top of page
  • Steve Burgess
    • Aug 20
    • 19 min read

Returning to live in the UK



 

Introduction

Making a significant decision regarding relocating to another country requires thorough consideration and meticulous planning. This comprehensive guide offers valuable information to assist you in the decision-making process by outlining the key factors to consider. Subsequently, the guide expands to include the specific steps required to "de-register" in Spain and "re-register in the UK" upon reaching a decision to return to the UK.

 

Contents


Part One: Deciding to move

This section details the factors for you to consider to help make a decision. 


Part Two: Things to do before Leaving Spain

Information and activities to de-register from Spanish authorities.


Part Three: Re-entering the UK

Information and activities required upon moving back to the UK


Part Four: Additional information

Contains help with housing in the UK, importing possessions, moving pets and useful contacts and recommended reading

 

Part One - Deciding to Move


Before you move home you need to consider why you want to return. There are pros and cons to returning.  You need to balance the options between staying and what life in Spain offers you against the benefits of returning to the UK.

Many people who consider moving back to the UK, do so because a stressful situation has arisen, maybe through ill health and care needs or financial considerations. The answer is always personal - depending on your personal circumstances. It is worth exploring the help you can get from the Spanish state before you rush to a move to repatriate. Many foreign residents who have not engaged with local services are often unaware of their rights and support in Spain. So you need to understand your situation and options . We are here to help you. 

If you think that going back to the UK is an option, you need to consider the realities of a return if you have been out of the country for a long time.  Things may have changed over the years and your memories and your previous experience may not reflect the reality of today. What you knew years ago about services have probably changed, some for the better, and others have faced cuts or may not exist. 

It is advisable, if you can, to spend time back in the UK before committing to a permanent move. It is worth talking to friends and family in the UK, and to talk with UK-based charities such as Age UK, and the Citizens Advice Bureau about your position and entitlements. It is wise to research housing options well before a return.  You need to plan and prepare for a return in the same way you prepared to move overseas to make the return a good experience.  It is also wise, if you possibly can, to elicit help from friends and family to assist with a return.



Being homeless: 

Sadly, not every client we work with has all the options available to them and some people need assisted returns. If you are facing homelessness or need an emergency return to the UK, the authority to turn to for advice is your local consulate in Spain: 

British Embassy Madrid: +34 917 146 300

British Consulate Alicante: +34 965 21 60 22

British Consulate General Barcelona: +34 91 714 6300

British Consulate Ibiza: +34 91 714 6300

British Consulate Malaga: +34 952 352 300

British Consulate Palma de Mallorca: +34 91 714 6300

British Consulate Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: +34 928 262 508 / +34 917 146 300

British Consulate Santa Cruz de Tenerife: +34 928 262 508 / +34 917 146 300


They can provide assistance for travel loans and support on accessing services in the UK in specialist cases. They have charities dedicated to assisting this work both in Spain and in the UK.


Health and Medical Repatriation



If you have been unwell before finalising arrangements for returning to the UK, it is essential that you obtain confirmation from your doctor that you are not only fit to travel but fit to fly on a commercial flight. The cost of an air ambulance is high, and it is not possible to fund the cost from UK charitable sources. There are medical assistance companies, both big companies and in some expat areas of Spain small caring companies, who may be able to assist. Age in Spain does not have the capacity to recommend any one specifically but it is possible to ask around and find out recommendations. If you have a long-term health or disability issue you also may want to consider using assisted travel options. All airlines and transport companies are under obligation to offer assistance and there are services that offer wheelchairs to navigate through terminals and even if there is a stop off. It can assist people who need it to go literally from drop off to arrivals. To book this support you need to speak to the airlines as you make your bookings. 

Here is the UK Government list of medical repatriation companies for British nationals who are seriously ill or injured abroad and need medical evacuation to the UK.


Bringing a family member to the UK 

If you are moving from Spain to the UK and bringing a wife, husband or partner or other family member who does not have UK citizenship you need to ensure that you have the right permissions and paperwork in place before you move home. 

If your family member was an EU citizen and your relationship existed before 1 Feb 2020 you can still apply for the settled status scheme before the 29th March 2022. 

Other family members who do not meet this criterion (including future spouses) must apply for the UK family visa. 

