been living abroad in Australia and now Thailand for the last 16 years and want to return to the UK permanently. I have a Thai partner and we have been together for 7 years. Is it easy enough to get her a visa to come with me? I will be starting from scratch in the UK so willneed to find somewhere to live and get a job, is there any help for this? I have started applying for jobs but it is difficult to get a positive response when living abroad, are tere any specialist employment agencies that can help?
EmigrationExpert Editor 06/07/2018 at 2:36 pm
Even though you may be under pension age, the Age UK link here explains more regarding what you need to know, especially with regards to being classed as 'ordinarily resident' and about your eligibility to claim means-tested benefits.
Debbie 04/07/2018 at 6:09 pm
I was born in the US to a british mother american father. I moved to the UK with my mother when i was 5. I was never given legal British citizenship but went to school, worked, married and my children were all born in the UK. I moved to Canada in 1990 but now wish to move back to the UK. I had a national insurance number and a driver's licence number. I am entitled to a UK pension which I have had information from them about. How do i go about getting to live back in the UK?
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/07/2018 at 10:05 am
If you are a UK citizen, you can move back to the UK freely. However, if you want to claim certain means-tested benefits, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test
Tuffy 02/07/2018 at 12:44 pm
I have lived & worked in Gran Canaria for the lasr 13 years. I want to move back to the UK & work. What di I have to di ti acieve this ???
MarieP 27/06/2018 at 7:55 pm
Hello, after living in the US for almost 5 years we are hoping to move back to the UK. I am a British
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!
EmigrationExpert Editor 25/06/2018 at 9:29 am
If you have British citizenship and are returning to the UK, then the process is straightforward. The only issues you may have to deal with are if you wish to claim means-tested benefits, Plus, NHS treatment
wat 24/06/2018 at 6:41 am
hi I have been living in newzealand for 10 years and want to return to the u.k i have a daughter who was born in nz I was born in nz but my parents are english i spent most of my life in the u.k could you help
Worried mother 22/06/2018 at 6:44 pm
My daughter has lived in malta for 7 years with her partner. He has now left her with 3 children and she wants to move back to the UK. Do you have any information. Thank you
Joey 06/05/2018 at 11:45 am
My husband holds a British passport. I have a South Africa passport. We have been married 40 yrs.

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
Scotia 15/04/2018 at 6:09 am
I was born in Scotland 1961, worked there from 1981 to 1986. Then moved to Australia. Married an Aussie in Scotland in 1992. I have an Australian passport and have never renewed my UK one. My husband’s great grandparents emigrated to Australia in the early 1900’s. What would the situation be if we decided to return and live in Scotland?
RH 13/04/2018 at 3:05 am
Born in the uk after 1983,
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.
Scottishlass 10/04/2018 at 4:47 pm
Left Scotland 1988 , got married to an American back home.
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
Soniya 10/04/2018 at 1:36 pm
I have been living in India for the past 14 Years and now wish to return back to uk. I am educationist by profession, and would like assistance in getting employment . I am a uk citizen. I moved to India with my husband and have been divorced for the last 8 Years ... life is getting very hard here and I need to return back with my daughter who is 15 years old. Im 42 years old
Annabee 30/03/2018 at 9:43 pm
I was born and lived in the UK until I was 42, then married to an American for 25 yrs. I am now Divorced.
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 20/03/2018 at 11:00 am
You would not be entitled to any payments or British pensions if you have never resided in the UK and/or paid UK-based National Insurance.
Blondie 19/03/2018 at 1:13 pm
I moved to zambia in 1964 with my parents at that time I was 5 yrs old. My parents then settled in australia in 1973 from Zambia at that time I was 14 years old and have remained livng in Australia. Have considered moving back to the Uk to live. I still hold my british passport but have australian permanent residency. Am I entitled to any british pensions or payments of any sort.
Anon Editor 19/03/2018 at 12:33 pm
@sarahrcraig - you won't have any repercussions in the UK as it's your country of birth.
sarahrcraig 17/03/2018 at 12:57 pm
Im a UK citizen who has been living in the US without a visa for 20 years, I know if I come back to the UK I will be barred from the US for 10 years but is there any repercussions from being out of my own country for so long?
EmigrationExpert Editor 13/03/2018 at 12:29 pm
The Pension Advisory Service may be able to help answer your questions in full
SKIPPY 13/03/2018 at 7:48 am
I wish to return to the UK after living in Greece for 16 years. I have a 10 year old daughter and I will not have any financial support. Who can I contact for advice?
EmigrationExpert Editor 12/03/2018 at 12:55 pm
I am sorry to hear this. However, you would not be able to get help from the UK to relocate back to the UK as there is no official provision for this sort of help.
Bill 12/03/2018 at 11:23 am
I am an 80 year old widow living in Canada (now a Canadian Citizen) Left Scotland in 1959 (22 years old - worked for 7 years) My husband worked for 12 years and also served in the RAF. He is now deceased and never collected an |Old Age |Pension from the UK. Was he eligible for an old age pension? He is now deceased - Am I entitled to a |UK Widows pension? Lots of questions - but I am now interested in moving back to the \UK. Would I be eligible to collect any type of pension? Your reply would be appreciated - thank you. WS
Mikey 10/03/2018 at 1:21 pm
I am stuck in the us I have no money no friends or family that can help I don't know where to go the embassy basically told me to bad so sad I don't have a passport either they did say they could issue an ETD but I would need a ticket first I have no bank or building society what can I do I'm homeless too
Bets 09/03/2018 at 8:44 pm
I am 66yrs came to Canada in 1975 and I am a permanent resident not citizen. I collect 3 pensions and also have rrsp’s. I am planning on moving back to Scotland in 2019 but will leave my bank acct open to have my funds credited to it. Do I have to declare my finances to the uk even though I will be paying Canadian taxes
baba deo 08/03/2018 at 12:42 pm
Hi,
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 08/03/2018 at 11:01 am
I can only direct you to the CAB whichwhich will help answer your question regarding the reasons why you have to sit the test. Unfortunately, it is government policy that all returning residents to the UK comply with this.
Lopo 07/03/2018 at 1:50 pm
Hello ive just currently returned to the uk full time after being out of the uk for twelve months.
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.
Tony 03/03/2018 at 9:08 am
I am a British Citizen who has been married to a South African for over 50 years. My daughter and son who are working and resident in the Uk have offered my spouse, their mother, accommodation in the UK,. My question is can they sponsor my wife for a visa to remain in the UK. I am 70 & my wife 69 yrs old. Have been resident in South Africa for some 38 years. I hold a British passport.. Thanking you.
Brighton Belle 02/03/2018 at 1:13 pm
My niece, now in her 60s, went to Australia at 18 months old in the late 50s. She has dual citizenship. She has been bankrupt & is now jobless & homeless (staying with friends). I believe she has cashed something - her pension or something like that. If she were to return to family in UK - she has none in Australia any more - would she be entitled to anything? Her UK family cannot afford to support her indefinitely.
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/03/2018 at 12:05 pm
If you are a British citizen, You do not have to make any arrangements to return to the UK, if you are a British citizen.
Faye 01/03/2018 at 10:59 pm
Hi I moved to Istanbul 8 years ago because my family reason. Now I would like to back to England for good. I don't have any house to live but I have family there. Do I need to do and legal action before arrive to England .thank you for your answer
Keeley 27/02/2018 at 5:13 pm
Hello, I was born in Manchester and lived in the UK with my parents and sister, but moved to Canada when I was 11. I have been in Toronto for 10 years now but would like to move back to Manchester for a little while. I am a Canadian citizen, and I think I would lose my Canadian citizenship if I did not return after 6 months - so, I'd like to come back to England for 6 months at a time. I know I need to find work back home and there is a lot of other things I'd need to sort out...but where do I start?
(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)
Binkus1800 21/02/2018 at 6:52 pm
I also have a valid passport that expires in 2024.
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.
Binkus1800 21/02/2018 at 6:38 pm
Hello,
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.
RogerG Editor 20/02/2018 at 12:35 pm
@Lynda - your problems are more to do with the change in lifestlyes in general than the UK being unwelcome. Most phone companies want reassurance that you are going to pay your bill and take money via direct debit or direct from a valid bank account. So it stands to reason that a bank account is needed (one is required for most things and always has been). Similarly, a utility bill may be required to open a bank account for security reasons to prove you are who you say you are and you live where you say you do. If the world wasn't such a corrupt place now, perhaps we could go back to living like we did in the 1950s. But it is, fraud takes place all the time and most companies have to try to prevent this. I hope you settle in better once you are here. Regards, RG.
Lynda 19/02/2018 at 12:40 am
My son is unable to return to the US and is in a nursing home in UK. I have been in the US for over 40 years and am a dual citizen. I'm finding that process of possibly returning to the UK is extremely difficult. Everything has changed so much since I last lived there temporarily for several months in 1993. Now, I cannot get a bank account without a utility bill. This meant that I had to actually rent a short-term apartment. I cannot get a phone without a bank account. I have a British passport, so I'm at a loss as to why I'm so unwelcome. I am re-thinking this entire process and might just visit rather than giving up what I perceive to be the "safety" of US residency. I feel for the 58 year-old lady who is having difficulties too - see her post under "Max" above. Max, if you read this, please respond. Maybe we can pool our resources and win this battle.
EmigrationExpert Editor 06/02/2018 at 11:16 am
The whole article is about moving back to the UK. We cannot see what you are referring to.
Lynda 05/02/2018 at 5:11 pm
Why does your article 'Moving Back to the UK after Living Abroad' suddenly turn into advice about settling in to your new environment ABROAD ? They are two separate issues, after living abroad we already know the 'ups and downs' and presumably have good reasons for wanting to return.
Please make them both separate articles to avoid confusion.
Thanks
EmigrationExpert Editor 05/02/2018 at 11:16 am
If you are a British citizen and wish to return to the UK, depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim. , which should help answer your question.
Ash 04/02/2018 at 7:35 pm
I left the UK 5 years ago ì2013, with my 2 kids to start leaving with my parents who are resident in UAE. Last year my son who is 5 now been diagnosed with ADHD, due to his condition I have decided to move back to UK coz first I can't afford the treatment here in UAE so expensive second they don't have the expertise which my child can get in the UK. So far there is no improvement in my child condition. I am single mother not officially divorce yet but past 2 year leaving separately, kids father is not helpfull at all and we are not in good terms as well. I would like to know what help/support I can get in terms of housing, school and my special needs child treatment. I have very minium amount of money and I dont have anyone in the UK where I could come and stay. Please advise and assist me I am in really difficult situation with my 2 kids specially with my special needs child.

Thanks & regards
Afshan
Max 03/02/2018 at 10:13 am
I have lived in the USA for 14yrs on a E2 dependent visa. which expired because of a divorce...have no legal right to stay in USA must return to UK asap.. ..Have no where to go once get into UK...very little money too...NO FAMILY MEMBERS able to help. ..a friend maybe can stay 2 weeks only.Nottingham area......husband hid money from courts and I recvd nothing in divorce settlement at ALL....yet I am the one who MUST return to UK.... I am desperate for info.....it is the housing situation that is frightening....I am able to work but need accomodation first...woman 58 yrs old.....
Jen 30/01/2018 at 3:42 am
My family emigrated from UK to NZ in 1966. I have lived, worked and owned property in NZ for the last 20 odd years. I am still working full-time at 69 (we don't get the pension here til age 65).

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.
Whoop 29/01/2018 at 9:44 pm
As above her father says I can’t force her to come home to England but I am putting her best interests first. Please help
Whoop 29/01/2018 at 8:40 pm
My daughter is in Australia with her dad she is 10 an says wants to stay there to him an wants to come home to me, he said I can make her come home ! We are all British and he lived there 5 years an she has been there 6/7 months. I think she should be home with her siblings an better environment but I don’t know where I stand
D 29/01/2018 at 5:10 pm
Hello my father is not a British citizen but lived and was resident for many years in the UK and paid national insurance contributions and taxes. At the time he had an indefinite stay document but has lived abroad for over a decade now. He receives a UK state pension and I mysef(his son) was born in the U.K. and am currently resident there. He previously lived in the UK and had owned property there for over 20years. My first question is what is necessary for him to move back to the UK (especially with all this Brexit business) and secondly, he is currently receiving cancer treatment. How long would the transfer to the NHS take? I worry about possible breaks in the treatment process while moving counties.
Sean 27/01/2018 at 12:09 pm
I left the UK in 1990 at 27 after having been in the army and steady employment after that. I have been working (teaching) in Asia ever since. I have not paid any UK NI or tax since I left. If I came back to the UK to work (in teaching), Would I would be on 'emergency tax' for a few months and just start paying NI? Or would I 'owe the UK money on what I earned abroad in all those years? I suppose I wouldn't be entitled to any type of pension (including army) or benefits...? Very curious - what do you think? Thanks!
Ron53 26/01/2018 at 2:51 pm
Hi, I am a U.K. citizen who’s has lived in Sweden many years. I have recently moved to Spain and considering whether to be resident here or register myself in U.K. and use the 186 day rule for my home in Spain. Who could I consult in U.K. re. pros and cons, specifically concerning tax and pensions?
Sincerely
Ronnie
EmigrationExpert Editor 26/01/2018 at 11:46 am
You would have to apply for a visa independently. You can find a visa which may suit you via whichYou would have to fulfil all visa requirements before you would be eligible to apply.
EmigrationExpert Editor 26/01/2018 at 10:52 am
Unfortunately, there is no organisation that would be able to help you financially make the move. Likewise, you may not be entitled to claim benefits if you return, Also, although the Age UK link hereis aimed as a British citizen over State Pension age who moved abroad and who is now considering moving back to live permanently in the UK, it does have some useful information on eligiblity for housing etc.
EmigrationExpert Editor 25/01/2018 at 3:38 pm
There is no official organisation that can financially help you relocate back to the UK. It is also tricky if you wish to apply for benefits and housing, as you have to be considered to be classed as being 'ordinarily resident' again and this can take time. for more information.
EmigrationExpert Editor 25/01/2018 at 2:07 pm
Rules that came into force on 1 January 2014 mean that, if you friend wants to claim income-based jobseeker's allowance, he would need to show that he is habitually resident. He cannot be viewed as habitually resident until he has been living in the UK or elsewhere in the common travel area for at least three months. You can read more whichwhich will help answer his question in full.
Lynda 25/01/2018 at 10:09 am
I am a 60 year old woman with severe back problems following several operations abroad. I lived in Turkey for 9 yrs and now in Bulgaria for the last 2yrs.My husband died in November and I am desperate to return to the UK but have insufficient funds to buy a property even if I sell my present home. I have a single daughter with 2 children but she is on benefits in a small flat so unable to live with her even short term. How can I get help to return and find suitable accommodation. Any advice appreciated.
Shan 25/01/2018 at 1:11 am
I am an Indonesian and have son who is British We live in Indonesia.

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
Joongermo 24/01/2018 at 8:20 pm
I have a family member living in Berlin. He has been there 34 years working in sports coaching. He is miserable there and struggling financially. He has no assets and now is struggling to make ends meet alone as he is not getting work in due to his age these days.
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?
Carla 23/01/2018 at 4:28 pm
I left the UK 4 years ago 2014, with my daughter and husband. We got divorced in France in 2016. I want to return to the Uk with my 12 year old daughter to start again and work.
What is the p procedure and I have no money to move back can get UK help me at all?
Thank you
EmigrationExpert Editor 23/01/2018 at 3:29 pm
Unfortunately, it's not that straightforward. If you're a UK or an Irish citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, Also, provision of free NHS treatment is on the basis of being ordinarily resident and is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance (NI) contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK
Ash 23/01/2018 at 1:20 am
Hi I'm a British citizen, I've been living and working in holland for 20 years.i was married to a Dutch man I'm now divorced.id like to move back to the UK but have an illness and working isn't a realistic option as just had to close my shop due to health reasons..I don't want to claim but I'm afraid I won't have an option.Am I intiteld if I go back to England having paid tax and private care in holland for 20 years.thanks
Shan 19/01/2018 at 9:16 am
I am Indonesian and have son is British
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 18/01/2018 at 2:41 pm
To qualify to enter the United Kingdom as a returning resident, you must have had indefinite leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom when you last left and have not been away from the United Kingdom for more than two years. If you have been out of the UK for this period of time, you can see more whichwhich should help answer your question.
Butz 16/01/2018 at 10:09 pm
I was granted Indefinant leave in 1973. I was married to a British citizen. I had two children during the 5 year marriage. He passed away, and I returned to The USA. I would like to end my days in The UK. after a 35 years in the US. Would I still have my indefinite leave?
EmigrationExpert Editor 15/01/2018 at 10:28 am
You son can return to the UK freely. However, he would not be immediately eligible to claim benefits. If your son wishes for instance to claim income-based jobseeker's allowance, he would need to show that he is habitually resident. He would not be allowed to be viewed as being habitually resident until he has been living in the UK for at least three months, please CAB which
bangles 14/01/2018 at 9:07 am
Hi There! I would like some advice. My son who has lived in Australia since he was 18, a UK citizen, now wants to come back to the UK at the age of 37 will he be able to do so freely? I am concerned that he will not be able to claim benefits untill he is back on his feet financially, I am able to give him a room to sleep, but won't be able to maintain him financially, as I am not working as I am a Lupus sufferer. What help is out there for him.
Gill 12/01/2018 at 7:57 pm
I was born in the U.K. and was adopted and moved with my parents to the us at age 10 I am now 49 and wish to return to the U.K. to live, work while disabled. Will I be Eligible eligible eligible to move back with my child who has duel citizenship USA and U.K.?
NN Editor 09/01/2018 at 2:19 pm
@Holly - EU members will be able to carry on living and working in the UK if they they move before the Brexit cut-off point, March 29, 2019. They will still have the right to apply for British citizenship after five years. In other words, the government won't throw you out if you are already established in the UK.
Holly 08/01/2018 at 9:02 am
I moved to the Netherlands when I was 21 I still have my British passport but am now married to a dutch man and we have 3 children. We are planning to move to the UK in the summer. We have somewhere to stay and have looked at a few schools for our eldest. So we are well on our way to making it happen. My question and worry is that although the UK is in the eu now and so we can move freely what will happen when the UK eventually leaves the eu? My husband and children are all dutch citizens. What steps do you recommend we take to make sure that we are not sent back to the Netherlands?.
Cal 02/01/2018 at 4:21 am
British/Irish dual nationality since birth in London 61 years ago. Moved from Oxford to Dublin nearly 30 years ago but now to want to end my time back in England, where I have close family. I am on long term Jobseeker's Allowance here, after a steady 25 year profession in one place .....Can this be transferred in principle? I know rates differ. It'd be so much preferable to return and not be the slightest burden on family (brother, sister, cousins) Certainly willing to seek work though my age is against me a lot I find. But who k it's.
So.......cdn this ever be done please?
Maz 26/12/2017 at 8:28 pm
I moved from UK to Eire for 8 years paid my stamp there.now back living in UK . I am 8 years short of n.i.stamps to get my full pension.what can I do about the stamps I paid in Eire ?
Anglo 23/12/2017 at 7:31 am
I left England at the age of 22, having worked there for 6 years. I emigrated to New Zealand and married. My marriage ended in 1997 and I moved to Australia for nearly 3 years and then returned to New Zeland. I left New Zealand in 2009 to go to Ireland look after my mother who died later that year. I stayed in Ireland for 8 years. At age 65 I received a small pension from Britain and a pension from New Zealand. In 2016 I left Ireland for Australia where my family live. I have applied for a pension in Australia but after 4 months I am still waiting for a decision. However, I wish to return to live in England in 2018. I am single. I know neither New Zealand nor Australia will pay a pension to the UK. Am I entitled to claim a full British pension on my return to UK?
EmigrationExpert Editor 19/12/2017 at 11:53 am
The British citizen has to be classed as being ordinarily resident in the UK (for at least six months) and fulfil the other requirements in order to be able to apply for a family member to join them.
kaz 18/12/2017 at 10:31 pm
Hi,
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?
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/12/2017 at 12:45 pm
You can come and live in the UK without having to go through any process. You would only have an issue if you wished to claim benefits. You would not be able to do this, until you were classed as being 'ordinarily resident', for more information.
jibbit 10/12/2017 at 2:54 am
Hi
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 ?
Liz 26/11/2017 at 11:32 am
I'm British but i've been living in the Netherlands for 17 years. I want to make a new start and come back to the uk. I'm so unhappy here. But the whole idea frightens me and i have absolutely no idea how to go about it. Been looking at sites on the internet. ... pensions, Banks account, taxes, benefits/no benefits. I'd have to firstly stay with my parents before i got my feet on the grond and found employment. Does anybody also have experience with my situation, tips, maybe a link to a good step by step site. .... and perhaps some kind words to get me over my fear. ... and just door it!!
EmigrationExpert Editor 20/11/2017 at 11:40 am
You will find this AgeUK factsheet useful if you are a British citizen over state pension age who moved abroad and who is now considering moving back to live permanently in the UK
Jenny42 19/11/2017 at 12:41 am
I am planning to return to the UK after living in the US since 2002. I am still a UK citizen and receive a UK pension. I have family in the UK and am looking into renting retirement accommodation. I will be receiving a US pension but am unsure if I will have sufficient money to live on. I am a UK passport holder. What do I need to do to re patriate?
sm1234 19/11/2017 at 12:19 am
I'm leaving a job in Asia and I will cease to be resident there in December. I am coming back to the UK briefly (2 weeks, mid to late December) before I return to Asia to start a year-long cycle trip all the way back to the UK. I have not been UK resident since 2011 and will be spending weeks, up to a couple of months in each of the countries I pass through. Will I be resident of nowhere until I am back permanently in the UK? Or Will I be UK resident from the date I come back to the UK for a short visit?
Buck 17/11/2017 at 9:04 am
I'm retired marred have two children both have British passports both children under the age of 14.my.wife is Thai and dose not have. UK passport. She has been to England meny times with no problem. What bennifits. Will I get. We have been together now 22 years. Would this be a problem for me
RoH Editor 16/11/2017 at 10:16 am
@Jono - Do you have British citizenship? If you do then you won't have a problem. You can just return. It only becomes difficult if you want to claim means-tested benefits.
Jono 15/11/2017 at 11:56 am
Hello
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?
Ali 14/11/2017 at 7:06 am
I had come to uk on spouse visa, I got my indefinite stay to love in UK visa.. I stayed in UK approximately for 8 to 9 years .. Then I went back to India.. Where I was wrongfully arrested and was held in prison for 3 and half year after 9 years my case was dismissed and I was equitted of all charges and given a clean child from district and high Court.. Due to all this mess me and my wife have fallen apart and have serious misunderstanding.. I have two kids age 14 and 16 living in UK with their mother/ my wife... I want to return to uk now to join my family but my wife won't support me due to misunderstanding which are not being resolved over the phone.. What do I need to do to get back to uk.. What's the procedure...
Lu 11/11/2017 at 3:47 pm
I'm dual citizen, British Italian, born and mostly lived in UK until age 33 and now aged 39. At 33 I moved to Italy where I have been working. I lost my job as an English language instructor for business and I now want to go and teach English in S. Korea or Japan. Due to the very complex tax system in Italy I am wondering if I should return to being UK resident and then continue with the plan to go to Asia. I don't know if I can bear to deal with Italian bureaucracy anymore!
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?
Miss Julie 06/11/2017 at 7:13 pm
I am returning next year I lived for 47 years in UK and moved to the USA 1996 I have my American citizenship and American passport and have the right of abode for the U.K. Will be living with my daughter and grand children I already receive my British Pension years ago
MikeO Editor 02/11/2017 at 3:36 pm
@LISA - you can move back without any restrictions. The only thing you can't do is claim benefits.
LISA 31/10/2017 at 6:11 pm
I am born British and living in South Africa, due to our political unrest. I am thinking of moving back to England with my children who both have British passports, as my ex husband is also born British.
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 30/10/2017 at 3:09 pm
You can see more whichwhich should help answer your question.
EmigrationExpert Editor 30/10/2017 at 10:25 am
Yes. Problems only arise when a person wishes to claim benefits, The more your friend attempts to become 'ordinarily resident', the better.
jules 29/10/2017 at 12:58 pm
Please can you help . My friend as lived Australia for ten years. She wants to move back with her two daughters 15 and 18 years old who were Born in the UK. They all have dual passports. Can my friend rent a place and work when she first comes back. Also buy after about three months. Please advice me with this.

