UK Tax Specialists for African Residents

Expert UK tax advice for non-residents living in the AFRICA

Living in Africa offers a wealth of opportunities—and with no local income tax, it’s an appealing prospect for many Brits. But while the AFRICA may be tax-free, your obligations to HMRC don’t necessarily disappear when you move abroad.

At Taxset Chartered Certified Accountants, we specialise in UK tax for non-residents and expats in the AFRICA, helping you navigate complex cross-border regulations with clarity and confidence.

UK Tax & Double Taxation Agreements

The UK has a double taxation agreement with the AFRICA, which prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income. However, understanding how it applies to your personal and business circumstances is crucial. Even if you already have an accountant in Dubai, they may lack the detailed UK tax knowledge required. Our UK-based chartered accountants can help you:

Determine your UK residency status
Minimise exposure to UK tax
Comply with UK tax return requirements
Avoid penalties and double taxation

What Non-Residents Need to Know?

Being a UK non-resident doesn’t automatically exempt you from UK tax. You’re still liable for tax on UK-sourced income such as:

Rental income from UK properties
UK-based employment or business income
Private pensions
Dividends or capital gains from UK assets

If you hold a British passport, you can usually claim the UK Personal Allowance—currently £12,570 per tax year—before paying tax. Alternatively, you may choose to be taxed on a “disregarded income” basis, which could reduce your overall UK tax liability on certain income streams.

If you’ve been non-resident for five full tax years or more, you’re typically exempt from CGT—except when selling UK land, property, or assets used in a UK trade. Non-residents must still report and pay any CGT on UK property sales within 30 days of completion.

UK inheritance tax applies regardless of your residency. Estates worth over £325,000 are subject to 40% IHT, though exemptions and additional nil-rate bands (e.g. for passing on a home to children) may apply. Our experts will help you structure your estate effectively.

Property Owners & Landlords

If you’re letting a UK property while living in Dubai, the rental income remains taxable by HMRC. By joining the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme (NRLS), you can receive your rent without tax deducted at source and manage your own payments through a self-assessment tax return.

Planning to buy property in the UK while living abroad? You’ll still be liable for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), including the 2% surcharge for non-resident buyers.

Pensions & Employment Income

Private pensions: Generally not taxable in the UK if you’re contributing from a Dubai salary.
State pensions: Tax-free for non-residents, but payments are frozen at the level you start receiving them.
Returning to the UK: We can advise on the tax implications of resuming UK residency, including treatment of overseas earnings and assets.
UK working days: If your employment includes UK-based workdays, you may be taxed on that income. We’ll help clarify what’s considered a UK workday and how to report it.

Why Choose Taxset Chartered Certified Accountants?

We offer a dedicated, joined-up approach to UK tax for Dubai residents:

Specialists in non-resident UK tax
French Speaking Advisor
In-depth knowledge of HMRC rules and residency status
Advice tailored to your personal and business circumstances
Full accountancy services including VAT, payroll, and software like Xero
Transparent, proactive support for UK expats abroad

Let’s Get Your UK Tax Sorted!

Wherever you are in the AFRICA, we’re here to support your UK tax and financial compliance.
Book a consultation with our expert team today and take the uncertainty out of your tax affairs.