When you’re choosing where to move, it helps to think about what you want your daily life to look like, not just looking at a map. So this includes:
Realistically, the money and administrative work involved are going to set the tone here because life abroad turns real – not just an extended holiday anymore – when your first rent bill is due. So you need to check everything from income tax bands and typical healthcare costs to how the healthcare system treats newcomers rather than locals who’ve paid in.
And if you’re a parent, you also have to think about international schools. Graduates, on the other hand, have career prospects to think about.
So there is generally a filter you need to run your goals and needs through when you’re picking one of the following locations we’re about to explore:
Spain is probably the most popular option for British expats, and it’s not really a surprise when your biggest push factor away from the UK is the weather. There are even cities in Spain like Benidorm that’s essentially just a ‘little Britain’ – the UK, but in the sun.
But if you want to live somewhere with a bit more culture and push yourself out of your comfort zone, you’ve got beautiful cities like Madrid and Barcelona that both offer great opportunities for work and nightlife. That keeps a lot of British expats returning.
Needless to say, the official language here is Spanish, but English still circulates in most expat circles, and you’ll undoubtedly find an expat community that helps you learn enough to get by. Spain is a popular expat destination because you can build routines that feel healthy without losing a social life, and the laid-back lifestyle helps long weeks feel lighter.
Portugal might feel like home if you’re someone who likes a lot of wide-open spaces and a more relaxed pace than you’re used to back home. In Lisbon, for instance, you’ll find a massive tech scene, but you’re getting a more crafty vibe in Porto with all its workshops and boutiques.
And then down in the Algarve, you’re now living on the beautiful coastline, which is perfect if you work remotely. Everyone speaks Portuguese, of course, but in cafés and shops around the big cities you’ll often get by in English. That’s handy when you’re just finding your feet.
But before you book a flight and commit to anything, take a look at the visas on offer and choose one that fits your budget and ambitions.
Most British people probably only think of the Netherlands as Amsterdam, or they might’ve passed through Schiphol airport on the way to somewhere else. And while it is the capital on paper and in spirit, places like The Hague and Rotterdam – even some of the smaller towns – all have massive appeal both for your work and social life.
You’ll notice almost everyone cycling between coffee stops and co-working hubs, and your calendar will suddenly have afternoons free for a canal-side stroll.
Fortunately, English gets you through most conversations since Holland has really good English proficiency rates, but learning a bit of Dutch could still unlock a few neighbourhood cafés and small-town chatters you wouldn’t normally have. Good for making friends, too.
Australia manages to somehow be incredibly distant, both culturally and geographically, yet familiar to the UK at the same time. This is probably because of the English speakers and the fact that Brits tend to have a lot more in common culturally with Aussies than they do with Americans, for instance.
As for specific cities, Sydney and Melbourne are your most popular ones, so plenty of great job opportunities and social life there. Brisbane is also worth looking into. Many UK nationals head down under for roles in digital or engineering industries, but end up staying because weekends spent outdoors suddenly become the norm.
Again, English is everywhere, so you won’t wrestle with greetings or grocery lists. The visa process is selective, so match up your job title and qualifications before you go, and you’ll cut out most unwelcome surprises.
The UAE is a bit more of a modern option, but one that’s massively underrated. Abu Dhabi runs as the political centre, but then you’ve got Dubai as the main business city. But both cities pride themselves on swift permit processes when your role fits.
Fortunately, English is the bridge language in offices and malls alike, and with no personal income tax under current rules, you’ll see your pay cheques stretch a little further.
Healthcare tends to be privately funded, while international schools keep your kids on track with systems they already know. For some professions, there’s even a golden visa option, which offers a longer horizon beyond the usual residency cycle.
Some of the locations we’ve touched on give you higher salaries and longer hours, but others tilt more toward calmer commutes and evenings outside.
If you’re a UK national who values a stress-free routine, you might put Portugal and Spain first. If you want heat and direct flights, the UAE fits. For something that overlaps in culture, Australia wins. Again, major cities give you more opportunities, but smaller towns often give back time you forgot you had, so it’s a matter of deciding where your priorities are.
A word on admin before you box your books. The rules that apply to UK citizens shifted after Brexit. Now that you don’t have an EU passport, you’ll have to go through the official immigration routes rather than having freedom of movement.
That change isn’t a door slamming; it just means you plan earlier. If a retirement visa fits your stage, provide funds and health cover. If a work route suits you better, match a job to the permit.
Also, pensions deserve a mention because they’re something you’ll have to think about at some stage. The UK State Pension follows rules on qualifying years and where you live, so read the guidance so the move you make now doesn’t shrink income later.
If you want one place to organise documents and keep your financial profile tidy while you transition, Upscore’s Finance Passport is a massive help! It gives UK residents and UK expats a clear way to present history to landlords and employees and to map obligations so nothing slips.
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