SJP Repatriating to the UK

Returning to your home country after a period of time overseas requires careful consideration and planning. 

Returning to the UK after living in Singapore? Repatriation can present several challenges, like moving belongings and finding suitable schools for your children. On the financial side, you’ll need to consider managing investments and pensions accumulated in Singapore as well as your potential tax liabilities on foreign income and gains.

When to seek financial advice

Ideally, we recommend you seek professional financial advice at least 12 months prior to your intended return. In the lead-up to your departure, there are many considerations that come into play, such as surrendering investments at the wrong time or structuring them in an inappropriate manner, which can lead to significant and unexpected tax consequences. Furthermore, it can take considerable time to restructure investments (if it is appropriate to do so), and it is essential to review existing arrangements to ensure their continued tax efficiency.

We want to help you understand and be aware of some of the most complicated financial implications so that you can continue to grow and preserve your financial assets.

Answer a few simple questions and receive a report with a compilation of questions and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by our clients who have undergone the repatriation process. 

Answer some questions & receive a personalised report

"Planning is key to successful and financially efficient repatriation"

Financial considerations for returning to the UK from Singapore

Everything you need to know about returning to the UK from Singapore in one place. We offer specialised guidance for UK expats returning from Singapore on matters like:

  • UK tax considerations: Tax residency and tax-efficient investment structures.
  • Financial planning: Tailored strategies for your new life in the UK, pensions and investment planning

Discuss your move with us

Repatriation & relocation tax considerations from Singapore

  • Tax residency status

    Your UK tax obligations upon returning to the UK after living abroad are determined by your UK tax residency status. The UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT) assesses your residency status, which impacts how your worldwide income and gains are taxed in the UK. 

  • Pensions

    Returning to the UK close to retirement age may raise questions about your pensions. We’ll help you understand the tax implications surrounding overseas pensions like the Singapore CPF alongside any existing QROPS that you may have, and guide you through tax-efficient drawdown strategies to access your retirement savings.

  • Investments and capital gains

    Not sure what happens to your investments as an expat returning to the UK? Understand the tax implications of your overseas holdings, such as your offshore investment. Our advisers will help you explore tax-efficient structures to mitigate your tax exposure and keep your hard-earned returns.

  • Property and capital gains

    We understand that dealing with property and taxes can be daunting, especially when returning to the UK. We work with external providers to support you with expert guidance on Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty, and all aspects of buying, selling, and owning property in the UK, before and after repatriation.

Your UK tax obligations upon returning to the UK after living abroad are determined by your UK tax residency status. The UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT) assesses your residency status, which impacts how your worldwide income and gains are taxed in the UK. 

Returning to the UK close to retirement age may raise questions about your pensions. We’ll help you understand the tax implications surrounding overseas pensions like the Singapore CPF alongside any existing QROPS that you may have, and guide you through tax-efficient drawdown strategies to access your retirement savings.

Not sure what happens to your investments as an expat returning to the UK? Understand the tax implications of your overseas holdings, such as your offshore investment. Our advisers will help you explore tax-efficient structures to mitigate your tax exposure and keep your hard-earned returns.

We understand that dealing with property and taxes can be daunting, especially when returning to the UK. We work with external providers to support you with expert guidance on Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty, and all aspects of buying, selling, and owning property in the UK, before and after repatriation.

  • Tax residency status

    Your UK tax obligations upon returning to the UK after living abroad are determined by your UK tax residency status. The UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT) assesses your residency status, which impacts how your worldwide income and gains are taxed in the UK. 

  • Pensions

    Your pension is a valuable asset, especially as you transition back to the UK. Whether you're considering drawing your pension abroad or prefer a lump sum, we’ll help you navigate the tax implications surrounding overseas pensions like the Hong Kong MPF alongside any existing QROPS you might have and guide you through tax-efficient drawdown strategies to help you make the most of your retirement savings.

  • Capital gains tax

    Not sure what happens to your investments as an expat returning to the UK? Tax preparation for expats involves fully understanding the tax implications of your overseas holdings in Hong Kong. Our advisers will work with external tax professionals to explore strategies to mitigate your tax exposure and keep your hard-earned returns.

  • Managing assets and property

    Managing property ownership and tax implications across two countries can be challenging for expats. We work with external specialists to provide you with expert guidance on stamp duty rules in the UK. Whether you're buying or selling property in either location, we'll help you optimise your approach before returning to the UK.

Your UK tax obligations upon returning to the UK after living abroad are determined by your UK tax residency status. The UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT) assesses your residency status, which impacts how your worldwide income and gains are taxed in the UK. 

Your pension is a valuable asset, especially as you transition back to the UK. Whether you're considering drawing your pension abroad or prefer a lump sum, we’ll help you navigate the tax implications surrounding overseas pensions like the Hong Kong MPF alongside any existing QROPS you might have and guide you through tax-efficient drawdown strategies to help you make the most of your retirement savings.

Not sure what happens to your investments as an expat returning to the UK? Tax preparation for expats involves fully understanding the tax implications of your overseas holdings in Hong Kong. Our advisers will work with external tax professionals to explore strategies to mitigate your tax exposure and keep your hard-earned returns.

Managing property ownership and tax implications across two countries can be challenging for expats. We work with external specialists to provide you with expert guidance on stamp duty rules in the UK. Whether you're buying or selling property in either location, we'll help you optimise your approach before returning to the UK.

Why choose St. James’s Place

Returning home to the UK after years in Singapore is a significant step, and you need an adviser who understands the unique financial complexities involved. As a FTSE company with deep roots in the UK and extensive experience guiding expats returning to the UK from Singapore, St. James's Place is well-positioned to support your journey. 

Our expert Partners provide personalised guidance on managing your global assets, ensuring a smooth and stress-free repatriation experience. 

We will review your existing portfolio and advise you on whether there is a need to restructure your investments. We will also keep you abreast of any developments or changes in the UK tax regime so that you are aware of how these changes affect the tax efficiency of your investments. 

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. You are advised to seek independent tax advice from suitably qualified professionals before making any decision as to the tax implications of any investment.

Planning your return to the UK?

Our advisers understand the financial complexities involved. Get tailored guidance to help make your transition smooth and financially sound. 

Contact us