regards

Jules
SMM 29/10/2017 at 9:53 am
Parents brought me to Australia as permanent resident at 13yo 45 years ago, what entitlement would be available until I get a job and what other paperwork and boxes would need ticking .. I would be traveling on a uk passport
Ian_B 27/10/2017 at 8:52 pm
I moved to America in 1999 to get married, now, 18 years later I'm divorced & hoping to move back to England, I never took U.S citizenship & still have a full UK passport. My can't help with a room as he only has a one bedroom house.

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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/10/2017 at 2:53 pm
If your half-sister is a British citizen, then she is allowed to return to the country freely.
EmigrationExpert Editor 23/10/2017 at 10:35 am
You can see more whichwhich will answer your question under the heading 'Irish citizens'.
Misshome1978 22/10/2017 at 2:17 pm
I British born by British parents etc in uk I lived and worked in uk till I was 22 when I moved to ire and was married with 2 children.. that was 17 yrs ago after my marriage breakdown I desperately want to come home to uk to live near my only family.. but not sure what help I can get .. I’m saving as much as I can but for a short time I may need help with housing and supporting my two children 6 and 14 although I’d plan to open my own business in uk as I had in Irish republic .. i have a national insurance number etc can I move and ask for help straight away until everyone’s settled?? How does this all work?
Chell 20/10/2017 at 11:38 am
Hi, My half sister (uk born british citizen) moved to ghana 6 years ago with my mum. Now that she is 18 she wants to come back to the uk alone. Is she allowed back into the country? She's not been back at any point since going to live in ghana.
Biya 17/10/2017 at 9:24 pm
Hi I had a relative who lived in the uk 35 years ago there was a family argument and he was taken back to his country and had his British passport taken off him so he could not return.
I want to know what I can do to help him to get back and what proof will home office ask. Thank you
EmigrationExpert Editor 17/10/2017 at 1:47 pm
In order for you to be able to bring your husband to live in the UK, you would have to be living in the UK and earning at least £18,600 (extra if you are applying to bring children). Or have savings of over £62,500 in order to qualify. The visa you would have to apply for would be a family visa, Your husband would have to apply as a partner or spouse. This visa has fallen under a lot of criticism because it separates families due to the complicated applications process. However, unless your husband can apply independently of you as his family, apart from applying for a visitor visa, there are limited other options available.
Tina62 17/10/2017 at 11:56 am
Hi, I'm a uk citizen and living in working in Malta. I have lived here for 6 years. Please can you tell me what is the procedure when leaving Malta.
Thank you.

Regards

Tina
Pal 14/10/2017 at 10:50 pm
Hi, I got married in 2005 in Turkey and decided to live in Turkey with my husband. I have 2 boys, 10 and 7 years old. I would like to move back to UK with my family and provide them a better life in education and a safer atmosphere. However, I would like some help on what I need to do first. We're hoping to sell our property here so that we can buy a house but would it be difficult to buy a fully paid house due to not actually living there yet.. Im researching jobs and want to start working straight away to be able to support my family... Plus would it be easy for my husband to be a UK resident because of my rights??
I could really use some professional advice. Thank you..
EmigrationExpert Editor 13/10/2017 at 12:21 pm
You may not be of state pension age, but if you are a British citizen who moved abroad and who is now considering moving back to live permanently in the UK, this factshet is very useful, It gives information about things to consider regarding your finances and housing and looks at your eligibility for health and social care services and give details of who to contact.
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/10/2017 at 11:08 am
Student funding from the government in the UK is all about which country is your ordinary place of residence. We know of no potential loopholes in the system, as the system is geared towards preventing this if the student is not deemed as being 'ordinarily resident' in the UK. Academic institutions across the UK offer funding to higher education students in the form of bursaries, scholarships and other awards, but judging by your question you are looking for a student loan. One alternative is that you may be able to apply for an international student loan form your home country. Or, it may be possible to get a loan from a company separate from the Student Loans Company in the UK; however, the interest rates are likely to be higher. This has probably not answered your question, but there is no easy answer to this.
Bern 09/10/2017 at 2:58 pm
Hi,
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?
Nick 06/10/2017 at 11:01 am
25 years ago, I was head hunted to work in Holland. Now, I am retired, pensions were not paid by previous employers, so I live from Dutch/UK state pensions which combined fall below the tax paid threshold. Now, for several reasons such as homesick, difficulty making contacts, Dutch tax laws etc, I have the desire to return to England. I note many departments to contact but please, is there a general contact mail/phone to find out the best order how to go about this? The best way to proceed?
Andy 03/10/2017 at 12:19 am
Hi. I have been traveling around the world for 23 years and I'm returning home due to family member being sick. Can you give me advice on how I can claim unemployment benefits, where to go or is online?
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/10/2017 at 1:02 pm
I am very sorry to hear this. I assume your son is entitled to receive free treatment both in the EU and UK. In 2015, rules changed about who was eligible to receive free NHS treatment, and here . Unfortunately, we cannot help with any further information as we can only issue basic, not specialised advice.
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/10/2017 at 10:40 am
School admissions for your children is pretty straightforward. If you are sure of the area you are moving to contact school admissions well in advance of the time you are planning to move, to see if there are places available and/or what the schools' protocol is, Even if you are an ex-pat, accessing NHS for any hospital treatment needed will not be as straightforward, please see gov.uk whichHowever, you will be able to register with a GP. In addition, much depends upon your financial situation. If you need to claim means-tested benefits, then you would have to be considered as being classed as 'ordinarily resident' in the UK before you will be allowed to make a claim, I hope this answers some of your questions.
T 01/10/2017 at 8:58 am
We are a family of 6, with 15 year old twins, a 5 year old and a 3 year old looking to move back to the uk from Spain. I have been out of the uk for 10 years and my wife for about 20.
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
chas 30/09/2017 at 8:57 am
This is about our son who has lived and worked in Majorca for the past 23years, unfortunately he is an Alcoholic and has been for the last 20years. He is now 47 years old. He is currently in hospital in Manacor Majorca and we have just been told ( with a sickening blow ) that he has now ended up with disastrous consequences from the dreaded ALCOHOL. The doctor who is looking after our son apparently had to save his life THREE times with his heart stopping told us that our SON has destroyed his whole body with a very large amount of failing parts in his system. But the MAJOR thing for us is that his MIND is now all over the place, when we arrived at the hospital he had no idea who we were. The doctor explained that the alcohol had done quite a considerable amount of brain damage. As you can imagine my wife and myself are in BITS. The problem is that he has to have 24 hour care, the doctor has informed us that we would have no chance of taking care of him. The British Consul in Palma are helping all they can to get him back to England but everywhere we go they don't want to know. Any advice would be appreciated.
EmigrationExpert Editor 28/09/2017 at 2:31 pm
The DWP, your local authority or HMRC will decide at what point you can be viewed as habitually resident, depending on how long you have been away, why you were abroad, and what ties you kept with the UK during this time. However, if you're planning to move back to the UK and you think you will need means-tested benefits and housing straight away, you would have plan how you would cope if you cannot claim benefits for three months or more. You can also see more which
EmigrationExpert Editor 26/09/2017 at 4:28 pm
I'm afraid, since 2012 the laws in the UK have changed and this is perhaps something which should have been explored before your brother-in-law returned to the UK. In addition, if your brother-in-law is a UK citizen returning to the UK from abroad, then in order to claim means-tested benefits, depending on how long he has been out of the country, he may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before he is allowed to make a claim. Unfortunately, this is a blanket law and exceptions are not made. Please also see Turn2Us link here which may help further to find out what your brother-in-law is entitled to.
0home0 26/09/2017 at 3:16 pm
I need to return to the UK after 17 yrs abroad,with child (10 yrs old) who holds a British passport. We need somewhere to live and will be returning with no funds. I have a family member there but we can not stay there as it is a single room flat. I have read I will not be entitled to benefits for 3 months. How do I get help with arranging housing so we have a place to live when we arrive?
Cijay 24/09/2017 at 6:12 pm
I can't open the CAB link above.

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?
Leezabee 22/09/2017 at 9:25 pm
My brother in law has just moved back from LA after living outside the U.K for around 17 years. He had a brain tumour while in LA and got operated on successfully. Since the operation he has been left with memories lose and need constant prompting to do day to day tasks. He had an appointment with the doctor who said he is fit to work. He is clearly not fit to work. He is sofa surfing between family members. He went to job centre and they said he has to be in the country for more than 3 month befor he can claim job seekers allowance. He has no money and owns nothing. He needs a house and some sort of benefit. Could you steer us in the right direction as he served for his country in the British army in the 70's there must be something available?
EmigrationExpert Editor 21/09/2017 at 1:45 pm
Yes, you would have to apply for this visa from outside the UK
thutraymer 20/09/2017 at 4:21 pm
My husband is a British Citizen who moved to Canada with his family when he was 10, he went back to do university in the UK and then moved back to Canada. We have 3 kids who have British passports too. We are looking to move to the UK. From everything I have read I will need a spousal Visa but my Husband and kids are free to move back at any time?? Would it be best to apply for the visa from Canada?
EmigrationExpert Editor 14/09/2017 at 10:44 am
Within England, free NHS hospital treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK. If you are not ordinarily resident in the UK, you are considered to be an overseas visitor and may be charged for NHS hospital services. So, it is strongly recommended that you take out sufficient health insurance to cover your stay. You can see more whichYou can also see more regarding whether you/and/or your mother can claim particular benefits which
Shaz 13/09/2017 at 4:58 am
Hello
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
KSG 01/09/2017 at 4:15 pm
A family member, born in Northern Ireland, relocated to Canada over 40 years ago and became a Canadian citizen. Their British passport has also lapsed.
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?
EmigrationExpert Editor 31/08/2017 at 12:54 pm
You will find this AgeUK factsheet useful
Blue Grey 30/08/2017 at 2:02 pm
I'm a 67 year old UK-born semi-retired male teacher with dual British/Australian nationality, in Australia for 43 years, who has just separated from my partner of 22 years after we moved from Sydney to Queensland to be closer to her family. They hated me from day one and have spent the last 4 years trying to break us up - successfully. I had a heart attack not long after the split and now have ongoing heart problems. I have no friends in Queensland and my old Sydney friends are now scattered across NSW. There's no property or children involved.

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.
Naomi 26/08/2017 at 11:50 pm
Hi, I'm a German national living and working in the Uk since over 6 years. I have just quit my job to go travelling and will give up my flat here too during my time abroad.
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?
Mar 25/08/2017 at 4:09 pm
My brother in law has returned from living in the USA to Scotland..He was homeless (due to difficult circumstances) he is a British citizen and did pay tax while he lived in the Uk..He arrived back in Scotland..has no job ..He is living at the moment in a shelter for the homeless. He has now been told he has no right to benefits or any type of permanent housing. How can this be as he is a British citizen?...any advice would be appreciated as he seems to have hit a brick wall...
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/08/2017 at 11:46 am
If you are registered as British citizens you are entitled to return to the UK at any time.
Mags 23/08/2017 at 12:41 pm
My family and I are all British born Citizens. We have moved to North America.

Can we, at any time, after a prolonged period abroad move back to UK?
EmigrationExpert Editor 07/08/2017 at 4:05 pm
The NHS operates a residence-based healthcare system and not every person is entitled to free NHS treatment in England. Provision of free NHS treatment is on the basis of being ordinarily resident and is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance (NI) contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK. Ordinarily resident means, broadly speaking, living in the UK on a lawful and properly settled basis for the time being. Please see NHS link here and here.
Mr T 06/08/2017 at 10:01 pm
Hi
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 25/07/2017 at 10:01 am
This is a rather contentious subject and one which was taken to the Supreme Court last year, but ruled lawful. In order for you to be able to apply to bring your wife to the UK, you would first of all have to be classed as being 'ordinarily resident' in the UK in order to be able to apply. As you may be aware, you would have to fulfil the other requirements of either having savings of over £62,500 or be earning over £18,600 per annum and for at least six months before you can apply. The reason being is so that the British citizen spouse can financially support the non-British spouse who would have no recourse to claim public funds (benefits). The Surinder Singh route is a method for British citizens to secure UK immigration rights for their non-European spouses, who are unable to join their partners, please see gov.uk whichOtherwise, if this does not apply, you would have to seek independent immigration advice. But, loopholes are few since the government made a concerted effort to clamp down on immigration.
Ras 23/07/2017 at 7:29 pm
Hi

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
Saz 20/07/2017 at 1:48 am
I've been living in New Zealand for 15 years and am now preparing to move back to the UK, where I was born and resided till my 30's. I currently have a New Zealand passport, can I use this when I return for good to get into the country without issue? I have dual nationality as have become a New Zealand citizen.
Burley 19/07/2017 at 9:12 pm
Both my husband and I are Scottish been living in the Middle East around 13 years - my teenage children are returning to Scotland one to boarding school and the other to stay and help with elderly grandparent while finishing school ! My son is on a controlled medication and I am having huge issues trying to get an appointment for a repeat prescription - just been charged 160 pounds for a private and still not received prescription 3 days later can you offer any advice for registering - the doctors stated they can't use NHS for 6 months / I have to pay - I am fine with that but they won't deal with ongoing issues only emergencies ?
YanT Editor 17/07/2017 at 2:15 pm
@Mo - You need a Returning Resident visa to come back to live in the UK if you were previously settled (given ‘indefinite leave to enter or remain’) and you have either: lost your documentation or been out of the country for more than two years.  In order for ILR to be reinstated, you will have to successfully justify your personal circumstances that lead you to be out of the country for so long. If you have lost your ILR, then you can apply for a visa if you feel that's the best route.
EmigrationExpert Editor 17/07/2017 at 11:36 am
Please see Age UK link here which will tell you all you need to know.
Mo 16/07/2017 at 3:52 am
I am a doctor from india and worked with nhs from1998 to 2006
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
Matty 15/07/2017 at 4:38 am
I am a British Citizen hold a British Passport I would like to return to Scotland after being in Canada since 1970, My husband is now deacesed and I wish to be with my family for my remaining years I am 80 years old and in good health what are the necessary steps I need to take to put this into action as soon as possible?
Tim Editor 13/07/2017 at 11:21 am
@Nessa - he'd be better renting privately and not through an agency. It's a difficult one as there are so many hoops people have to jump through these days, especially via agencies. There is also the likes of Spareroom that sometimes offer part-share of houses and or annexes or flats. Local newspapers or the likes of Gumtree might offer a way around your problem. Good luck.
Nessa 11/07/2017 at 4:48 pm
My partner (who is a British citizen), myself and our 7 year old daughter have been living in Norway for the past 4 years. We have now decided to move back to England. My partner moved back on 14th of June but I decided to remain in Norway to finish my work obligations here. He's been on a "property to rent" hunt ever since he got back to England yet at every turn he's been turned away since he only has a temporary job for the moment while he's waiting to start his permanent job and, as I am still employed in Norway, therefore, cannot hold jobs in two countries, I am counted as unemployed in England, therefore, letting a property is giving us dead ends over and over again (landlords go for "safer" options, even though we have savings we're bringing with). He's gone to council to seek help there, yet since he's been out of country for 4 years he's not counted as a citizen no more according to them. They've sent him to open an account at a bank yet bank sends him right back to council.
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/07/2017 at 2:07 pm
If your best friend does not have any finances, then he may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long he has been out of the country, he may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before he is allowed to make a claim, However, this can take months. I know your friend is not at retirement age but the Age UK factsheet here gives a comprehensive overview and gives advice on finding accommodation etc. I hope this helps.
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/07/2017 at 11:31 am
Much depends upon your financial situation. If you're a UK or an Irish citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, please see CAB whichOtherwise, as a British citizen you can return to the UK and set up home freely.
Chris 11/07/2017 at 9:31 am
My best friend went to the United States about 9 years ago. He fell in love with an American woman, they got married about a year later and had a daughter together. Now his wife left and gone to Europe to live with another man, leaving my friend with the child who is now 7 years old and autistic.
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
Mac 10/07/2017 at 3:53 pm
I was born in the UK and came to live in SA with my parents at the age of 7 in 1976. Both my parents are now deceased, and both my siblings have immigrated. I have my British passport.. what would the process be for me to return to the UK. I have never visited or worked in the UK since leaving.
Jen&* Editor 04/07/2017 at 2:19 pm
@Sarab - this sounds awful. Do you have family you can go to until you get back on your feet? The UK is not like it was years ago, there is little in the way of help and it would take you time to apply for and receive benefits. You have to be classed as being 'ordinarily resident' and that can take a while to prove (it can take months). The employment rate is low currently, so I'm sure you wouldn't find it too difficult to get a job. Fingers crossed for you :(
Sarab 04/07/2017 at 9:55 am
I rushed a move to France 2016 with a very sick husband. now pursuing a Divorce
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.
nicssss 02/07/2017 at 7:40 pm
Where do I begin? 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.
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
Laura 25/06/2017 at 9:34 am
Hi My Auntie Clare moved to South Africa about 35 years ago and had her children etc. She now wants to come home to Scotland to live as her kids are up with their own families. She lost her passport years ago and there is no British embassy open over there. How hard is it to come home for her ?
Thank you x
EmigrationExpert Editor 20/06/2017 at 2:53 pm
If you are a British citizen, you would not need a visa to return to the UK.
Lila 20/06/2017 at 10:40 am
Hi - this may sound so silly but do I need a Visa to return to the UK. I emigrated to Australia with my parents over 20 years ago, but now my Mum and I wish to return home as there is nothing left here for us (my Dad died six years ago), we are both British Citizens. We still have family in the UK and strong ties to the country.
With regards
Angela
EmigrationExpert Editor 19/06/2017 at 4:10 pm
Your only option is to move to the UK, and apply for your husband to join you via whichHowever, there are very specific financial requirements you both would have to fulfil in order to apply for your husband to join you.
EmigrationExpert Editor 16/06/2017 at 10:49 am
If you are a British citizen, you would have to return back to the UK under your own steam (there is no specific assistance). Likewise, if you wished to claim means-tested benefits or access the NHS, you would have to be classed as being 'ordinarily resident' please see CAB whichI hope this helps answer your question.
Len 15/06/2017 at 2:46 pm
My name is Lennon Jarman I am quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and then make use of an electric wheelchair. I am a registered social worker, currently working at a substance use treatment facility as part of a multidisciplinary team working with adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age. My reason for writing this email is that I have over seven years experience as the social worker, working in a number of different fields including: Statutory work, child protection and adolescent substance use treatment. I do not for example have a drivers license and require wheelchair accessible transport. I would like the opportunity to live and work in the UK and I believe I would add value in terms of my professional skills. How do I go about accessing the assistance I need to get the opportunity to be able to come and work in Uk to work in my chosen profession. Just as an afterthought, I do have a British Passport I

I look forward to hearing from you as I am in need of advice
EmigrationExpert Editor 15/06/2017 at 11:26 am
Within England, free NHS hospital treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK. The changes which came into effect from April affect visitors and former UK residents differently, depending on where they now live. You can see more about being classed as 'ordinarily resident' means which
Michelle S 14/06/2017 at 2:00 pm
My husband and I left the UK in 2008 (husband April and me in September). Going back a bit... from 2004 until leaving the UK we sent aprox. £300k to Turkey to purchase land and build a property. In 2008 we moved to Abu Dhabi to work. Whilst there we sent most of our earnings to Turkey to finish the house. In all we paid out aprox. £400k for the house and land in Turkey. We moved to Turkey pemanently in 2011 and since then we have been residents of Turkey. We are now aiming to sell our house here in Turkey and buy something in the UK and also a holiday home here in Turkey. We wll spend around 8 months of the year in the Uk and the rest in Turkey. My question is... when I come to transfer money back to the Uk where do I stand? I would think that all the money I sent to Turkey from UK would be counted as money I have already paid tax on and the money from the UAE would be tax free and also free of tax. We have also lived in our home in Turkey since 2011 so I presume if I wanted to transfer all of the proceeds back it would all be tax free? (Although some of it would of course be staying here in Turkey anyway).n I want to transfer back aprox. £400k. Do I have to inform the Inland Revenue? Do I have to do anything special (inform them what I am doing) with my UK bank (I have always had a UK bank account since moving abroad). My husband has his OAP paid into that UK account as well. He is 70 and I am 63. Any help and advice would be very gratefully received. Thank You
Concerned 13/06/2017 at 3:55 pm
Hi, my sister went to the States in 1978 and became an American citizen. All her family over there died including her daughter and she would like to come back to the UK as I am now her only family. Is this possible and could she get NHS. She has medicare or some such there. She was born in 1948 and has a British and American pension.
Highland Mike 08/06/2017 at 1:00 am
Where do I begin?
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.
Lullu 07/06/2017 at 11:30 pm
My husband and myself have been living in the U.S for 23yrs. We are British/dual citizens but will be retuning to London in four months time where we have a house that we own. The move will be permanent and we will be re-establishing our residency. I have a chronic health condition requiring expensive medication which I know is approved there. As far as the NHS is concerned and the way I understand it is that we sign up with a G.P and produce our medical records to obtain our medications. I am just wondering if it really is that simple because I cannot be without my medication.
EmigrationExpert Editor 19/05/2017 at 1:06 pm
I am sorry to hear you are in ill health and are struggling. I'm afraid is is not so easy as returning to the UK and receiving NHS treatment. Within England, free NHS hospital treatment is provided on the basis of someone being classed as ‘ordinarily resident’. People who live outside the EEA, including former UK residents, are obliged to make sure they are covered by personal health insurance, unless an exemption applies to them. Anyone who does not have insurance will be charged at 150% of the NHS national tariff for any care they receive, Please also which show you how the system now works with regards to receiving benefits.
Mike 18/05/2017 at 11:43 pm
I was brought to the United States when i was 13 by my family ! I am now 52 years old and am in declining physical health! Im on kidney dialisis because of complete kidney failure! I have older children here in the states and that is whats keeping me here!
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?
Breezy 17/05/2017 at 10:56 am
Hello,
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 15/05/2017 at 3:10 pm
Much depends upon how long you will be out of the country. The CAB link here will help answer your question further.
sy300 15/05/2017 at 10:43 am
hi

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.
Ellie Editor 08/05/2017 at 12:08 pm
@So Homesick - you'll have to ask for your husband's position to move back with your kids, as you might be charged with abduction. I advise you look at your country's rules to see what you can do. You can't bring your husband back with you, you would have to apply once you have been living in the UK for six months and it's not easy, as you have to be earning over a certain amount (I think it's over £18,600).
So Homesick 07/05/2017 at 5:28 pm
When my Brazilian husband said he wanted to move back to Brazil we went; almost 6 years ago there were 4 of us now 5 (3 boys).
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'?
ERT Editor 08/05/2017 at 12:02 pm
@Marie - yes, it might not be the same UK that you left. It's certainly not as easy now. Can't you stay where you are if that's your home and you have friends etc? NZ is a much nicer and kinder place than the UK today. Ellie
Marie 07/05/2017 at 11:03 am
I moved to NZ with my husband and 4 children, when they grew up he cheated and left me after physical abuse. Now I'm on my own, kids moved to oz. I need to go back home . But the thought is so terrifying.
EmigrationExpert Editor 05/05/2017 at 2:43 pm
If you're a UK or an Irish citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim. Please see CAB which
heartsore 05/05/2017 at 12:36 pm
I think I may have to leave France, and move back to the uk. I have lived in France since 2009, previously living and working in the uk. (I'm English) I have worked part time in France, for a couple of years.
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.
Pooh 04/05/2017 at 11:41 pm
I am a British national who has lived in France for 50 years and I have now decided
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/05/2017 at 2:44 pm
Please see gov.uk link here which should help answer your question. However, you need to have been living in the UK for five continuous years in order to apply for permanent residence.
Mary 02/05/2017 at 11:54 am
Hello

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
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/05/2017 at 10:32 am
You would not be entitled to benefits when you enter the country as you are not classed as being 'ordinarily resident'. I take it you are a British Citizen, if so depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, please see CAB which
Lynne 01/05/2017 at 8:35 am
I have lived in South Africa since 1975, and only worked for 5 years in the UK before emigrating. Due to unexpected reasons I need to return to the UK , and I would like to know if I would be entitled to any benefits or how I could pay in to bring into line and roughly how much.
Thank you
Undecided! 30/04/2017 at 5:02 pm
I am now a 79 years old English woman who has lived in Spain for the past 33 years and before that moved around the world with a British Army Officer husband - but he died and now, finally, I think I should return to England. My question is, though, as I bought a residential Park Home here a couple of years ago, would I be able to keep that for holidays for myself and my family, without any problems relating to no longer being a resident here?
JuliiaBonn 30/04/2017 at 6:32 am
Hello, I've been in Germany for just over 2.5 years and have decided to move back to the UK. I have discovered that it'should unlikely I can take my pensions payments (was a freelancer English teacher) with me and, though I'm now part-time employed, I'd have to be here two years to keep those contributions and I don't want to hang around just for that. Are there any private UK pension schemes I could start paying into now?

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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/04/2017 at 2:18 pm
I'm afraid it is not easy to make such a move in your financial position. In order to bring your husband to live in the UK, you would have to be considered as being 'ordinarily resident' in the UK and satisfy the requirements laid out in the gov.uk whichIn order to be able to apply, you would have to have significant personal savings and/or be earning at least £18,600. Likewise, you would not be eligible for treatment through the NHS, The Age UK factsheet will also give information, I'm afraid there has ben a significant clampdown on people living from abroad (regardless of whether they are UK citizens) coming to the UK to rely upon public funds.
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/04/2017 at 1:55 pm
In April 2015, changes were made to the way the NHS charges overseas visitors for NHS hospital care. These changes also affect some former residents of the UK. Within England, free NHS hospital treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK. The changes which came into effect from April affect visitors and former UK residents differently, depending on where they now live, please see gov.uk which
Pat 27/04/2017 at 10:35 am
My husband is totally blind from an accident I look after him. We are both British old age pensioners but our pensions are frozen and we are increasingly finding it difficult to remain in SA with medical costs etc. What advice could you offer regarding going back to the UK and what help we would get. We would not have sufficient money to buy a house.
Krist 27/04/2017 at 12:59 am
I am a U.K. Citizen Who in Dec moved to the caribbean.
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 26/04/2017 at 3:04 pm
If you are an EU citizen, the EU freedom of movement still applies, please see gov.uk which
nicss 26/04/2017 at 7:03 am
Hi, please can i get help on my situation, i used to live in the UK since 2004. In addition, I did my apprentice there and work as a Restaurant manager and later moved to Germany in August 2011 and to learn German language, because my wife is German, and now we have two kids and i got a job lately here in Germany which was from Feb. 2015 till 2016 august and in this period i was paying a voluntary National insurance whilst living abroad, and i stop the payment in August last year because i started university in Netherland. And my voluntary National insurance payment cover up till October 2016 and now i wants to move back to the UK, the funniest thing now is that i myself is now a German passport holder, likewise my kids and wife. Furthermore i am starting a new course in Coventry, in Health and social care in September 2017. I used to have a residence card as an EU family member in the UK which expires Feb. 2016,What can i do now please, a reply will be much appreciated.
Thanks
Nics
LeeLee 23/04/2017 at 4:22 am
"Midge" - like you I live in Canada, though a bit further West in Vancouver. I've been here 30 odd years and have also wanted to return 'home' to the UK for a long time now. I'm curious what your reasons are for wanting to make the move now?
Chrissie 22/04/2017 at 3:42 am
I was born in the U.K. in 1948. I to this day still hold a British Passport and am a British Citizen. In 1958 we moved to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) when I continued to live for 58 years. Due to the many economical problems in Zimbabwe, my son invited us to come and live with him and his wife in New Zealand. He is our sponsor for the next 5 years. However, things have not worked out here and they now do not want us liviing with them. We left Zimbabwe with just 4 suitcases. I have been married to mu husband for 35 years. He holds a Zimbabwe passport with a New Zealand residence stamp. We both have children living in the U.K. and our wish now is to return to the U.K. and join our families there.Your assistance on this would be greatly appreciated.
EmigrationExpert Editor 18/04/2017 at 10:26 am
If your husband is a UK citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad and wants to claim certain means-tested benefits, then depending on how long he has been out of the country, he may have to satisfy the conditions of the habitual residence test (HRT) before he is allowed to make a claim. Your husband's/your income and savings will also be taken into account and utilised before he will be eligible to claim, However, if your husband is a naturalised British citizen and had been awarded 'indefinite leave to remain', he may have to apply for a returning resident's visa - To answer your other question; in order to bring you into the country to live, he will have to sponsor you via a family visa. He also has to be classed as 'ordinarily resident' (for six months or more) in order to be eligible to apply and either be earning £18,600 for at least the previous six months, or if you both have savings of over £62,500 you may be eligible to apply. The main reason for this is to prove that he can support you, so you are not reliant on public funds, There is also NHS treatment to consider and if he is not classed as ordinarily resident he will have to pay for treatment, The Age UK factsheet will give more information too, As part of the crackdown on immigration figures and benefit claims, the Home Office has made it increasingly difficult for former residents to return to the UK and claim benefits and/or bring family if they have insufficient funds to support themsleves.
Sweet 17/04/2017 at 5:07 am
Hello, I need your advise. My husband, me and my son are US Citizens and lived in the US for many years and we currently hold a US passport. My husband have a settled family in the U.K and he also worked in England for 20 years and have National State Pension when he retired someday. He's going to be 60 yrs old soon. We want to move and live in the UK. Is my husband have the right to come back and live again in England after many years of living abroad? What kind of visa do we have to apply. In his old US passport issued Feb 1989 and was expired Feb 1999 which he still have it, and had stamped says "Given Leave to Enter to the United Kingdom for an indefinite period". Is it still valid to enter the U.K? My husband also want to apply for disability in the U.K as he got some health issue problems and he won't be able to work, but I know he cannot claim until he or we will go back to England. He have medical history documents from the doctors and hospitals. Can he forward his medical history to U.K., so he can file a claim for disability? What can you suggest for us to do? I need your help and advise. Thank you very much!
Expatfriend 15/04/2017 at 9:13 am
Can anyone explain more about the TOR form (UK Gov introduced 31Mar 2017)?

Who has to fill it in?

Why?

How does it change what expats returning were permitted to do before 31 Mar?
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/04/2017 at 2:57 pm
If you're a UK or an Irish citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, please see CAB which
Matilda 11/04/2017 at 9:55 am
Hello,I'm moving back to the UK, Osterley and my post code is TW75NBill be living with my mum who is a pensioner.while I have been living in Greece I have been paying for the past 4/5 years voluntary instalments ( the full amount)to a state pension as I am unemployed here. I have a national insurance number.please could you let me know if I qualify for job seekers allowance or if not after how long can I claim this as I am currently looking for work.Also will I have to pay council tax if I share my mums 3 bedroom house band D.I am an examiner for Cambridge English and am trying to see how I can switch test centres to move to the uk.I would appreciate any help.Thank you.
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/04/2017 at 2:54 pm
You, as the British citizen would have to be classed as being 'ordinarily resident' in order to be able to apply for your husband to join you, We cannot really advise regarding how to find work, as much depends upon whether there are vacancies within your specific field. Much also depends upon whether your children will be educated through the local education authority or at a fee-paying school with regards to education.
Leesa 10/04/2017 at 11:16 am
Hi, I am 45yrs of age and a British citizen by birth,1971. I have a Indian citizen as a husband and my kids are well into the process of application for British citizenship. We plan to move to UK but it is mind boggling and would appreciate advice regarding their schooling and myself, finding work. I am a post graduate from an Indian university. I am not without my own funds. How difficult would it be for my husband to reside with us? Thank you..
Trish Editor 05/04/2017 at 2:15 pm
@AbO999 - if you get permission from your grandparents and consent from your parents to do this. When you are 18 you can make the decision yourself.
EmigrationExpert Editor 04/04/2017 at 10:35 am
I can point you in the general direction of some factors you may wish to consider. For instance, if you're a UK or an Irish citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, please see CAB whichThis also applies for access to the NHS. Within England, free NHS hospital treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK. The changes which came into effect from April affect visitors and former UK residents differently, depending on where they now live, For tax and NI, I am aware you are under 60 years of age, but the Age UK link here gives a very good overview regardless of age. I hope this helps.
Heather 03/04/2017 at 2:09 pm
I hope you can help. I have lived in Australia for the past 20 years (51 years old) My parents are both British (father deceased) I was born in Africa (parents over there for 6 years) and I have let my British Passport expire (renewing at present) I have an Australian Passport and was granted Australian Citizenship approx. 10 years ago. I have decided to move back to UK following my brothers death and spend the remaining years of her life in UK with my mother. I only made this decision once arriving back in UK, I advised my employers in Australia that I would not be returning and am awaiting news from them about references/tax docs I may need etc. I plan to live most of the year in UK and spend maybe 1-2 months in Australia. I have a house/pets in Australia and have a friend that will house sit and caretake for me - only just took out mortgage in January and will arrange to make payments from here - will be advising bank of situation today - havn't a clue where to start with everything (NI/Tax/Medical/Dental) and feeling overwhelmed - can yolu help with any concerns or point me in right direction - also havn't made will and been told I have to do it in Australia) because that is where my assets are.
Sar 01/04/2017 at 11:25 am
My Niece is just turning 17 and wants move to England permanently and study computer science. Although she has a British passport and is classed as British citizen, she has never lived in England. Would she have to pay for her education? Would she be entitled the NHS and A NI number? Any advice on how she could go about this and the process involved would be greatly received. Thanks
Abby Editor 31/03/2017 at 2:44 pm
@Midge - you may qualify for a shorter term mortage and you may have to prove to the mortgage company that you have savings, pensions and/or other investments in order to meet the mortgage lender's criteria.
Midge 30/03/2017 at 8:24 pm
Hello I am thinking of returning to the UK permanently after living in Toronto, Canada for 22 years. I will be selling my house, will have no debt. I will be 58 years of age, is that too old to get a mortgage even with a large deposit? I obviously plan to work and have talked to many agencies who don't seem to worry about my age. But will I get a mortgage is my main concern.
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/03/2017 at 2:38 pm
As the situation stands currently, there is no change, However, much depends upon how long your husband has been in the country when the new EU immigration rules come into force. As yet, no one has any idea what these may be and/or what the state of play will be for those EU members who do not qualify for permanent residency.
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/03/2017 at 12:49 pm
The move can be pretty straighforward, unless you wish to apply to claim benefits when you return. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim
Johno. 27/03/2017 at 4:33 am
Im living in western Australia at the moment.and seriously thinking of moving back to lancashire.I've been divorsed for two yrs.the job situation here is dire.and moving back to family and friends. I've been in oz 11yrs.any advice.thanks.
Eli 25/03/2017 at 1:50 pm
Hi. I'm a British citizen and have been living in Spain for almost 14 years. I have now married a Spanish man and have a baby born in Spain. We are looking at moving to the UK. What would I have to don't make that possible. Would my husband be allowed over permanently or would he need a visa?
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/03/2017 at 12:46 pm
Within England, free NHS hospital treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK, please see gov.uk whichThe Age UK link here may also be of use.
Suz 24/03/2017 at 1:33 am
My parents immigrated from England to America when I was 3, and I've lived here since then. I've visited and spent time in the UK many times, and have always loved it. Now that I'm in my 60's, divorced, and have many cousins in the UK, I would like to live there again.
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 23/03/2017 at 10:34 am
While you can move back to the UK (if you are a British citizen), your girlfriend would not be allowed to come to live. She could apply for a standard visitor visa, but this would be for a limited time, she would not be allowed to work and she would have to return to Canada at the end of the visa term. In order to apply to bring her to live in the UK, you as her sponsor would have to be considered 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, and would need to be earning a minimum of £18,600 per annum in order to be able to apply, along with other requirements, With regards to your own situation, if you wish to return to the UK and claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim
Mike 22/03/2017 at 2:00 pm
I've lived in Canada for 2 years but want to move back to the uk with my Canadian gf
I have no where to live or job lined up what would be my first step?
EmigrationExpert Editor 21/03/2017 at 12:40 pm
Your friend's mother has to be classed as 'ordinarily resident' in the UK in order to be able to claim free NHS healthcare, please see gov.uk whichIf she is at pensionable age then please also see Age UK link here which is very helpful across many aspects of returning to live in the UK.
Suzy 20/03/2017 at 6:12 pm
My good friend's mother came to UK from Italy when she was 16 and worked in UK for 40 years then retired and returned to Italy 30 years ago. She has a pension from the UK which is paid to Italy. She is now wanting to relocate back to the UK to stay with her daughter who has lived there since birth and she is deeply concerned that she will be okay to receive healthcare over in the UK? Nobody seems to be able to help at the doctor's or Citizen's advice? Can you assist?
EmigrationExpert Editor 16/03/2017 at 11:43 am
Currently, EU members still have freedom of movement, meaning you can both move to the UK to live and work. However, I cannot speculate what situation your husband will be in when Article 50 is triggered and new EU immigration laws are put into place. The Queen has given Royal Assent to the Brexit bill, clearing the way for PM, Theresa May to start talks to leave the European Union, meaning time is now limited. Once new immigration laws are put into place, then the application process will be the same as non-EU members, This means, you as the British citizen would have to sponsor your husband to come to live in the UK and fulfil the financial requirements laid out in the eligibility section. In the meantime, while you both can come to the UK to live currently, depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim for any benefits, please see CAB whichI hope this goes some way towards answering your question.
kathryn 15/03/2017 at 3:23 pm
Hello! i´m desperate for advice! I am British and moved to Spain when i was 19, here i married to a spanish man and we have two children. Now we want to move to the u.k. but dont know where to start! We have nowhere to live and will be looking for work, what are our options? Can my children get British nationality? Will my husband have any problems working/living in the u.k.? please help!
Bloby 14/03/2017 at 8:31 pm
Hello ,

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
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/03/2017 at 2:31 pm
Please see the Age UK link here which will tell you all you need to know.
Lee lee 09/03/2017 at 10:20 pm
A family member currently lives in the USA. Her health isn't great and her financial circumstances have changed due to a divorce (American husband) leaving it difficult to cover living costs let alone health ins etc. She is likely to return to the uk, she has family here and thee is little to stay in the USA for. My question is, she will come back with nothing and so will need support to get set up. Her pension is now payable so she has this, will she be entitled to any other financial support/benefits? She can stay with family for a short while however no one has space for it to be a long term arrangement. Ideally she needs something for housing!
mtcllc 04/03/2017 at 7:01 pm
I am a British citizen my wife is American and after marrying we lived in the UK from 1983-1995 then we moved to the US with our children then 5 and 8 - they have since moved back to the UK and live there permanently. My wife and I are now looking to retire back to the UK for be closer to our children. My mother is getting to the point where she is needing constant help and this is in part why we are thinking of moving back. There are no family ties in the US - so it makes sense.

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
lizzie 03/03/2017 at 2:57 pm
We are currently living in Cyprus but want to return to the UK as permanent residents. We would like to buy a property there but not sure if we have to be resident there for a minimum amount of time before we can apply for a mortgage. Can you give us any information on this please. Many thanks
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/03/2017 at 1:53 pm
It depends upon the level of savings you have between you. if you have savings of £62,500 held in the sponsor and/or applicant’s name for over six months, then you would be allowed to apply. You can see more via the gov.uk link here which outlines the financial and other requirements.
Babzoid 01/03/2017 at 4:07 pm
My husband was born in the UK but moved to Canada when he was 40 years old. He moved back to the UK for 2 years in 2003 but then returned to Canada. He now wants to return to the UK permanently, with me. He is 68 and receives a full UK private pension and we are financially stable.

Does he need to "resettle" in the UK before I can apply as the spouse of a settled UK resident?
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/03/2017 at 12:32 pm
Please see more via the CAB link here and if they are over state pension age
pina 28/02/2017 at 9:00 pm
My parents are both British and retired to France in 2004. They are no longer able to cope with the house and want to move back to the UK. Can they register for health care and pension benefits as per a normal UK citizen?
geogal 27/02/2017 at 10:37 am
My husband and I have been resident in Malta since April 2008. Unfortunately my husband died a few years ago and I want to return to the UK to be with my family. I am a UK pensioner and I am booked to return to the UK at the start of the new tax year 6/4/17. I have no requirement for UK social benefits of any kind.
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?
Daughter 25/02/2017 at 8:18 pm
My elderly mother is considering relocating back to the UK after many years in Spain. She has a French & Spanish pension, what does she need to do to ensure the payments do not stop?

