Last updated: 23 October 2026

Thousands of Britons move home every year, from the Costa del Sol, Australia, the USA, Dubai and beyond. Moving back to the UK has its own rules: customs relief for your belongings, getting back into the NHS, tax residence and finding a home. This guide covers international removals to the UK in 2026 and a full returner’s checklist.

Indicative door-to-door prices. Part loads and shared containers cost much less for smaller moves.

Transfer of Residence relief (ToR1)

If you are moving your main home to the UK, you can usually bring your belongings in without paying UK import duty or VAT. You need to apply for Transfer of Residence relief (form ToR1) on GOV.UK.

• Who qualifies: generally people who have lived outside the UK for at least 12 months and are moving their normal residence here
• What it covers: personal belongings and household goods you have owned and used for at least six months, and often your vehicle
• When to apply: before your goods arrive, ideally as soon as you have a moving date
• What you need: proof of your overseas residence, proof of your UK address or move, and an inventory
• Restrictions: goods covered by relief usually can’t be sold, lent or hired out for 12 months.

Moving from the EU? Since Brexit, goods coming from the EU are imports too, so ToR1 applies there as well.

Your returner’s checklist

Before you leave

1. Apply for ToR1 and send your remover the reference.
2. Get three removals quotes and book 6–8 weeks ahead.
3. Close or keep overseas accounts and plan moving money.
4. Get medical records and enough prescriptions for the first weeks.
5. Arrange a UK address, even temporarily, for banks and doctors.

After you arrive

1. Register with a GP. If you are moving back to live permanently, you are usually entitled to NHS care from the day you arrive.
2. Tell HMRC you are UK resident again, and check your tax position.
3. Reopen your State Pension and National Insurance records.
4. Update the DVLA about your licence and any imported vehicle.
5. Register to vote and update your address everywhere.

Bringing your car back

You can bring your car under ToR1 relief, but it must then be registered with the DVLA, which may need an IVA test or a certificate of conformity for left-hand drive or foreign vehicles. Read shipping a car from the USA to the UK.

Coming home by sea

You can sail home with your belongings. Cargo ships carry passengers to UK ports from the USA, Asia and Australia. See how to travel to the United Kingdom by cargo ship.

Frequently asked questions