Pensions for Expats in the GCC: What You Need to Know - with Ravi Gill and Thomas Goldie

Did you know over 240,000 Brits have already made the UAE their home? 🇦🇪

And with over 5,000 British companies operating in the region, the GCC is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing expat hubs for both individuals and businesses.

So, what does that mean for pensions?

This week, I sat down with Ravi Gill and Thomas Goldie, pensions and retirement specialists at Hoxton Wealth, to dive into the unique challenges and opportunities facing expats in the GCC when it comes to pensions.

We discussed:

• Why pensions are often your second or third largest asset and need regular reviews.
• How double tax treaties allow GCC expats to withdraw UK pensions tax-free (a huge advantage!).
• The benefits of voluntary UK state pension contributions—for just £3 a week, expats can fill gaps in their National Insurance record and secure thousands in extra retirement income. I wonder how many expats in the GCC are missing out on this?

We also touched on Saudi Arabia—is it the next big opportunity? With its rapid growth and increasing expat population, it’s definitely one to watch.

And if you’re a financial planner, you’ll love hearing about the similarities and differences in the UAE. With no employer pension schemes, expats often turn to financial planners for guidance, making the GCC an exciting market for those in our profession.

Ravi and Thomas reminded me of how important it is to start early and review regularly. These small actions are what set you up for long-term financial success.

So, living in the GCC and not on top of your pension? 📉 Reach out to book a meeting today, and let us show you how you can stay updated using the Hoxton Wealth App.

🎧 Whether you’re an expat looking to optimize your pensions or a financial planner curious about opportunities in the GCC, this episode has something for you. 

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