By Steve Thompson, Founder & CEO @ Atlas Bridge Wealth | Guiding families and individuals in Portugal November 29, 2025 Every week I speak to British families who’ve made the move abroad, or are planning to. Portugal, Spain, Malta, Dubai… the destinations differ, but the theme is the same: “Steve, how does the UK tax me now that I live here?” And the honest answer is: until recently, the rules were messy. Domicile was vague, subjective, and open to interpretation. It made lon

November 28, 2025 By Steve Thompson | Founder, Atlas Bridge Wealth The financial world is changing faster than at any point since the early 2000s. According to leading economist Graeme Leach, the 2020s are not just another economic cycle, they are a  turning point . Geopolitical tension, demographic shifts, AI-driven disruption and increasing government intervention are rewiring the global financial landscape. For advisers, and  especially  for UK nationals living abroad, thi

Today’s UK Autumn Budget wasn’t dramatic. Today’s UK Autumn Budget wasn’t dramatic for its policies, but it certainly had an unusual start. The Chancellor’s speech was briefly overshadowed by an unprecedented error, when the Office for Budget Responsibility’s analysis was accidentally published early, prompting the Shadow Chancellor to call it “outrageous.” A “pre-Budget Budget” unfolded online before a word was spoken in Parliament, with journalists scrambling to digest the

Steve Thompson - Founder & CEO @ Atlas Bridge Wealth November 25, 2025 The story behind why we built Atlas Bridge Wealth Moving to Portugal isn’t simply a lifestyle decision, it’s also a financial one. For many British nationals, the appeal is obvious: year-round sunshine, lower living costs, beautiful coastlines, and a pace of life that feels healthier and more grounded. Yet behind the dream often sits a complex financial reality. The moment you become a Portuguese tax resi

Consider these points before you leave... By Atlas Bridge Wealth Relocating from the UK to Portugal is an exciting lifestyle decision, but it’s also one of the most significant financial transitions you’ll ever make. The tax systems don’t align neatly, and without the right planning at the right time, many British expats unintentionally create avoidable tax bills, lose valuable allowances, or miss out on opportunities available  only before  they leave the UK. At Atlas Bridge

Steve Thompson , Founder & CEO @ ATLAS BRIDGE WEALTH | Boutique cross-border financial advisory | Europe & Middle East | Chartered Fellow CISI® November 20, 2025 I'm going to tell you a story.... Recently I met a British couple in their mid-60s who’ve lived in Portugal for a number of years. Let’s call them  Chris & Margaret . Their kids had moved out years ago, the house felt too big, and they wanted to simplify life. So they made a big decision: Sell their main home in the

Steve Thompson Founder & CEO @ ATLAS BRIDGE WEALTH | Boutique cross-border financial advisory | Europe & Middle East | Chartered Fellow CISI® November 18, 2025 By Atlas Bridge Wealth When the UK formally ended the non-domicile tax regime in April 2025, the change signalled far more than a technical tax reform. It marked the end of a century-old framework that shaped how globally mobile individuals structured their wealth. The UK has now entered a  residence-based tax system

By Steve Thompson, Founder & CEO @ ATLAS BRIDGE WEALTH | Boutique cross-border financial advisory | Chartered Fellow CISI® November 15, 2025 An Atlas Bridge Wealth Guide for UK Expats Portugal has firmly established itself as one of Western Europe’s most attractive destinations for individuals and families seeking a fresh start abroad. It has now overtaken Spain as the preferred base for retirees, remote workers, globally mobile professionals, and lifestyle-driven relocators

Portugal’s tax regime affecting expats has gone through recent changes. Read on for more information on what to expect from taxes as an expat in Portugal. Disclaimer : This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Anyone acting on this without tailored professional counsel does so at their own risk. Why Portugal? Portugal has become a top destination for international professionals, retirees, and digital nomads. With a high quality

Moving to Portugal is about more than sunshine and scenery, it’s about creating a lifestyle that’s financially sustainable. Whether your income comes from pensions, savings, or investments, the goal isn’t just to make your money last, it’s to make it  work  for you throughout retirement. Pre-Relocation Planning The best financial planning starts before you pack your bags. Taking advice while still UK-resident can  unlock opportunities that disappear once you’ve left,  such as

Here we consider the tax implications for individuals who cease their UK tax residency, including the loss of access to valuable tax reliefs and exemptions. Key Points What is the issue? Individuals and business owners leaving the UK face significant tax consequences through the loss of various tax reliefs and exemptions. Ceasing to be a UK tax resident can lead to unexpected liabilities on future income and gains, making early and effective tax planning crucial. What does it

UK Capital Gains Tax is a tax which is levied against the profits made on assets, this article looks at how non-UK residents are affected by UK capital gains tax. UK Capital Gains Tax: A quick summary Asset disposals/sales (selling property, shares, business interests) may trigger CGT, even when not tax resident in the UK. 2025/26 CGT Allowance: £3,000 annual exempt amount. CGT Rates:Residential property: 18% basic, 24% higher-rate taxpayers.Other assets: 18% / 24%.Business A

https://www.international-adviser.com/new-portugal-based-advice-firm-launches-to-serve-growing-expat-market/

Most workplace pensions will attract inheritance tax  How will the new rules work? At the moment, UK pensions are typically outside people’s estates for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. But in the autumn budget last October, Rachel Reeves announced that money left in a defined contribution (AKA money purchase) pension after your death will be pulled into the IHT net from April 2027. Most workplace pensions and all private pensions are defined contribution. The changes mean tha

October 14, 2025 The  UK Autumn Budget 2025  will be delivered on  26 November , and with sluggish growth and stubborn borrowing figures, most economists agree that the Chancellor,  Rachel Reeves , will have to find new ways to raise revenue while sticking to her fiscal rules. Speculation is building over where the tax axe might fall, and, given the government’s pledge not to raise income tax rates for “working people,” the focus may shift toward  taxing wealth  rather than i

Optimising Tax Outcomes for UK Expats 1. Introduction Portugal continues to be one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for UK retirees, offering a combination of lifestyle, favourable tax regimes, and residency pathways. However, tax efficiency is not automatic. For UK nationals considering or already residing in Portugal, understanding how pensions and investments are taxed is critical to preserving wealth and avoiding unexpected liabilities. This guide explores: The ke

Navigating the world of investments can be challenging, especially for UK expatriates. Living abroad brings unique opportunities and challenges that can impact your financial future. Whether you are in Europe, Asia, or anywhere else, understanding how to manage your investments is crucial. This blog post will explore effective investment planning strategies tailored specifically for UK expatriates. Understanding Your Financial Landscape As a UK expatriate, your financial land