What forms would she need to complete etc..

Kind regards
ted 24/02/2017 at 5:32 pm
hi my wife and I returned to Ireland in 1997 and are now thinking of returning to the uk. what is the criteria on buying a new house in England on our return is there any advice we can get off anyone who has been in this situation? .our daughter has recently graduated and would like to return to England to work would we encounter any problems in buying property on our return my daughter mentioned we would have to be living in England for two years before we could buy is that true
EmigrationExpert Editor 23/02/2017 at 10:34 am
I'm afraid it is not the easiest route to bring your partner/husband to the UK. In fact, this particular immigration rule judged to be harsh by those on the receiving end of the law, has just been upheld by the supreme court. Since new rules were introduced in 2012, the UK partner (the British citizen) must be living in the UK and have a minimum annual income of at least £18,600 for their spouse to join them. Therefore, you would have to be considered as ordinarily living in the UK (for at least six months) and earning the minimum requirement before you can make an application
Patricia 22/02/2017 at 1:44 pm
Hi, I would like advice I went travelling last year and ended up in New Zealand and met a South African who lives and works there (last summer). I have a holiday working visa in New Zealand and we are overjoyed and surprised that we are having a baby due in September. I would like to move back to the UK and my partner would like to work and us all live together in the UK and have no idea the best way to go about it and is it okay if I have our baby in New Zealand and then move back to the UK after it is born (a year later) or for the baby to be a UK citizen should I come back and have the baby and how can my partner come to the UK.
EmigrationExpert Editor 20/02/2017 at 12:29 pm
Please see CAB link regarding benefit payments here. While unemployment levels are currently falling in the UK, much depends upon what you do for a living. Therefore, it is difficult to predict whether you will be able to find a job etc.
Lucy 19/02/2017 at 7:03 pm
I moved to Canada 11 years ago, I was only 10 so didn't really get a say in the option. im 22 now and ready to move back to England to be with the rest of my family, however my parents aren't too sure I should be going. I have a place to stay until I get on my own feet, but just wondering on if I should be worried about jobs? and what else I would need to move back. would I need to apply for benefits etc?

Any info that will help is appreciated
Dan 18/02/2017 at 8:34 am
Hi,I came to Australia in 2015 to care for my terminally I'll mother on a visitors visa and applied in country for a permanent carers visa..unfortunately the visa application failed and I'm having to return home with no money,housing or job..what are my options on returning to the U.K. and how do I go about it?
Sallyson 11/02/2017 at 12:08 pm
Hello I have lived in spain for the last 4 years I'm not a resident and now spilt form my partner I never told uk I was leaving and now need to go back as I have no money and no where to live I have no credit score in uk and no adress but bank account ta and will hope to work , how long do I have to wait before claiming will they investagate me as I didn't know I had to tell them about child benefit being stopped .i need somewhere for me and my son to live help please
Mike 09/02/2017 at 5:17 pm
Apologies: I should have said that I would appreciate some advice, and thanked you in advance for it.
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.
Mike 09/02/2017 at 5:03 pm
I was born in England. I lived and worked here until I retired at 65. Then I bought a home in Spain and lived there until December 2016, when I returned to England permanently. I had Spanish residency, and my British passport.
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.
JO 03/02/2017 at 1:22 pm
Hi, please can you give me some advice. I am british and moved to Australia in 1996 and then to US in 1999. Ive lived in NY as a permanent resident and US citizen but still have my british passport. My family still lives in UK. I am thinking of moving back to be near them. I am concerned about health care and if and when I will be able to receive National health insurance again when i move back, I still have my old national insurance card but obviously have not lived in UK for 20 years. Can you advise me if I will be able to claim NH medical or if I have to wait a certain amount of years of residency again? I am 48 and divorced....thank you
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/02/2017 at 12:48 pm
which should tell you all you need to know.
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/02/2017 at 11:45 am
You will find this AgeUK factsheet useful if your father is a British citizen over state pension age who moved abroad and is now considering moving back to live permanently in the UK. It gives information about things he would need to consider regarding his finances, housing and looks at his eligibility for health and social care services, I hope this helps.
Ron 02/02/2017 at 3:03 pm
We are thinking of returning to the UK after 40Years my wife and I both hold British passports and receive a portion of the overseas British pension, we would like to known if 1 Is their any requirements we still have to have before entry into UK2 would we receive the full British pension on entry into UK 3 would any further benifits be available (i.e. Oster card for travelling)4 we have numerous blood relatives in the UK (brothers and sister) ThanksRon
Ron 02/02/2017 at 2:54 pm
I was born in Manchester and emigrated to SA 1970 my wife and I hold a british passport and recieve a portion of the British pension
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
Carol 02/02/2017 at 2:34 pm
My father is now 87 years old and has been living in th states for nearly forty years. He does still receive a pension from the UK. He is now living alone and though not sick at the moment, he needs to come to UK so that I can be there for him and look after him. He has two children both born here. He does not own property in USA and lives quite a distance from other relatives so I am quite concerned. Please can you tell me how to go about bringing him here if possible.
Regards
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/02/2017 at 11:04 am
If you're a UK or an Irish citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim
Stuart Cannon 01/02/2017 at 10:29 am
Good afternoon I am 50 years old moved to Gibraltar 17 years ago I have now been told that I cannot work any more due to heart illness I am returning to uk can you give me any advice ref housing and benefits thank you Stuart
EmigrationExpert Editor 31/01/2017 at 2:56 pm
Please see more via Age UK link here which explains all you will need to know.
Milly 31/01/2017 at 12:49 pm
Hi my parents are 78 and 76 years old and are UK citizens. They moved to Spain approx 15 years ago and are now looking to move back to the UK because of serious ill health, my mother has had breast cancer and my father has high blood pressure and severe arthritis. They do not know where to begin in the process so would appreciate some guidance as I'm happy to do most of it for them. They have a property to sell in Spain but they will not be buying on their return to the UK they will rent. They will not be returning with much money or assets either so any help of what to start with first will be appreciated. Thanks
Ian 30/01/2017 at 9:43 pm
At age 4 my family moved from the UK to the USA. I've been a permanent resident of the USA since. I'm 44 and still have my British passport. I'm considering moving back to the UK and bringing my American wife and 3 kids. I have family we could probably stay with at first. We're both educators so wouldn't have employment right away, but I think we could both find jobs pretty quickly. What is the process?
Nora 28/01/2017 at 6:38 am
Hi

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
DD Editor 27/01/2017 at 2:19 pm
@NotVeryFirebrand If you can prove your salary is transferable, then you can apply. It is the consistency of salary the UKVI is looking for so that you can support yourself/ your spouse and not reply on public funds.
NotVeryFirebrand 26/01/2017 at 10:02 pm
Hi there,I'm sorry if you've already answered this question.I am a UK citizen living in the US now for over 5 years. I have a US citizen wife and our daughter is a US citizen but also a UK citizen by inheritance of my citizenship. I understand that to bring my wife back to Britain there are certain income requirements that need to be met. However, I have not yet found a clear answer regarding the following question:Does that income have to be actually earned income, eg: moving to the UK a year before my wife and earning that much money to prove that I have that salary. OR, as I have permission from my employer to be transferred to a facility in the UK, is a letter of employment stating my future salary enough evidence?Thank you so much
EmigrationExpert Editor 26/01/2017 at 10:11 am
I'm afraid it is quite the reverse. If you're a UK citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim. Please see CAB whichAlso, unless your kiwi partner is a naturalised UK citizen, you would not be able to bring him and your children to live in the UK unless you fulfil the eligibility requirements laid out which
Butters 25/01/2017 at 2:43 pm
Hello im looking to return home after 20yrs in Australia i was wanting to know what requirements i would have to meet i have family there that i can live with till i get back on my feet im only 32yrs old and would like advice on what procedures i have to meet can you please inform me
lamase 25/01/2017 at 9:07 am
Hello. I'm a british citizen, raised in the UK. I moved to New Zealand around 7 years ago with my kiwi partner. We have 2 children together who are 5 and 3. We aren't in a very good situation here and I am very home sick and want to come back to the UK. I dont have any family I can stay with as my nan passed away and my parents retired abroad. Would I be able to get some help with temporary housing/benefit until we get on our feet and find work and permanent housing? Any advice would be appreciated! Thank-you
Mike 20/01/2017 at 11:25 pm
I moved to the UAE in November 2015 and will return to the UK in April 2017. So I am UK domicile who is considered UK resident in 2015/16, and may be considered UK non-resident 2016/17, except that wife and baby spent 70 days in the UK during that year due to extreme heat here in the UAE.

Do I have to pay tax on all my pay from my job here in the UAE if I return to the UK?
EmigrationExpert Editor 20/01/2017 at 2:33 pm
Please see CAB link here which will advise you further.
Sister 20/01/2017 at 1:44 am
My brother is 42 he has lived in Australia for over 10 years, he has permanent residency but remains UK citizen born and lived in UK most of his life. He has fallen on hard times due to alcohol and his mental health he was went through detox however he is considering coming home to recover with help from his family. He can stay with us temporarily but was wondering what his options are in terms of benefit/housing support until he gets back on his feet?
Thanks
EmigrationExpert Editor 19/01/2017 at 2:01 pm
If your friend is not classed as being 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, she will have to sit the Habitual Residence Test before applying for housing assistance from a local authority or for benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax support (which can take up to six months). It would help if your friend has some money to tide her over until such time as she is considered 'ordinarily resident'. In order to pass the test she will be assessed upon what she has done to establish a home in the UK, before and after arrival, where she expects to live in future, her reason for returning to the UK, length of time she spent abroad and family ties in the UK and in the country she has come from. Please see AgeUk document here which will help, even though she is not yet at state pension age.
Becky 18/01/2017 at 8:14 pm
I really don't know what to tell my friend about moving back to England. She is 60 in February and has lived in America for over 30 years but is still a British citizen she is in terrible health has multiple sclerosis and many other problems and is suffering really badly and doesn't get any help. She is asking me if she can come home to me but what will happen how do I help her she can't even walk it breaks my heart to hear her crying and hear she has fallen out of bed again or had a fit. Would I be able to get her help here if she came home she has no one else. I would welcome your comments.
EmigrationExpert Editor 18/01/2017 at 2:09 pm
I am sorry to hear this. With regards to your brother; he can return to the UK. The Age UK factsheet here gives information regarding finances and housing and will cover your father's eligibility for health and social care services if he returns to the UK (but there are financial/housing obstacles which are outlined in the sheet). However, the difficulty lies with his wife as she is not entitled to live in the UK based upon marriage. She would have to apply to come to the UK via the link here and the problem lies in the financial requirements your brother would have to meet (as her sponsor) in order to apply to bring her to the UK.
EmigrationExpert Editor 18/01/2017 at 2:03 pm
Please see AgeUK factsheet here, which is useful if your mother is a British citizen over state pension age who moved abroad and who is now considering moving back to live permanently in the UK. It gives information about things to consider regarding finances and housing and looks at eligibility for health and social care services. I hope this helps.
carole164 18/01/2017 at 9:37 am
My mother emigrated to New Zealand aged 39 having been born , living and working in the UK until then. She worked in New Zealand for their ministry of defence but gets no pension from them. She is now 84 and unwell, all alone and wants to come home to UK.
I could take her in temporarily. How would she stand regarding state pension here and could she get sheltered housing?
Sister 18/01/2017 at 9:16 am
My brother is a British national aged 72, married to an American. They have lived overseas for 50 years and have no pension entitlements in the UK, or anywhere. Due to circumstances beyond their control they are now destitute. If they return to the UK will they be able to claim any benefits, if so what? My sister-in-law still has a US passport, will there be any difficulty in her coming here having been married to a Brit for 35 years? I could put up their fare back here but as a pensioner myself I can't provide a home or support when they arrive. Help please, quickly!!
Bendan 13/01/2017 at 8:24 pm
Hello,
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!
EmigrationExpert Editor 09/01/2017 at 11:01 am
Please see gov.uk whichYou as your husband's sponsor would have to fulfil the requirements laid out in the article and you would have to be already resident in the UK (for six months) in order to be able to apply.
AA 08/01/2017 at 10:16 am
I left UK in 2006 and moved to Canada to be with my husband- im a permanent resident in Canada but still hold a British passport. I would like to move back to UK with my husband and 2 children. What steps would I need to take to make the move happen?
Annie 07/01/2017 at 11:19 am
Living in south africa since 1975 with dual citizenship, never gave up my british citizenship. British passport has expired. Would like to return to UK as all my family are there. I have no-one in SA. Have no savings, no pension. Any information would be helpful. Am desperate.
Em 05/01/2017 at 8:56 am
I'm half english, possess a british passport and was born in England but I live in Egypt and have only been back for holidays. I want to move there in the summer and I'm not sure what kind of legal documents other then my passport that I would need in order to get a job there.
Milly 03/01/2017 at 9:19 pm
Hello My husband , my 19yr old daughter and I are all UK citizens who left the U.K. In 2008 , we moved to Sweden and then into Italy but now would like to return home to settle in 2017. We can support ourselves, however my concern is not having any credit history anymore, will this cause issues with renting ? What about buying eventually in a couple of years? Is there any advice you can give? Thanks
Dave 31/12/2016 at 10:23 am
Hi, I am currently living in Norway with my wife and 2 year old daughter. We moved here 1 year ago from South Africa and are unhappy with our move, we should have moved back to the UK. We are all UK citizens, but have been living and working outside of the UK for around 12 years.

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.
Jb 29/12/2016 at 2:15 am
I am 75 and living in the Philippines I have a Filipina wife and a daughter 11 and son 9 years All the property and businesses are in my wife's name and We no longer have a relationship , My pension is small and living on the breadline!! I wish to return to the UK in 2017 , I have no savings and if I return ? PI have a freind in Cyprus who will pay my fare to the UK, so one problem solved!! What do I do for accomodation on arriving in the UK? I could stay with a relative for two weeks only my daughter, advice is needed urgently and I also have medical issues !!
Di 25/12/2016 at 2:01 pm
My husband and I are pensioners and now after 12 years wish to return home to Hull bringing my daughter and grandson and his girlfriend with us As British nationals do the council have to give us a house straight away as they do for immigrants
EmigrationExpert Editor 16/12/2016 at 10:04 am
I think the first thing to do is check if you are still a British citizen whichYou can also contact the UKBA here if you need to verify whether you are or not. I hope this helps.
Batesy 15/12/2016 at 7:36 am
I was born in the UK and moved to Australia at age 11. I was adopted and have family back in the UK that I have never met before. All of my adopted family members are all deceased and feel the need to move back to my roots. I am single and have children, which should less complicate matters. How do I go about applying for UK Citizenship after being naturlised in Australia since age 13. I am now 52 and in good health and look forward to returning home full-time. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated... Thank you!
Al 08/12/2016 at 2:57 pm
I'm a UK citizen looking at the possibility of moving back to UK for the next financial year. I am over 60, unemployed at the moment and the UK seems to offer the better opportunities for someone of my age. I have been non-resident for over 20 years. I already have available accomodation and a bank account in the UK. My main doubts at the moment regard my offshore bank accounts( Jersey and IoM) whether I need to close them in the present financial year prior to returning. I have already been selling my investments so should only have the offshore accounts by the time I return.
I would appreciate your comments.
EmigrationExpert Editor 05/12/2016 at 2:00 pm
You would have to be classed as 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, in order to be able to apply to bring your husband over
Diane 05/12/2016 at 2:14 am
I left England at age 17 and moved to Germany, USA, S. Korea and back to the USA. I now realize, England is the country of my dreams. I have an American husband - how do we begin the process of coming home???
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/12/2016 at 2:13 pm
If you're a UK citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, you can see more via whichThis can take time - therefore you would need to have some savings in place in order to find accommodation and support yourself. If, once you are settled and are earning a specific amount, and satisfy all the eligibility requirements you can apply to bring your family to the UK, please see gov.uk which
Fox 01/12/2016 at 12:07 pm
Dear all
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 ?
Katy 26/11/2016 at 1:32 pm
I currently reside in Spain with my partner and 1 yr old baby girl, if however I was to move back to Britain my partner is telling me I can't I'd be kidnapping our daughter! This can't be right, as she's half British half Spanish holds both passports and is entitled to live in both countries. I understand we would need to sort out visiting times but he can't stop me can he?
Dave 22/11/2016 at 7:17 am
My brother has a british passport born in the uk he has lived his life in south africa would he be able to bring his wife into the uk she is south african and could he recieve any entitlement from the state he is willing to work at the age of 78
Ariane 19/11/2016 at 11:56 pm
Hello,

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.
Den 19/11/2016 at 11:40 am
I'm sending my 9 month old baby to my homeland in Hong Kong where my parents will care for her till she's 3. Will she resume her nhs entitlement when she returns to the UK?
EmigrationExpert Editor 17/11/2016 at 2:18 pm
You would have to make a fresh application.
mwansa 16/11/2016 at 9:37 pm
My spouse is still in UK but I left UK on 2013 to my country of origin but now I want to go back, and my visa expires the time I was in africa
GOM 12/11/2016 at 3:08 pm
I have been living in Span for 17 years and have received the UK state pension since 2010
.
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?
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/11/2016 at 12:35 pm
I'm afraid, the only way you can apply for your husband to come to live with you in the UK on a 'spouse' visa, is if you are ordinarily resident in the UK (six months) and earning over £18,600 per annum (for six months or more) or have savings of £62,500 which must have been held for six months.
Kitty 10/11/2016 at 5:16 pm
I'm a UK citizen & have lived in the US since 2001 (now also have US citizenship) & my husband is a US citizen. We are planning to move back to the UK in the next year or so. What do we need to do for my husband in terms of immigration? I have seen advice on what to do if your British spouse is already living in the UK, but we will be moving together. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Donna 02/11/2016 at 7:25 pm
I need some advice, I have been living in Spain for 10 years. I have 3 children 14 and under. I am a single mother. I am not a home owner. I need to come back to Uk as financially here In Spain I cannot support my children throughout the year. I need some advice on where to start relocating. Many thanks
Donna
redcetera 01/11/2016 at 6:18 pm
Hi, I am wondering if anyone could advise please. My parents purchased a property outright in Cyprus back in 2005. They had to return to the UK in 2013 due to my mothers ill health. This has declined and she now has alzheimers and is in and out of memory with this deteriorating. Although we tried to sell the house, we were unable to do this before they returned, and now it seems less likely with the EU situation.
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,
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/11/2016 at 1:43 pm
You don't say if you have any savings or family in the UK who could help you out with accommodation for a time. It is not as easy to return to the UK if you have no financial cushion that you can rely upon, especially if you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, While the job market is currently buoyant - you will still need to give yourself time to find accommodation, place your children in schools and organise yourself. Therefore, any financial and family-based assistance you do have will all help to contribute to you starting your new life. Good luck.
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/11/2016 at 12:58 pm
As we are still officially part of the EU, you have the freedom to move back to the UK with your partner if is a UK/EU national. However, if you wish to claim benefits etc, then you will have to prove you are 'ordinarily resident' in the UK
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/11/2016 at 10:02 am
You may find this factsheet useful if you are a British citizen over State Pension age who has moved abroad and is now considering moving back to live permanently in the UK. It gives information about things to consider regarding your finances and housing and also looks at your eligibility for health and social care services - I hope this helps.
Kay 31/10/2016 at 8:40 pm
Any advice wanted: appreciated.
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
chelsea123 31/10/2016 at 8:00 pm
Hiya can you advise me please me and my partner are thinking about moving back to the uk with our 7month old child I have lived in spain 11 years and my partner 4 years we want to go back and work put child through school when he reaches age rent a poperty can you please tell me what formats we would have to do
EmigrationExpert Editor 31/10/2016 at 10:58 am
You would have to get in touch with the university directly to find this out for sure as each student will be classed individually. However, if you and your family are classed as 'ordinarily resident' in the UK and your daughter is a British citizen, then she would be classed as a UK home student.
Greek 31/10/2016 at 2:15 am
I was born in the U.K. back in 1951.l left in moved to USA. I became a citizen of the Country.

