How do we settle back into the UK?

Moving back to the UK is usually easier than moving out, but a few things work differently for people returning from abroad, and some rules changed in 2026. Here’s what to sort, and when.

Healthcare

• UK nationals who come back to live in the UK can use the NHS. Register with a GP near your new home using form GMS1. You don’t have to show proof of address to register, but it helps
• Hospitals may ask for 2 documents showing you live here, such as a tenancy agreement, a council tax or utility bill, or a UK bank account in use. Paperwork showing you’ve left Canada, like a lease ending or a shipping receipt, also helps
• A&E is always free, and you won’t be asked for proof of address unless you need further hospital treatment

Tax and National Insurance

In the tax year you arrive, your year may be split into an overseas part and a UK part for income tax. HMRC sets out the conditions in its guide to the statutory residence test (RDR3). Canada’s tax year is the calendar year, so your last Canadian return covers January to your departure date, and your first UK year runs from 6 April. Keep both sets of dates, and any departure tax paperwork, for your adviser.

• Since 6 April 2026, voluntary Class 2 National Insurance can’t be paid for time spent abroad. Earlier years can still be filled under the old rules
• Class 3 costs £18.40 a week in 2026–27. Once you’re back and working, you pay National Insurance as normal
• Check your National Insurance record and State Pension forecast online before paying for any gaps. See What happens to my UK pension?

Your State Pension, CPP and OAS

• Your UK State Pension doesn’t rise each year while you live in Canada. It goes up to the current rate when you return to live in the UK. The UK government turned down Canada’s request for an uprating deal
• CPP is built from your contributions and can be paid to you in the UK. Service Canada has a section for people living outside Canada. A 25% non-resident tax applies unless the UK–Canada tax treaty reduces it
• OAS is paid to people living outside Canada only if they lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18
• The UK–Canada social security arrangements are limited. Canada describes the 1998 convention as dealing only with contributions, so it can’t help you qualify for Canadian benefits. Separate 1995 arrangements let UK residents count some Canadian residence towards some UK benefits. Ask the International Pension Centre how this applies to you
• RRSPs and TFSAs stay in Canada: see How do I leave Canada?

Schools and universities

• For a school place during the school year in England, apply to the school if it’s an academy, foundation or voluntary aided school, or to the council for other state schools. You should hear the outcome in writing within 15 school days
• University fees: “home” fees often need 3 years of ordinary residence in the UK. If you were away only because you or a family member were working abroad for a time, you can be treated as ordinarily resident. Keep contracts and evidence of UK ties, and ask the university early

Your belongings and car

Transfer of residence relief lets you bring household goods, a car and pets in without import duty or VAT if you’ve lived outside the UK for at least 12 months in a row and owned and used the goods for at least 6 months. Apply on form ToR1 and get approval before you ship, bring the goods in within 12 months, and don’t sell, lend or hire them out for 12 months after.

Driving

Canada is a designated country. You can drive on your Canadian licence for 12 months after becoming resident, and exchange it for a GB licence up to 5 years after, using form D1, as long as it’s still valid. Canadian licences don’t show whether you passed in a manual or an automatic, so without proof of a manual test you may get an automatic-only licence. If you kept a GB licence while you were away, check its expiry date and photo renewal date instead.

Renting a home in England

• A deposit can be up to 5 weeks’ rent, if the rent is under £50,000 a year
• Since 1 May 2026, a landlord can ask for at most one month’s rent in advance, and only after you’ve both signed. New tenancies are periodic, with no fixed term
• More on renting, buying and work in How do we find a home and a job back in the UK?