UK nationals’ family members from outside the EU will also need to also apply for a family visa. Family Visas Overview.


The Habitual Residence Test

It may not be straightforward or immediate for you to access housing, welfare benefits or NHS treatment upon returning to the UK. Anybody returning to the UK after living abroad for two years or more (including UK state pensioners) will have to satisfy the decision-making authorities that they have the right to reside and are habitually resident in the Common Travel Area (U.K., Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man)

The Habitual Residence Test is a series of conditions you will need to fulfil in the process of applying for a benefit or social care in the UK. before making an application for certain benefits including Universal Credit, State Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, and Jobseeker’s Allowance. The same rule applies for local authority housing Applications.


Those wishing to claim benefits upon their return will have to establish:

  • They are voluntarily in the UK

  • They are resident in the UK

  • They have settled intentions to remain in the UK

  • They have been in the UK for an appreciable amount of time. This period could be anything from a few days up to six months, but there are no hard and fast rules. Benefits case law suggests that the period lies between one and three months (CIS/4474/2003 paras 18-19).


Factors which could be taken into account by the decision-makers include:

  • Length and continuity of residence

  • Reasons for coming to the UK

  • Whether the claimant has brought their possessions to the UK

  • Whether the claimant established residence before arrival

  • If the claimant has strong ties with the UK

  • If the claimant has registered for services and with a doctor, etc.


The objective of the test is to prevent people who are not UK residents (such as visitors/tourists who reside elsewhere) from accessing state funded help with accommodation and living expenses which are only available for UK residents. The adjudication officer’s decision is based on the situation at the time of the claim and will be reached after considering the overall circumstances of each claimant’s personal Circumstances.

Full details can be found at Housing-rights.info. 


If you are seeking social care or funding, you will not be able to obtain confirmation of any available assistance or entitlement until you are in the UK and in the offices of the local council area in which you hope to become resident.

Legislation and benefits/allowances may vary in the constituent parts of the UK. It is wise to plan in advance and to obtain the relevant information before your return.


 

Part Two Things to do before Leaving Spain



As a UK citizen wishing to return to the UK after living in Spain, there are many agencies which need to be contacted and processes to be completed before you depart from Spain. Most of these processes are conducted only in Spanish, but many can be completed online if you have a Digital Certificate

Alternatively, you may wish to give a general Power of Attorney (PoA) to your Spanish Lawyer or Gestor, so that they can complete these procedures on your behalf, especially if prior appointments (citas previa) are unavailable at the time. You will visit the office of a local Notary with your Lawyer to sign the PoA document in their presence and pay a fee (around 85 euros, but may vary regionally).

If you need to employ a Lawyer or Translator to assist you with these processes, you can refer to the Guide to Professional Services for relevant lists.



To-Do List


Padron

De-Register from the Padron at your local Town Hall. You need to take a letter stating that you are leaving on a certain date and requesting that they remove your data from their records. Most Town Hall offices still require an advance appointment (cita previa) to do this and you also need to take your passport (and a copy) with you.


 

Residencia

De-Register your Residency Document, which for most UK citizens now will be the new plastic photo-identity TIE card or, the previous paper Green Certificate. You need an advance appointment at the National Police immigration office where you received your TIE.

At the time of writing, it is extremely difficult to get appointments relating to residency issues at the police immigration offices. 

You will need the following documents:

  • Your TIE or residency certificate

  • Form EX-20 (in Section 4, you should tick Baja Por Cese).

  • Passport (and a copy)

You can ask for a Certificate of Deregistration, for which there is a tax to be paid, using the Modelo 790 form (believed to be 6 euros, at time of writing).


 

Health Service

De-Register from your Health Service Providers

If you are in the Spanish State Health System with a card for your local Centro de Salud, you will need to notify them that you are leaving the country. You should ask them for a copy of your medical records and discuss getting a prescription for any drugs you will need for the first few weeks after you leave Spain, until you can register with the UK National Health System. Note: you may need to have your medical records translated into English, once you find a Doctor in the UK. If you are receiving healthcare in Spain as a UK pensioner using the S1 Health Form, then you should notify the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services team that you are returning to the UK.NHS Overseas Healthcare Services Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 199, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm / Saturday, 9am to 3pmEmail:  nhsbsa.ohsregistrations@nhs.net

If you are in a Private Healthcare Scheme, you should notify the insurance company of your move date and cancellation of your subscription and enquire whether it is possible to move your membership to the UK, or to leave them and start with a different provider in the UK. Ask them for a Confirmation Letter or Interfund Certificate, to supply to your new private healthcare company. Contact both your Spanish provider and your UK provider if applicable, to understand exactly what they need in order to accept the length of time you have held the policy and pre-existing conditions in your Spanish private healthcare scheme.


