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Monday 23/02/2026

Reform UK Proposes £250,000 Fee for Non-Doms to Boost Economy

Golden Britannia Card with coins and luxury homes on UK flag
Daniel RiveraDaniel Rivera

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Reform UK proposes a £250,000 fee for non-doms to avoid certain UK taxes, with proceeds aiding low-income workers.
  • The plan, led by Nigel Farage, aims to attract wealthy individuals back to the UK, offering tax exemptions on foreign income and inheritance.
  • Labour criticizes the proposal as a "billionaires' bonanza," warning it could create a £34bn revenue gap over five years.
  • Reform UK estimates the policy could generate £1.5bn to £2.5bn annually, providing a £600 to £1,000 dividend to low-paid workers.
  • Critics argue the policy might not attract enough wealthy individuals and could lead to increased property prices in London.

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has unveiled a controversial proposal allowing non-domiciled individuals to pay a £250,000 fee to avoid certain UK taxes. The plan, which aims to attract wealthy individuals back to the UK, has sparked debate over its potential economic impact and fairness.

A New Tax Regime for Non-Doms

Under the proposed scheme, non-doms—those who live in the UK but have their permanent home abroad for tax purposes—could purchase a "Britannia Card." This card would exempt them from UK taxes on foreign income, capital gains, and inheritance for ten years. The initiative is designed to lure back affluent individuals who have left the UK, encouraging them to invest and create jobs domestically.

Economic Implications and Criticisms

Reform UK estimates that the policy could raise between £1.5bn and £2.5bn annually. This revenue would be distributed as a tax-free dividend of £600 to £1,000 to the lowest-paid 10% of full-time workers. However, Labour Party officials, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, have criticized the plan as a "billionaires' bonanza," arguing it could create a £34bn revenue shortfall over five years. Critics also warn that the policy might not attract enough wealthy individuals and could lead to increased property prices in London.

Support and Skepticism

Nigel Farage defended the proposal, asserting that it would not only bring back wealthy individuals but also ensure they contribute significantly through other taxes like stamp duty and VAT. He dismissed concerns about the policy's sustainability, suggesting that the initial fee is just a fraction of the potential economic benefits. Nonetheless, tax expert Dan Neidle cautioned that the policy might not achieve its intended uptake, as the very wealthy may doubt its longevity.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

If implemented, Reform UK's proposal could reshape the UK's tax landscape, potentially attracting a wave of wealthy individuals. However, the plan's success hinges on its ability to deliver the promised economic benefits without exacerbating income inequality or housing market pressures. Should the policy fail to attract sufficient interest, the UK could face a significant revenue gap, forcing the government to explore alternative fiscal measures. As the debate unfolds, the proposal's impact on the UK's socio-economic fabric remains a critical point of contention.