If you come back to the UK after living abroad, you’ll usually be classed as a UK resident again. This means you pay UK tax on: your UK income and gains. Any foreign income and gains – although you may not have to if your permanent home (‘domicile’) remains outside the UK.
1. Check residency status and NHS entitlement
UK citizens returning to the country are able to access free National Health Service care, as long as they are a permanent resident. If you or members of your family do not qualify, you will need to arrange insurance to cover treatment. To crack down on so-called medical tourism, non-residents are now required to pay for non-urgent care
2. Job search
If you have been away from the UK for some time, it is worth talking to a Jubilee Recruitment Consultant who can assess your skills, experience and job availability for working in the UK. If you still have contacts in Britain, make sure they know you have returned and are looking for openings. Update your social media accounts, contact details and availability. LinkedIn is particularly good for this. Keep an open mind about opportunities and possibly forging any suitable new career path that may open up.
- Recognition of qualifications
You may need to ensure your professional qualifications are recognised in the UK. Contact the one of our Recruitment Advisors to have your qualifications checked.
4. Disclosure & Barring Service Procedures
Obtaining police checks for periods lived outside the UK
If you have lived outside the United Kingdom (UK) for a period of more than 12 months within the last 10 years, while aged 18 or over you will be required to provide a police check from that country to cover that period.
If you are ineligible for a police check in the country you lived in outside the United Kingdom (for example because you were under the age required for police checks in that country, or because you are not a national of that country), we may accept references from previous places of study or employment in that country. If this applies to you please contact us for further guidance.
Further information regarding obtaining a police check from other countries is available via the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) website for guidance on criminal record checks for oversees applicants. Please bear in mind that some overseas countries will charge for a police check. Information for the different countries and fees involved can be found on the DBS website.
If you have never lived in the UK, in addition to supplying your international police check, you will need to apply for an Enhanced DBS check.
5. Make sure you have a UK bank account
If you have UK bank accounts, ensure they are active. If not, take steps to open an account as soon as possible. One option is to open an international account, so you can use the account now and when you arrive in the UK. Make appropriate arrangements regarding your foreign bank or other financial institution. This will ensure that when you become employed, your wages can be paid into your account.
6. Understand your pension
Make sure you understand your pension entitlement, if any, in your present country and the UK. Ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Britain about your entitlement and obligations. Contact a Jubilee Recruitment Consultant for information about how pension contributions are paid for temporary staff.
- Tax if you return to the UK
You may need to take action to ensure you are able to pay UK tax for instance, by registering for Self-Assessment. UK residents pay tax on UK income and gains and must also pay tax on any foreign income and gains. The government department for tax matters is Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC); they have useful information on their website and a helpline providing access to tax advisors.
8. Driving
If you previously passed your driving test in the UK, contactDriver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), who should have a record of your old license. If you have a foreign license, you can exchange it for a UK one. The authorities will need your new address in the UK. If you have been living outside Europe it is likely that you will need to find a new car. Be aware that UK car prices may be more expensive than those of many other countries. Also shop around for insurance that will honour any no claims bonus you have built up while overseas
- Transport Assistance
You may be eligible for assistance with your transportation when travelling to the UK, such as receiving help at an airport.
- Driving licenses and vehicle insurance
EU and EEA-issued driving licenses will continue to be recognised after Brexit. If you hold a non-EU/EEA driving license, you will either need to exchange your license for a UK license or in some cases, apply for a new UK driving license and retake your driving test. Further information is available on exchanging your license on the DVLA website
If you’re bringing an EU-registered vehicle to the UK, you will need to obtain a motor insurance Green Card or valid proof of insurance from your insurer.