Moving or retiring abroad

You need to tell the relevant government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax that you’re moving or retiring abroad.

Tell your council

You need to contact your local council if you move or retire abroad, and give them a forwarding address.

Benefits

You need to tell the relevant benefits offices that deal with your benefits that you’re moving abroad.

They will tell you if you can continue to get your benefits while you’re abroad.

Pensions

You need to contact the International Pension Centre.

Find out how moving or retiring abroad affects your pension - and how to claim it.

Student loans

You need to tell the Student Loans Company if you’re moving abroad to make sure you pay the right amount.

Tax

You need to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that you’re moving or retiring abroad to make sure you pay the right amount of tax.

Voting and citizenship

You can usually vote in UK elections if you move or retire abroad.

Your UK citizenship will not be affected if you move or retire abroad.

If you want to live in an EU country, check the country’s living in guide for information about your rights. You may need a visa.

If you were legally living in an EU country before 1 January 2021, your rights will be protected as long as you carry on living there. This is because you’re covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you want to work in another country, contact their UK-based embassy for more information.