01/06/2026
If you are considering leaving the UK,
Whilst there is technically no “Exit Tax” in the UK, there are areas that you should be aware of if you don't want to get caught out:
The temporary non-residence rules apply when a taxpayer goes overseas, becomes non-resident, and sells assets they held while UK tax resident.
Initially outside the UK CGT net, however, should you return to the UK within 5 years, the tax is calculated in the year of return, subject to Double Taxation agreements not overriding it.
Issues could also arise if you break residence, sell assets following your departure from the UK, but before the end of the relevant UK tax year
If you can’t benefit from 'split year residence' rules, eg, you are not 'full-time working abroad' or retain a UK home, you would remain liable to CGT on gains up to the tax year end.
If you are a tax payer and defer capital gains into an EIS/Seed EIS you may trigger a CGT liability if you leave within 3 years of that new investment.
If you are in the process of, or considering leaving the UK, please get expert advice to ensure you are aware of how you could be impacted.