A changing landscape for entrepreneurial talent
Our analysis of Companies House filings highlights the scale of movement:
- 5,940 business owners relocated from the UK
- 3,182 business owners moved into the UK
- A net outflow of 2,758 entrepreneurial individuals
More than 8,400 companies saw at least one UK‑based owner depart, showing how many entrepreneurs manage several ventures at once.
London accounted for almost half of all departures, followed by the South East. Software, property and digitally focused industries were among the most affected. While the UK remains a leading centre for innovation and investment, the numbers show a clear trend: many entrepreneurs are now looking beyond one country for growth, opportunity and lifestyle.
Where entrepreneurs are moving – and what’s driving decisions
The most popular destinations for people leaving the UK were (in order):
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Spain
- United States
- Portugal
- France
The reasons vary, but several themes are consistent:
More favourable tax environments
Many countries offer lower personal tax rates, different approaches to capital gains or more flexible corporate structures – all of which influence long‑term planning.
Optimism about growth opportunities
Dynamic business hubs, particularly in the US and UAE, provide access to capital, partnerships and new markets.
Lifestyle and family considerations
Mediterranean countries continue to appeal for their climate, cost of living and quality‑of‑life benefits.
Rising global mobility
New visa routes and more flexible international tax rules mean relocating – or spending meaningful time abroad – has never been easier.
The UK continues to attract entrepreneurial talent too. The strongest inward flows came from Hong Kong, Pakistan, France, the US, Türkiye and China, with Hong Kong, Pakistan, Türkiye and China showing net inflows.
Planning well for life across borders
Relocating is about more than lifestyle. Moving between jurisdictions can reshape a person’s tax position, investment choices, estate planning, and pensionarrangements. Early preparation can help avoid unexpected pitfalls, maximise tax efficiency, and protect long‑term goals.
For people thinking about moving – or supporting family members who are – this shift raises important questions about how best to protect and structure wealth for the long term.
Here are some of the themes we discuss with clients:
1. Managing tax residency
Different countries apply different rules when determining tax residency. A move abroad – particularly when assets or income remain elsewhere – can trigger additional tax exposure. Taking advice early, ideally at least a year before relocating, helps clients plan ahead, make use of allowances, and minimise the risk of double taxation
2. Reviewing investment structures
Not all investment wrappers are equally effective across borders. Structures that are tax‑efficient in the UK may lose their advantages overseas, while others can become more appropriate once living abroad. Ensuring a portfolio is aligned with future residency is an important step in preserving long‑term returns.
3. Managing currency risk
Changing currency exposure can affect wealth. Clients relocating to countries such as the US or UAE often review:
- Foreign exchange management
- Home bias in portfolios: if you’re living in a country where your spending in euros, for example, it might be a good idea to have more assets than before that pay out euros, and less that pay out pounds sterling
- How to time currency conversions
4. Planning for estates across borders
Holding property, pensions and investments in multiple countries can complicate estate planning. Local rules may override the wishes set out in a UK will. Early planning helps ensure families are protected.
5. Supporting businesses through expansion
For clients continuing to run companies across borders, the structure of ownership, distributions and exit planning becomes increasingly important. It’s important to consider the tax implications and ensure you’re making the most of allowances and reliefs available to you.
How it works in practice
Many people moving overseas seek to manage their tax position, regulation, currency exposure, and long-term financial planning across various countries and territories. And many people maintain strong ties to the UK even when they move abroad.
A financial planner can help with navigating the regulatory, tax-efficiency, and currency considerations that come with a cross‑border financial life. What matters is having clarity, confidence, and a financial plan that works for you, wherever life leads.
Taking the long view on international mobility
Global mobility brings opportunity, but also complexity. Internationally mobile business owners face increasing challenges around tax, regulation, and succession.
At Rathbones, we take a long‑term approach. That means helping individuals and families:
- Understand their options
- Plan early
- Build resilient, internationally aligned financial structures
- Avoid unnecessary tax exposure
- Keep long‑term goals at the centre of decision‑making
Whether someone is leaving the UK, arriving in the UK, or living across several locations, preparation can make all the difference.
How Rathbones can help
We work with entrepreneurs, professionals and internationally mobile families to help them:
- Build tax‑efficient financial plans
- Manage wealth across jurisdictions
- Align portfolios with future residency
- Navigate regulatory and reporting requirements
- Protect family wealth across generations
If you’re considering relocation – or supporting a family member who is – your adviser can help you explore your options and build a long‑term plan that reflects your goals, values, and global life. Reach out to your usual Rathbones contact or fill out our enquiry form below to get in touch.
Camilla Stowell, CEO of Wealth at Rathbones, dicusses the complexities faced by internationally mobile clients and how Rathbones can help in our video below.
