With the cost of living rising in the UK and the increase in taxes, there are millions of Brits who are now opting for a life abroad, but what are the best countries to move to?
It’s estimated that there’s over five million Brits living overseas, whether they’ve opted for a tax haven, retired to a sunnier climate or started a new life with their family.
Here we examine the best countries to move to from the UK, looking at the culture in each country, job opportunities, the cost of living and the standard of living.
Where can I live with a British passport after Brexit?
Before we look at the exciting places you could move to, let’s take a look at the rules around moving to a foreign country after Brexit.
After Brexit, the UK no longer has special status with other European countries, which now marks us as a ‘third country’. This basically means we are a nation outside of the European Union.
You will still be able to stay in one or more EU member states for up to 90 days of any 180 day period without too much trouble, but moving to Europe may mean you need a visa. To gain a visa you will need to meet specific requirements for the country you wish to emigrate to.
It’s best to check with the UK embassy to find out all the information you need to know about moving to a specific place, including whether your qualifications such as degrees and diplomas are recognised in the EU if you are moving for work purposes.
If you move or retire abroad, you’ll need to tell the relevant government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax.
Best places to move to from the UK
Spain
Whilst it may seem cliche for a Brit to move to Spain, there’s plenty of reasons why thousands move to our European neighbours each year.
Around 750,000 Brits now live in Spain and the country has become accustomed to the British way of life, with many moving to the south for the warmer climate. Thanks to so many of us living there, you’ll find it easy to fit in your new surroundings. There are many English bars, restaurants and even residencies that are little British community hubs.
But people don’t just move there for familiarity. Spanish culture is known for its relaxed way of life, extraordinary restaurants, wine, amazing weather, tons of beaches, dancing and a host of vibrant festivals. It’s also a country rich with sport, where it’s home to one of the most popular football leagues in the world (La Liga), as well as a love of basketball, tennis, cycling and handball.
The working day is also different with many leaving work early for a siesta to avoid the intense mid-day heat. Whilst this may be a huge plus, the negative side is your sleep means you will resume work later in the day and finish around 7 or 8pm, in other words two-three hours longer than the UK traditionally.
Another factor you will need to consider is the job market. Whilst Spain is a tremendous place to work, the job market is not as good as other European countries, with a higher than average unemployment rate.
However, if you have already secured a job before emigrating, then Spain is a fantastic place to live, due to the reasonable price of property and everyday essentials such as food and utility bills, especially in rural areas, with some experts estimating it could be up to 20% cheaper than living in the UK. Of course, if you are moving to a major city such as Madrid, Valencia or Barcelona, the prices will be dearer.
Similarly for retirees, Spain can be a great option. It’s close enough to the UK to fly home and see friends and family, whilst also being able to live in the sunshine for most of the year. It’s estimated there are over 100,000 Brits who have retired to the Spanish Isles. If you are looking to retire in Spain, you will need a ‘non-lucrative visa’, in essence, this is to prove that you are able to financially support yourself after moving. You will also need a criminal record check and a medical certificate.
Once you’ve moved to Spain it’s important to get health insurance as it’s a prerequisite before moving. Unlike the NHS in the UK, healthcare is not entirely free, so be sure to get arranged health cover. Despite having to pay, you can be safe in the knowledge that Spanish healthcare is fantastic.
If you are moving with a family, education will be high on your list of priorities. This is another area where Spain ranks well. Generally the educational system is considered very good, and if you don’t wish to enroll your child in a Spanish school, or are concerned they may fall behind due to not knowing the language, there are plenty of international schools for them to join whilst they learn a new language in their own time.
It’s also worth noting that Spain has very different rules when it comes to driving. Luckily we have a guide on how to drive in Spain.
France
If you fancy moving somewhere abroad, but only feel like moving a short distance, like say the English channel, then France is ideal for you. There are around 200,000 of us Brits who have moved to our French neighbours.
With landmarks galore, famous cuisine, a love of art and culture and a language that some considered a native tongue for love, France has a lot to offer. Much like the UK, there is a distinct difference between the north and south. Northern regions are more like Britain where they share many similarities given their similar Norman ancestry with big metropolitan cities and protestant beliefs, whilst in the south the way of life is more laid back and rural, filled with catholic and Mediterranean influences.
France has an extremely strong economy, despite unemployment sitting at around 7.5%. However, there are a number of areas where skilled workers in IT and engineering are being sought after with well paid jobs. The French have come through difficult financial times to be one of the strongest economic powers in the world.
Just like Spain, due to Britain leaving the EU, you will need to apply for a work permit and long-stay visa if you decide to move there. In most cases, your employer will sort this for you if you are moving for a job, but be aware that you will need to prove you have sufficient income to support yourself.
Whilst France might not be one of the cheapest places to live in the world, again it’s cheaper than living in the UK. Unless you’re moving to a major city like Paris or Marseille. However, consumer prices are generally cheaper along with rent.
