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Legal and personal issues

There are many legal and personal issues to consider when moving and living abroad‚ including:

Immigration

It is possible to move to another country in the EU without a visa but some countries require you to register or take out residency. Ensuring you are legally resident is often crucial to ensure you are able to access certain services in the country in which you are residing. In countries outside the EU‚ a visa may be required.


what next?Further information can usually be found by contacting the embassy/high commission in the UK of the country you wish to move to.

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Inheritance

A will made in the UK may not cover assets held in a different country. You may need to make wills in each of the countries you have assets in.

what next?It is important to obtain independent legal advice regarding inheritance.

‘When my partner died‚ I thought his will meant that our home would become mine. Unfortunately‚ local law meant that his home became the property of his children regardless of what his UK will said. Fortunately his children have allowed me to remain in my home but I feel very nervous that as the years go by they may change their mind.’

Read more about making a will overseas

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Driving

Be aware that you may have to apply for a local driving licence or re-take your driving test depending on where you move to.


what next?Contact the embassy/high commission in the UK of the country you intend to move to for further information.  

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Taking a pet

If you have a pet you wish to move with you‚ it is important they meet the entry requirements for that country.

what next?Contact the relevant country’s embassy/high commission for information about importing a pet. If you plan to bring a pet back to the UK at any point‚ contact the Department for Environment‚ Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for information on the pet travel scheme.

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Voting

You can retain your right to vote in general and‚ if appropriate‚ EU elections for 15 years after leaving the UK. This may give you the opportunity to influence the level of support and services offered to UK nationals abroad.


what next?Contact The Electoral Commission for their factsheet Overseas Electors.
 

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Relationships

If you move abroad with a partner or family this can place extra pressures on your relationships. It can also be difficult to leave family and friends behind. It is important to consider how you will cope and how you might develop new local relationships.

You should also consider what would happen if one of you died. Would the other want to stay abroad or return to the UK? If your partner was the main carer‚ what would you do without them? You would also need to think about funerals and burial – abroad or back in the UK. It could be very expensive and complicated to arrange.

Relationship changes while living overseas

what next?Consider taking out an insurance policy to cover funeral expenses or the cost of repatriation to the UK.

   

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Further information

Freephone
Information Line
0800 00 99 66