One question that seems to be asked more and more is can someone move to the UK to just go bankrupt? Many EU countries, such as Republic of Ireland/ROI have harsh insolvency laws and we in the UK have much easier laws regarding insolvency and going bankrupt.

So can someone move to the UK to go bankrupt?

Technically yes they could do this, and yes, EU debts can be included in a UK bankruptcy, but while technically you can do this, it is not just as easy as it may sound.

In order to make use of the UK's insolvency laws and go bankrupt, you must first establish residency here in the UK. This means moving and living here for a minimum of six (6) months. Now I know there are some people saying the residency requirement is only three (3) months, but I have received so much conflicting information regarding this time-frame, that six (6) months seems to be your safest bet.

Secondly, in establishing residency here in the UK, you must be able to show the UK is the centre of your interests, or that the majority of your interests are in the UK. This means you live, work, bank, pay taxes, etc, and you can document/prove this. You are not just coming over to go bankrupt, well you may be, but you need to show your intentions are that you do indeed live here.

In filing these types of bankruptcy cases, yes you can include EU debts, but be cautious as these cases are reviewed very closely. It has come to the attention of the insolvency service that many people do view the UK's insolvency laws as less harsh than other countries and do come here as a "bankruptcy tourist".

So while a person can move to the UK and make use of our insolvency laws, it is not just as simple as packing a bag, hopping on a plane, and coming to the new insolvency world.