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Moving abroad with UK debts

Leaving the country doesn't erase UK debts — and it can complicate enforcement in both directions.

International & Overseas Debts3 min readReviewed July 2026

UK creditors can still pursue you overseas, and some countries have reciprocal enforcement arrangements for judgments.

Leaving without dealing with the debts can rule out certain solutions later (for example DROs require UK residency).

Speak to a debt help team member before the move — a plan agreed while you're still in the UK is almost always easier to arrange.

General information, not personalised adviceThis article is written to inform. It isn't personalised debt or legal advice, and Debt Compass is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. A team member can talk you through the options and point you to a free debt help service or authorised insolvency practitioner before you decide on anything.

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