Best countries to move to from the UK

If you’re planning to move abroad, you might wonder where other UK expats choose to go. Some countries are popular for their cultural similarities, while others attract those looking for a completely different experience.

To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of the best countries to move to from the UK. You'll find information on emigration trends, cost of living and more.

Where do the majority of Brits emigrate to?

Some of the most popular countries for British expats include Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. When it comes to the EU, Brits usually choose Spain, Portugal and Ireland.¹

It’s estimated that around 1.3 million UK citizens reside in the EU. When Brexit was announced, the number of Brits acquiring EU passports skyrocketed, but it has since slowed down.¹

This was particularly visible in Spain back in 2022, where the number of British expats tripled in a year.²

8 best countries to move to from the UK

British expats live all over the world, but some destinations are more popular than others. Here are some of the best countries to move to from the UK:

Australia

• No language barrier, so finding employment and meeting new people will be easier
• If having a British community is important to you, over a million of them have already moved to Australia³
• The cost of living in Australia is comparable to that of the UK⁴
• Getting a permanent visa can be tricky

📚 Moving to Australia from the UK

Canada

• English is spoken in most of the country
• More than 20% of the population are foreigners³
• Excellent universal healthcare³
• The Canadian educational system is one of the best in the world³
• The cost of living in Canada is similar to that of the UK⁵

📚 Moving to Canada from the UK

New Zealand

• One of the requirements for a work visa is meeting certain language criteria, which gives you an advantage³
• Brits are the largest expat community³
• A great balance between large cities and stunning nature
• The cost of living in New Zealand is lower than in the UK⁷
• Strong economy

📚 Moving to New Zealand from the UK

Portugal

• Friendly locals and a mild climate
• The cost of living is much lower compared to the UK⁸
• Close to the UK with good flight connections
• The Golden Visa is still an option for moving to Portugal⁹
• You’ll likely need to learn Portuguese if you move permanently

📚 Moving to Portugal from the UK

Spain

• Largest British community in Europe³
• Close to the UK, so visiting won’t be an issue
• Warm climate and a laid-back lifestyle
• The cost of living is lower than in the UK⁹
• There’s a language barrier, so you’ll need to learn Spanish

📚 Moving to Spain from the UK

Ireland

• Close to the UK and well connected
• Part of the Common Travel Area with the UK, so you can live, work and study without a visa¹⁰
• There’s no language barrier as almost everyone speaks English
• The cost of everything is higher on average, including rent¹¹

📚 Moving to Ireland from the UK

The USA

• No language barrier
• Close to 700,000 British expats live there³
• Numerous work opportunities
• Cultural diversity
• The cost of living is high compared to the UK¹²

📚 Moving to the US from the UK

Best place to emigrate to from the UK with a family

When selecting a future home for your family, key factors to consider are safety, affordability and educational opportunities. One of the best places to emigrate to from the UK with a family is Portugal, thanks to its low childcare costs, affordable housing and good flight connections to the UK.¹³

Next are Sweden, Italy, Spain and Finland, all of which offer excellent universities and a strong work-life balance.¹³

Save on your relocation costs with Wise

We’ve covered some of the best places for British expats worldwide. Ultimately, the best country for you will depend on your priorities, whether that’s affordability, quality of life or cultural diversity.

And if you're looking for a safe and cost-effective way to manage your finances when you move, consider opening a Wise account. It’s an alternative to a bank account, allowing you to manage your money in over 40+ currencies.

Wise can also help you save money on covering rent, moving costs and visa expenses. You’ll pay low, transparent fees* and receive the mid-market exchange rate with no markup.

Remember, if you’re moving overseas or starting a new life in another country, Wise can also help with sending or receiving large amounts, our dedicated team of experts are ready to help with every step of your transfer. Simply email us or request a call back below.

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FAQs on moving abroad from the UK

Let’s answer some common questions about moving abroad:

What is the easiest country to move to from the UK?

One of the easiest countries to move to is Ireland. Both the UK and Ireland are part of the Common Travel Area, so you won’t need a visa to live there.¹⁴

Where is considered the cheapest place for Brits to emigrate to?

Your money could stretch further if you move to countries like Portugal, Spain, or Vietnam.¹⁴

What do you need to move abroad with a pet?

Your pet will typically need proof of vaccination and a pet passport, but be sure to check the requirements for each country.

Sources used:

1. Immigrant Invest - moving abroad from the UK
2. Majorca Daily Bulletin - British community explodes in Spain
3. Britannia Movers - best places to move to from the UK
4. Numbeo - cost of living in Australia vs the UK
5. Numbeo - cost of living in Canada vs the UK
6. Numbeo - cost of living in New Zealand vs the UK
7. Numbeo - cost of living in Portugal vs the UK
8. Global Citizens Solution - Portugal Golden visa
9. Numbeo - cost of living in Spain vs the UK
10. Immigration Advice Service - countries to move to from the UK
11. Numbeo - cost of living in Ireland vs the UK
12. Numbeo - cost of living in the USA vs the UK
13. William Russel - family relocation report
14. Pay Less for Storage - places to move abroad from the UK

Sources last checked on date: 07-Mar-2025