 

Tax Agency

De-register from the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) - if your date of departure is more than 183 days into the current tax year (which is the calendar year in Spain - so, on or after 2nd July) then you are deemed to be tax-resident in Spain on your global assets and income for that tax year. You will be liable to complete the relevant Spanish tax returns in the following year:

La Renta (income tax return) - has to be completed annually, between 1st April and 30 June (for the previous tax year 1st January to 31 December).

The Modelo 720 (wealth declaration) - is for any foreign property, assets, bank accounts or investments that you own, which has to be completed annually, by 31st March (for the previous tax year).

Capital Gains Tax - if you sell a property in Spain and you are not buying another property there within two years, then there is a liability for Capital Gains Tax on that sale. If you are aged 65 years or over and have resided in the property for 3 years, then this tax can be avoided. You should discuss the required documentation with your Lawyer and tax accountant, but will include evidence such as your Padron, your TIE or residency card and a fiscal tax residency certificate. 

Here are some links to the Agencia Tributaria: 


 

Spanish Home

There are many agencies that you, or your lawyer will have to notify including the following (list may not be exhaustive):

  • Your Utility providers (from which you should request a Cancellation Reference Number):

  • Electricity, Gas and Water suppliers

  • Internet and Broadband service providers

  • IBI -  local rates or council tax authority

  • The Community responsible for your Urbanisation (if you live on one), to cancel any Community Service Charges.

  • Your Home Insurance Policy provider, to cancel the insurance policy.


 

Spanish Bank Account

Before closing your account you need to consider how you will make any final payments and Spanish taxes. Again, if your Spanish Lawyer has a PoA, then they can manage the bank account, move monies or close the account, on your behalf. Alternatively, you can pay your Spanish tax accountant and they can pay the Spanish Tax Agency.


 

Traffic Department (DGT)

if you own a car in Spain or have a Spanish driving licence

If you are selling your vehicle in Spain before you leave, then you need to notify the DGT that you have sold the vehicle and to whom: DGT Selling your vehicle

You also need to change the address for notifications regarding your Driving Licence, to your UK address: Form 

You should also cancel your Motor Insurance Policy with your provider and ask them for a No Claims Letter, that you can supply to your new motor insurance company in the UK.

Electronic headquarters of the DGT, here (you can choose English as your preferred language).

Depending on the procedure to be carried out, you can choose between the following channels available to contact the DGT:

It is not necessary to carry out procedures at the DGT yourself. You can nominate a representative to do it for you.


 

Pensions

You may be receiving pensions from the UK into your Spanish bank. You will need to notify each of them that you are returning to the UK, giving them your UK bank details and changing your address for future correspondence and communications.

UK State Pension - if you are returning to the United Kingdom (UK) permanently, the International Pensions Centre will need to know:

  • Your full name

  • The date you are arriving in UK

  • Your nationality

  • The address and telephone number where you will be living in the UK.

They cannot take this information any earlier than 4 weeks before arrival in the UK. You must tell them about your return within 28 days of your arrival in the UK if you do not do so before your arrival.

Tel: 00 44 191 218 7777 option 4 between the hours of 8am and 7:30pm Monday - Friday (UK time)

Post:  The Pension Service 11, Mail Handling Site A, WolverhamptonWV98 1LW  United Kingdom. Mail received is processed in date order, changes by phone are processed immediately.


 

Correo

To forward your post, to the UK for 1, 2 or 6 months, with 72 hours notice, from 43 Euros:  Correos Mail Forwarding for private individuals


 

Private or Occupational Pensions

You will need to notify each of your private pension providers of the date that you are returning to the UK; your new UK address for correspondence; and bank details for future pension payments. Each of them may have different requirements for evidence and documentation that you have to provide to them, in order to effect these changes. If you are in receipt of a  QROPs or a SIPP pension, you may need the advice of an independent financial adviser (IFA) to help you decide what is best to do with your pension, once you return to the UK. Such decisions could also have tax implications, so you may also need professional tax advice, before making any significant financial or pension decisions.


