How to Retire in the United Kingdom (UK)

Many European countries rank among the world’s top retirement destinations, and the United Kingdom (U.K.) is no exception. With its charming villages, rich history and relatively affordable cost of living, the U.K. provides retirees with a balance of relaxation, cultural experiences and easy access to the rest of Europe. While the U.K. government has discontinued its retirement visa program, there are still alternative visa options for those looking to retire there. Here’s what you need to know about making the move and the financial considerations of retiring abroad.

A financial advisor can help you plan for retirement, wherever it may take you.

How Much It Costs to Retire in the United Kingdom

From lush countryside to bustling cities, the United Kingdom offers both tranquility and adventure. Whether you find rustic villages or a cultural center like Edinburgh more appealing, you’ll generally enjoy lower costs for travel, food and housing.

According to cost of living data aggregator Numbeo, the cost of living in the U.K. is 14.8% lower than the U.S., on average. In addition, rent is nearly 26.7% cheaper. That said, costs vary around the country. For example, you can live in the town of Bangor for a fraction of the cost of living in London.

In terms of dollars, a retired couple can expect to spend about $1,500 for monthly living expenses, not including the price of housing. Depending on where you live, a one-bedroom apartment will roughly cost between $1,060 and $1,300 per month. Therefore, your budget should be around $2,500 to $30,000 a month. However, your location will influence your food and housing costs. Furthermore, trips and excursions would incur additional expenses.

Of course, if you have a budget far exceeding that range, retiring in the U.K. provides you with an excellent home base for vacationing in other European nations. A monthly income of $5,000 or more would potentially allow you to maintain your home in the U.K. while eating tapas in Barcelona or wandering the streets of Rome.

Housing and Food

As stated above, a typical one-bedroom apartment in the U.K. costs between $1,060 and $1,300 per month, according to Numbeo. However, if you want more space for yourself or for hosting visitors, a three-bedroom apartment costs more. Specifically, you’ll pay between $1,700 and $2,150 on average. These costs range widely, with a three-bedroom apartment costing almost $2,800 in Oxford. Similarly, food costs vary by region. For example, a meal for two in Aberdeen costs an average of $63.92, while the same meal would cost $88.22 in Bath.

You can compare London to New York for another perspective on costs. Numbeo estimates that rent costs one-third less in London. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the U.K.’s capital costs about $2,480 per month, while a one-bedroom rents for around $3,800 in New York City.

Likewise, the average dinner for two costs $85.02 at a mid-range restaurant in London, 15% less than a meal in The Big Apple. Overall, Numbeo reports consumer prices being about 25% cheaper in London. Therefore, retiring in a U.K. metropolis will likely be less expensive than in the biggest cities in the U.S.

Getting an Initial Retirement Visa for the United Kingdom

The U.K. recently closed its retirement visa program, making it more challenging for retirees to move there. However, alternative visa options are still available. Retired couples can explore work, ancestry or family visas, each with its own requirements and costs.

A work visa requires a commitment to employment for several years. Certain professions, such as doctors and religious ministers, have specific visa categories, but other skilled labor roles or business investment opportunities can also qualify.

Alternatively, an ancestry or family visa allows entry based on a familial connection to a U.K. citizen. Ancestry visas are available to individuals with a parent or grandparent from the U.K., while a family visa applies to those with a spouse, fiancé(e), civil partner, child or parent who is a U.K. citizen.

Compared to countries like Thailand, which offer retirement visas with straightforward income requirements, retiring in the U.K. requires a different approach. Generally, you have two primary options: either work or invest in a business for five years before retirement or prove a family connection to a U.K. citizen. If you choose the work or investment route, you may consider relocating to the U.K. five years before retiring to ensure those final working years contribute to your long-term plans.

Next Steps on Your Visa

If you secure a work, family or ancestry visa, you’ll need to live in the country for five years. Upon hitting this milestone, you can apply for permanent settlement status, granting you indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the U.K. Similarly, if you obtained a retirement visa before the U.K. shuttered its policy, you can also acquire ILR after living in the country for five years.

Healthcare in the United Kingdom

The U.K. has a nationalized healthcare system, meaning most healthcare expenses come from taxes. As a result, accessing healthcare is inexpensive, but you might wait longer to get in for a procedure, especially if it’s elective. On the other hand, as an industrialized country, the U.K. has excellent health outcomes and cost control.

Plus, unlike Medicare, the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) has no age requirements. Therefore, you can retire in the U.K. at any age and have health insurance, guaranteed. That said, certain forms of care, such as diabetes treatments and hip replacements, are more accessible in the U.S.

Taxes in the United Kingdom

You will generally pay taxes on your retirement income if you live in the U.K. However, like the U.S., the U.K. grants several tax deductions called “allowances” like self-employment and marriage. Below, find the U.K.’s tax rates by income level, converted from pounds to dollars:

Reasons You May Not Want to Retire in the United Kingdom

As the table above displays, taxes might be a reason to avoid retiring in the U.K. For example, you’d pay ordinary income taxes of 12% in the U.S. with an income of $65,000 if you are married and filing jointly. On the other hand, this income level would incur a 40% tax rate in the U.K. Plus, the U.S. government will likely tax your pensions and Social Security income regardless of where you settle down.

Likewise, transferring your retirement accounts to the U.K. and converting them to pounds can incur additional fees. As a result, your retirement accounts likely don’t represent an apples-to-apples comparison in pounds. It’s wise to consult a financial advisor about the financial implications of retiring in the U.K. with your unique circumstances.

Lastly, retiring in the U.K. now requires you to work if you don’t have a close relative or spouse with citizenship. This dynamic complicates retirement plans, as you’ll have to work for five years before applying for indefinite leave to remain to secure your place in the U.K.

Bottom Line

Retiring in the U.K. is still possible, even as the government enforces stricter visa regulations. If you’re willing to work for five years or have a relative who is a U.K. citizen, you may qualify for a visa. With its lower cost of living, rich history and scenic coastline, the U.K. offers an appealing backdrop for your retirement years. However, there are important factors to consider. Higher income taxes could impact your budget, making city living and travel more expensive. Consulting a financial advisor can help you determine whether retiring in the U.K. aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle expectations.

Tips for Retiring in the United Kingdom

• Retiring at home or abroad requires sufficient income. A financial advisor can help you create or modify a financial plan, optimally manage assets and navigate your unique tax situation. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• Retiring modestly in the UK could cost about $2,500 per month. The average Social Security distribution for a newly retired 65-year-old is around that amount. To see how far your benefit could take you, try our Social Security calculator.

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