Recent headlines have focused on a growing number of high-profile individuals who have reportedly left, or are considering leaving, the UK following significant changes to the UK's tax regime for internationally mobile individuals and families. These stories often focus on where people are moving and the tax regimes available in their chosen destinations, with a number of jurisdictions actively seeking to attract internationally mobile wealth.

With the UK's Autumn Budget scheduled for 28 October 2026, many internationally connected individuals and families are also keeping a close eye on the possibility of further tax changes. This uncertainty is prompting some to review their long-term residence, succession and wealth-planning arrangements before making significant decisions.

However, the more interesting question is not why certain high-profile individuals may be relocating, but what these developments mean for clients facing similar decisions. Since April 2025, the UK has introduced significant reforms affecting internationally connected individuals and families. As a result, many clients are reviewing their residence position, trust structures, inheritance tax exposure and wider succession planning arrangements.

While moving abroad may appear attractive, clients should remember that leaving the UK can itself give rise to important tax considerations. Depending on the assets involved, capital gains may crystallise before departure, temporary non-residence rules may apply if an individual later returns to the UK, and the UK's new residence-based inheritance tax regime means that inheritance tax exposure may continue long after a move overseas. In other words, there is currently no single UK "exit tax", but there can be significant tax costs associated with departure - and other longer term consequences which need careful consideration.  

We see many clients who have considered leaving the UK, but have in the end decided to stay, and instead made adjustments to their planning to accommodate the new rules as efficiently as possible. While tax considerations often dominate the headlines, the reality is that clients should live where they want to live. The role of advisers is not to tell clients where to reside, but to help them understand the tax and succession consequences of that decision and plan appropriately. Good planning should support a client's chosen lifestyle, not dictate it.

The recent publicity surrounding wealthy individuals leaving the UK is therefore a useful reminder that international tax planning should be proactive rather than reactive. While headlines focus on where people are moving, the real challenge for most families is ensuring that their tax, succession and wealth-planning arrangements keep pace with changing rules and changing circumstances, particularly with a UK Budget on the horizon and further changes potentially still to come.

If you are considering moving to or from the UK, or are affected by the post-April 2025 tax changes, Edwin Coe's International Private Client team can help you understand the implications and put in place a plan that reflects your family's long-term objectives.