How to Claim Unclaimed Money If You've Moved to Another Country

Moving to another country doesn't mean you lose access to money left behind in bank accounts, pensions, or government holdings in your home country. You can search and claim unclaimed money from abroad — the process is mostly the same, with a few extra steps for international verification.

Step 1: Search From Wherever You Are

All the major unclaimed property databases are accessible online from anywhere in the world:

• US: MissingMoney.com (multi-state) and individual state websites
• UK: mylostaccount.org.uk (bank accounts), gov.uk/find-unclaimed-court-money
• Australia: moneysmart.gov.au (ASIC unclaimed money), ATO for super
• Canada: Canada.ca (Bank of Canada unclaimed balances)

Search using your full name, all previous names (including maiden name if applicable), and your old addresses. Your current overseas address is irrelevant for the search — use whatever address was on file at the time the account became dormant.

Step 2: File the Claim Online

Most jurisdictions now allow claims to be filed entirely online, which is ideal for overseas claimants. The challenge comes at the identity verification stage.

Identity Verification From Abroad

This is where international claims get slightly more complex. States and countries handle remote identity verification differently:

United States

Many US states accept digital document uploads (scans of passport, driver's licence). For larger claims, some states require documents to be notarised. If you're abroad, you can get US documents notarised at:

• The nearest US Embassy or Consulate — they offer notary services for a small fee
• A local notary in your country of residence whose notarisation is apostilled (certified for international use) — the Apostille Convention applies between most countries

United Kingdom

UK bank accounts and NS&I claims typically require certified copies of identity documents. These can be certified by a solicitor, notary public, or at a UK Embassy. UK banks also increasingly accept identity verification through their app or online banking portal if you still have access.

Australia

ASIC accepts certified copies of identity documents. Documents from overseas must be certified by a notary public, Justice of the Peace equivalent, or Australian consular officer. ATO superannuation claims can often be processed through myGov with an overseas address.

Bank Account for the Payout

Most states and countries will pay into a bank account. Some accept international bank accounts (with IBAN/SWIFT details); others only pay to domestic accounts. If you don't have a domestic account, options include:

• Receiving a cheque sent to an address you control (a family member's address, for example)
• Opening a digital bank account with a domestic presence (Wise, Revolut, and similar services often offer local account details)
• Asking the unclaimed property office if international wire transfer is available for larger amounts

Don't Forget Superannuation (Australia)

If you worked in Australia and contributed to superannuation, those funds are preserved even if you've since moved overseas. You may be able to withdraw your super as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) if you held a temporary visa when you worked there. Visit the ATO website to apply.

Tax Implications

Be aware that receiving unclaimed money from abroad may have tax implications in your country of residence. In most cases the principal amount (the original deposit) is not taxable, but interest or investment gains may be. Consult a tax adviser in both your home country and country of residence if the amount is significant.