Am I a resident of the UK ?

Question

I pay UK tax and hold a UK passport but live abroad outside of the EU. I'm not a resident in this country and only remain here as long as I qualify for a visa. I applied to open a Nationwide Flexicurrent account but they declined saying I'm not a resident of the UK. So they say I have to open a International account, which I do not want. My country of abode doesn't see me as a resident. My country of origin doesn't see me as a resident. So therefore where legally do I reside ?
By the way the reason why I want a Flexi account is because I can use the Debit Card to withdraw money here without suffering any add on penalties. Where as transfering money via banks does.

Answer 1

Whoever refused to allow you to open the account has already answered your question,so why do you need to be told again?You're not a resident of the UK.You've been out over a certain length of time,so you're no longer a resident.You've just come across one effect of this,you'll come across others if you ever go home and try to get free health care,unemployment benefit,and so on.As for your other question,you're presently a resident of your country of abode,albeit a temporary resident.You do seem a little perturbed about not having permanent residency anywhere,frankly I've been in the same boat for more than twenty years and I can't see that it makes any difference.

Answer 2

If you need to open a bank account in the UK without being a resident here HSBC offers a so-called 'Passport Account' for one year though.

Living between countries does this to you and the system everywhere was not made with the 'mobiles' in mind. Someone at some point will start noticing that there is a large market out there for mobile people and will want to capitalize on it, let's see who will do it first.

Answer 3

I'm in exactly the same situation.
I have been away from the UK for over 10 years now. Because my bank account has not been used for over 2 years, the account gets frozen (apparently normal procedures)

I was told that I need an address in the UK. I gave them my parents address but it was not enough. They need a utility bill with my name on it.

Please let me know the outcome as I would also love to open an account in the UK.

Answer 4

Maintain your UK bank account by 'living' at your parents ... (make sure they put you down for the Voters Register)

Once it's 'lapsed' it can be more tricky (since they now suspect you are not resident in UK) ... perhaps your UK Driving Licence has your parents address on it ? Or perhaps they could put something in your name ? (eg. TV Licence)

If you still have a UK Passport and Driving Licence this should be enough to allow you to open a new account (at your parents address) ..