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When you arrive

Once you've moved to a new country, there are several things you can do to help yourself avoid problems and settle in:

• Register with the local authorities
  This may give you access to the local welfare services after a short period of time. If you are moving to another EEA country you must apply for a residence permit within three months of arrival. If you do not register, at best you may be unable to access local benefits to which you are entitled and at worst you may be breaking local law.
  
  
• Register with the local Embassy/High Commission/Consulate
  Use our LOCATE online registration service to record and update your address overseas. This will help the Consulate keep in touch with you if you get into difficulties, or in the case of an emergency abroad. In countries with large expatriate communities the Consulate may also have a fact sheet to help retired UK expatriates settle in.
  
  
• Ensure your passport is valid
  Fill in the contact details of two relatives or friends who can be contacted in an emergency on the back page. If your passport is about to expire apply to the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to have it renewed. For EEA countries your residence permit also serves as an identity document, so you do not need to carry your passport around with you all the time.
  
  
• Open a foreign bank account
  Within the EEA you can apply for a non-resident bank account on arrival. Once your residence permit has been granted – usually after three to six months – you can open a normal bank account. In many countries, your retirement pension can be paid directly into your bank account there.
  
  
• Learn the local language
  Try to fit in with the local community. Hospital and local welfare services staff will not usually speak English. You will find day-to-day life much easier if you can make yourself understood.
  
  
• Make a will
  If you die intestate abroad this can cause difficulties for your heirs. Seek professional legal advice. You may require separate wills for assets and property held in the UK and other countries. Your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate can provide a list of English-speaking lawyers who can assist you.
  
  
• Check local traffic regulations
  Driving is permitted on a valid UK licence in EEA countries. You will need to be fully insured. You may be required to exchange your UK licence for an EEA national licence once you have gained resident status. Licences are valid for five years for 45 to 70 year-olds and two years thereafter. For other countries you will also need to take an International Driving Permit (IDP), which must be obtained before you leave the UK. Your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate cannot help you export or import your car or personal belongings. For more information, see driving abroad.
  
  
• Find out about British Associations
  There may be clubs, publications and charity organisations for the expatriate community. Lists of these are available from your local British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
  
  
• Stay in touch
  Keep your family and friends in the UK, and authorities such as HM Revenue & Customs, National Insurance and the Department for Work and Pensions, informed of your address abroad.
  
  
• Keep your vote
  To vote in UK elections your name must appear on the electoral register. Once registered as an overseas elector, you will be able to vote in Parliamentary elections and European Parliamentary elections in the UK, but not in local government elections or the elections for the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Ireland Assembly. You can register to vote as an overseas elector for up to 15 years after you were last registered in the UK. To register, contact the electoral registration officer at the local council where you were last registered as an elector when living in the UK. For further information see the Electoral Commission website.

Advice on living in...

You can find advice on living in a country on our Embassy and High Commission websites. Below are links to information on some of the most popular destinations for Britons living abroad.

Australia
Canada
Cyprus
France
Germany
Ireland
New Zealand
South Africa
Spain
USA