Moving Abroad or Travelling During an IVA

Can I Move Abroad During an IVA?

You can travel, and an IVA doesn’t stop you moving abroad. But your IVA continues, and you must keep paying and keep your insolvency practitioner informed.

Last updated: November 2026

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Things to know about IVAs

An IVA is a formal insolvency procedure. It must be approved by your creditors, stays on your credit file for six years, fees are taken from your payments, and debts are only written off if you complete it. It isn’t right for everyone.

Read the key risks

Creditors must approve it. An IVA only goes ahead if creditors holding at least 75% of the debt that is voted agree. Your proposal can be rejected.
Credit file and public register. An IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the start date and is listed on the public Individual Insolvency Register while it runs. Getting credit will be harder.
Spending restrictions and annual reviews. You live on an agreed budget for the length of the IVA (usually 5–6 years). Your income and spending are reviewed each year, and your payment can go up.
Fees. Fees are taken from your monthly payments, so less of what you pay reaches your creditors. How IVA fees work.
Your home. Under the current IVA Protocol, your home isn’t included in the IVA and you won’t be asked to remortgage. If your share of the equity is £10,000 or more, the IVA usually lasts six years instead of five.
If it fails. If you can’t keep up payments the IVA may fail, you would owe the remaining debt again, and the supervisor may petition for your bankruptcy.
Write-off only on completion. Remaining qualifying unsecured debts are only written off if the IVA is completed successfully. Secured debts, court fines, child maintenance, student loans and some other debts can’t be included.
Other options may suit you better. A debt management plan, DRO or bankruptcy may be more suitable. IVAs are available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only; different solutions apply in Scotland.

An IVA doesn’t take away your passport or stop you going on holiday. Moving abroad for good is a bigger step, because your IVA still has to be completed.

The short answer

You can travel on holiday during an IVA, within your agreed budget.
Moving abroad doesn’t end your IVA. Your obligations continue.
Tell your insolvency practitioner before you move.
Your payments will be reassessed based on your income and costs abroad.
Failing to pay or keep in contact can lead to the IVA failing.

Can I go on holiday during an IVA?

Yes. There’s no travel ban. The question is how a holiday is paid for. Your IVA budget is based on reasonable living costs, so expensive trips may be questioned if they suggest you have more spare income than declared. Modest holidays paid for from your agreed budget are generally fine. See IVA living expenses.

What happens if I move abroad?

Your IVA is a binding agreement with creditors in the UK. Moving overseas doesn’t change that. You’ll need to keep paying and keep your insolvency practitioner updated with your address, income and costs. Currency changes and different living costs can affect what you can afford, so your payment may be reviewed.

Could my IVA fail if I move?

It can if payments stop or you lose touch with your supervisor. A failed IVA means your creditors can chase the remaining debt again, and the supervisor may petition for your bankruptcy. Read what happens if my IVA fails.

Common questions

Can I get an IVA if I live abroad?

Usually you need a connection to England, Wales or Northern Ireland, such as living or having a business there. People living overseas should get specialist advice.

Will an IVA stop me getting a passport or visa?

An IVA doesn’t affect your right to a UK passport. Some countries ask about debts or insolvency on visa applications, so check the rules for where you’re going.

Can I work abroad during an IVA?

Yes, but tell your insolvency practitioner. Your foreign income counts towards your IVA payments.

How IVA Advice Online can help

Every situation is different, and an IVA isn’t right for everyone. We can look at your income, spending and debts with you and set out the debt solutions you could qualify for, including options other than an IVA. To talk it through, get in touch.