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If you are considering moving to Europe, or have recently arrived, there are a few basic steps to follow which will help with managing and improving your finances. David Morrissey, Director, Smith & Williamson Investment Management (Europe) Limited talks with Michael Lodhi, CEO of his firm’s European financial planning partners, The Spectrum IFA Group, about some of the key points to consider as part of your early financial planning.

Smith & Williamson - David Morrissey
David Morrissey, Director, Smith & Williamson Investment Management (Europe) Limited

David: As we know, the UK is due to leave the EU on 31 December 2020. What does this mean for British expats living in Europe?

Michael: Whilst departure terms between the UK and EU are yet to be finalised, the status of British expatriates living in Europe has largely been agreed, in principle at least. From state pension escalation, to health care cover and rights on residency and employment, first phase negotiations concluded with consensus on protection of citizens’ rights.

Agreement, of course, still needs to be formalised – and “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” – but for now existing expatriates’ rights are likely to be recognised beyond 31 December 2020.

Spectrum IFA - Michael Lodhi
Michael Lodhi, CEO,
The Spectrum IFA Group

David: For Brits looking to move to Europe, what is the process of buying a house?

Michael: The legal process of buying a property in Europe is markedly different from conveyancing in the UK. It is important to engage a knowledgeable lawyer, ideally English speaking, if you do not speak the local language. They will explain the various steps and fees involved, confirm what is expected of you and minimise delays and difficulties with technical aspects of the transaction.

The legal process of buying a property in Europe is markedly different from conveyancing in the UK. It is important to engage a knowledgeable lawyer, ideally English speaking, if you do not speak the local language

David: If a mortgage is needed to buy the property is it different to the UK, like buying a property is?

Michael: Seek guidance on the wide range of borrowing options available, from the national banks to smaller regional lenders. Obtain a lender’s decision-in-principle at an early stage to strengthen your position in discussions with sellers.

An independent mortgage broker will identify the most competitive and flexible mortgages available, ensure suitability to your borrowing requirements, negotiate concessions on your behalf and oversee the application process from submission through to completion.

David: With UK banks closing accounts for EU residents post Brexit, how easy is it to open a bank account in Europe?

Michael: Getting a bank account will probably be your first step towards integration with your new country’s financial system. Expect to pay fees for banking services and check the various options available, including basic, low-cost alternatives to the big national banks.

You will need a current account in some countries, to establish residency and pay utility bills.

You will need a current account in some countries, to establish residency and pay utility bills

David: Are banks the best place to exchange currency as well?

Michael: Relying on your bank account for foreign exchange transfer is generally an expensive option. Numerous currency transfer specialists provide not only competitive terms and secure, swift transactions, but a range of other benefits including online facilities for regular payments, forward contracts and rate-tracking alerts.

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Top Tip

The pandemic has put big life goals on hold, yet those dreaming of moving to Europe shouldn’t be deterred by that or Brexit – as long as the right financial advice is in place. The complexities people face are not insignificant; they are all eminently solvable, however, with the kind of “wraparound” expertise described in this piece. Whatever your challenges, the leading wealth managers on our panel are sure to be able to help, so why not let us arrange some no-obligation discussions?
Lee Goggin - Co-Founder

Lee Goggin

Co-Founder

David: Currently UK issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC or what used to be called the E111) will cease to work unless an agreement is made before 31 December. What does this mean for UK expats resident in Europe or for UK residents visiting Europe?

Michael: Healthcare when visiting Europe will become the same as visiting any other non-EU country, i.e. you will need to arrange your own private travel insurance or health insurance to make sure you are covered in case of illness or accident.
Most healthcare systems in Europe are considered to be at least on par with the UK or even better in many areas. It is generally accessible to expatriates but the extent of cover available to you, and how to secure access to it, depends on your individual circumstances.

David: Pensions are a technically complex subject where reliable advice is essential. How will Brexit affect pension freedoms currently enjoyed by UK expatriates living in Europe?

Michael: Firstly, as you say, getting advice is essential. From understanding UK state pension entitlement, to reviewing all existing personal and/or occupational schemes, there is scope to increase the value, flexibility and security of your retirement finances. British expats living in Europe currently enjoy pension freedoms and transfer opportunities that are unavailable elsewhere. However, in relation to both Brexit and ongoing UK pension reform, it is unlikely this flexibility will remain beyond the short term.

Be wary of any recommendations to transfer a UK pension without receiving a formal and detailed report explaining, in terms you understand, why a transfer could be in your best interests

Even if Brexit transitional arrangements encourage a smoother economic separation, further changes to pension regulations are already on the UK domestic agenda. Consult an authorised, qualified and experienced specialist to arrange a comprehensive review of your existing pension arrangements. For defined benefit, or final salary, schemes, this evaluation needs to be completed by a UK FCA authorised adviser. Be wary of any recommendations to transfer a UK pension without receiving a formal and detailed report explaining, in terms you understand, why a transfer could be in your best interests.

David: How do inheritance laws differ in Europe compared to the UK?

Michael: In many European countries, inheritance law restricts the extent to which you can freely transfer wealth during your lifetime. It also, unless planned properly, governs how your estate is distributed on death – most notably, prescribed heirship laws can override individual choice when it comes to nominating beneficiaries, unlike in the UK, where you are able to nominate your beneficiaries.

It is important to establish and maintain a valid will which fully reflects your intentions, in a format that suits your circumstances.

David: Most people moving to Europe are likely to have some savings and investments in the UK. Do tax-free investments in the UK attract the same status in the EU? If not, are there European alternatives?

Michael: Tax-free investments in the UK, such as ISAs and premium bonds, do not hold the same favourable status in Europe. There are local tax-efficient alternatives available, notably using a locally compliant life insurance wrapper, which offer concessions on investment growth, income and capital withdrawals and transfer of benefits on death in the form of inheritance tax exemptions and reliefs for your nominated beneficiaries.

Care is needed with the disposal of UK assets to avoid unintended tax consequences, so always seek professional advice before restructuring existing UK assets. It is also important to check product portability and adaptability so that tax benefits can be maintained on any future return to the UK.

David: Finally, any top tips when looking for or speaking to a financial adviser?

Michael: Even for the financially experienced it is worth seeking professional advice, if only to ensure that all available investment and tax planning opportunities are being fully utilised. Only deal with an appropriately authorised adviser, ideally someone living and working locally who has been recommended by other expats living in the area.

The regulatory status of an adviser can be checked online and in any initial discussion you should be informed about the advisory process, from fact-finding and presenting suitable recommendations to responsibility for investment management and ongoing client servicing.

The partnership between Smith & Williamson Investment Management (Europe) and Spectrum helps provide holistic financial planning advice to those UK residents moving to the EU. This ensures clients investment portfolios are tailored to suit the local requirements. Do reach out to us if we can help you or you wish to explore further.
David Morrissey, Director, Smith & Williamson Investment Management (Europe) Limited

 

Smith & Williamson Investment Management (Europe) Limited is part of the Tilney Smith & Williamson group.

Disclaimer

By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing.

Risk warning

Investment does involve risk. The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up. The investor may not receive back, in total, the original amount invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Rates of tax are those prevailing at the time and are subject to change without notice. Clients should always seek appropriate advice from their financial adviser before committing funds for investment. When investments are made in overseas securities, movements in exchange rates may have an effect on the value of that investment. The effect may be favourable or unfavourable.

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