Going to live abroad is a major decision to take. It makes sense to get a wide range of information and advice to help you plan and make sure the move goes smoothly.

Before you go, you should:

• Make sure you have a valid passport, any visas you might need and a full health plan
• Be clear about your financial situation. For example, find out about tax liability in the UK, social security benefits and National Insurance contributions, and get a pension forecast. Useful websites include the Department for Work and Pensions; HM Revenue and Customs; and Directgov (under 'Britons living abroad’). You can also find out whether offshore banking is appropriate
• Make a will
• Check whether you can continue to vote in UK parliamentary and European parliament elections on the Electoral Commission website
• Find out about accommodation. We can provide lists of lawyers to help you buy property, although we cannot give you legal advice ourselves or get involved in purchases or disputes
• Make sure your car is in line with local regulations and you have the necessary driving permit
• Try to learn the language before you go
• Contact associations and charities for advice. For example, if you are retiring overseas, you could contact Age Concern or Help the Aged. There is also a guide to going abroad for the over-50s on the Saga website. We also have a leaflet called Going to Live Abroad, which you can find on our website
• It sounds obvious but let people know your new address (and any future changes). As well as friends and family you also need to inform the authorities such as HM Revenue and Customs, National Insurance and the Department for Work and Pensions
• When you arrive, register with the local authorities and get a residence permit. You can also register with the local British embassy. You may also need a local bank account
• British nationals who live overseas can receive the same support as visitors
• And you’ll need full travel insurance for your trip, or health care and other appropriate cover if you are living abroad. The Government cannot cover medical costs or refund you for lost property.

There is a charge for some types of consular support. This is to help cover the cost of providing support worldwide. We do not make a profit from these charges.

• The legal age for men to retire in Belgium is 65.
  
  
• For women, it is still 64 but as from 01.01.2009 it will be 65 as well.
  
  
• If you live in Belgium at the time you retire, you should make your application at the National Pensions Office (Rijksdienst voor Pensioenen - Office National des Pensions).  You can make your application up to a year before retirement.  At the time of the application, the only document you need to bring is your residence card/Belgian ID card and your British passport.
  
  
• The main office of the Pensions Service is located in Brussels, but every province has its own local department.  You can find your regional office on the website of the Pension Service.
  
  
• If you are not residing in or moving out of Belgium, your pension can be transferred to any foreign bank account, as long as you inform the Pension Service at least on month in advance.
  
  
• The following websites provide advice and guidance on pensions in Belgium:  www.integrale.be and www.onprvp.fgov.be .
  
  
• For information about UK Pensions, you can consult the following websites:  www.thepensionservice.gov.uk and www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk