Financial action plan for expats when moving abroad

Currency is one consideration for anyone moving to a new country

Big changes in your personal circumstances generally have financial implications, and moving abroad is no different.

The number of British people moving abroad is rising, official figures show, with about one in 10 British people living overseas.

So, if you are joining this group, there are a number of financial issues to deal with and opportunities to take.

First steps

Ideally, you would have a good deal of notice - six months if possible - ahead of any move. This would give you the time you need to organise carefully.

Paying off debts in the UK before you move is a good idea as it makes managing your finances less complicated and reduces the risk that currency fluctuations will increase the cost of these debts.

Of course this is likely not to be possible in the case of a mortgage, so it is a good idea to pay off credit card debts and personal loans.

It is also generally worth keeping your UK current account, but let your bank know you will be emigrating and ask for a letter of reference, which will often help you rent a property in your new country of residence.

Current accounts

Before you go, spend a little time researching international bank accounts as these generally let you bank in different currencies. This can be useful if you have on-going financial commitments in the UK such as a mortgage, bills to pay, or a child at university.

International current accounts also help if you continue to have an income in Britain, such as a pension. They mean you can run two current accounts side by side, one in euros for example and one in pounds sterling, transferring money between the two for no fee.

Setting up an international account before departure means that you will be able to access your money as soon as you land at your destination. It also means that should you choose to move on again, you will not need to spend time closing one account and re-opening in your new country - your money is easily accessible wherever you go.

You can hold an international account alongside your existing domestic bank account.

Taxes

Becoming resident in one country while still having financial commitments in another can cause complications to your tax status. It is surprisingly common for people to end up paying tax twice for a period of time, once in the UK and once in their new country of residence.

Dubai has proved a popular destination for many British expats

To avoid this problem, the UK has "double tax agreements" with a large number of countries that show which jurisdiction has the taxing rights on a particular profit or source of income. Double tax agreements exist for many of the most popular places to emigrate to such as Australia, Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Spain and the United States.

However, there are other popular destinations for expats which have more complicated tax arrangements with the UK. For example Antigua, Jersey and Guernsey are particularly challenging when it comes to investments. In France and Germany the tax systems are very comprehensive, but it does mean that navigating the treaty with the UK can be tricky. The United Arab Emirates, along with many other Middle East states, does not impose personal income tax.

One option is to arrange your liabilities simply so that they are as hassle free as possible. Contact your bank to ensure they are aware you are not living in the UK, and consult a qualified tax adviser or accountant who is experienced in expat tax matters.

Currency

One thing you should always bear in mind when heading overseas is the effect currency fluctuations will have on your money. For example, a few years ago there were many older expats living in eurozone countries such as Spain and France who were reliant on a relatively small UK pension income. When the pound weakened dramatically against the euro, by about 30% in a little over a year, many found it difficult to make ends meet.

The pound is currently still at a relative, historic low against the euro and US dollar, but this certainly does not mean it cannot fall further. Conversely, if the pound strengthens it will make transferring money to the UK, to pay your mortgage for example, more expensive.

Naturally, expats can benefit from currency fluctuations too, but the key point is that they present a risk to your spending power. This risk can be reduced by shifting your money, into the currency that you are most likely to need it in for the long-term.

If you know you will be moving back to the UK in a year's time, it might be advisable to leave a good chunk of it in sterling. If you plan to move to another country permanently and have paid off all your sterling liabilities, then consider moving your money in its entirety into your new local currency.

Of course, this approach only reduces currency risk. It does not necessarily mean that you will end up better off as people can benefit from currency fluctuations too.

Savings and investments

There is a wide range of savings accounts available in most expat destinations, as well as an array of international savings accounts that you can hold in most jurisdictions.

The benefits of using the latter are that you can conduct your banking relationship in English no matter where you are and you might feel your money is more secure with an international bank if there are particular problems with the economy of your country of residence.

One of the many reasons people move overseas is for the job prospects, and it is often the case that expats amass wealth faster than those living back in the UK. If you have moved overseas, you may want to grow any new-found wealth with investments as well.

The good news is that there is a greater range of investment opportunities internationally than in the UK. Investing offshore when you move abroad means that you can choose a bank that conducts its business in English, avoiding any language barriers you might face with an overseas provider.

If investing offshore, your investment approach should be no different to that of a UK-based investor, meaning your portfolio should reflect your risk appetite and be well-diversified. However, as taking out any investments will bring tax liabilities you should always take investment advice from a financial adviser who specialises in expat investments.

The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by the BBC unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Links to external sites are for information only and do not constitute endorsement. Always obtain independent professional advice for your own particular situation.