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!
Hoppy 30/10/2016 at 10:36 am
Hi,

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
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/10/2016 at 11:32 am
I am very sorry to hear this. Dependent upon your circumstances, you may first have to prove you are ordinarily resident in the UK before you can claim benefits - please see CAB whichMuch depends upon how long you have been married and whether the money to buy the restaurant was from the joint 'marital pot' and whether you decide to apply to try to force the sale if your ex can't buy you out. Therefore, I suggest you seek some legal advice in order to explore your options.
Desperate 26/10/2016 at 3:35 pm
Hi
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
Jessie 23/10/2016 at 5:13 pm
I have lived in South Africa since 1970. I was born in Britain in 1947. I am divorced with one adult son who has a partial disability. He was born in South Africa in 1980 but holds a British passport.We would like to return to live in the UK and have no idea how to go about it. I have sold my house in Cape Town and am busy downsizing. I receive a basic British pension paid into my South African bank account. I have no idea how to facilitate the move and would be grateful for advice re moving bank accounts, pensions etc.
Sooozie 20/10/2016 at 1:10 pm
We been living in UAE for 18 months just been made redundant ,got house in uk we are going back too ...are we going to get stung for tax for the 18 months we been out here...we have no savings and been left here with sizeable debts to clear, so going back to uk and getting a tax bill we can't afford is daunting ,we still have mortgage on house in uk
Any advice
chelsey 19/10/2016 at 11:44 am
help please.im a british citizen i am 27 years old.i moved to spain 9 years ago and married an argentinian man.we are currently living in a bad situacion where he has to work 12 hours a day for 25€ and i can not find work.we want to move back to england.we have some cash saved to go back.i need to know what does he and i have to do to come back and start working? my husband has spanish residence as he has lived here since a child.but argentinian nationality.will it be difficult to move back and start work and a family there
EmigrationExpert Editor 18/10/2016 at 3:05 pm
If your brother is a UK citizen after a period living outside of the common travel area, he may have to show that he satisfies the habitual residence test in order to claim certain means-tested benefits. You can see more whichRegarding NHS treatment, please see gov.uk whichI hope this helps.
Phil 15/10/2016 at 9:12 pm
I hope you can help me. My brother has been living in the USA for over 10 years. His wife has died & he wants to return to the UK to live with me. He is 39 years old. Can you explain what he would need to do to come back and live as a UK citizen, work and use services like the NHS. As you can imagine it is a difficult time, so I am trying to find out as much information as I can for him. Many thanks
Pat 14/10/2016 at 10:50 am
I have lived in Australia for the past 30 years. I was born in London, and i would like to go back there to live. Will there be any restrictions or can i just go? I will have my british and also my Australian passport. Thanks.
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/10/2016 at 3:12 pm
However, if you've recently returned to the UK after a period living outside of the common travel area, you may have to show that you satisfy the habitual residence test in order to claim certain means-tested benefits, please see CAB whichYou will need to be classed as 'ordinarily resident' to benefit from NHS treatment, I hope this helps.
Bill 07/10/2016 at 10:02 am
Hello, I'm a 48 year old British Citizen I moved away from the UK in the year 2000 for work, living and working in Asia until very recently, I've been coming back to visit my family every year and it's always been my plan to return to the UK to live..I recently arrived in the UK and staying with a relative, Im actively looking for work but would like to know what legal things I need to do, I've recently registered with a local GP and would like to know of any NHS entitlements or other benefits...Thank you
Frank Mars 06/10/2016 at 6:33 am
Ok I have been in NZ since end of 1973 when I was just shy of 10
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 05/10/2016 at 9:44 am
If you are currently in the UK, then if you are a British citizen you have a right to stay in the UK. However, if you want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, please see CAB which
Catwoman 04/10/2016 at 1:46 am
I've lived abroad for 30 years. Have been in a verbal abuse relationship for years. I'm a British citizen & am staying in the uk at the moment. My mother lives here but is in a care home with dementia. I've decided I don't want to return as it's affecting my health & have started having councilling. Any advice of my rights, and the right steps to take?
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/10/2016 at 12:01 pm
I am sorry to hear about your situation. However, unfortunately I cannot advise as we are a UK-based site with knowledge of only UK-based family laws. Only if you are a British citizen could you return to the UK to live. Plus, if you are a British citizen, but not classed as 'ordinarily resident' then you would not receive benefits for at least three months
Jennifer 02/10/2016 at 12:58 pm
I am living in the middle east and my husband is a US citizen but working in Oman. I am currently pregnant and living with his family which has been overwhelming and not in a good way. . I do not want to have my baby in this country as I will have zero rights over my child. My parents do not have room for me to come home and I used to work in England before coming to the middle east. I want to go home but I have no property there and I am pregnant and 36 and no savings! I lost money due to a house sale. I am worried about being homeless. I have a profession but I won't be able to afford child care or housing. Any advice welcome.
EmigrationExpert Editor 30/09/2016 at 11:59 am
If you're a UK or an Irish citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim - please see CAB whichI'm afraid there are no 'free' university or college degrees - all charge tuition fees.
adel 29/09/2016 at 5:09 pm
I lived outside the Uk since I was 7 and I'm thinking to go back to the Uk to settle but it seems Ive lost all my rights as a British citizen, and unfortunately I don't have to any degrees, the good I'm still young I'm 22, can anyone help with info regarding free university/college degrees and any income support and job situation, I would be very if anybody could kindly help me with some ideas and could make the first steps as I feel nervous and insecure.
Pigeon 22/09/2016 at 7:23 pm
I have returned to England after spending 9 years in Ireland , is there anything I need to do regarding tax .
EmigrationExpert Editor 22/09/2016 at 12:24 pm
In some cases it’s possible to resume your British nationality after renouncing it, please see gov.uk which
muffin 22/09/2016 at 8:31 am
I lived in spain for eight years and has come back to England but still own a small property in spain, receive an English state pension and have Spanish residencia. I use the Spanish flat only a few times a year now due to health problems.i need to know what my position is with tax etc.
AnQ 21/09/2016 at 11:54 pm
Hi, my husband and I are South African born British citizens. We would like to know if it is possible for my husband's 17 yr old son ( South African) to come and live with us in the UK. He has never lived with us before and would like to finish school in the UK and continue his university studies in England.
Could you please advise.
Upset 20/09/2016 at 10:40 pm
My family and I came over to the USA in 1999. I got divorced in 2005 and my ex husband immediately left the country and stopped paying child support. I worked hard to provide for my 3 children. In the years since i became a US citizen and have regretted it ever since. At this point I would love to move home but not sure if I am allowed too.. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Flick 16/09/2016 at 3:20 pm
I am UK citizen and have lived in USA for 18 years, with my husband who is US citizen. All my family, including sons and grandsons, live in England and we want to move to be near them. What does my husband need to do to get NHS and possible work permit?
rivki 12/09/2016 at 9:20 pm
I allways lived in uk and worked there from sep 15 to march 16 I became pregnant in April and then went to a foreign country for my companion's studies I would like to give birth in my home country and stay there or not depending on my companion's studies is it ok eventhough I don't have a uk passeport but a french one as I was born in france and my father is british through inheritance.?
Barb 10/09/2016 at 5:56 pm
I am a British subject with a valid British passport. Moved to Canada as a child. Now I am 62 and want to return back to UK. I am a registered nurse and want to seek employment in UK. My mother and son live in the UK. What requirements do I need. Also my husband is Canadian with grandparents and aunt born in UK how can he move with me. What does he require?
EmigrationExpert Editor 09/09/2016 at 11:59 am
You can see more via the CAB website here which should answer your question. I hope this helps.
Beal 09/09/2016 at 3:01 am
HI I'm a 50 year old single lady. I was able to work in Turkey for 12 years. I recently returned to the UK as my father had a mild heart attack who cares for my mother at home who sufferes a lung condition and crone disease. I only returned to initially support my mother and bother who helped care for my mother while my father recovered. My brother is on the 16th being operated on for also Chrones and will be out of action for 9 weeks in total. So its now dawned on me being home for less than two weeks I need to return. I'm very capable of working but I'm do not have any income apart from what I earn and no savings. I'm able to live with my parents which is why I'm returning. But while I am seeking work and helping with my family I cannot and will not become a financial burden or drain. Is there any help for someone likes me, who's only choice is to give up my living to return and give my wonderful parents support when then need. Any help advice honestly greatly received. Thank you in advance.
EmigrationExpert Editor 08/09/2016 at 12:40 pm
Please see Age UK link here which should help answer your question.
Les 07/09/2016 at 8:40 pm
I'm British an live in the Netherlands my partner is dutch an has a permenet residence permit. He is now 78. We want to come back to the UK to live.after 25 years here ..what do I have to do ...he has a small pension from the UK
Cookie12 06/09/2016 at 8:15 am
Hi guys i was born in the uk in 1983 and moved to Australia in1992 with my parents i have british passport and have alot of family still in england and i was wanting to move back next year how would i go about it
Homesick 04/09/2016 at 2:39 am
Hi. We emigrated as children to Australia in early 70's with our family. I returned in 82 but my sister stayed there as she was married. Now divorced and practically alone she wants to come home. How will she go about this please? She took out Aus citizenship many years ago but was born in UK. We are willing to sponsor her and help in whatever way needed. Any advice would be gratefully received.
David 01/09/2016 at 5:10 pm
Hello, I'm 27 years old and a British citizen and I lived in England until I was 7 and then moved to the US with my mum and my stepdad and then came back to England for a year when I was 15 and went back to the US and I'm now married to a US citizen wife and we have a daughter together. I'm in a situation where I will most likely have to move back and I was wondering what do I have to do to be able to bring my wife and daughter with me and what other things would you advise me to do? I have never worked in the UK either.
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/09/2016 at 2:18 pm
You don't say how long you have been back in the UK. If you have returned to the UK after living abroad for two years or more, even if you are a British citizen or Irish citizen, the council checks if you are 'habitually resident' in the UK. If the council decides that you are not habitually resident in the UK, you are not eligible for assistance. You can see what classes you as being eligible for housing whichI hope this helps.
Alan 01/09/2016 at 11:26 am
I with my wife and two children are British citizen .lived three years in Middle East and now Iam now in the uk but don't have anywhere to live .what should I do
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/09/2016 at 11:09 am
I am sorry to hear this. I can only really give you the Age UK very informative leaflet which outlines what you can and cannot claim for or what you are entitled to once you return to the UK
guiri 31/08/2016 at 4:54 pm
I have been living abroad for 35/36 years.
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 31/08/2016 at 2:14 pm
As the British citizen you would have to be already living in the UK in order to be able to apply. You would also have to fulfil other financial requirements as laid out in the gov.uk whichI hope this helps.
N 31/08/2016 at 1:47 am
I am British living in the Middle East, have been thinking of getting married to my partner but since both of us live in the Middle East due to work and business, what are his rights once he get in civil partnership / marriage with me. Will he be able to get a British passport eventually or what are his options since as I mentioned the option of living in the uk us not feasible in the near future.
bob 27/08/2016 at 6:22 pm
I was born in the U.S.A, when I was 11 months old my mother who is a U.K citizen moved back to England and took me and 2 other siblings with her, I returned back to the U.S when I was 22 years old, I have lived here for 39 years and thinking on returning back to the U.K to live, I hold an American Passport, I have a sister that still lives in the U.K . Is it possible for me to go back and live because I have an American Passport and spent most of my life in the U.S.A. and if I am able to return back to the U.K what do I have to do in order to stay. Thank you for your time.
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/08/2016 at 11:50 am
In order to apply for your husband to come to the UK, you would have to already be living in and earning in the UK in order to be able to sponsor him, please see gov.uk whichYou would also have to fulfil the eligibility requirements listed.
Cam 23/08/2016 at 4:53 pm
Good day. I was born in England and hold a British passport. I am 44 years old and left England with my Trinidadian Mother in 1981, i have resided there since. I am married to a Trinidadian and have 3 sons, all born in Trinidad. My husband had to close his business after the government changed and the economy took a turn. He has been out of work for over a year now and I am the sole breadwinner. I wish to know the feasibility of my Husband gaining employment in the UK and how he can go about getting a visa to do so as due to our circumstances it is better for us both to work. I am desirous to return to the UK with my family and make a new life in the UK. Thanks in advance.
Kader-UK 23/08/2016 at 4:20 am
Good evening, i'm 25 Years old, i'm a British Citizen who went back to his country of birth (Algeria) since 2005. I've decided to go back to live in London next month. I intend to stay at my sisters for the first month so that I can take time to apply for jobs since all the jobs I applied for are asking me to be in London before I apply. I've never worked in the UK since I left London when I was 14, what are my rights as a British citizen once back? What do you advise me to do from day one back in London?
EmigrationExpert Editor 22/08/2016 at 11:13 am
You could apply for British citizenship by descent for your children is you were born in the UK. However, in oder to bring your husband across you would have to be 'ordinarily resident' in the UK and earning (or have a lump sum in funds) to allow you to apply for a spouse visa, please see gov.uk whichI hope this helps.
andrea 21/08/2016 at 11:33 am
I was born in England. My mother is a British citizen and my father is American, he was active duty military at the time. We moved to the US before I turned 3 and I have lived in the US ever since. She my parents divorced back in 1998 My mother moved back. Now my family and I want to move over there with her. I have a British birth certificate and was born before 1983 so I know I am technically a British citizen. I believe I can get right of abode documentation on my American passport to move there and be able to work. Does anyone know anything about this? My husband and children could either get visas or apply for dual citizenship. Would my children be considered British by descent? I am surprised by how complicated this is and how hard it is to speak to someone in immigration about it. Thank you for any help you can provide!
EmigrationExpert Editor 12/08/2016 at 12:47 pm
Unless your wife acquired British citizenship while she was here, then she/you would have to apply for a spouse visa, please see gov.uk whichYou would have to have been resident in the UK for six months in order to be able to apply and also fulfil certain financial eligibility requirements. It means she may have to apply for a standard visitor visa in the first instance and then return to the US after six months and apply to join you on a 'spouse' visa.
MTC 11/08/2016 at 3:59 pm
My wife is an american and after getting married we lived in the UK for 14 years we were both working - she still has the original visa in an old passport. She has a UK driving licence and NHS ins. card we owned our house and still have an active UK bank account. In 1996 we moved back to US and raised our daughter who has dual citizenship but is now living permanently in the UK. We are now considering moving back to the UK on a permanent basis to be active grandparents.

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
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/08/2016 at 12:38 pm
I'm afraid we cannot advise any further on the help we have already given, due to the fact we have no knowledge of the finer workings and administrative procedures of the NHS. As specified previously in the Age UK leaflet, a British citizen who resumes 'settled' residence in the UK is immediately entitled to free NHS care. I can only suggest that if you know the area where you are moving to, then you contact the GP you may wish to register with directly, in order to find out whether you can do so from outside the UK. The GP may also have more information on the help you can expect to recieve once in the UK.
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/08/2016 at 11:19 am
You need a returning resident visa to come back to live in the UK if you were previously settled (given ILR) and you have been away for more than two years, please see gov.uk whichHowever, if you are a British Citizen with a natural right of abode (UK born parents), then there are no restrictions to you entering and living in the UK, please see gov. uk which
Blue 10/08/2016 at 2:55 pm
Good day everyone well thanks for the immigration expert that answered my last question however I still have not got the answer I am seeking? as said I am a British Ex pat that intends returning to the UK after over 40 years in South Africa and I have been on Dialysis for 9 years in Cape Town my age is 67 What I urgently want to know is Will I be able to receive Free NHS Dialysis treatment once I return? and if so how long would I have to wait to receive this if accepted? Is there a waiting period? Forms? Obviously I require treatment 3 times a week and 4 hour sessions as at present I do know I have to Register with a GP in the local community and he/she will examine me and then possible refer me to a Specialist? NHS I will of course have all my Medical papers and reports that I will have from my present Specialist in South Africa- I do not have my NHS number or Medical Card from the time I was living in UK many years ago So I need to know from here if you can assist where do I stand on Free NHS Healthcare I do intend visiting UK in this Month of August from South Africa to visit the Dialysis Centres to get an idea of the health care given etc before I make a move in this critical move to UK where I have never had treatment on NHS So I would greatly appreciate your replies that can assist me in this matter also is it possible to register with a GP prior to settling in UK etc Because of my wife being South African I cannot straight away move to UK with her for at least 9 months due to the Immigration/ Visa act for her but I would be prepared to settle first if required but I still require this Vital information about Free Treatment on Dialysis as I would be paying over One Thousand pound a week for Holliday treatment which I am aware of? Kind Regards Blue
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/08/2016 at 2:54 pm
I am sorry to hear this. You can come back to the UK whenever you wish as a British citizen. The only hurdles you may have to overcome are if you wish to claim benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, With regards to money owed you would have to seek some sort of agreement from the US side of the pond.
Smirk 10/08/2016 at 11:54 am
I moved to Australia from the uk 8 years ago. Iam now an Australian citizen and hold both Uk And Australian passports. If I was to permanently move back to the UK to live I have been advised that I must apply for a residence return visa costing £450 because I have been out of the U.K. for more than two years. Is this correct.
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/08/2016 at 10:05 am
Yes, as a British citizen you can choose to live in the UK when you wish. However, if you're a UK citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad you may want to claim certain means-tested benefits. Depending on how long you've been out of the country, you will have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim - please see CAB which
Hcool 10/08/2016 at 8:20 am
I'm 49, married an American man I met when my dad was working in the US in 1987. We're now divorcing after having 4 children together, all now over 18. There's nothing here for me in the US anymore, I have no job, no future & feel like I'm simply marking time now, I believed I'd be married to the same man all my life but now my children are making their own lives & all I can think about is being back in the UK (Cheshire) with my Mum, sister & extended family. I have nobody here but my children & feel empty & lost. I'd like to know how to go about returning to the UK & at least having my soon to be ex husband continue to pay the support I'm owed please?
EmigrationExpert Editor 09/08/2016 at 12:29 pm
In order to bring your husband to the UK, you would have to be classed as ordinarily resident and you would have to fulfil the eligibility requirements in order to sponsor him, please see gov.uk whichIt's a tricky process these days and it is seemingly made more difficult to bring in a spouse if you live outside the UK.
Annie 09/08/2016 at 1:14 am
I am a British citizen. ( British passport) I am divorced .. I moved away stateside in 1998. I am wondering if I can come back home to England. I have no savings. Bad decisions from my divorce. Where do I stand? I still have a SS#.... I still hav a few non worthy pension schemes. Any advise? Thanku kindly.
Clare2575 08/08/2016 at 9:03 pm
I'm a UK citizen (41) married to an Australian man (40) living in OZ for 17 years. We have three children all born in OZ. we have recently decided to move to UK, I'm aware that my children will get uk citizen ship (dual citizen ship) but what hoops will I need to jump through for my husband? He's a logistics, management professional, has a strong working background, where I only have a part time job/parenting background. So should he apply for a uk job and go through that way with the visa? Or as my spouse? Etc etc. hope that makes sense? Only made this big decision yesterday so any help with these first steps would be great and much appreciated
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/08/2016 at 12:57 pm
If you are returning from the UK after time spent abroad and you are on your own, the only issue may face is if you wish to apply for means tested benefits, please see CAB link here and of course you may have tax issues to consider here .
IanW7768 02/08/2016 at 9:33 pm
I have lived in Canada since 2005 and plan on returning to UK.
UK Gov website although packed with info doesn't really highlight specifically what paperwork or the process inmuch detail.

Any information.......
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/08/2016 at 2:37 pm
I am sorry to hear this and hope your niece makes a full recovery. If your sister is a UK citizen coming to live in the UK from abroad and wants to claim certain means-tested benefits, much depends on how long she has been out of the country. She may have to satisfy the conditions of the habitual residence test (HRT) before she can claim
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/08/2016 at 12:08 pm
A Zambrano carer may have been admitted to the UK on the basis of their right to reside, in which case they would have been issued with an EEA Family Permit valid for six months. Once in the UK, they may then apply for an EEA Derivative Residence Card, although there is no requirement for them to do so. You are not eligible to move to the UK on a family visa (unless you have other relatives who could sponsor you). Therefore, you would have to see if you could apply for a work/study visa.
Lou72 01/08/2016 at 1:29 am
Hi my sister. Her husband and 4 children moved to Australia 5 years ago. Unfortunately, 3 months ago my little nice was diagnosed with brain cancer and is currently undergoing chemo. My sister wants to move back to the UK next year after her chemo is finished and she is well enough to travel but when she returns she will need benefits ie housing and disability etc to be able to afford to live here without working (so she can care for her daughter) will she be entitled to return and claim all the necessary benefits? Pls can you advise.
MPL 31/07/2016 at 4:30 pm
I`m brazilian, had a british partner for 10ys from UK, we have a child, and he passed away 2 years ago.
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?
Liz 29/07/2016 at 10:14 am
I have started to work again in uk after living in France for 17 years.I am planning to move back permanently to uk.What do I do who do I contact.I have my medical number from before and my N.I number.thank you.
EmigrationExpert Editor 28/07/2016 at 2:21 pm
If you are a British citizen, then you can move back to the UK. You don't say how old you are, but if you are at retirement age, please see the AgeUK link here for more information.
Wendy 28/07/2016 at 4:18 am
I have been living in Toronto since 1964, but I have never really got used to the bad winters and rents are very expensive here. I recently heard about someone moving back to Ireland where she will be getting cheap rent and can get her Canadian Old Age Security Pension transferred. Do you know if there is such a scheme in England?
Greenhatgirl 23/07/2016 at 4:15 pm
I lived in the UK for 11 years. During this time I worked continuously, studied for my masters and acquired citizenship. I returned to South Africa 18 months ago for a two year stint. I now want to return to the UK to study for a PhD. As a returning citizen will I still qualify for local fees? I hate to think that being out of the country for two years means I don't qualify.
Neymahfz9 08/07/2016 at 5:11 pm
I am a British citizen born and raised in the Uk . I moved to Morocco a few years ago to study . Now , I got my BA i am willing to move back to England permanently . Are there any processes I would have to go through ? Would I be able to get all benifits in the uk ?
Thanks
EmigrationExpert Editor 06/07/2016 at 12:34 pm
In addition to your previous question answered below, and given your age, I have also included the very informative, Age UK link here which will give you additional information regarding your rights.
EmigrationExpert Editor 06/07/2016 at 12:31 pm
NHS is a residence-based healthcare system, until you as the returnee have become ‘habitually resident’ in the UK, the NHS will only offer free medical care for ‘urgent needs’, i.e. A&E only. Any treatment for pre-existing medical conditions may be charged for. You can see more about the residence test which
Blue 05/07/2016 at 3:32 pm
Hi I intend returning back to UK after many years in South Africa since 1975 actually 40 Years I am now 67 years old and on Dialysis at present within South Africa and have been for 9 years as said I am British and not drawing a pension either from South Africa or UK but would require Dialysis when in UK as soon as I arrive and settle I would like to know if I will be entitled to NHS
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
blue 05/07/2016 at 3:14 pm
Hi I intend returning back to the UK from south Africa where I have resided for 40 years and I am a permanent resident in south Africa however I am a British Citizen I will require Dialysis Treatment when settling in UK as I have been on dialysis treatment for 9 years now and my age is 67 what I like to clarify is will it be possible to get free NHS when settling back in UK and would it be immediate? would anybody know? I would appreciate info
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/06/2016 at 11:23 am
There is no time limit on Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, however it is important to note that you should not spend periods of more than two years outside the UK.
Tea 26/06/2016 at 11:06 am
I am a refugee in the UK (Definite Leave to remain expiring in 2018). I work for the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa. I travel to the UK every 6 months on annual leave. Will my absence affect my application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK?

