SE70225 - Tax treatment of seafarers: 'residence' status of seafarers

The same legal principles apply in deciding the residence status of a seafarer as apply in the case of any other individual. At one time, seafarers absent on 'foreign going service' were subject to considerations which were not necessarily applicable to persons employed abroad on land. But over the years the distinctions between seafarers and other individuals have been eroded. The rules followed in deciding the residence status of a seafarer in the main now follow the normal pattern.

While certain cases may call for a closer examination of their particular facts in relation to the legal principles involved, the rules set out in SE70230 - SE70235 should be applied generally.

Where difficulty arises concerning a seafarer's residence status, you should refer the case to the Centre for Non-Residents.