In a landmark move, the UK government has announced it will abolish the controversial non-domiciled (non-dom) tax regime from April 2025, marking the most significant overhaul of tax rules for foreign nationals in nearly a century. Under the sweeping changes, the government will replace the current remittance-based system with a fairer, residence-based model.
This reform introduces a four-year exemption from UK tax on foreign income and gains for individuals who have not been tax resident in the UK for the previous ten years. After this period, all UK residents regardless of their domicile status, will be taxed on their worldwide income.
This shift, expected to raise billions in additional revenue, is being hailed as a move towards greater equality in the tax system, especially as non-doms have long been perceived to benefit from generous tax breaks unavailable to ordinary UK taxpayers. But the transition is not without complexity, and stakeholders across the political and financial spectrum are already weighing in.
What’s Changing in April 2025?
The non-dom regime, which allowed foreign nationals residing in the UK to pay tax only on UK income and any foreign income they brought into the country, will officially end on 6 April 2025.
It will be replaced by a residence-based tax system. Under the new framework, anyone who has been a non-resident for the past 10 years can benefit from a four-year tax exemption on their foreign income and gains, starting from their first year of UK residence.
After the four-year grace period, those individuals will be subject to UK tax on their worldwide income and gains, regardless of where the income arises.
Why Is the Non-Dom System Being Scrapped?
The non-dom regime has faced years of criticism for enabling the ultra-wealthy to live in the UK while avoiding tax on their global income.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the change would ensure “a fairer tax system where everyone pays their share,” while preserving the UK’s appeal to international talent. The reform is also a response to political pressure and public scrutiny over tax fairness, particularly after revelations about public figures benefiting from the regime.
Transitional Rules and What They Mean
To ease the transition, the government will introduce special transitional arrangements.
Non-doms already living in the UK before 6 April 2025 will be offered time-limited reliefs, including a temporary 50% exemption on foreign income for the 2025/26 tax year. There will also be an option to rebase foreign capital assets to their value as of 5 April 2019, helping mitigate large capital gains tax bills when selling non-UK assets.
A two-year window will also be offered to encourage repatriation of foreign income to the UK with more favourable tax treatment.
How Will It Impact the UK Economy?
The Treasury estimates this change could raise over £2.7 billion in tax revenue within the first five years.
By aligning the UK’s tax rules more closely with global norms, the government hopes to increase compliance, remove loopholes, and reinforce the UK’s international reputation. However, critics warn the changes may lead to an exodus of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and some family offices.
Who Will Benefit from the 4-Year Exemption?
The four-year exemption will benefit new UK arrivals who haven’t lived in the UK for a decade.
These individuals can use the exemption to build their lives in the UK without immediate exposure to UK tax on overseas earnings or capital gains. It’s especially useful for professionals relocating to the UK for work, provided they plan their affairs properly during the exemption window.
The End of “Clean Capital” and Offshore Trust Advantages
One significant consequence is the removal of clean capital protections. Under the current rules, non-doms could use ‘clean capital’ (foreign income or gains acquired before becoming UK-resident) without triggering tax.
After April 2025, all non-doms will lose the ability to segregate clean capital unless they qualify for the new four-year regime. Offshore trusts set up before becoming UK-resident may also lose key protections, particularly if new contributions are made post-reform.
Fun Fact
The UK’s non-dom tax regime, introduced in 1799 to attract wealthy foreigners, offered favourable tax treatment for over 200 years.
Now, for the first time, it's being scrapped and replaced with a residence-based system, bringing the UK in line with global norms.
Conclusion
The end of the UK’s non-dom tax regime signals a new era of fairness and transparency in the tax system. While the existing rules have benefited a select group of international elites, they have increasingly been viewed as outdated and unfair, especially in the context of growing inequality and public sector underfunding.
The new residence-based system aims to level the playing field, while still encouraging global talent through a generous four-year exemption period. However, these reforms come with complexity, and those affected should seek professional advice to plan for the changes.
As the April 2025 implementation date approaches, expect further guidance from HMRC and possibly further tweaks depending on the outcome of the next general election.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the non-dom regime?
The non-dom regime allowed UK residents with foreign domiciles to pay UK tax only on their UK income and foreign income brought into the country (remitted).
When will the non-dom regime end?
It will officially be abolished from 6 April 2025, transitioning to a residence-based system.
Who qualifies for the new 4-year exemption?
Anyone who has been non-resident in the UK for the past 10 years qualifies for a four-year exemption on foreign income and gains upon moving to the UK.
Will current non-doms lose tax benefits immediately?
Not immediately. Transitional reliefs will be available for existing non-doms during the 2025/26 tax year, including a 50% exemption and asset rebasing.
What happens to offshore trusts under the new rules?
Offshore trusts will lose many protections if new funds are added after 6 April 2025, potentially exposing income and gains to UK tax.
