End of the Non-Dom Era: Labour’s Tax Reform Triggers Wealth Flight
April 15, 2025
What You Should Know About the End of the UK Non-Dom Regime 6 April 2025
April 6th, 2025 marks the beginning of a major shift in UK taxation. Labour’s new tax reforms have officially scrapped the long-standing non-domiciled (non-dom) tax status — a move that targets wealthy individuals who live in the UK but, under the new non dom regime, have been able to mitigate UK tax on their overseas income and gains.
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This change spells the end of a tax break that attracted many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to the UK and is already causing ripples across the country’s elite financial circles.
The message is clear: if you live here, you pay here.
Let's break down what has changed.
What Was the Non-Dom Tax Regime?
The non-dom tax regime allowed individuals residing in the UK, who claimed their primary home (domicile) to be outside the UK, to avoid UK income and capital gains taxes by not bringing any foreign earnings or gains back into the UK.
This system made the UK an attractive location for individuals with international earnings.
We covered this in more detail here.
What Has Changed?
Since 2025-26 tax year, the government has implemented several significant reforms. These reforms include:
1. End of Non-Dom Status
All UK tax residents will now owe UK income tax on all global income and gains, regardless of whether these were brought into the country or not.
2. Inheritance Tax (IHT) on Foreign Assets
Non-doms could previously avoid UK Inheritance Tax on assets they held outside the UK; now individuals who have lived here for more than four years will be liable for IHT on all their global estate assets.
3. Temporary Reliefs
To assist the transition, temporary measures include the following:
- Tax Year 2025-26 will see a 50% reduction on foreign income tax.
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) laws allow us to rebase overseas assets based on their value as of April 2019 for CGT purposes.
- Temporarily, bringing money from abroad may not incur full tax charges upon entering the UK.
Why Has the Government Made These Changes?
According to Labour, eliminating non-dom status will provide many advantages:
- Enhance tax fairness
- Raise extra funds to support public services
- Close longstanding loopholes used by the wealthy
Rising Tax Bills
HNWIs with overseas assets and income will now face significantly increased tax obligations that may have an effect on personal finances, family planning and wealth transference.
Making Decisions About Moving Abroad
Some individuals are already leaving the UK in order to settle in countries with more advantageous tax regimes. Some common destinations for relocation include:
- United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not levy income or capital gains tax
- Switzerland provides fixed annual tax arrangements for its most wealthy citizens
- Italy - flat tax of EUR100,000.000 on foreign income for new residents
- Monaco does not levy personal income tax for residents
Concerns Raised About Impact Within Industry Concerns are being expressed that this could lead to a decrease in:
- Investment into UK businesses
- Jobs funded by private wealth
- Donations to UK Charities
What About Entrepreneurs?
Many entrepreneurs utilise non-dom status to reduce tax on international business earnings, however, these changes could require:
- Establishing headquarters or structures outside the UK
- Reconsider ownership of intellectual property or company shares
- An investigation of how profits and dividends are managed is important to ensure long-term growth.
What Should Be Done Now?
If you or those you work with have been affected, taking immediate steps is key to their safety. Here are a few things you can do.
1. Consult With A Specialist Tax Advisor
Every situation varies. Seek tailored guidance from someone familiar with both UK and international tax regulations.
2. Evaluate Your Financial Structures
Evaluate how you hold assets - for instance through offshore companies or trusts. Any necessary changes must be implemented for optimal efficiency and compliance purposes.
3. Consider Relocating
If the UK's new tax rules no longer suit, you might wish to explore living elsewhere where tax liabilities would be lower. Be sure to carefully consider all legal, financial, and family aspects prior to making any decisions.
Summary
The changes to the non-dom tax regime mark a profound transformation for those who rely on global income and wealth for tax payments, especially those living abroad. Although intended to increase fairness, these reforms also pose challenges to those accustomed to using it.
Now is the time to review your plans, secure your assets, and seek professional guidance.
How Can We Assist?
At our offices in both the UK and UAE, we assist individuals, entrepreneurs and professional advisors in making well-informed decisions.
If you have any queries about this article or need advice then get in touch.
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