Thank you!
Tea
Stevo R 25/06/2016 at 5:51 am
Hi. My wife and children I are about to emigrate to Australia. As with any migration you have to consider worse case scenarios and it not working out.
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
Gen 24/06/2016 at 7:23 am
I am an EU passport holder that has lived in uk before I left to do charity work in Africa in 2010 and now wish to return to uk I have my national insurance number and NHS number and bank accounts already in uk but with the new vote I do not know if I will be allowed to return
Ellie 22/06/2016 at 8:39 pm
If someone is a UK citizen but has been living in USA as an illegal immigrant for approx 15 years, (never left after holiday visa expired) what can they expect when they attempt to leave USA and return to be a resident of the UK?

They have been married and divorced whilst in USA and now want to come back home to UK
EmigrationExpert Editor 22/06/2016 at 12:44 pm
Your sister would have to be living in the UK and fulfil the eligibility requirements in order to bring her spouse, please see gov.uk whichIf her spouse was able to obtain a visa then he may be able to apply to remain in the UK, However, your sister/his wife would still have to fulfil the eligibility requirements in order to be able to apply for him to remain. Regarding the child, your sister may be able to apply for her child to be registered as a British citizen, if she is a British citizen and the child was born outside the UK
Eyre5 21/06/2016 at 1:47 pm
My sister is a UK citizen born and raised and now lives in Canada where she has been for about 20 years. She is now pregnant and about to marry and would like to move back to her home roots in the UK.
How can I find out how to get the 3 of them to the UK? Along with what is needed?
LWint 19/06/2016 at 7:58 pm
I was born in UK and emigrated to South Africa as a young child, returning to the UK after 30 years, bringing a small amount of money with me on my return. I have been living, working and paying taxes in UK ever since and have no financial ties in South Africa. Is it considered that I have emigrated to the UK, or just come 'home'? I appreciate this may not seem to be too different, but the subtlely is important - and I need this clarity as per a legal matter.
EmigrationExpert Editor 14/06/2016 at 12:09 pm
Please see the Age UK link here which gives very useful information about things to consider regarding your finances and housing and also looks at your eligibility for health and social care services. I hope this helps.
Annabelle 13/06/2016 at 10:38 am
My husband and I left the UK in August 1982 and became permanent residents in South Africa. My husband is 64 and I am 62 and I am the sole earner and have been for the past 8 years due to my husbands heart condition. I will probably have to retire in a couple of years as it is Company policy. We have no family here they all reside in the UK and so I would like to return to the UK with my husband when I have to retire. With the current exchange rate we would possibly have ± 27,000 pounds at the most to come back with. What would we do for accommodation and income once we are there?
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.
Toptown 11/06/2016 at 2:07 pm
We have been living in OZ for over 30 years and have been holidaying back in the UK on and off.
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 09/06/2016 at 2:51 pm
A person with ILR will not lose that status after two years outside the UK - please see gov.uk which
Frankie 09/06/2016 at 6:01 am
I'm moving back to the UK after being away for 22 months, my wife had lived with me in the UK for five years, she's a thai national and has ILR status. Am I right to believe that somlong as she comes back within two years her ILR status won't be affected?
EmigrationExpert Editor 06/06/2016 at 12:47 pm
It depends if you wish to try and claim benefits. If you do, please see CAB whichPlease also see gov.uk link regarding tax if you return to the UK, here. I hope this answers your question.
N/A 05/06/2016 at 3:42 pm
Lost my dad last year mum lives in London alone in a senior resident place. I moved back home this week after collecting all my savings to fly back to be a support system for mum.
What do I need to do ?
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/06/2016 at 2:35 pm
If you are a British citizen you do not have to justify living in the UK unless you wish to claim benefits, in which case you may have to sit the habitual residence test
raza 03/06/2016 at 7:21 am
I'm 47 I moved to the US 3 years ago I've now returned to the uk, I'm a british citizen, I've now been told by someone I should of told cutoms/border control of my return as it's permanent is this true as other people said I don't have to
Phil 02/06/2016 at 10:30 pm
I'm 47 I moved to the US 16 years ago I've now returned to the uk, I'm a british citizen, I've now been told by someone I should of told cutoms/border control of my return as it's permanent is this true as other people said I don't have to
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/06/2016 at 1:42 pm
You cannot claim ILR if you are living outside the UK, you have to be resident in the country.
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/06/2016 at 12:09 pm
You would have to be resident in the UK and be earning a salary of £18,600 for at least six months in order to be able to apply, The process of bringing a spouse to live in the UK is not as simple or straighforward as it used to be.
ss95 01/06/2016 at 9:42 pm
Hi, I was born in UK in 1995 and stayed there 10 years. I have evidence to prove 8 years of my stay and for the remaining 2 years I have minimal documents. Can I shift back after claiming nationality?
HannahLou 01/06/2016 at 6:21 pm
I am an English citizen living in the USA for 10 years. I also have my U.S. citizenship and I have been married to an U.S. citizen for just over 3 years. We are thinking about moving to my homeland, England, after a recent visit to my Dad and other family members. What would I have to do in order to move and to bring my husband with me?
Thank you.
Juju22 31/05/2016 at 3:21 am
I moved to USA as a child and basically spent the better years of my life in the USA -_- lol. I am planning on returning to the UK towards the end of this year. Could you point me in the right direction towards finding a job when I move back and obtaining any kind of formal education or certification despite having a little education history in the UK?
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/05/2016 at 2:10 pm
Please see Age UK article here which will help highlight the things you need to consider.
dk 23/05/2016 at 9:50 pm
i live inspain thinking about come back for good im now 61 year i work as alorrydriver here in spain want do i need to do
MT 20/05/2016 at 2:15 am
I am an expat that has worked overseas for many years and various countries I now would like to return to the UK for a couple of years. I have no ties to the UK in terms of property, bank accounts, earnings etc. But I would be looking to transfer some cash to live on to a UK bank. I am unclear of tax exposure and would like to better understand
EmigrationExpert Editor 19/05/2016 at 11:26 am
It depends on whether you wish to continue your course/programme, as you may have to apply for a visa through this organisation. Otherwise you would have to try to find another route either work-related or study-related in order for you to be eligible to apply.
julieba 18/05/2016 at 3:41 pm
l came to the UK from a common wealth country under the HSMP program in 2007 but suffered a mental breakdown and depression and had to return to my country. Now l am a lot better and will like to return to the UK . How do l go about it?
Kaw29 30/04/2016 at 11:05 pm
I lived in the UK from age 12-18 and got married to a British citizen and had a child in Britain, I moved back to Canada at 19 and now 35 years later would like to move back to Britain? Can I ? Would this be legal and can I work in England?
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/04/2016 at 11:56 am
Please see the CAB link here which will give you more information regarding your rights when returning to the UK. Unfortunately, there are a few more restrictions in place and you may need some capital behind you as benefits will be restricted. Access to housing and jobs are also tricky therefore it would be helpful if you had family or friends you may be able to rely upon or live with until you could get yourself in your feet. I hope this helps.
Angie 26/04/2016 at 1:15 pm
Hi, I have lived abroad with my civil partner for 20 years. I am thinking of returning to my home of birth which is the UK, as I find myself in a very difficult situation due to finances and other difficult situations.I have not had any real stable job here, just done odd jobs here and there due to my restrictions on behalf of my partner, therefore I don't have much money.I have always had this deep desire to return home but never been given the opportunity to even for a visit. I feel it would be the best thing for my own security and old age and more than anything where I belong. I have paid some NHI contributions however. I am not quite of pension age and was wondering if I would be able to get a job and living accommodations if I could return. Is there some advice you could give me as to where I could find out more for my specific case? Thanks
EmigrationExpert Editor 22/04/2016 at 2:20 pm
Freedom of movement is a fundamental right in the EU, meaning you can come to the UK without restriction. If you are thinking of bringing your children with you, then you will need your ex's consent to take the children out of the country. If your ex will not grant consent, then you will need to apply for the German court’s permission.
relfy 21/04/2016 at 9:25 pm
hi there .. im german citizen . i have lived and worked in the uk for over 20 . after my divorce i decided to move back to Germany . now im thinking about moving back to the uk permenently to be with my children . need some advice what i have to do please .. Thank you
Native born right 16/04/2016 at 6:32 pm
I'm english all the way my family's been here in the USA for a 100+ years and I want too go back home too England I've always felt this way and I believe it's my birthright too move back home just like that with minimal forms like going to the Dmv and exchanging my old id for a new one,it's my native land I have every right too just fly home and love without the whole process it's my human right too come home I believe.
mag 15/04/2016 at 11:21 pm
I was born in England and have a British passport, I moved to Canada 10 years ago, I would like to return to live permanently in the uk to be closer to my family. I still have my NI #. Is there anything I need to do to legally return to live in the UK
Sammy 15/04/2016 at 6:14 pm
I was born in the UK, to British parents in 1962.
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.
confused 12/04/2016 at 6:10 am
Hi, Im a trailing expat spouse moving back to the uk on my own after 20 years away. I haven't been working and my partner was the sole earner - Our bank accounts have all been joint offshore accs. Are there likely to be any tax implications for me in this scenario? He isn't moving back so we will be untangling the money but that is likely to be messy & a long process so I'm wondering what I can do in the short term to try to minimise the stress and make sure I minimise any tax bills thanks. Also The whole thing seems complicated as I need a UK address in order to open a bank account but cant get an address until I actually move back so its hard to prepare.....
EmigrationExpert Editor 08/04/2016 at 2:44 pm
Please see link: Apply to join family living permanently in the UK, here. which should help you find out whether he/you are eligible to apply.
EmigrationExpert Editor 05/04/2016 at 10:18 am
Please see CAB whichRegarding your NI number if you're moving back to the UK you can only apply once you're here, I hope this helps.
Fool4leaving 04/04/2016 at 1:51 am
I was taken out of the UK at age 11 and have lived overseas for over 40+ years... I have never worked in the UK and never had a National Insurance no... Seeking information if assistance would be given in respect of housing in order to return?
warprose 31/03/2016 at 8:07 pm
I am a British citizen born in England, studied and worked in UK. For the past 2 years i have worked temporarily abroad (but travelled home to England on every opportunity). My contract will finish soon abroad and i want to return home. Has my UK residency 'continued' whilst I was away. Will I be treated 'differently' in terms of receiving tax benefits on my return ? What is my residency status whilst working temporarily abroad ? Is it still possible to pay tax contibutions whilst temporarily away from the country ? Many thanks in advance, WR
Nash 26/03/2016 at 10:12 pm
Hi i am a british citizen have my Social insurance # and british passport, Have lived in Canada from 1980, And moved back to uk in 1996-2001, But the economy in Alberta is very bad and we are thinking of coming home to UK , What help can we get from the government as to benefits etc, I lived and worked in Uk from 1970-1980 and again from 1996 -2001, My wife and i both worked,

Best regards
Nash
sa 24/03/2016 at 5:55 pm
Hi....we moved to SA 5yrs ago when my son was 14....he is now 19 and has returned to the UK to live with his dad perminantly. Can you tell me what he need to do to obtain his National Insurance number.
Many thanks
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/03/2016 at 10:37 am
Please see gov.uk whichYou would have to fulfil the eligibility criteria before you apply.
Charlene 23/03/2016 at 8:56 pm
My partner is moving back to the UK next month but he still a UK citizen but does not have residency what steps need to be taken
ven 23/03/2016 at 7:48 am
My boyfriend is living in Jamaica from when he was born, but he is a British citizen. .. how...and if it is impossible for him to come to UK? He has only a birth certificate as prove.
Heather 20/03/2016 at 1:37 am
I'm a dual national from America ( born and lived in UK, lots of family there) and am wanting to move back. Will my husband have to apply for a visa? Also, I am on disability due to stage 3 pancreatic cancer ( that I beat!!) . I may be able to return to work once I am fully well, but until then, am I able to apply for benefits? Will I be allowed my American benefits ( that I worked 25 years for)? Thank you for pointing me in the right direction!
Simon 19/03/2016 at 7:14 pm
Hello

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
EmigrationExpert Editor 18/03/2016 at 10:37 am
If you choose to return to the UK after a period living outside of the common travel area, you may have to show that you satisfy the habitual residence test, if you wish to claim any means-tested benefits. However, dual citizenship does give you the privileges granted to all citizens of UK and you can leave and re-enter the country at anytime.
Gary 17/03/2016 at 7:31 am
Hi,

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
Ryan 11/03/2016 at 1:57 pm
Hi! My parents have lived in Germany for over 25 years and are thinking of moving back to the UK with my sister - who has the mental disability Down syndrome. My mother is a British Citizen, as is my sister. My father is German. What would be the best and most effective way of sourcing information regarding what benefits they're entitled to - also with regard to my sister's disability. Many thanks in advance, Ryan.
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/03/2016 at 2:54 pm
As with the comment below, I have included the Age UK factsheet here which will explain all you need to know.
timbo 29/02/2016 at 10:11 pm
Hi, my Aunt is now 90 and emigrated to Canada from the Uk during the war. She was born in the UK. She now wants to come back to the UK and be in a care home. She has her own funds. Does she need to apply for right to abode before she comes over or can she come on her Canadian passport and then apply for permanent residency once here ?

Thanks
EmigrationExpert Editor 26/02/2016 at 2:36 pm
I have included the Age UK factsheet here. While I do not wish to put years upon you, as you are not yet at a pensionable age, it does offere a good overview on the issues you may need to consider. I hope this helps.
Sally 26/02/2016 at 2:13 pm
I have just returned to the UK after living and working in NZ for 3.5 years. I am a British citizen by birth. I feel totally lost. I don't have my own address and so am relying on friends and family to put me up while I try to find a job. Add into this that while in NZ I got married to a kiwi who I have had to leave behind. I feel like an immigrant in my own country. I don't know where to go for help and advice on resettling.
Kate 25/02/2016 at 7:49 pm
I have lived in south africa for 50 years. I came here when I was 11 with my parents and sister. I am seriously thinking about returning to the UK to live because of the current problems here. How do I go about it. I have a british passport and I am a british citizen.
EmigrationExpert Editor 23/02/2016 at 11:41 am
I'm afraid we can't advise on this, he would have to contact the pension scheme directly.
Tracy 22/02/2016 at 2:53 pm
Hi I lived in Oz for 2 years , my husband paid into a pension scheme the whole 2 years .... Is he able to claim back his contributions?
Mac 12/02/2016 at 7:19 pm
Hi, I was born in England and have a British passport which states I'm a British citizen. I've lived in Australia for the last 40 years after moving here with my parents when I was 5.
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/02/2016 at 3:10 pm
It isn't so easy to bring a spouse home to the UK, as he will need to be working in the UK in order to be able to sponsor your visa. for the eligibility criteria.
San 11/02/2016 at 8:02 am
My husband is a British citizen by birth and would like to return home after being in Australia with me for 14 years. We married in the UK while I was there for two years. What do we need to do legally for me to stay and work while we live there. Really appreciate some advice.
EmigrationExpert Editor 04/02/2016 at 10:33 am
When your National Insurance number is issued, it is issued for life, so you can continue to use it once you return. You can find out more via whichI hope this helps.
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/02/2016 at 3:05 pm
It's a little more tricky since the rules were changed recently. It means if you've recently returned to the UK after a period living outside of the common travel area, you may have to show that you satisfy the habitual residence test in order to claim certain means-tested benefits. Unfortunately, for those who are hard-up, it can now take a while for you to qualify and these benefits to be put into place, please see CAB which
Angie 03/02/2016 at 12:48 pm
Thank you for your response to my previous question... I also would like to know.. I have my national insurance number from the 80's is this still valid and can I use it if I get employment or do I need a new one?
Thank you
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/02/2016 at 11:09 am
It's a little tricky claiming benefits and housing immediately on return to the UK, as the laws have recently changed. It depends on how long you've been out of the country, and it is likely you could have to satisfy the conditions the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim. Please see CAB link here which will explain all.
Republic 03/02/2016 at 9:25 am
Hello
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?
Angie 02/02/2016 at 6:49 pm
I am a British citizen and Ive lived in Cyprus for almost 30 years.. I have recently got divorced and want to move back to the Uk... I have no immediate family back in the UK and I have no sufficient funds.. What steps do I take for permanent accommodation and any benefits until Im settled and find employment..
mokicha 01/02/2016 at 12:32 pm
Hi , I am a uk citizen living in the uk for 5, but my question is about my brother, who lived in here for 3 years but went back to our country, a year and a half ago... When he moved he asked his taxes back, and his intention was not to come back, but now he's ideas changed and he is thinking in coming back!! My question is can he come back to work? Will his NINO be active? would appreciate an answer if possible. Thanks
EmigrationExpert Editor 28/01/2016 at 11:38 am
If you are a UK citizen, you can move back to the UK and apply for your spouse to join you, which will tell you all you need to know.
Cycy 28/01/2016 at 9:50 am
Hi,
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!
BOB 27/01/2016 at 3:30 pm
I'm a British citizen I've been living abroad for the last two years, I got married to non-eu, I'm planning to move back to UK to do a PhD, can I get a visa for my spouse, as I've more than 70K in saving, but I was reading in the home office page, I should stay in UK for 3 years before I can apply for spouse visa what does that mean. Appreciate your advices
EmigrationExpert Editor 20/01/2016 at 12:10 pm
Please see gov.uk whichI hope this answers your question.
Gregcb 20/01/2016 at 3:18 am
I'm a British citizen and have been working in the US for the last 18 months, but my contract ends this summer so we are looking to move back to the UK. However my wife is an Indian national, and it looks like we may have trouble getting her a visa. From what I can tell, I'm going to have a new job arranged in the UK before we go back, otherwise she won't be able to come with me. My wife has actually been offered a job back in the UK already, but subject to her getting a visa. What can we do?
Frances 19/01/2016 at 3:16 pm
I am a British citizen and born in Bristol. when I was 3 months old my parents emigrated to Africa and I have a British as well as South African Passport. My husband and I have now moved back to the UK permanently and I am now working full time for the last 4 months. Do I qualify for a state pension at all after all these years and is it possible to maybe pay in extra monthly to up this? I was born in 1956.
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?
Mika 18/01/2016 at 9:16 pm
Hi,
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 18/01/2016 at 10:06 am
You don't say whether you are a British citizen. If you are then you can freely return. However claiming benefits is less straightforward, as depending on how long you've been out of the country you may have to satisfy the conditions of the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim. Please see CAB which
mick 17/01/2016 at 11:24 am
Hi me and my wife are thinking of moving to the UK from cyprus we have lived here for 4 years and been married for 1 I'm British and my wife is Russian we need to know how we go about making it so we can both legally live and work back in the UK any help or advice would be appreciated.
Titch 17/01/2016 at 5:00 am
Hi I was born in the UK in 1973 moved with my parents to Australua in 1983 im a widow with 2 children 10 &12 im desperate to move back I was coming over to the UK every 2 years but my eldest child is trying to be scouted for football well I've had a couple of these contact me but I am on a diasability pension here in Australua as I broke my back being British would I be entitled to any benefits in the UK and help to get a government funded home please help me with these questions Tracey
EmigrationExpert Editor 14/01/2016 at 2:58 pm
As your partner is French, he can return with you and has unrestricted rights to live and work in the UK. However, if you wish to claim benefits, then depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim, see CAB whichI hope this helps.
EmigrationExpert Editor 14/01/2016 at 10:05 am
The UKBA website states that a person in possession of an ILR (indefinite leave to remain) is able to return to the UK as a resident after having spent no more than two years away.
lizzie 13/01/2016 at 2:19 pm
hello,

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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 13/01/2016 at 1:46 pm
I am sorry to hear of your health issues. However, the government has made it more difficult for those returning to the UK to claim benefits and depending on how long you've been out of the country, you may have to satisfy the conditions of the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make a claim.. Please see CAB whichI hope this helps.
Liz 13/01/2016 at 12:26 am
I am at a point of wanting to return to England from the USA where i moved just over two years ago. In the first few months of being here I have been through hell, I was left for dead at the side of a road and as a result I have brain injury,due to other problems my marriage is pretty much dead. As I haven't been able to work what help can I get if I came home?
Jas 12/01/2016 at 11:45 am
Hi , I was born in the UK ,and have british ancestry however, I was raised in S.A .Im 20 years old and wish to move to the UK as soon as possible.I do not have a lot of money and Im currently studying finance here.What should I do and round about how much money would I need to start up in the UK(kent).Thank you.
Sand 29/12/2015 at 5:36 pm
I left the uk 39 years ago and married and had children abroad. Now divorced and without my kids I'm in desperate need of a job and income. I'm anti tosh citizen but haven't worked because I was a housewife.im 52 and broke and have to start over. Am I entitled to any benefits in uk while I look for work? I'll be moving back in January. Regards and thanks in advance
nikki 27/12/2015 at 12:17 pm
I moved to Iran when I was 11 and we moved back to the UK a few days ago. I am turning 19 in a few days. I can't find a job I was wondering if I'm entitled to any benefits.
Sholly 21/12/2015 at 10:30 am
I am British citizen and I have my son in Nigeria and I am planning to bring him to Uk because the person that is helping me to take care of him is dead please what can I do to pass the financial aspect because I am on benefit at the moment
SG 20/12/2015 at 10:54 pm
I live in the US with my wife of 11 years. She is an American, and we want to move back to the UK permanently. She had previously lived there with me between 2009-11.