 

Part Three Re-entering the UK





When you re-enter the UK, you will have many of the actions and processes outlined in part two to complete in reverse. 







National Health Service

As soon as you can you should re-register in the UK national health system, with your local GP surgery: Using the NHS when you return to live in the UK - GOV.UK. Anyone in England can register with a GP surgery to access NHS services. It's free to register. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number. The following link explains how to register with a GP in your local area:  How to register with a GP surgery - NHS For this you need complete a GMS1 Form, which you can download online:GMS1 - GOV.UK 

How to prove you are eligible for free healthcare in the UK: If you need A&E services, this will always be free and you will not be asked to show that you live here unless you go to hospital for further treatment. The first time you have treatment anywhere in the NHS you will need to bring proof that you are eligible for free healthcare. You should bring at least two of the following documents:

Proof of Residence in the UK:

  • Proof of your purchase of property or a tenancy agreement

  • Recent utility or council tax bill payment

  • UK bank account showing recent UK activity-

Employment Status:

  • Payslip or letter from employer

  • Bank statement

  • Unique tax reference number

  • Documentation from your local jobcentre to show that you are receiving job-seekers allowance.

Evidence to prove you no longer live abroad the following areas:

  • sold or rented your house in your previous country of residence

  • terminated employment or studies in your previous country of residence

  • shipped goods or transferred assets to the UK

  • ended insurance policies and utility contracts.


 

Inland Revenue

If you come back to the UK after living abroad, you’ll usually be classed as a UK resident again. This means you pay UK tax on:

You may need to register for Self Assessment, for example if you start working for yourself or have other income or gains from the UK or abroad.

You don’t need to register if you’re an employee and don’t have other untaxed income to report. Website: Tell HMRC when you change your address - GOV.UK


 

Property

Whether you own or rent a property in the UK you will have to register your details with the following:

  • Your Utility Bill providers:

    • Electricity, Gas and Water suppliers

    • Internet and Broadband service providers

    • Local rates or council tax authority

  • Your Home Insurance Policy provider.


 

Bank Account

If you do not already have an account with a UK bank, then you should open one immediately, to set up your regular payments and receipts. You can access advice about which is the best bank account for your needs on many financial services search engines, examples of which follow:


 

DVLA

If you buy a car in the UK, you need to tell the DVLA: Tell DVLA you've sold, transferred or bought a vehicle - GOV.UK You must tax the car before you drive it: Tax your vehicle - GOV.UK You also need to Insure your Car, to be driving it in the UK. Please refer to the financial services search engines listed above, or go to an insurance broker. Seek a policy which will accept your Spanish proof of no claims to receive any appropriate discount and also waive the requirement to have been resident for at least one year. As a UK resident you can drive on your Spanish Licence until it expires.


 

Pensions

You should notify the UK International Pensions Centre (if you receive a UK State Pension) and all your private or occupational pension providers of the change in your address for communications and your bank account details for future payments. 


UK State Pension - if you are returning to the United Kingdom (UK) permanently, the International Pensions Centre will need to know:

  • Your full name

  • The date you are arriving in UK

  • Your nationality

  • The address and telephone number where you will be living in the UK.

They cannot take this information any earlier than 4 weeks before arrival in the UK. You must tell them about your return within 28 days of your arrival in the UK if you do not do so before your arrival, as follows:

  • Tel: 00 44 191 218 7777 option 4,between the hours of 8am and 7:30pm Monday - Friday (UK time)

  • Post:  The Pension Service 11, Mail Handling Site A, WolverhamptonWV98 1LW  United Kingdom. Mail received is processed in date order, changes by phone are processed immediately.

  • Email: TVP.INTERNATIONALQUERIES@DWP.GOV.UK


Private or Occupational Pensions

You will need to notify each of your private pension providers of the date that you are returning to the UK; your new UK address for correspondence; and bank details for future pension payments. Each of them may have different requirements for evidence and documentation that you have to provide to them, in order to effect these changes.

