The UK's immigration/tax disconnect on global wealth

The UK has no dedicated immigration route for internationally mobile private wealth

clock • 6 min read

Legal experts John Kiely and Simon Malkiel look at the government’s Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime alongside current immigration rules…

The UK has long competed for talent, capital and influence. Internationally mobile private wealth – once associated with the now abolished non-dom regime – has been part of that mix. The government's Foreign Income and Gains (FIG) regime (from 6 April 2025) shows the UK still wants globally mobile individuals, but on revised terms. Viewed alongside immigration policy, however, the system is incoherent: it's hard to get in, and it becomes less attractive just as permanence becomes possible. FIG in brief New or returning residents become eligible after ten consecutive tax years of ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Majority of UK adults oblivious to pensions IHT change - research

Majority of UK adults oblivious to pensions IHT change - research

Standard Life research finds 89% have little or no awareness about upcoming IHT pension changes

Martin Richmond
clock 24 March 2026 • 3 min read
'Good news' for Treasury as CGT receipts hit £21.5bn

'Good news' for Treasury as CGT receipts hit £21.5bn

Receipts reached £2.7bn in February 2026

Sophia Panayi
clock 20 March 2026 • 2 min read
'No surprise' – IHT receipts rise with record year expected

'No surprise' – IHT receipts rise with record year expected

Hit £7.7bn for year to February

Jen Frost
clock 20 March 2026 • 3 min read