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.
Bill 19/12/2015 at 6:39 pm
I read many comments from people returning to the UK about how difficult it now is to re-integrate back into the UK. Specifically, the problems of renting if therein no track record of UK addresses over the last years. What is recommended as the way around this ? Thanks
Gavmundo 09/12/2015 at 2:10 pm
My Daughter has lived with her mum and stepdad in Italy since she was 8 years old. She is now 19 years old. Following a family argument she is being kicked out of her home and wants to move back to the UK. We don't have space for her and having a young child ourselves cannot afford to fund her.

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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 08/12/2015 at 11:39 am
If you are returning from abroad after a long period of time, and wishing to claim benefits, you may have to take the 'habitual residence test' in order to claim certain means-tested benefits. It may mean you have to wait to be eligible for benefits until the Home Office considers you to be a resident. Please see CAB link here which explains all.
Chris 07/12/2015 at 12:03 pm
Hi, I have been living in tenerife for the last ten years i am now 31 years old, i have a Spanish partner here and we have a 4 year old daughter, I was wondering if we moved back to the uk would we be eligible for family allowence or housing benefits? will the government help in and way to find housing or do i just need to rent a place myself?
Kate 06/12/2015 at 11:37 pm
I have lived in belfast for the last 16 years and want to know how I can come home? Renting a property that is a similar standard to mine, how would my benefits change, and how can I achieve the move in the easiest way possible. Basically I really want to come home but don't know how to go about it. Please help me with your advice if you can ×××
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/11/2015 at 2:59 pm
The Age UK facsheet: 'Returning from abroad', link here should tell you all you need to know.
Bert 24/11/2015 at 12:37 pm
I am a 77 yr old widower. I want to return to the UK. I am living in South Africa and have had enough of the Government, crime, danger on every corner. Also the steady decline in the currency. I do not have enough money to buy or rent a property. I have a little money saved in a bank account in the UK and here in SA.Although as previously mentioned the exchange rate makes my SA savings Mickey Mouse. Am I entitled to Council accompdation?
EmigrationExpert Editor 19/11/2015 at 12:36 pm
If you are planning on living in the UK, then yes.
Saz 18/11/2015 at 7:19 pm
I'm living in the Netherlands but want too rent a property in the UK, is this possible?
bayley 17/11/2015 at 1:40 pm
hi, again ! its me . So what would you recomend me and my family do ? move to the UK or stay in Cyprus
EmigrationExpert Editor 17/11/2015 at 11:17 am
According to the MI5, the current threat level for international terrorism in the UK is assessed as severe. There is a lesser 'general' threat from terrorism in Cyprus. However, according to the Government, there is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack 'globally' from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
Bayley 16/11/2015 at 1:45 pm
Hi! I am living in cyprus and my family want to move to the UK , is it safe at the moment ? Which is safer to live in ( with the ISIS attacks and all ) Cyprus or England ?
EmigrationExpert Editor 16/11/2015 at 1:41 pm
You would have to secure the financial eligibility in order to sponsor your husband and your children if your husband can not secure a job in the UK. Please see article: Apply to join family living permanently in the UK, here. If your husband can secure a work visa independently, then this would allow you as a family to return to the UK more easily.
EmigrationExpert Editor 16/11/2015 at 11:33 am
You would have to find this information out directly from the Cypriot authorities, as I'm afraid we only have knowledge of UK law.
D 16/11/2015 at 12:42 am
I am a British citizen living in Canada as a permanent resident for the past 15 years. My husband is Canadian and we have 2 children also Canadian born. We are considering moving back to the UK. What visas or applications do we need to do before moving? Does my husband need to secure a job before we go?
Elle 15/11/2015 at 12:22 pm
I am 17 I am a Cypriot who is a British citizen as I've lived here since the day i was born. Me and my boyfriend both have a gap year from now until 19. I turn 18 in April that's when I plan to go to Cyprus I was wondering what the legal age is to move to Cyprus. My family are Giving me their flat to live in as they own it . Am I able to move to Cyprus ?
EmigrationExpert Editor 12/11/2015 at 12:05 pm
If you are a British Citizen, your main concern may be how to get by financially, which won't be a problem if you can find work, or have savings to get by. However, if you are planning on claiming benefits, then you'll find the law has changed. Please see CAB whichI hope this helps.
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/11/2015 at 12:42 pm
I'm afraid until you are of age, you have to abide by your parent's decision as difficult as this may be. However, as happy as you are in Cyprus, I'm sure you'll find a different type of happiness and new friends in the UK.
Jaz 11/11/2015 at 4:33 am
I'm considering moving back to the UK after living 18 years in Australia. All my immediate family have been living in the UK for all these years and I have been visiting for a month at a time on several occasions. Is there anything specific I should be looking at before returning?
Bayley 10/11/2015 at 1:35 pm
I am 12 years old and I moved to cyprus 6 months ago and my family suddenly wants to move back to England ! I have friends and a beautiful school here but I am very hesitant on moving back to the UK.
Awe there any legal issues that will say that I have to stay here ?
EmigrationExpert Editor 06/11/2015 at 2:24 pm
Would it be wise to first sit your GSCEs and then perhaps ask? Once you are 16, you may be allowed more autonomy. Otherwise, you really need to continue to negotiate with your mother, as you will need her full consent.
Meg 05/11/2015 at 10:08 pm
I'm 15 years old and I moved to Spain with my family when I was 9. Having wanted to move back for a few years now, I'm finally at breaking point and can't deal with living here anymore. I've got my dads support now, but my mum won't seem to let me go. I've been doing my GCSE's in Spain. How can I persuade my mum to let me leave for a while and give the UK a sort of "trial" to see how it goes??
EmigrationExpert Editor 05/11/2015 at 12:46 pm
Apart from the advice given in the article, I imagine if you return to the UK you may need to apply for benefits before you begin work. However, there are new limitations on being able to apply, please see CAB which
babs 04/11/2015 at 7:20 pm
Hi i moved to greece when i was 16 now 28 years ago i am of course a british citizen and still also have my british national insurance card i have been married to a greek for 25 years but things have been rocky for the last couple of years now also with the situation in greece and not having my husbands support i think it better to move back to the uk to work but im not sure where to start.Any advice would be apreciated thankyou
Tb 02/11/2015 at 4:32 pm
I have lived in the US for 26 years left UK when I was 21. I have 4 children 19,16,15,13 all are US citizens want to move back to UK in about a year and a half after I get my degree would it be better to have a visit with my kids first or just pull up stakes and go? The trip to visit will take money away from my savings to move home but I want them to be prepared for the diffences in life
EmigrationExpert Editor 02/11/2015 at 9:54 am
Regardless of what you have earned in Germany, much depends upon how long you've been out of the country, as you may have to satisfy the conditions of a test, known as the habitual residence test (HRT) before you're allowed to make any claim. You can find out about moving back to the UK and what benefits entitlements you are entitled to whichI hope this helps.
Wullie 30/10/2015 at 2:18 pm
Moved back from Germany after 35 years and finding it a bit difficult .Signed on with the local Job Center and asked for Job seakers allowance, they took into account the years 2013 and 2014 to asses how much Money i am entitelled to.but as i have worked in Germany and payed taxes etc there how do they asses me ?Do they look at what i earned in Germany or what?
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/10/2015 at 10:27 am
Please see gov.uk link here which will explain exactly what you need to do and the eligibility criteria involved. I hope this helps.
DJ 26/10/2015 at 12:36 am
I married a Canadian citizen and have been living in Canada for 2.5 years after moving from England. I now wish to return back to England along with my wife and we both want to work. We plan to stay for at least a couple of years. What should we do and how do we go about finding jobs? I guess I will need to sponsor my wife to be able to get a job, how would I go about doing this?
EmigrationExpert Editor 23/10/2015 at 12:34 pm
Much of which you have asked is referred to in the article, for instance; to obtain your National Insurance number and to find out about any NI Contributions, you should contact the HM Revenue & Customs National Insurance Contributions Office. If he is moving to the UK for the first time, he will need to bring sufficient funds to support himself, as he will not be entitled to benefits. Please see CAB link, here which tells you all about the Habitual Residence Test, and when a person needs to take it. Please also see: Opening a bank account if you are new or returning to the UK, whichI hope this helps.
Helen 22/10/2015 at 3:22 pm
Friends emigrated to Canada with kids when the kids were 5 years old. The boy is now 21 and wants to return to the UK. What does he need to do, eg: to get national insurance number, bank accounts etc?
EmigrationExpert Editor 21/10/2015 at 12:00 pm
You don't say whether your brother-in-law has British residency or was born in the UK. If he is then he would have to be resident in the UK, and earning a minimum salary of £18,600 (which increases with children) for at least six months before he can apply for his family to join him. Or he would have to have a significant level of savings, all of which you can read which
Mb 20/10/2015 at 12:31 pm
My brother-in-law has lived in South Africa since he was 2years with his parents. As his father died many years ago and his mother died recently he wishes to return to the UK with his family.
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 19/10/2015 at 11:56 am
Please see AgeUK link here which should help answer your questions.
Kati 18/10/2015 at 2:11 pm
My dad and step-mum moved to Tenerife approx. 15 years ago from the UK. In May my Step-mum (aged 51) suffered a stroke and now needs 24/7 care. My dad is 70 and is struggling to come to terms with this, and as both the hospital and the care home are both more than a 2 hour car journey away my dad is struggling to visit every day. Can they move back to England and receive care - also she may need specialist care when returning to the UK, please can you advise?
oshen 12/10/2015 at 11:19 am
I have question regarding on my bestfriend who's born in the UK with his british citizen father, she's 25 now and been living in the philippines for 24 years, she never had a chance to go back again in UK because he's father left her in her mother in the philippines after they have separated. And now she's having a hard time finding a job here in the philippines because she isn't a filipino citizen. The question is, does she still acquire her british citizenship even though she'd never been there after 24 years. And can you give her some advice on what is the best thing that she must do in order for her to solve her problem.
Thanks.
EmigrationExpert Editor 09/10/2015 at 12:45 pm
If you've recently returned to the UK after a period living abroad, you may have to show that you satisfy the habitual residence test in order to claim certain means-tested benefits. Please see CAB which
Bear 08/10/2015 at 6:45 pm
Me and my partner are returning to the UK next month after living in tenerife for 15 years my partners father isn't at best so we are retuning to take care of him how do we go about housing and benifits as we need to live within 5 mile of him thanks for your time B
Maza 28/09/2015 at 8:16 pm
Hi my brother went to New Zealand a month ago to dork for our other brother who lives out there but he's saying he can't leave until he gets his IRD number as he will get fined he's been there 1 month any one know if this is the case.... Much appreciate a quick response

Thanks
Mike Editor 02/09/2015 at 12:25 pm
@AnonX - when you reach 18 you are classed as an adult. If you are a British citizen, then you will need not re-apply to live in the UK. The only problem might be is that if you stay in Canada for longer than two years, then you may not be able to receive any form of benefits for a specific time when you return to the UK.
AnonX 01/09/2015 at 3:54 pm
Hi, so I have a pretty big concern, I'm currently 17 and I moved to Canada a month or so back. I never wanted to move here and wish to return to the UK when I turn 18, and I want to return as soon as possible. How do I get around it dealing with my parents, my passport and other legal documents that I may require when returning?
SA confused 31/08/2015 at 7:45 pm
I am a British citizen who was married to a South African for almost 30 years. I lived in SA all that time too (had SA id but not passport). I am now divorced and have returned to UK, but am very unsure about what I should be doing with money I have in a bank account there plus the money I will get when our house is sold. What are the tax implications? Should I buy property here or there? etc.etc. Any advice would be welcome.
EmigrationExpert Editor 26/08/2015 at 10:11 am
I'm afraid all students need to meet all of the residence requirements to be eligible for funding. As you will be aware, he needs to be ‘ordinarily resident’ in England and to have been so for the three years immediately before starting the course. I have included a link to the 'funding higher education for disabled students 2014/15', here which may help. However, I assume he may come across the same obstacles regarding funding as he is currently.
Ceecee 25/08/2015 at 5:24 am
I would appreciate any help. My grandson who is 21 has recently come back from Australia to live with us. He has dual citizenship and has lived in Australia since aged 7. He has recently been diagnosed with autism in this country.
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.
Chloeb 15/08/2015 at 8:30 pm
My husband and I are British & have been living in Dubai for 13 years. Our children were both born in Dubai and are 6 years old & 6 months old. We are looking to move back home in the next 2 years. Can you tell me what we are entitled to in the UK for our family & how do we sort out schooling for our children.
EmigrationExpert Editor 12/08/2015 at 10:12 am
New rules came into force last year meaning that if a UK-citizen has left the country for a period of time and returns, they need to prove that they are 'habitually resident'. It specifies that a person cannot be viewed as habitually resident until they have been living in the UK or elsewhere in the common travel area for at least three months. So, unfortunately, while your daughter may be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance or other benefits she won't receive them for at least three months. I have included a link to Turn2Us, link here which may help you to see if there is any other benefits she can claim.
chris 11/08/2015 at 9:24 pm
I was born in N. Ireland 1957 moved to England in 1965 moved to the USA in 1970 became a nat citizen 1977 would love to move back to England to hopefully lease a pub what paper work would i need if any? upon my return I believe I am still a citizen.
EmigrationExpert Editor 11/08/2015 at 11:11 am
Please see link: Apply for a Returning Resident Visa, link here which should explain the process he would have to go through. I hope this helps.
Jo 09/08/2015 at 7:34 pm
My daughter went to AuPair in the USA for a year - 13 months including travelling. The company she arranged it through are a UK company and my daughter worked prior to leaving. She is UK born and studied at Uni too. She has tried to register as unemployed but got sent to Universal credits then told she's not able to claim.
This all seems unfair when an asylum seeker can claim. I have recently lost my job and can't keep her. Please help
pink1780 08/08/2015 at 10:37 pm
Hi my brother moved to the USA when he was 7 years old with r father and his mother, he is now 20 years old and really wants to move back to the UK for good,he need to renew his British passport. Will he need to get any paper work to come back as he wants to thought the right lines . Thanks
Les n Pat 04/08/2015 at 2:03 am
My husband & I are both British Citizens & moved to NZ approx. 40 yrs ago & have worked in NZ all that time, we have permanent resident visa in NZ, prior to leaving UK we worked in UK for 3/4 yrs. We are looking to move back to the UK in the next 2/3 yrs to be closer to family & also retire. We have read that the UK state pension is changing & would like to know more on how this will affect us. Will we qualify for the full pension when we reach retirement age & will we need to provide details of what Tax we have paid in NZ.
EmigrationExpert Editor 05/08/2015 at 10:32 am
@Hug Houssein - He would need a Returning Resident Visa to come back to live in the UK if he has been away for more than two years
Hug Houssein 02/08/2015 at 11:05 am
My son was born in england and moved to amerca with is mother when he was 2 know he wants to move back to england he is 26 with a uk passport what does he need to do
Helen 27/07/2015 at 2:30 pm
I am a filipino but naturalized as British Citizen.Im separated with my husband for almost 11 yrs now and because i suffered depression during our separation, i have to go back to the Philippines and stay with my parents. My question is what are the requirements going back to UK??Been away for almost 11 yrs and I am planning to go back this coming August 4.
Would really appreciate your answer.
Tugs 25/07/2015 at 5:11 pm
My daughter moved and married a usa man they have been married and liveing in America for 3 half years my daughter wants to come back home to live in the uk can her husband come with her to live in the uk . She's missing her family and friends but loves her husband and wants to come back home to the uk with her husband can they do this?
Mags 23/07/2015 at 7:03 pm
We are moving back to England from Spain how do I ho about getting free health care on the NHS
Caitlynluke 18/07/2015 at 6:41 am
We've been living in Germany for 4 years with our 9 year old twins. Thinking about moving back to the UK and we are worried about the kids changing schools. My husband thinks they will be years behind. I think they'll adapt. But obviously I am worried they will be very behind. Has anyone got any advice please.
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/07/2015 at 11:54 am
@Kitty - Age UK have put out a leaflet for the older person coming back to live in the UK which covers the issues you mention, He may also have to apply for a returning resident's visa, I hope this helps.
Kitty 08/07/2015 at 8:58 am
My Dad has been staying with me in Australia since 2009 because he was unwell and couldn't live alone....I can no longer look after him and he wanted to come back to the UK to be near his sister and son. He has been paying tax from his aged pension. He worked in the UK and paid N.I. For over 50 years. He now needs full time care in an aged care facility..Any advise?
EmigrationExpert Editor 07/07/2015 at 10:02 am
@Sskkrrtt - I'm afraid we have no additional advice than what your LEA can offer you. However, by law, your local council has to find your child a school place. The law says that all children have the right to a school education while they are between the ages of 5 to 16 years old. While there have been cases when a place has not been provided for a child, they are very unusual, it more likely that your local authority will help you out sooner rather than later. Whether or not they cater for the different curriculum in the state system is a different matter and one that we can't advise on.
Sskkrrtt 04/07/2015 at 10:07 am
I have just relocated to the UK with my three children, due to unforeseen circumstances. All of us are British Citizens. I am having trouble finding a school that caters to my son's examination boards and some state schools that I have been in contact with are unwilling to help. He is in the middle of his IGCSE's which is different form the normal UK GCSE's. Is there a department other that the local authority that I can contact to help me find a school for him. Thank you.
Mike 29/06/2015 at 9:38 pm
Hi,

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
Tracy 22/06/2015 at 7:35 pm
My family and I are English..we moved to NZ 9 years ago and have dual citizenship. My hubby and I have 5 children. We recently were offered an opportunity to come home to UK..but are confused as my eldest daughter is 16 and would need to start her first year at further education. How will we be affected? Is it true she will be classed as an overseas student? Will we have to pay for her further education including University? Thanks
Tommy 14/06/2015 at 8:03 pm
I was born in England my parents are both English. We left England when i was 14 to live in canada, i am a canadian citizen but now wish to move back where do i start. i have a valid canadian passport and an expired british passport.
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/06/2015 at 3:01 pm
@pingu - I have included the Age UK factsheet, here that should give you all the information you need to know about returning from abroad for the older person. I realise you are not yet of pensionable age, however it does give information on disability benefits etc. I hope this helps.
pingu 09/06/2015 at 8:02 am
Hello, I married my childhood sweetheart here in Australia in 2006. I became a permanent resident in 2008. However inbetween these times both of us became ill. He was my carer and sadly he passed away, in 2012. I could not apply for disability on my visa status for a certain length of time. Which is coming up now. When I did apply here it was recognized but it was the time factor.Since losing my husband I have struggled with what to do about returning home as all my family are there. My health is getting worse. I have been told I can apply for sheltered accommodation after 6months due to my age am 57yrs. I come from the South East which is hugely expensive to start with. However my worry is about claiming and the possibility of keeping myself for the 2 years? That was quoted before I could make a claim? Am in such a dilemma. Any advice much appreciated. Tried looking on Social security but only get so far?
EmigrationExpert Editor 09/06/2015 at 11:57 am
@tasha - you would have to get in touch with an immigration adviser who could advise your whether he was eligible to return to the country after his post-removal ban. You can find one via whichI hope this helps.
tasha 07/06/2015 at 9:19 am
My daughters dad was deported back to Ghana over 5 years ago he wants to come to UK for a holiday what can I do to help him
BenJ Editor 09/06/2015 at 9:51 am
@Nicky - you are a UK citizen so you should have automatic right of entry.
Nicky 06/06/2015 at 11:43 am
I have dual UK/Australian citizenship and returning to the UK permanently. Is that right I can't book a one way ticket out of Australia on an Australian passport? (It reads Australian for nationality). Although my UK ones have expired I still have them and are surely sufficient enough to show I'm also a UK citizen? You can book a one way ticket out of the UK so I am really confused and don't understand this. I need to travel in about 6 weeks!
EmigrationExpert Editor 05/06/2015 at 10:27 am
@Siobhan - I have included an Age UK link which touches on older people returning to the UK with health problems here. It also gives some useful contact numbers where you can get some further direct advice. I hope this helps.
Siobhan 05/06/2015 at 8:26 am
My mum has lived in Portugal for 20 years but received a state pension and is registered with a GP in the uk ... She is seriously Ill in a private hospital in Portugal and we are told that she has a mitochondrial disease so will require ongoing nursing care ... She is oxygen dependent ... We have tried to get her transferred to the university hospital in Lisbon for specialist tests but they have refused to take the referral .... We are self funding her care in ICU ....I need to get her back to the UK so she can be close to family. How can I get her back to the Uk ? She is going to need a nursing environment going forward. My mum has spent her whole life caring for other people in a professional capacity and now she needs some help .... If anyone has any advice asap that would be brilliant .... Please help !! Thanks
Kaz 02/06/2015 at 7:07 pm
I am a British Citizen, born in UK, left and emigrated to Austarlia @20yrs old.
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
EmigrationExpert Editor 27/05/2015 at 12:17 pm
@Sandy - I have included a link to the AgeUK factsheet, 'Returning from Abroad', link here which should give you more information on what you may be entitled to .
Sandy 24/05/2015 at 6:26 pm
I am a British Citizen 72 years of age. I was born, married and had a child in the UK before leaving for South Africa in 1964 with my South African husband. We have been divorced for many years and as I have no family in South Africa would like to return to the UK to be with my four sisters and my aged Mother.

