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Expat financial management should be part of EU debate

One financial advisor with an interest in expat wealth management told British press, “A fundamental EU rule is you should only pay social security contributions in one country. If you are UK tax resident, but work for an employer in mainland Europe, you will normally pay social security contributions in that country instead of UK National Insurance. Without renegotiation, Brexit could result in dispute between nations as to where the social security liability lies, or worse, a liability in both nations,”

It is not just expat wealth management and healthcare that form the chief concerns of British expats in Europe; there are also worries about the cultural and lifestyle impact that any proposed Brexit might have.

And expats are not alone in feeling concerned about the impact of leaving the EU. Last week the pound took a dramatic nosedive in its value against the Euro, with most saying the fall came as a result of Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, voicing his strong backing of the “Yes to Brexit” vote.

To compound worries, long-term expats may not be able to have their say in the vote as there is a fifteen year rule in place under which UK expats who have lived outside the EU for fifteen years or more are not allowed to participate in a referendum. However, those in this position are not without power. They can still make their views known among family and friends and by sharing them over social media.

If you are concerned about how Brexit could affect you, or your loved ones living abroad, contact Blacktower to discuss the ramifications of a “Yes” vote on expat wealth management.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Spain Axes Expat Mortgage Tax

Euro coinsSpanish property ownership is a fairly common part of many expat wealth management strategies. However, Spanish taxes have been known to present obstacles to some expats in this regard and the uptake of both home ownership and property investment in Spain has suffered as a result.

Previously, the law held that expat buyers must pay mortgage tax out of their own pockets, which, as well as being an administrative annoyance also left many expats feeling a little like second-class citizens; however, with changes recently introduced by parliament, the tax will instead be paid by the bank financing the mortgage, with the new rules taking effect immediately.

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