Paperwork

Getting your paperwork sorted out before you move will help your relocation run smoothly. As a retired person, you will need to pay particular attention to arrangements for having your state pension, and any other pensions and benefits, paid in your new country.

Passport
Always check that your passport is still valid before you travel. It is likely to be your key piece of identification when you set up your new home abroad. Information on passport renewal is available at the UK Passport Office website.

Making a will
Dying intestate abroad can cause great difficulties for your heirs, so anyone relocating is advised to make a will. You may require separate wills for assets held in the UK and assets held abroad. Always seek professional legal advice: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website contains a list of English-speaking lawyers who can assist you.

Change of address
Notify people of your move and change of address, including The Inland Revenue National Insurance Contributions Office, International Services and the Department for Work and Pensions, your local council tax department and electoral registration unit. To get your mail redirected overseas, apply at your local post office, or download online or call 0845 7740 740 † for an application form.

Private and Company Pensions
Many retired people have private or occupational pensions. To find out about arrangements for these to be paid abroad contact the individual pension provider. Do this far in advance of your move.

Pensions and social security
If you want your state pension to be paid to you abroad, you'll need to notify your local social security office. In addition to your pension, you may also be eligible for certain other benefits such as Winter Fuel and Bereavement benefit, even while living abroad. Ask for a copy of the leaflet, Going abroad and Social Security Benefits. For more detailed information on pension entitlements abroad go to the Pension Service's website.

Benefits queries from abroad
Once you have left the UK, any further benefit queries should be directed to the Department for Work and Pensions, Pensions and Overseas Benefits Directorate, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1BA.

Tel: 0044 (0)191 218 7777 † or fax: 0191 218 7293.

Insurance
Make sure that your insurance is in order. The Government strongly advises those retiring overseas to take out health insurance. If you are planning to travel frequently, you may wish to take out annual travel insurance: make sure you check how many days' travel this covers.

Customs and excise
Have you got all the import/export licences and documentation you will need for customs and excise purposes? For more on this, see Packing & Moving.

Driving abroad
If you intend to drive abroad, you'll need to establish the licence requirements of your country of choice. You will also need to find out about insurance requirements and any age restrictions. Outside the European Community, you may need to take an International Driving Permit (IDP) which, accompanied by a valid UK driving licence, allows you to drive abroad. IDPs must be applied for in the UK and are issued by the AA and the RAC.

Disclaimer
Barclays is not responsible for the accuracy or content of web sites of other providers which may have links from this website. In creating hypertext links to any other web site, Barclays is not recommending that website or giving any assurances as to its standing.

*To view these documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you're using access technology software on your computer, visit http://access.adobe.com for more information about using PDF files.

†Lines are open 9am to 5pm (UK time) Monday to Friday. Call charges may vary. Please check with your local telecoms provider.