I am going abroad to work – what should I arrange?
4 tasks in suggested order
1. Check the destination country’s work permit, visa and employment rules before working abroad
Permission to work and local employment requirements are set by the destination country. Use its official immigration/labour authorities and the relevant GOV.UK country guidance.
Before travelling or starting work, early enough to obtain any required visa, work permit or local registration.
Destination-country authorities, its embassy in the UK and relevant GOV.UK living/travel guidance.
Nationality, destination, job/activity, employer, expected duration and any professional-qualification details.
The GOV.UK “working abroad” page is EU-focused; for other destinations use the current FCDO country guidance and destination authority. The destination’s law is controlling.
Official source: GOV.UK
2. Tell HMRC through the correct leaving-UK route and check your UK tax residence
Working abroad can change UK tax residence and reporting. If you leave permanently or work abroad full-time for at least a full tax year, follow HMRC’s P85 or Self Assessment residence-page route as applicable.
Before/after departure as the HMRC process requires and when filing the tax return for the relevant year.
HMRC leaving-UK and Statutory Residence Test/Self Assessment guidance.
Departure/return dates, work pattern, UK ties, UK/foreign income and Self Assessment status.
Tax residence is determined by the Statutory Residence Test and can involve split-year rules; it is not decided by one simple day-count alone.
Official source: GOV.UK
3. Check where social-security contributions are due and whether you need a UK certificate of coverage
People working abroad usually pay social-security contributions in the country where they work, but UK National Insurance may continue in some cases. A certificate of coverage can show that UK contributions apply under an agreement.
Before starting the overseas work where possible, especially if your employer/arrangement could keep you in the UK system.
HMRC/GOV.UK National Insurance abroad and certificate-of-coverage routes.
Destination, employer/self-employed status, work dates and UK National Insurance/employment details.
The answer depends on the destination, duration and applicable social-security agreement. Do not assume you must pay in both countries or only the UK.
Official source: GOV.UK
4. Lili tip: arrange healthcare cover for the country where you will work
If applicable: If you will live or work abroad and need healthcare outside the UK.
Healthcare arrangements depend on the destination and on where social-security contributions are due. Check official country guidance, reciprocal arrangements and whether you need local registration or insurance.
Before starting work abroad, especially before ending UK-based cover or travelling without replacement cover.
Official destination-country healthcare authority and the relevant GOV.UK living/healthcare-abroad guidance.
Destination, employment status, social-security position, length of stay and details of dependants.
Lili tip — an EHIC/GHIC is not a general substitute for residence healthcare or travel/private insurance. Use the rules for the country and your work status.
Official source: GOV.UK
