So called ‘Donald Dashers’ crossing the pond to the United Kingdom in droves?

Alexandra Goss of the Telegraph newspaper recently reported on wealthy US nationals and Green Card holders asking about moving to the United Kingdom, an interesting contrast to her article five months ago about the wealthy leaving the UK (The wealthy quitting the UK – and it’s not just non-doms). It is an article that my colleague, Rose Carey, was also quoted in. As a seasoned migration advisor, here’s my take on the Hokey-Cokey.

People are always moving. The reasons why wealth owners and wealth generators decide to come or go to the UK is always different. 

Here’s my top 5, in no particular order:

1. Children. The UK has world class education facilities and a lot of clients want to give their children the best possible start. The Telegraph reports that private school fees are over £16,000 cheaper in the UK than the US, even with the recent VAT on private school fees.  
2. Business. Wealth generators from the US may already have an international business with a footprint in the UK that they can either work for or exit from. 
3. Property. With the reported exodus of ‘non-doms’ from the UK, some clients see an opportunity to buy UK property at a discount.
4. Tax. With the UK tax changes in April 2025, they may be entitled to beneficial treatment if they become tax resident in the UK.
5. Lifestyle. Whilst Brits are well known for complaining about the weather or transport disruption, the UK still offers a wide array of cultural, sporting, historical and recreational activities that people of all ages can enjoy. 

On the Donald Dashers, I have noticed an uptick in queries from across the pond as I did in 2016. Many did not lead to a move in 2016 and I suspect the same will ring true in 2025. Those that are considering the move may have doing so before the 2024 Presidential Election for family or business reasons and this will continue. 

Those thinking of making the move will need to get both immigration and tax advice pre-arrival, which can be complex and time consuming. The benefits of doing so can be a second passport (both the UK and the US allow dual nationality), a good property investment and learning what the Hokey-Cokey is. 

In the meantime, US nationals visiting the UK for short-term tourism or business should remember to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (an ETA) before they travel as this is now required to visit the UK. This is also required for European visitors from 2 April. 

UK immigration law and policy is subject to regular change. If you have any questions about relocating to the UK, please contact Paul McCarthy.