The UK will wake up in the new year outside the single market and customs union when the transition period ends and this means changes for expats living & working abroad.

Important rights are secured and available for family and business if the opportunities are taken now.

Here are 5 things that expats need to get in order to help ensure a smooth transition for themselves and their families living and working abroad.

1. Register in your country of residency or face non EU immigration visa restrictions.

2. Exchange your driving licence for a licence in your country of residence before the end of transition period or face a new driving test to stay on the road.

3. Check your Medical rights. S1 health care cross-border only continues for expats registered as resident before the end of December 2020 even if retirement is years away.

4. Check your entitlement to ongoing and future social welfare benefits because the EU—UK Social insurance reciprocal agreement ends with Brexit. This may include registering to pay social insurance.

5. Check out your liability to pay cross border invoices with VAT and the customs declarations due by your business because the UK leaves the EU VAT system. VAT will be the same in the UK but no longer part of EU rules. Cross border rules won’t apply. Rates and conditions can change.