Snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan’s move to Hong Kong could save him from UK tax reform: experts

English snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan’s decision to become a Hong Kong resident has been hailed by personal finance experts as a timely move that could exempt him from looming tax status reform in the United Kingdom.

But one expert said the seven-time champion would have to renounce his British citizenship to avoid the full impact of tax reform, which will also soon affect Hong Kongers who have settled in the country using a special citizenship route.

O’Sullivan entered the financial hub last Wednesday to become a resident at a time when UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the country’s biggest tax rise since 1993, while confirming the end of tax status for non-domiciled persons.

Under the current system, UK taxpayers who choose to be domiciled overseas will not have to pay UK taxes on income and capital gains earned outside the country unless they are brought back to the UK.

But the system from April next year will only take into account the residence of taxpayers, meaning anyone living in the UK will be taxed on all their income and gains, regardless of where they are earned.

O’Sullivan was granted residency in Hong Kong under the Quality Migrant Scheme.