Can I keep or contribute to an ISA or SIPP when I move abroad?
Strict HMRC rules for UK ISAs and SIPPs when living overseas, contribution limits, and 5-year pension tax relief.
Short answer: Once you move abroad, you must stop contributing to UK ISAs, but you can keep existing ISAs open. For pensions (SIPPs), you can still pay in up to £3,600 gross (£2,880 net) each year for 5 years and get 20% free tax relief from HMRC. Matthew helps you manage your UK investments and stay compliant.
Key points
- New ISA contributions must stop once you become non-UK resident.
- Existing ISAs can stay open and continue growing free of UK tax.
- Overseas tax authorities (like US IRS or EU) may tax ISA gains locally.
- SIPP contributions up to £3,600 gross (£2,880 net) are allowed for 5 years after moving.
- Notify your ISA and pension providers of your new overseas address.
ISA rules when you move abroad
You cannot pay new money into a Stocks & Shares ISA, Cash ISA, or Lifetime ISA once you are non-UK tax resident.
However, you do not need to close your existing ISAs. Any money already in your ISA continues to grow free of UK Income Tax and UK Capital Gains Tax.
SIPP pension contributions for expats
Under UK pension rules, you can continue contributing up to £2,880 net (£3,600 gross) into a UK SIPP for up to 5 tax years after moving abroad, even if you have zero UK earnings.
The UK government automatically tops up your £2,880 payment with £720 in free basic-rate tax relief.
Written and reviewed by Matthew S Manderson CTA ATT AMIT
Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT), Association of Malta International Taxation (AMIT). General guidance only; tax treatment depends on individual facts.