Voting if you move or live abroad
Overview
You can register as an overseas voter if you move or live abroad.
You must have previously lived in the UK and be either:
- a British citizen
- an eligible Irish citizen registering to vote in Northern Ireland
The rules are different if you’ll be abroad temporarily on election day.
This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
How to register as an overseas voter
To vote in England, Scotland or Wales, register to vote in the usual way.
To vote in Northern Ireland, register with a paper form.
There are different ways to register if you’re working abroad in the armed forces, as a crown servant or as a British Council.
Renewing your registration
You must renew your registration every 3 years to keep voting in UK elections while living abroad.
You’ll get a reminder when it’s time to renew.
If you do not renew your registration, you’ll be removed from the register. You’ll need to register to vote again as an overseas voter.
What elections you can vote in
You can vote in UK Parliament elections if you’re registered as an overseas voter.
You may be able to vote in referendums. Each referendum has different rules on who can vote in it.
Ways you can vote as an overseas voter
If you’re registered to vote in England, Scotland or Wales
You can either:
- vote by post
- vote by proxy (if you’re eligible)
If you’re registered to vote in Northern Ireland
You can vote by proxy, if you’re eligible. You need to apply using a paper form.
You cannot vote by post.