Going to live abroad is a major decision to take. It makes sense to get a wide range of information and advice to help you plan and make sure the move goes smoothly.

Before you go, you should:

• Make sure you have a valid passport, any visas you might need and a full health plan
• Be clear about your financial situation. For example, find out about tax liability in the UK, social security benefits and National Insurance contributions, and get a pension forecast. Useful websites include the Department for Work and Pensions; HM Revenue and Customs; and Directgov (under 'Britons living abroad’). You can also find out whether offshore banking is appropriate
• Make a will
• Check whether you can continue to vote in UK parliamentary and European parliament elections on the Electoral Commission website
• Find out about accommodation. We can provide lists of lawyers to help you buy property, although we cannot give you legal advice ourselves or get involved in purchases or disputes
• Make sure your car is in line with local regulations and you have the necessary driving permit
• Try to learn the language before you go
• Contact associations and charities for advice. For example, if you are retiring overseas, you could contact Age Concern or Help the Aged. There is also a guide to going abroad for the over-50s on the Saga website. We also have a leaflet called Going to Live Abroad, which you can find on our website
• It sounds obvious but let people know your new address (and any future changes). As well as friends and family you also need to inform the authorities such as HM Revenue and Customs, National Insurance and the Department for Work and Pensions
• When you arrive, register with the local authorities and get a residence permit. You can also register with the local British embassy. You may also need a local bank account
• British nationals who live overseas can receive the same support as visitors
• And you’ll need full travel insurance for your trip, or health care and other appropriate cover if you are living abroad. The Government cannot cover medical costs or refund you for lost property.

There is a charge for some types of consular support. This is to help cover the cost of providing support worldwide. We do not make a profit from these charges.

Have you worked in the UK or are you the spouse of someone who has worked in the UK?

Anyone who has worked in the United Kingdom is likely to have paid National Insurance contributions. One of the purposes of these contributions is to fund the Retirement Pension for those who have paid contributions.  Currently, the ‘State Retirement Age’ is 65 for men and 60 for women.  Spouses of persons who have paid National Insurance contributions may also be eligible for benefit.

‘Bereavement Benefit’ may also be payable to the spouse of someone who has paid National Insurance contributions.

Alternatively, customers who want more information about State Pension can contact the International Pension Service Officer at The British High Commission in Dhaka by calling 01713388965 or email: Pension@citech-bd.com. Opening hours are 08:00 to 14:00 (Bangladesh time) Sunday to Thursday, except Bank Holidays. We will be able to assist in answering pension related enquiries.  We will also contact The International Pension Centre in the UK on your behalf.  When contacting us, it would be helpful if you could provide your National Insurance Number (e.g JG123456D)

For customers who are unable to contact us by telephone or email, the address for correspondence is:

International Pension Service Officer
British High Commission
United Nations Road
Baridhara
Dhaka