Here’s a checklist of who you need to notify before you leave the UK permanently or for an extended period.

1. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

If you’re moving abroad, you need to inform HMRC. This ensures your tax records are updated and that you’re not paying UK income tax unnecessarily. You may need to complete a P85 form (“Leaving the UK”) and declare your residency status. If you plan to rent out property in the UK, you may also have to register for the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme.

If you complete self-assessments returns you will need to notify the HMRC by completing a SA109 form when you submit your return. Note this form cannot be submitted online and must be posted to HMRC.

Incorrect tax status can lead to overpayments or fines later.  I am not an accountant or tax expert so please seek your own professional advise.

2. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

If you currently receive a state pension or other benefits, you’ll need to let DWP know about your move. In many cases, you can still claim your pension abroad, but some benefits may stop depending on the country you move to.

Avoids overpayments and ensures your pension/benefits continue smoothly.

3. Your Local Council

Tell your local authority that you’re leaving, especially if you’re moving out of a property you own or rent. This is important for:

●   Council Tax adjustments

●   Electoral Roll updates

If you’re renting your property out, you may also need to apply for a landlord licence, depending on the council.

4. The NHS

You should inform your GP, dentist, and any hospital consultants that you’re leaving. This allows them to update medical records and close your NHS registration. If you’re moving within the EU or a country with reciprocal healthcare arrangements, you may need specific paperwork. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrange private medical insurance.

I have attempted a work around this. I have told my local GP that I have moved into my brothers house, I had to register with a new health centre. But hopefully this keep me on the NHS register. Please read up on this as if you live abroad you may well lose all access to the NHS.

5. Banks and Financial Institutions

Inform your UK banks, building societies, and investment providers of your new overseas address. Some accounts may have restrictions if you live abroad, and you’ll need to check how international transfers and currency exchanges will work.

Don’t forget:

●   Credit card companies

●   Pension providers

●   Life insurance companies

I notified my bank several times but still experienced some problems.  I tried booking a flight online to Thailand , while in Vietnam, and the payment didn’t go through and then found out my card had been blocked by my bank as they thought there was some suspicious activity, although I had told them several time I was moving to Vietnam. I then had to ring the UK and speak to Customer Services to unblock my card. Alot of messing about and expsense to myself.  So please double check everything. I would recommend bringing a couple of options ie 2 different bank cards, Monza card, Wise card etc

6. The Post Office (Mail Redirection)

Set up a Royal Mail Redirection service so important post (like tax notices, bank statements, or legal documents) reaches you or a trusted person back in the UK. You can redirect for 3, 6, or 12 months. I thought I had notified everyone of my move or told them I was staying at my brothers address but still somethings were posted to my house that I rented out. But over the 6 months I managed to stop these.  I have an arrangement in place that if anything is delivered to my brothers house they can open it for me and take a photo and message me on Whatsapp I can then save it and ask them to destroy it or keep if urgent.

7. Utility Providers and Service Companies

Make sure to notify and close or transfer accounts for:

Gas, electricity, water

Broadband and mobile phone contracts

TV licence

Watch out for Utility providers. I notified Yorkshire water of me moving out and they still charged me for a full 3 month period, even thoguh I was not living there and my tenant would be, and probably was paying for the last 2 months too.

Subscriptions (magazines, streaming services, memberships)

If you keep a UK property, you’ll need to manage standing charges and billing arrangements for tenants.

8. DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)

If you hold a UK driving licence or own a vehicle registered in the UK, let the DVLA know your new address. If you’re taking your car abroad permanently, you must also notify them to update the registration status.

9. Insurance Providers

This includes:

●   Home insurance (especially if renting your house out)

●   Travel and health insurance

●   Car insurance

Living abroad may affect cover, so you might need specialist policies.

10. Family and Professional Contacts

Lastly, don’t forget to update:

Your employer or pension scheme administrators

Your solicitor or accountant (if you have one)

Family and friends, so they know how to reach you

Final Thoughts

Notifying the right organisations before you leave the UK is essential for a smooth transition. It avoids complications with taxes, healthcare, finances, and property, leaving you free to focus on settling into your new life abroad.

It’s a lot to think about, but making a clear checklist and working through it step by step can save you time and stress later.

Also you will find it sometimes takes longer than you think it should to notify companies you are leaving and they acknowledge this so it is worth starting this process as soon as possible.