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UK non-dom

UK Non-Dom Status: What Has Changed in 2024

Updated: 25 November 2024

The UK’s non-dom (non-domicile) tax status has long been a topic for debate. The goal of the tax program was to attract wealthy international residents; it offered a unique tax advantage. Some of them were the ability to shield foreign income and gains from UK taxation. However, in recent years, the regime has come under increasing scrutiny. So, there were critics around it arguing that it created an unfair system benefiting the privileged ones. Now, for non-doms who reside 91ƵAPP, the present remittance basis of taxation for capital gains tax and income tax is expected to be eliminated in April 2025.

In this article, we’ll discuss the complex concept of non-dom status 91ƵAPP. We’ll explore the regime’s historical context, the tax benefits it traditionally offered, and recent changes. We’ll also examine the ongoing debate surrounding non-dom status, including arguments for and against reform. Moreover, we’ll look toward the future.

Let’s analyze the potential impact of the new regime and discover what it means for current non-doms.

What is a Non-Dom UK?

UK residents with a domicile outside of the UK for tax purposes have a non-dom status. So, it shows a person’s tax status regardless of their nationality, citizenship, or resident status. However, these factors can be effective.

A person who is called as non-dom doesn’t pay any other tax than the tax in UK on the money they earn 91ƵAPP. They don’t have the obligation to pay for the tax to the UK government in case the money is earned elsewhere in the world rather than the UK.

It creates an advantageous position for wealthy individuals for significant and whole legal savings when they choose a lower-tax country as their domicile.

What was the Significance of Non-Dom to UK Tax System?

The previous Non-Dom Regime let non-UK domiciled individuals choose to be taxed on foreign-sourced chargeable gains and income only if and when they are remitted to the UK. It is also known as the remittance basis of taxation. Moreover, your tax residence determines UK inheritance tax liability somewhat. We can say that both cases address to the domicile as a fact-based concept.

It has been more than 200 years since the non-dom regime has been an aspect of the UK’s tax system. 

Where the requirements are met, UK residents whose permanent abode is outside the UK can take advantage of the “remittance basis,” which effectively exempts their overseas income and gains (FIG) from UK taxation unless they are remitted to the UK. It has also provided protection from inheritance tax on assets located outside the United Kingdom. The statutes have been changed and amended several times, with the most recent substantial amendments occurring in 2017, when a 15-year ‘cap’ was imposed, limiting the number of years a non-dom might profit from the provisions.

When you decide to have a second residence in a foreign country, you can have various motivations. No income tax can be one of these, and it can be appealing to become a resident in a country with this regime. While some of these countries also offer citizenship possibilities, some don’t, but are still attractive because of the financial benefits and lifestyle decisions it brings.

Greece, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Spain, and Italy are among the European countries that offer non-dom options.

Greek Golden Visa and Non-Dom Program

Greece is one of the countries that imposes an income tax on its citizens. However, there is a special tax regime for non-dom individuals. The aim of this program is to attract high-net-worth individuals while encouraging investment in the Greek economy.

If you are eligible, you can benefit from a flat tax rate which is €100,000 per year on your foreign income under this non-dom program in Greece. It also includes your income from sources such as dividends, interest, and capital gains. What foreign income means is that you gain income that you earn outside of Greece, so it is not the income you earn in Greece, and it is not subject to Greek income tax.

What the Greek Golden Visa provides investors is that they can obtain permanent residency after investing the amount of money, currently €250,000 to €500,000, until the expected change in 2024.

Understanding the Impact of UK Non-Dom 

As the concept of non-domicile or non-dom 91ƵAPP tax system for a UK tax resident can be confusing, let’s look at the key elements and remember what it meant when the program was active.

Definition of Non-Domiciled:  To explain in simple terms, we can define non-dom as a resident 91ƵAPP for tax purposes but consider another country as their permanent home, which is also called domicile. As we also mentioned above, this refers to the factors like family ties, social connections, and the lenght of stay 91ƵAPP.

Non-Dom Fee UK:  There wasn’t a direct “fee” for non-dom status. Still, after 15 out of 20 tax years as a resident non-dom, it was possible to lose the remittance basis and become liable for UK tax on your worldwide income.

Non-doms traditionally didn’t pay UK tax on foreign income they kept overseas. However, the new regime may change this.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and UK Inheritance Tax (IHT): Non-dom status does not necessarily protect you from these taxes. You will continue to pay CGT on assets disposed of 91ƵAPP, as well as potentially IHT on UK-held assets rather than foreign assets.

Non-Dom Resident (tax resident) versus Non-Dom Non-Resident: This distinction is critical. Non-dom residents are taxed 91ƵAPP on their UK income as well as any foreign income they may have remitted. Non-dom non-residents usually pay less UK taxes.

Some Questions Remain:

How Long Can a Non-Dom Stay 91ƵAPP?:  We can’t explain a set limit. However, Exceeding 183 days in a tax year can affect your residence status and tax liability.

What is the cost of non-dom status 91ƵAPP?:  The government is concerned about the lost tax revenue associated with the non-dom regime. So, the cost is mostly related to the concerns around this, and the reforms aim to address this.

The Wrap Up

The UK’s non-domiciled tax regime is a significant transformation. The traditional remittance basis, a cornerstone of the system, is being phased out. Plus, it is replaced with a residence-based approach for inheritance tax purposes. This shift represents a major change for non-domiciled individuals, as many of them relied on the regime for tax planning strategies.

In this article, we provided a foundational overview to explore the evolving tax rules of the UK, focusing on the change in the non-dom status.

Discıver the latest changes to the UK non-don regime here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is domicile, and how to work on it?

It is the country you were born. Also, it is where your parents were born. There are some other situations in which it may change. If you move abroad or do not intend to return to your home country, your domicile can change. The domicile status may also change the country in which you pay tax.

How are the non-dom rules changing 91ƵAPP?

The UK’s non-dom tax regime phased out in the March 2024 Budget, with people earning overseas earning no tax for the first four years. After that, they will pay the same tax as everyone else. Those with nom-dom status will have a two-year transition period. Labour’s next general election could strengthen these reforms and raise £2.6bn.

How do you become a non-dom?

Non-dom status can be achieved through birth or father’s origin or by choosing to leave the UK and live indefinitely in another country over 16.

What is Greek non-dom status?

To qualify for the Greek non-dom tax regime, you can invest €800,000 in a majority-owned company, finalize within 3 years, and be a non-Greek tax resident for 7 out of 8 years.

As the UK’s non-dom rule is changing, you might be wondering if there are any other programs like that in the world. Check out our latest article, “Best Alternatives to UK Non-Dom” and learn about the other programs.

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