Hello friends,

We are looking to move back to the UK from the Middle East mainly to position my son (who is in Yr 5 at the moment) for Secondary school. My wife is pregnant with the second child and expected to deliver here in August. The plan is to temporarily relocate (in September) with my son after the delivery, and my wife will move with the new born in November. The house search is in progress and we should be able to get a house soon in the target school catchment.

While in the UK, I am intending to work for my employer in the Middle East (work from home for limited period), and once the family settles down completely in the UK, I return back to the Middle East to continue at least until March 2022. My commitment in the current project will continue for some time.

The house agreement, utilities, and council tax will be under my name. Once my wife returns to the UK, probably I will add her name into the account.

I am aware of the Statutory Residence Test (SRT) requirements and would limit the number of working days and my stay in the UK to retain the expat status.

The question is, whether I am allowed to do the school applications and register my some with GP as an expat. Are there any issues with the above arrangement from Income Tax point of view.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

May I know what is the maximum number of days one can stay in the UK (without working in the UK) and still qualify as an expat for tax purposes?

Thanks

I think it depends on whether you own or have a home