If you are in receipt of a  QROPs or a SIPP pension, you may need the advice of an independent financial adviser (IFA) to help you decide what is best to do with your pension, once you return to the UK. Such decisions could also have tax implications, so you may also need professional tax advice, before making any significant financial or pension decisions. There are multiple search engines to assist you to choose a reliable and qualified IFA:

 

Part Four Additional Information


Help with housing in the UK

Finding and selecting suitable housing or care is a personal responsibility that could be shared with family or friends. There are no charitable organisations in Spain or the UK that will undertake this on your behalf.

There are many businesses, housing associations, and charitable organisations which offer housing and care. Waiting lists for housing and care for older people are often long. Therefore, if this is an option you are considering for the future, it is a good idea to make contact with the appropriate person/organisation well in advance of a proposed move. It is not possible to list them all here. Below is a sample of organisations which provide housing support for older people:

This organisation provides care and support for older people. Its mission is to provide the best service of care and housing for all their residents, and to be a champion for older people. It has been a charitable housing organisation for nearly 60 years.

This organisation is a national charity that aims to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs. It provides an information and advice service directly to older people and their relatives and carers.

This organisation is a leading national provider of retirement housing and care services for people aged 65 and above. It delivers affordable, contemporary, person-centred care and housing that meets individual needs, improves wellbeing and promotes independent living.


Useful contacts


Bringing Pets to the UK 

You can bring your pets to the UK . If you have a pet cat, dog or ferret they can enter if they have been: 

  • Microchipped 

  • Have a pet passport or pet certificate 

  • Have been vaccinated against rabies and also had a blood test to confirm it has been effective. 

  • Dogs must be tapeworm treated. 

  • Your pet can be put into quarantine, and you will be responsible for the costs, if you have not complied. 

  • There is a declaration form which you must complete to confirm it is your pet and that you are not importing it for sale. 

  • The pets must arrive in the UK no more than 5 days before or after you, or if not there are different rules to follow. 


Bringing a vehicle to the UK 

You must complete certain steps as soon as you bring a vehicle into the UK permanently. You can pay an importer or shipping company to do them for you. Follow this link to the UK Government website page on importing vehicles:


Exchanging your Driving Licence

The UK Government website has a tool for you to enter your details and see how to exchange your driving licence. Follow this link for further information:


Taking your personal belongings back to the UK

You might need to pay tax and customs duty when you move your personal belongings to the UK from abroad.

You must follow the rules on arriving with goods, cash, food plants and animals and sailing a boat to the UK. You must also pay duty if you ship alcohol or tobacco.

For further information visit: Moving personal belongings to the UK - GOV.UK 


Recommended reading

For more information about finances, housing, and eligibility for health and social care services for people returning to the UK from abroad see the following:





 

Before you go! We absolutely depend upon the vital support of people like you to ensure that our services are freely available for everyone who needs help.


Can you help us?

To help everyone plan their life to the fullest in Spain, we provide free, accessible information guides - which are accessed by more than 1,000 people a week. Our trusted telephone and email Infoline service gives direct help to people who need extra support to maintain independence in older age.


A regular donation of just €10 per month will enable us to provide a weekly friendship call to an isolated older person, every week of the year.


A one off donation of €50 will enable us to make a home visit to a vulnerable person who is struggling to access vital services.


Please donate if you can: https://www.ageinspain.org/donate. Thank you.


Was this guide helpful? Sign up here for our free quarterly newsletter to keep up to date with news and exclusive articles to help you live your life in Spain.

 

Disclaimer:

The content displayed on this blog is the intellectual property of Age in Spain. You may not reuse, republish, or reprint such content without our written consent. All information posted is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information on this blog, you do so at your own risk. While the information on this blog has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. We reserve the right to change this policy at any given time, of which you will be promptly updated. If you want to make sure that you are up to date with the latest changes, we advise you to frequently visit our website disclaimer notice.

Age in Spain provides information about service providers for information only. This list is not exhaustive, and is subject to change at any time. None of the service providers are endorsed or recommended by Age in Spain. You should research whether a service provider will be suitable. Age in Spain does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information.



246 views0 comments

Comments

bottom of page