Also like Spain, France is a popular place for Brits to retire to, given the close proximity of the country, and warm weather in summer months, particularly in the southern region. As mentioned previously Britain has now left the EU, which means you will need a long-stay visa to move there, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and a residence permit known as a carte de sejour.
France has a state-funded healthcare system like the NHS and is world renowned for its excellent service. But like Spain, it’s not entirely free and as an expat you will be expected to have health insurance. You may be required to pay for some treatments upfront before claiming back on your state insurance fund.
Our European neighbours have a great track-record for education. Its position in the world rankings may have slipped recently, but it is still one of the best educational programmes in the world. Like Spain, lessons will of course be taught in another language, so you may wish to enroll your child in an international or English speaking school whilst they get up to speed learning French.
USA
The US may be one of the easiest countries to move to when it comes to the language barrier, even though they do use some different words compared to Brits.
Like Britain, the USA is multicultural and full of diverse communities that all bring their own culture to the country. Including over half a million Brits who have moved there.
America is home to one of the greatest cities in the world, New York, Hollywood and due to its vast distance, there’s plenty of natural sites to visit such as the Grand Canyon, the hills in Napa Valley, snowy mountains in Colorado, beautiful sandy beaches in Florida and the deserts of Arizona.
The food may be rather on the large side, and whilst Americans are not known for their own food, they have incorporated immigrants’ food in their day-to-day lives. Overall the culture shock will be minimal moving to the US.
Unemployment rates in the US are also remarkably low despite the giant population, sitting at around 4.1%. And whilst the job market is strong, it’s also been cooling down in recent months, with growth slowly dying off. In order to work in America you will need a valid visa, which is usually applied for or helped with by your employer. However, it’s worth noting these can take a long time to receive. You may also need certain qualifications depending on the industry you are in. After five years of living in the US, you will be able to apply for a Green Card to become an American citizen.
However, the US is not a cheap country to live in. Of course, it depends on which state you live in, with many to choose from, but housing, education and healthcare are all big outlays for anyone living in the country, and that’s before you look at utility bills and food.
If you’re looking to retire in a foreign country, then the US will not be ideal or one many would recommend. As an expat, you’d be better off working and gaining a Green Card to become a nationalised citizen rather than uprooting across the world. You can apply for the EB-5 program, but you would need to make an investment of around one million dollars.
As you may already know the USA has an entirely private healthcare model, and is extremely expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. A lot of companies offer sponsored healthcare plans, but you will probably need your own private policy too. As an expat we’d recommend you get global health insurance.
The US, despite popular belief, often ranks as one of the best countries in the world for education, particularly higher education. However, if you’re looking to move with smaller children, you may wish to do your research before moving as the elementary (primary) schools can be vastly different in quality. College is also extremely expensive.
Italy
The country that’s given us more designer brands and handbags than anyone else, along with pizza, pasta, gelato, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Serie A. Italy has given the world so much, and that’s before you think about the stunning landscapes, wineries and landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can see why so many expats move here.
With bustling cities in the north like Milan and Turin known for their commercial strength, whilst the southern region has the wonderful cities of Naples and Rome steeped in culture and a beautiful Mediterranean way of life with a heavy focus on tourism, it’s great place to move for those looking to take the next step in their careers or to retire too.
The job market is not particularly great for those who are younger, but if you’ve got experience and are looking for a new adventure, now could be the perfect time to move there due to its growing economy, especially if you work in sectors such as technology and manufacturing.
Italy also has strong employment laws which limit you to working 40 hours per week, perfect for a good work-life balance.
Compared to other countries in Western Europe, and indeed the western world, Italy is considerably cheaper to live in. Rent and housing can range, especially in larger cities, but it is generally on the cheaper side and very affordable when looking at your salary or paycheck. Day-to-day expenses are also less expensive too. You will not need to take out a mortgage to buy a coffee there like you do in the UK.
Italy is not as popular to retire in as much as Spain and France, but it’s a great option. Now Britain has left the EU, you will need a long-stay visa, and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
The country has a publicly funded healthcare system called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) which delegates services to local and regional providers. Italy’s healthcare system is one of the best in the world, with basic medical care being free. However, more complicated and long-term procedures will need paying for.
Italy’s education system is considered good, with state education compulsory for those aged between six and 16.
It’s also worth noting that the country has very different rules when it comes to driving. Luckily we have a guide on how to drive in Italy.
New Zealand
When people think of emigrating to Oceania, most will think of moving to Australia, so it may surprise you that there are estimated to be nearly 300,000 Brits living in New Zealand, which is by far the largest immigrant community they have.
New Zealand is split in two, with the north and south islands making up the country. A lot of expats will naturally opt to move to the major cities of Auckland and Wellington, where top-notch healthcare and great schools are located.
