Moving from the UAE to the UK? Do you have a proper financial exit plan?

When you relocate from one country to another there is a great deal you need to think about. These include the practical problems of shipping your possessions, finding a place to live, finding new schools for children, new employment and so on.

No doubt you will have lists of things to do but one area that is often overlooked is the financial side. It may not be exciting but you need to be aware of these issues to avoid any nasty surprise tax bills, especially in respect of UAE income or offshore investments.

Getting it right will save you money. Getting it wrong can be expensive.

I provide an exit planning service for people relocating to the UK and this professional service, with a personalised advice and a written report you can refer back to, can save you both money and headaches.

This article was updated in April 2024 so please see the latest version:

Moving from the UAE to the UK? You need a financial exit plan.

 

If you are unsure as to whether a move to the UK is right for you, I work with a expert counsellor who supports expats in making life decisions. She has the personal experience to give you the guidance to make the right decisions for you and your family. Contact me for a no-obligation referral.

I am a highly-qualified and experienced Independent Financial Adviser with over 30 years of experience, the last 18 in the UAE and prior to that in the UK. I provide a fee-based personal financial planning service to expatriates resident in the GCC. I also comment on all kinds of financial isues in  The National  newspaper and have a regular column where I answer reader  questions. You’ll see my name in other UAE publications from time to time.  My business motto is proper advice for nice people.

Please take a look at the many other useful articles on this website.

 

leaving dubai

 

Cost-effective currency transfers – secure & safe

This article has been updated with effect from 28th August 2023.

Please see here for the latest version:

Currency transfers – how to get the best rates with full security

 

 

Need to know: UAE Labour Law in the time of Coronavirus

As many will be aware, I have been writing about UAE employment regulations, and other matters, in my weekly column in The National newspaper since 2008. This is addition to my main business as an Independent Financial Adviser. All columns are online but in view of the current economic situation in relation to COVID-19, I thought it would be useful to clarify both employee and employer rights at this time.

Continue reading

News: Tax update for expats unable to leave the UK

HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs) has announced that it will be giving special treatment to non-residents who are forced to stay in the UK exceeding their permitted number of days. With quite a few expats unable to leave due to closed borders and lock downs, I was expecting an announcement and this is helpful news.

Continue reading

Coronavirus and your investments – part 2

I published an article on this topic on 4th March but with the ongoing situation and further stock markets falls, it is time for another.

With worries and panic across the world in respect of both health and all the knock-on economic issues, we have seen substantial falls in all stock markets so many people are asking what they should do regarding their investments. The falls have been more than anyone expected as the current situation in regard to COVID-19 are simply unprecedented. As before, my general advice is not to sell now, not least as you would simply be crystallising a loss. My clients are all diversified and have suitable risk profiles, in line with their preferences, although I understand if some want to reduce the risk levels a little. Please read on to find out more about what is happening, why, and what we can expect.

Continue reading

Coronavirus and your investments – part one

No one can avoid this subject right now but, in this article, I want to address the financial concerns, specifically in relation to investments. Global stock markets fell last week, the largest falls over a couple of days for 10 years, although some are moving upwards again at time of writing, and I do not believe this is a major cause for concern.

Continue reading

UAE Insolvency law – overview & information

In November 2019, the UAE Government announced a new law for personal insolvency, to assist people with debt problems, and this has now come into effect. This is a real game changer as it will give people in difficulties an opportunity to repay what they owe with manageable payments and removes the threat of jail time.

In this article I will cover some of the main points and requirements but I will also update it, if and when there are any changes.

Continue reading

Expats in The UAE & Money. 10 mistakes you want to avoid

This articles has been update so please see the below link for the article from August 2024

Living in the UAE. 10 major money mistakes you want to avoid

Living in the UAE. 10 major money mistakes you want to avoid

 

 

 

UAE Public Holidays for 2020

These are the official dates of public holidays for the UAE for the coming year, as well as notable dates, so you can make a note in your diary now and plan ahead. Actual days of holiday for both the public and private sector should be the same and these are the dates announced by the UAE Government.

As usual, dates of Islamic holidays will be subject to slight variation, dependent on moon sighting, and others may also change.

With this in mind, this article will be updated throughout the year as any changes are announced.

 

 

 Occasion Date Day of the week No. of Days
New Year’s Day January 1st Wednesday 1
Beginning of Ramadan* April 24th Friday 0
Eid Al Fitr* May 23rd Saturday 4
Arafat (Haj) Day* July 29th Wednesday 1
Eid Al Adha* July 30th Thursday 3
Hijri New Year’s Day* August 23rd Sunday 1
Prophet’s Birthday October 29th Thursday 1
Commemoration Day December 1st Tuesday 1
UAE National Day December 2nd & 3rd Wednesday & Thursday 2
*Islamic holiday dates are dependent on moon sighting and all are subject to confirmation and may change

 

I write articles such as this one as part of the holistic personal financial planning service and that I provide to expats, and the general consumer, financial and legal information that I provide in The National newspaper, on Capital Radio UAE, and on the Facebook group British Expats Dubai.

To arrange a meeting to discuss any aspect of your personal financial planning, please email me at keren@holbornassets.com     Please take a look at the other useful articles on this website.

Source: UAE Government Communications Office