Current headlines are often focusing on immigration into the UK. However, a significant number of British citizens are packing their bags and emigrating overseas. More than 79,000 British citizens left the UK in 2024, joining an estimated 5 million Brits already living abroad.
Emigrating from the UK can bring benefits from different career opportunities to a higher quality of life but also may create legal implications. Managing wills and probate can be complex for individuals with assets across various countries, especially when differing inheritance laws come into play.
Where Are Brits Emigrating?
The top destinations for British emigrants in 2024 included:
- Australia
- Canada
- United States
- Spain
- Ireland
These countries are popular destinations for those who are emigrating, due to their English-speaking populations, strong communities, and appealing climates.
Why are Brits Emigrating?
Brits have various reasons for emigrating abroad, with their motivations driven by personal desires and values:
- Quality of life: Some Brits may feel like moving abroad will improve their quality of life. They’re drawn by warmer climates, improved work-life balance, and a more relaxed pace of living.
- Career opportunities: Moving abroad can open new opportunities and job prospects compared to the UK job market.
- Economic costs: Due to the rising cost of living in the UK, many may feel the financial pressures and wish to find better economic opportunities abroad.
- Education and healthcare: Families can be attracted to international schools and healthcare systems abroad.
- Retirement: Many retirees seek a comfortable and affordable lifestyle during their retirement.
Legal Implications of Wills and Probate
A UK Will may not be recognised in your new country of residence, particularly if it fails to meet local legal formalities. This can lead to jurisdictional conflicts, especially if you continue to hold UK assets while living abroad, as those assets may be subject to different inheritance laws.
While emigrating can change your residence status, it doesn’t automatically change your domicile status. You may still be considered as UK domiciled for inheritance tax purposes which means your estate could remain taxable in the UK.
Risks of Losing Contact
When individuals are emigrating and relocate overseas, they may lose touch with family members and close contacts. This disconnection can create difficulties in locating international next of kin or missing beneficiaries named in wills, potentially preventing the distribution of a deceased inheritance. Blanchards specialises in finding missing next of kin.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone else is emigrating, it is important to think about future estate planning in both countries and what applies to you. We specialise in tracing missing next of kin, even those who may be living outside the UK. For more information read our other blog or contact us.