I worked approximately three years in the UK before my daughter was born. What benefits am I entitled to?
Mr SS Cummings 21/05/2015 at 6:39 pm
Hi, i'm looking for advice. My Auntie & Uncle and two young cousins live in South Africa and want to move back to England. But theres a big problem, my Uncle was attacked and due to this is in a wheel chair full time with no use of his legs or arms. They have no money and no home to come back to. He will need care as soon as he lands and assistance on the flight. I have absolutely no idea where to start, I dont know what organisation or people to talk to. I want to help them come home. And help would be great. Thanks.
johno 20/05/2015 at 9:46 pm
My sister has lived in america for 27yrs .she his cuming back to live in the uk permanently she has a american pension which is matured in 2 yrs how does she get her pension if she lives in the uk
chris 19/05/2015 at 4:28 pm
I am planning on moving to Cornwall and have heard if you are US disability permanently that the NHS just rolls over to their system I am very ill and want to come home but need to know rules I tried reading about that test but want to find more in depth info especially about the new meds if they are covered for hep c it costs around two hundred thousand for this treatment in US Thanks for anyone's help
chris 19/05/2015 at 4:07 pm
Gone around in circles trying to find email or help on Uk gov website. Please tell me if as a British citizen dual national on Social Security permanent disability in US. What must I do if I wish to return home to have my hepatitis c treated? Is there a wait period? What must I do to qualify? I have attempted to contact many places online like liver trust but get no answers Thanks so much
EmigrationExpert Editor 15/05/2015 at 1:39 pm
@Moo moo - I have included a link to the Age UK document Returning from Abroad here , which concentrates more on the older person. If she has been away a long time, she may have to sit the Habitual Residence test and other entitlements will have changed. I hope this helps.
Moo moo 13/05/2015 at 10:42 pm
Hello. My Mum whom is 83 has had to move back to England due to her husband passing away! My mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and can not live by herself. I live in a warden controlled property and can not have my mum living with me! So where do I go? What help could my mum get? My mum was born in Spain but was evacuated in 1941 and lived in England for 46 years .
EmigrationExpert Editor 08/05/2015 at 1:45 pm
@john - not if you were returning for a visit, but you may have to if you were planning to return indefinitely.
john 07/05/2015 at 10:10 pm
Hi. I am a dual citizen, british and filipino passport holder. I have been living in the Philippines for more than 3 years now (the last time ive been to UK was in 2011). I own a restaurant and a house back in england. Do i need to take the habitual residence test when i go back there even for just a vacation? Thanks
Mac 04/05/2015 at 5:57 pm
Hi please could you help me as i have been tasked to find out if my dad is entitled to anything if he moves back to the UK. My dad was born here in the UK and he left when he was 9 years old with my grand parents , but due to all of us living here he has decided to come back , my dad is 67 and i'm worried that his hopes will be dashed , he currently gets a meager pension which i know he can transfer here to the UK, but other than that i am not sure.
please help or direct me to the right place where i can find out.
Beth 02/05/2015 at 8:09 am
I emigrated to Canada 50 years ago.Became Canadian Citizen. Have British passport and Canadian one. I wish to return home to be near family. Have place to live, pension from Canada and small one from Uk Can I just come back, and reside. I am 73yrs old. Any advice please.
EmigrationExpert Editor 01/05/2015 at 12:34 pm
@Ktips - I have included a link to the Age UK document Returning from Abroad here, which concentrates more on the older person. If she has been away a long time, she may have to sit the Habitual Residence test and other entitlements will have changed. I hope this helps.
Ktips 30/04/2015 at 7:21 pm
Hi, my mother has been living in Spain for the past 15 years. She is a Spanish citizen and is currently living with her partner but is very unhappy and wishes to return to live in the uk. She has little savings and doesn't own any property. So affording a home to buy or rent in the U.K. on the current state pension isn't really affordable! Is she entitled to any help? She is 65, independent and too young for a retirement home. Where can I get some advise on how to help her find a home near family back in uk? Many thanks.
Kate 23/04/2015 at 1:26 pm
My sister,who is 63 and was born in the Uk,but has lived in Italy for the past 35 years
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 .
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/04/2015 at 10:36 am
@daggy - I think it would just be a simple case of looking online for properties to rent in the area you have chosen and contacting the agent's directly. If you are willing to secure the property with a deposit, then I can't see there would be a problem. The benefit of the internet, is that you can see images of the property that you are going to rent on sites such as Rightmove, as well as using Google Earth satellite to explore the district once you have seen something you like, and pay the deposit through an online bank transfer. I hope this helps.
daggy 22/04/2015 at 7:46 pm
I live in germany at the moment with my wife and daughter.we are all british citizens, and I found myself a job to start soon in the uk.now we are looking for a property to rent asap.without having to present a guarantor or without viewing the property first.how can that work?
EmigrationExpert Editor 20/04/2015 at 2:32 pm
@viva - I have included a gov.uk link regarding claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad, whichI hope this helps.
viva 18/04/2015 at 10:42 am
Badders
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 13/04/2015 at 12:53 pm
@Kitty - Due to a changes to immigration laws that came into effect in 2012, it has made it more difficult for British citizens overseas to move their families back to the UK. The law now stipulates that the British spouse has to earn an annual income of £18,600 (and show that he/she has been earning that amount for at least six months) in order to sponsor his/her non-EEA spouse for a visa. The foreign spouse’s income is not taken into account. I am afraid the financial threshold also increases if you have a child in need of sponsorship. You can see if you are eligible whichI hope this helps.
Kitty 09/04/2015 at 7:22 pm
Hey, I am a British citizen that also has permanent residency in Canada. My husband is a Canadian Citizen and we have recently had a daughter in Canada whose 6 months old. My husband and I got legally married in London in 2012 before moving to Canada. We have decided to move back to London UK as I am missing my family and financially we're not doing that well. How do I go about applying to move back with my husband and daughter?? Please provide as much info you can on this matter.
Thank you
Max 24/03/2015 at 9:34 pm
Hi there Im 22 now and 3 years ago when I was 18 my mum begged me to move to Canada with her my dad and my sister, but since I left england in 2011 shes kicked me and my sister out on to the street and broke up with my dad. Before I left I was on disability benefits and had finally started to get on my feet and get on track. I was just wonderingn as the past three years in Canada have been horrible what chances I have of being able to get back without just ending up on the street with in the first month. Is there anything I can do to get back on to the benefits I was once on for my autism and anyway of getting any help from the goverment or anyone to get back and find a job and a place to live happily again, thanks any advice is really apreciatted! Cheers Max x
Tiarnan1 16/03/2015 at 6:10 am
We are looking for a reasonable property near Boreham wood. ASAP. We have a beautiful residential, detached home I a very disease are close to excellent schools and local amen enuresis. Many up grades. Turn key. A very family orientated cul-de-sacred. With a very well maintained street and outdoor tennis aND swimming pool within 100 meters.

Husband has opportunity to relocate.

It's a must see for young families and all walks of life.

Many thanks Ken and lisa johnson
EmigrationExpert Editor 10/03/2015 at 12:56 pm
@Mae - It's hard to say without knowing her full financial details. However, those returning to the UK cannot claim benefits immediately and she may have to wait until she can sit the habitual residency test in order to qualify. Also, age concern has a good link which may answer some of your questions regarding benefits claims and other changes she should know about here when moving back to the UK. I hope this helps.
Mae 08/03/2015 at 7:51 am
Hi my mum is 60 and has lived in Spain for 7 years with her husband she has no income they have a joint mortgage on the property my mum is looking to leave him to return permanently to the UK , would she be entitled to any housing or benefits if she returns ? Even if she finally divorces her husband and the Spanish house is sold it would probably just pay of the mortgage as house prices have fallen since they bought .
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/03/2015 at 11:12 am
@badders - before he comes to the UK, he must apply for a visa for them. You can check via whichI hope this helps.
badders 27/02/2015 at 6:44 pm
KK No. I understand he can come back. Can he bring his children with him (15 and 17) and if he can how? They are not British Nationals but Turkish
KK Editor 27/02/2015 at 2:01 pm
@badders - if he is a British National he can come back to live in the UK, if that is what you mean?
badders 25/02/2015 at 7:42 pm
My British National Turkish husband has been working and living in France. He now has his two Turkish children with. Will they all be able to repatriate to the UK and would he have to go to the British Embassy in Paris?
Jan Editor 25/02/2015 at 11:19 am
@yogi - she would only be entitled to a part of the house if you are still married and she wanted to file for divorce.
yogi 23/02/2015 at 5:27 am
My ex wife left country with my 6 year old son to go and liv in canada and now she phones and says she is coming back for the house can she do that my son was born in uk and she ia from India she had indefinite right to stay I uk when we split up 4 years ago so I think she must have British passport I had to sign letter from solictor while she was in canada to sign and say goodbye to my son so he could have right in canada to get school so what do I do can she get the house bcausebecause of my son how can she come back and demand can you pkease help me with some advice please
EmigrationExpert Editor 24/02/2015 at 1:56 pm
@Evl - I have included a couple of things that may be useful. One is if you need to claim benefits herewhich also gives other information on moving back. The other is regarding tax and your National Insurance number, whichI have also added a link regarding your returning resident visa, whichI hope this helps.
Evl 22/02/2015 at 8:11 am
Hello
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.
EmigrationExpert Editor 20/02/2015 at 12:05 pm
@Loulou - I think in this case it would be advisable to call the Age UK advice line, to see if anyone can tell you what, if any, the limitations might be, given she is an elderly relative that needs care. I hope this helps.
Loulou 19/02/2015 at 7:53 am
Hi my grandmother emigrated to portugal over 20 years ago, she is now very old and needs constant care. She would like to return back to the uk and move into a residential home. How do we go by doing this and would she be eligible for funding from social services?
David 18/02/2015 at 3:02 pm
I recently came back to the UK from Canada (UK passport). I started work but didn't yet have my NI (National Insurance) number. I had to call up and apply for an interview and then wait about 4 weeks for it (after the interview). In the meantime, my work was able to pay me under something called "emergency taxes".

David
EmigrationExpert Editor 16/02/2015 at 2:49 pm
@GG - I'm afraid we have know knowledge of the timings, you would have to either contact your local Jobcentre, or ring HMRC direct.
GG 14/02/2015 at 10:58 am
My daughter age 22 who was born in the UK and has a British passport has returned to the UK after living in France for 12 years, working in France for 1 year and working in Australia for 1 year, she has completed a form online for her NI number, obviously, desperate for work, can she not work while she is waiting for her NI Number. Do we know how long it takes? Also her Australian boyfriend has returned with her on a 2 year working visa, he has applied for his NI number, has a job waiting for him but cannot start until he gets his number, again do we know how long it will take???Thank you.
EmigrationExpert Editor 03/02/2015 at 11:01 am
@gis - can they not live in the flat? Unfortunately, they would not be able to be allocated a council house if they owned a property of their own. They would have to sell first.
gis 31/01/2015 at 10:13 pm
I have parents living in Italy. My mother is now becoming poorly and my father is struggling to look after her. They desparatly need to come back to England. They own a small flat but it value has halved and it is impossible to sell. Would they be eligible for council housing in England. We could have them living with us temporarily but have no room permanently. Would do we do and can anybody help.
eileen 28/01/2015 at 3:37 pm
My son moved to the USA six years ago. He married an American. They would now like to come to the UK to live. He has a British Passport, what sort of visa would she need to stay here permanently? She will not be seeking work, my son will.
dizzy 22/01/2015 at 2:01 pm
I intend to move from Canada back to the UK, my husband will have his visa, which entitles him to be with me for 6 months, but what problems would both of us face, as I am a registered disabled person over in the UK, and was on all the disability related benefits, I could not gain employment anywhere and this will be the same when I return, I could not and still cannot gain employment here in Canada either as I am high risk, I suffer severe Osteoporosis. Would there be confusion with immigration as we are both going, living with my sister for a while, so we can get everything sorted, would he be able to be my carer, and apply to remain in the UK.
lolly 19/01/2015 at 5:11 am
i just wanted some help with what visa is required i am an uk citizen and have been living in australia for the past 9 years have my australian citizenship also and am looking at relocating my family back to the uk, what visas are required for myself husband and children. any help would be greatly appreciated
soj 05/01/2015 at 11:55 am
Please I urgently need your advice. A brother who's a british citizen planning to relocate back to the UK with his family, his children carrys British passports except his wife. Pls what process (es) he needs to go through to bring his family to the UK especially with his wife not citizen of the UK? THANKS !
Dave 02/01/2015 at 7:10 pm
Hi im returning to UK with my British family after 5 years in Thailand i have been to the UK for a total of 28 days in the 5 year period and want o no if i will be allowed to bring back money ive earnt from my time abroad and not have to pay tax on this

thanks
kulkul 02/01/2015 at 11:01 am
I have lived in spain for the last 18 years and want to return to England with my daughters and granddaughter. I dont know where to start or who to approach. To be honest I am terrified. The biggest issue is housing. Who do I apply to? I would be looking to move to Maidstone where my family are. I am self employed and would take my business with me, as I work from home, so that part is not a problem. I know that I will have to register as self employed in the Uk and all of those issues it is just housing that bothers me, I will have all my personal belonging moved, and it would not be costs effective for me to leave it in storage and I don't want to go into a hostel with a 2 year old. Any help would be appreciated thank you.
Mlydon1 31/12/2014 at 3:33 am
I was born in the UK and lived there for the first 5 years of my life before being taken to the country (a British colony) to live. Now, decades later, I wish to move back to the UK from Canada but can't find any information on what would be involved to do so, in terms of finding out if I need a social insurance number (or UK equivalent), registering with the NHS and other services. Could you point me to any online resources, please? Many thanks!
Nessa19 02/12/2014 at 3:03 am
Hi there
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:)
Kirsty 16/11/2014 at 11:40 pm
My Father in Law has been living in Spain (near to us) for almost 10 years. Now approaching 90 he cannot cope alone and needs to return to the UK to be in a care home. We are staying in Spain but our home is too small to house him (we are also Pensioners) He has rented here so has no assets. Who do we need to contact for help and advice. He has another son in London but his home is too small to house Dad as well. He is fit at present but we are worried what will happen if he becomes totally dependant on daily care. I help as much as I can now, but it is wearing 'me' out.
Any advice appreciated.
EmigrationExpert Editor 17/11/2014 at 3:03 pm
@Roz - while you may be a UK citizen, claiming means-tested benefits in the UK is not as easy as it may have been previously and you now have to fulfil certain criteria. You may have to take an habitual residence test if you've spent three months or more living or working abroad. The ruling came into force on January 1, 2014 and it stipulates that in order to claim you have to give evidence that you are habitually resident which means living in the UK for at least three months. It will also want to know how much you have cut ties with the previous country you were living in. I hope this helps.
roz 16/11/2014 at 6:11 am
ive been living in nz for past two years on a skilled work visa, I am now pregnant with my first child and have decided to have the baby in uk surrounded by my family members, will I be entitled to any benefits to help with rent? Child support? Etc....any advise appreciated. I hope to move back to Devon area ... Thnx
EmigrationExpert Editor 15/10/2014 at 12:21 pm
@Mica I presume you were born in the UK and left around 1983? If so you will have become a British citizen on 1 January 1983 if both of the following were true: you were a citizen of the UK and Colonies and you had the ‘right of abode’ in the UK.

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.
mid life 22/09/2014 at 8:59 pm
i was born in the uk but have lived overseas for 44 years, and now have Australian citizenship, but still hokd my british passport .... can I emigrate back there now ... ?
Jax 16/09/2014 at 2:37 am
I have lived in NZ for the past 40 years . I am on a sickness benefit due to severe back problems , i still have British citizaenship and a British passport . If I return to Britain to live will I be entitled to a sickness benefit and and NHI help for my back problems ?
mitzie 31/08/2014 at 3:23 pm
why cant i claim attendance allowance because i have returned to live permanantly in uk because i have to have lived in uk for 104 weeks out of the last 156 weeks ,i am claiming a full uk age pension .
Bature 10/08/2014 at 12:24 pm
I my bro and sister born in Britain and have been living abroad for 21yrs our father died last 2yrs and my Mum has not been found after she went to seach for our Birth cet. and now we have our British birth Certification after our father death. And we now want to go back to the U.k, so pls any help on that
susie 04/08/2014 at 1:18 pm
I have lived in Spain for 12.5 yrs , now am being pulled in 2 to stay or go back to the UK......I am 68 yrs old at the moment have 4 dogs, I have a decent pension but no savings as such what I do have will get used in moving back, ie: dogs, furniture plane ticket, then housing costs plus extra's, will I get any form of help please?, I had an heart attack 2 yrs ago and have to say scares me a little with all the stress it is causing , I also have a son lives here with Spanish partner and 5 yr old son with special needs, my son also is thinking to go back as there are no jobs here and is getting worse, but at the same time I don't want to leave them, I would be moving back to the NW of England---would I once again be able to stand the cold and rain HELP, also I was widowed 8 yrs ago most of my friends have moved back or moved on so I do find it very lonely here as well
PF 27/07/2014 at 4:16 am
Moved to USA 13 years ago, now in early 50's and good helath but how to secure a job before we come back, otherwise we can't do it and have to return for a sick relative. We are both able to work anywhere in UK and husband is educated above MBA level but how do we get a break, have been trying by applying for jobs via a UK address for 2 years. The move has to happen but we have to have a job to come back to. Recruiters are not helping or even replying.
What to do??????
Any help please
nervous 16/07/2014 at 1:26 pm
Hi, i turned 18 in February and have lived in spain 4 the last 10 years, i am thinking about going to live in th UK and want to be able to go to uni or other education and get a part-time job. I would like some advice on what help i could receive as i haven't got much money. Thank YOu.
Pier 14/07/2014 at 11:11 pm
As a retired couple of 78 & 74, we moved to France just after retirement 12 yrs ago. Very happy here. But the problem is our pensions are interrupted for sometimes 12 weeks, asking life certificates. And other correspondance difficulties. Return back to the UK, we don't have a home.Would appreciate some advise.Pier
harv 10/07/2014 at 8:32 pm
I am 70.Have decided to return to the UK after liviing abroad for 35yrs.I hope to live with my widowed
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
chippy 07/07/2014 at 4:32 pm
hi,my wife and i are both in our 70s we have been renting in spain for 7 years
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
chunks 06/07/2014 at 8:17 pm
my sister has been overseas for 27years. but needs to come home due to the ill health of our mother,what benefits if any is she entitled to ,while she looks for a job and accomodation???????
didi 29/05/2014 at 10:10 pm
my husband died two years ago and we have lived in canada for 37 years. I am now 70 years old and would dearly love to return to the U.K. I have relatives and friends in England. I was wondering if i would be entitled to oap and other benefits after being away so long. I am in excellent health. Please advise
Sarah 24/05/2014 at 12:33 pm
I will be returning to the UK on my own, I will be around 6 months pregnant.
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.
Annie 19/11/2013 at 1:03 am
I have lived in Canada since 1975 because of The Troubles, but have never liked being here - always homesick but with having 3 young children and the "troubles" still in full swing we ended up staying - got divorced but not easy to move back so stayed and now that my children are grown men and able to have their own lives and me still homesick I would like to move back and be where my heart has always been. I only a sister-in-law and 2 nephews as close family left but many cousins and friends I went to school with etc. I live on my own and just keep thinking about how it was and with the long winters, far from the ocean I long to be back home. Please let me know if it would be possible to move back and my family can come and see me - all 3 were born back in Dungannon - Thank you for your time - Margaret (maiden name Weir) McGurk Oh I was born Jan 16th 1942
Stallion 02/10/2013 at 5:19 pm
I am a Brit born and bred and have lived in North Cyprus with my Kazakh wife [married since 2009] since 2007. Through various financial misfortunes [I have been swindled out of loads!] and due to illness I want to come back to the UK.My hometown is Telford but I have no money to buy anywhere in UK. Can you tell me whether I can claim benefit when I come back and if I will be given accommodation. I was a company director and the UK up until 2006 and paid huge amounts of tax. I have recently had cancerous melanomas removed here [diagnosed in UK] amd have also been told I urgently need replacement knees [both required] Please advise.
carol 03/08/2013 at 1:28 pm
I want to move back to uk after many years abroad.can you advise me how i go about this,i gave up everything when i left so i have no home back in uk? i'm 61 and not in very good health....
sarah 20/06/2013 at 8:02 pm
I am divorcing my french husband and have 2 children 6 and 9. I am currently still living in France but need to return to England as I am unable to support myself. My question is: Has anyone had success being housed by their local council and received benefits whilst looking for work? I have been in contact with my local council where I used to live and it was not exactly encouraging.... I have to have a job before I can be considered for housing or live with relatives etc and if I have my children, what then? I hope someone can help me out of this dilemma.
YAYAANN 26/03/2013 at 6:11 am
myself and my husband have been living in Cyprus for almost 3 years and we are thinking of moving back to the UK . Can you please advise us on what to do to return to the UK health system and how to register for work etc.
Meerkat 27/02/2013 at 1:55 pm
I am returning to the uk after living in France for 5 years.Can you please advise me on what I need to do to return to the uk health system & to regester for work benefits ect.I am 60 & hope to find employment.Thank you Anne
Polly 19/11/2012 at 7:23 pm
I have sold my property in france and want to return to UK, as a pensioner with mobility problems and alone this is proving to be a daunting task.any tips ?
Mimi 28/09/2012 at 7:06 pm
I want to move back to uk after many years abroad. My daughter and her young daughter wish to move with me.We are currently living in nth Cyprus, but spent many years in usa.can you advise me.

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