The country is known for its laid back persona, beautiful landscapes and of course beautiful warm weather compared to the UK. But unlike their neighbours Australia, the colder months in New Zealand are much milder due to being close to the south pole. English is also one of the main languages spoken here, making it a lot easier to settle.
Moving here can be a lot easier than moving to Australia, despite both countries using a points based system for immigrants, New Zealand is slightly more generous towards UK expats for giving a seal of approval.
The country has a relatively strong economy which has been growing in recent years. If you are a skilled worker in one of the following sectors; healthcare, IT or construction, this is a great time to move to the country.
A big drawback to moving to New Zealand is the cost of living. Due to its remote location the country does not receive as many imports as other parts of the world that are more connected. This in turn increases the cost of living.
Similar to moving to New Zealand, retiring there can be tricky, as you will need to meet the threshold on the visa requirements in the points based system.
They generally have a good, publicly-funded healthcare system, accessible free or at low cost to permanent residents and some work visa holders, with well-trained doctors and equipped hospitals.
When it comes to education, they have a slightly different approach than those in the western world. They put an emphasis on practical learning rather than just being textbook smart, which clearly works for them as they have an internationally recognised educational system that is among the best in the world.
Portugal
Portugal is a growing hotspot for UK expats due to its warm weather, affordability and amazing natural scenery. We currently have the second largest immigrant community in Portugal, and it keeps growing.
Portuguese people are friendly and warm, which makes it an easy place to settle. Lisbon and the Algarve are naturally two of the most popular places for Brits to move to. Portugal is also often listed as one of the safest countries in the world.
Learning the language can be tricky, but if you have a grasp on Spanish from your GCSEs you will be able to understand the majority of what is being spoken and can communicate before you adjust to the language barrier.
Like the other European countries on this list you will need a long-stay visa, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
Portugal offers a mix of opportunities and challenges for job seekers, with a relatively stable economy and low cost of living. However, a lot of jobs will require you to speak Portuguese, especially outside of the tourism hotspots of Lisbon and Porto.
The good news is that it’s a lot cheaper to live here than any other country on this list, and it’s not just the day-to-day essentials that are less expensive either. Rent and houses are generally a lot less than in the UK, with many expats able to buy a lovely place to live with scenic views.
Similar to moving for work, if you wish to retire in Portugal, you will need to get a new visa since the UK left the EU, which shouldn’t be too hard to acquire. And it’s easy to see why so many choose to spend the last few decades of their life here.
The Portuguese healthcare system is universal and tax-funded, providing access to healthcare for all residents. Whilst it faces some challenges due to less spending from the government, it is generally considered good quality.
Education is also good, but you may wish to send your children to an international school rather than enroll in a Portuguese speaking one, especially when first moving.
Dubai/United Arab Emirates
The city of Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, has fast become a popular place for expats to move to. Not just because it’s a tax haven, but because of gorgeous weather, ultra luxurious apartments and modern skyscrapers.
In order to move to Dubai you will need a work or residency permit to move there which means you will need to either secure a job in the country before moving or have secure plans to set up a business there.
Dubai is a melting pot of expatriates from all over the world, including around 250,000 Brits, making it a wonderful multicultural city. At its roots it is an Arabic nation, which will be a slightly different culture to the one in the UK. Due to the number of English speakers in the city, you will not face a language barrier, but it is always best to learn and try to integrate a nation’s native tongue whilst living abroad, so we’d recommend learning Arabic.
Like London, there are so many activities to do in Dubai that you will never get bored, with so many leisure activities to take part in, along with swimming pools and high temperatures, what is not to like?
Unlike the UK on many fronts, the job market in Dubai comes with so many benefits, not just because the wage you earn will be tax free, but because you are often paid a high salary. However, you can expect to pay slightly more for your cost of living and your accommodation. This though can be offset by the money you earn, which in turn means you can earn more than what you get paid in the UK.
Retiring in Dubai as a Brit is achievable, but requires meeting specific criteria for a Retirement Visa, including age where you need to be 55 or over, sufficient income or savings, or property ownership in Dubai, and involves navigating the UAE’s visa application process.
Dubai is known for having one of the best public healthcare systems in the world. However, unlike the UK where we have the NHS which is free for all citizens, you will have to pay for private international health insurance when living in the UAE, which is mandatory for all who live there.
Many schools in Dubai offer international curriculums like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or British and American systems, providing students with a globally recognized education.
European car insurance and breakdown cover
If you’re planning on driving in Europe you will need to ensure you have the right European car insurance to give you peace of mind should the worst happen.
No matter the vehicle, make sure to take our breakdown insurance with you. It costs from as little as £46.80 a year. Read this blog to discover the true cost of not having breakdown cover.
Sterling also has a range of car insurance policies for every sort of car, van and campervan, with prices starting from £125 a year and EU cover available. Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quote or request a callback at a time better suited to you.
