With the Jacksonville Jaguars’ recent yearly visit to their London base at Wembley Stadium, we are reminded just how international people’s lives and careers have become. While this tradition is a highlight for UK-based NFL fans, it also reflects the reality for many professionals who move across borders for work. Among them are sportspeople, who often find themselves with one foot in their home country and another in their new home.
This was a consideration recently made by Louis Rees-Zammit. After a successful rugby career in the UK, Louis made the leap to move to the US and join the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, experiencing firsthand the complexities and excitement of building a life and a career in a new country.
Just as athletes must adapt to new teams, leagues, and cultures, anyone relocating internationally needs to be prepared to manage new systems and expectations.
Planning is essential for a smooth transition. Much like a sports professional adapting to new surroundings, preparing in advance across these five critical areas can make all the difference:
Start early: Research visa options, understand timelines and document requirements, and prepare for the complexity of US immigration.
Cross-border finances require reviewing UK assets, pension schemes, and anticipating US tax obligations. Proactive investment restructuring before US tax residency can help optimise your position.
The US market is different from the UK; factor in whether to rent or buy, local market conditions, mortgage rates, and associated tax implications.
Arrange private health insurance and explore schools, neighbourhoods, and community resources to help your family settle in seamlessly.
UK credit history doesn’t transfer; establish US banking relationships early, and confirm with UK banks their policies post-residency.
International relocations, like shifts for athletes playing at Wembley or in Jacksonville, inevitably come with challenges. Awareness of common pitfalls, especially regarding finances and taxation, can make your move much smoother.
For example, non-US collective investments, such as UK-based funds or Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs!) , often face higher tax rates in the US due to Passive Foreign Investment Company (“PFIC”) rules. Similarly, UK tax-advantaged structures like Individual Savings Accounts (“ISAs”) and investment bonds are not recognised by US tax authorities and can even be penalised. If you are planning to sell your UK main residence after becoming a US resident, it is important to note that while the UK’s Primary Residence relief may exempt you from capital gains tax, the US applies different rules for excluding gains on a primary home.
Tax reporting can also become complicated, as UK tax statements typically do not align with US reporting periods or currency requirements, making your US tax returns more complex. Additionally, non-US company and trust structures can be surprisingly tax-inefficient and may add to your administrative burden.
Planning ahead and understanding these issues, as Louis would have had to do in his own international journey, can help prevent headaches and ensure your transition is as seamless as possible.
Louis Rees-Zammit’s move from UK rugby to the Jacksonville Jaguars is a true example of adapting, and thriving, in an international setting. His transition underscores the importance of preparation, guidance, and flexibility when starting a new chapter abroad.
At LGT Wealth Management US, we help US connected people confidently manage every facet of an international move, so you can focus on embracing your next opportunity without hesitation.
Learn more about our partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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