If you are a UK expat — or planning to become one — finding the right financial adviser is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your UK assets, pensions and investments do not simply stop being relevant when you move abroad. In many cases they become more complex, not less. This guide explains what to consider when looking for a financial adviser as a UK expat.
Your UK assets do not disappear
When you leave the UK, your UK assets remain subject to UK rules in many cases. UK rental income remains taxable in the UK regardless of where you live. UK pensions are subject to UK pension rules, though how they are taxed on withdrawal depends on your country of residence. ISAs lose their tax-free status once you become non-UK resident. UK investment platforms may restrict your ability to make new contributions or even hold certain investments as a non-resident.
An adviser who understands UK financial products and how they interact with your new country's tax system is essential.
UK pensions and cross-border considerations
UK pensions are one of the most important areas for British expats. Key questions include:
- Can you still contribute to your UK pension while abroad?
- How will pension withdrawals be taxed in your country of residence?
- Should you consider transferring your pension to a QROPS or keeping it in the UK?
- What happens to your State Pension entitlement?
Pension transfers for non-residents are a regulated activity. An adviser advising on transfers must hold the appropriate qualifications and regulatory permissions. Not every adviser is qualified to do this work. Read our guide on what happens to your UK pension when you move abroad for more detail.
Country of residence matters
The country you move to affects your financial planning significantly. Tax rates, pension taxation, investment tax wrappers, and reporting obligations all vary by jurisdiction. A UK expat in Portugal faces different rules from one in the UAE or Australia.
Double taxation treaties between the UK and your destination country determine which country has the right to tax different types of income. Understanding the relevant treaty is essential for effective planning. An adviser who understands both the UK system and your destination country's system is ideal.
Adviser regulation
Your adviser should be regulated in a jurisdiction relevant to your situation. If you are still receiving advice on UK pensions and investments, FCA regulation matters. If you are receiving advice in your destination country, the adviser should be regulated by the local authority there.
Some advisers hold permissions in multiple jurisdictions. Others work as part of networks that can cover multiple countries. The key is that whoever advises you is properly authorised for the specific advice they are giving.
See our guide on how to check whether a financial adviser is regulated for practical steps.
Fees
Understand the full cost of advice before committing. International adviser fees, platform fees, custody fees, investment management fees and fund charges can all apply. A total annual cost of 2–3% is common in the international market. Over time, this has a significant impact on your returns.
Ask for a clear breakdown of all costs — not just the adviser's fee. Our guide to international financial adviser fees explains the layers in detail.
Ongoing advice
Financial planning for expats is not a one-time event. Your circumstances will change, tax rules will change, and your goals may shift. An ongoing advice relationship ensures your plan stays relevant.
Clarify what ongoing service includes: how often you will meet, what reviews cover, what reporting you receive, and what the ongoing fee covers. Good ongoing advice is worth paying for; paying for ongoing service you do not receive is not.
How Link Independent can help
Link Independent connects UK expats with regulated financial advisers who have the right experience for their specific circumstances. We do not provide advice ourselves — we make the introduction to carefully selected professionals. Use the Expat Planner to get a personalised report, or find an adviser directly.