Can I purchase unit trusts in the UK?

Question

I have been a UK expatriate for approximately 8 years, spending no more than 8 weeks in the UK over that period. I will be returning to the UK this year for a short period, no more than 3 months before returning oversees, and will be living in my PPR which was previously on a long term lease. Can I purchase unit trusts in the UK? Will I be liable for any tax in the years to come if I am still an expatriate?
Thanks

Answer 1

Yes you can buy shares and unit trusts in the UK.
Your tax liability will depend on your country of residence/domicile. This is probably not the UK.
(I assume that you have established a domicile of choice in your country of residence.)

Answer 2

From what you say you will remain an ex-pat and not liable to UK Tax.

Many international financial institutions operating out of UK (eg Legal & General = see link) are happy to open accounts for non-UK residents - indeed in some cases [for example Santandar (Spain) ] a foreign institution may actually have taken over a UK one (Abby National) along with it's customers - and you may purchase investments via that account.

If you are asking, will a UK branch open you a UK account, I would say 'no' (you have to prove UK residence and this means having a UK address).

NB. You would need to complete a NOR (not ordinarily resident ) form in order to have your Unit Trust income paid without deduction of UK Tax.