Where Are British People Moving Abroad — and Which Country Is Right for You?

What To Do — Step by Step

1. 1

   Understand Why Other British People Are Moving People rarely move overseas for only one reason. The original report highlighted motivations including: career opportunities; higher earnings; warmer weather; outdoor living; international schools; lower everyday costs; greater space; family-friendly communities; a more relaxed lifestyle; the excitement of beginning again. Australia, Canada and New Zealand offer a shared language and a degree of cultural familiarity. The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar may attract professionals through employment packages, international business and tax-free earnings. Thailand and South Africa offer very different climates and living costs. Poland provides a European option with shorter journeys back to the UK than destinations such as Australia or New Zealand. Before becoming influenced by a destination’s popularity, ask: Are people moving there for the same reasons and at the same stage of life as me?

2. 2

   Look Beyond the Headline Benefits Every popular destination has an attractive headline. Australia offers sunshine, space and outdoor living. The UAE offers modern cities, international employment and strong earning opportunities. Canada offers natural beauty and a family-friendly image. Thailand offers warmth and comparatively lower everyday costs. Spain offers climate, established expat communities and easier access to the UK than many long-haul destinations. But a move is not lived through headlines. It is lived through ordinary tasks such as: registering with a doctor; renewing residence documents; paying household bills; finding suitable housing; understanding tax; collecting medication; managing transport; building friendships; coping with homesickness; responding to family emergencies; planning for later life. A successful move depends on how well the destination works on an ordinary Tuesday, not only how exciting it feels during the first few weeks.

3. 3

   Consider Australia Carefully Australia led John Mason’s list of destinations for its British customers. Its appeal is easy to understand. British movers may be attracted by: the shared language; outdoor living; major cities; employment opportunities; beaches and climate; a sense of space. Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offer very different lifestyles and costs. Before choosing Australia, investigate: whether you qualify for a visa; whether age limits affect your route; the cost of housing; healthcare entitlement; employment prospects; the cost of returning to Britain; how often family could visit; what would happen if an older parent in the UK needed help. Australia may offer an excellent quality of life, but the distance from family should never be treated as a minor detail.

4. 4

   Understand Employment-Based Moves to the Gulf The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar all appeared in the top ten. These countries may attract people through: tax-free salaries; employment packages; international business; infrastructure projects; roles in healthcare, energy, engineering and construction; international schools; modern cities; established expat communities. The important question is not only what the job provides now. You should also understand what happens when the job ends. Check: whether residence depends on employment; whether your partner can work; the cost of private healthcare; school fees; local laws and cultural expectations; long-term residence possibilities; retirement options; inheritance arrangements; what happens if the main visa holder dies or becomes unable to work. A generous employment package can support a comfortable lifestyle, but it may not provide long-term security after employment finishes.

5. 5

   Compare the United States and Canada Properly The United States ranked third and Canada fourth in the removals company’s list. Both countries may feel culturally familiar to British people, but their systems differ considerably from those in the UK. The United States offers: major cities; varied climates; strong employment markets; business opportunities; a wide range of lifestyles. However, healthcare, insurance, visas and taxes require careful research. Canada may appeal through: safety; natural beauty; education; family-friendly communities; employment in technology, finance and science. Before choosing either country, consider: immigration eligibility; healthcare insurance; possible healthcare waiting periods; housing affordability; climate; tax on worldwide income; pension arrangements; travel time to the UK; support during illness or bereavement. A shared language does not mean the legal, tax and healthcare systems will feel familiar.

6. 6

   Take Distance Seriously in New Zealand New Zealand ranked fifth. It may appeal to: teachers; nurses; engineers; agricultural specialists; families seeking safety; people wanting an outdoor lifestyle; those looking for a slower pace of life. For many people, New Zealand represents peace, space and a healthier way of living. But it is also a very long way from Britain. A family emergency in the UK cannot usually be answered with a quick or inexpensive flight. Grandparents may see grandchildren less often than they imagined. Family members may find the journey difficult, especially as they become older. This does not make the move wrong. It means distance must be included honestly in the decision from the beginning.

7. 7

   Check the Real Cost of South Africa and Thailand South Africa and Thailand may appear attractive because of lifestyle, climate and comparatively lower everyday costs. South Africa may offer: spacious homes; outdoor living; natural scenery; lower property costs in some areas. Thailand may appeal to: retirees; semi-retirees; remote workers; people seeking warmth; those looking for a relaxed lifestyle. But a realistic budget should include more than rent and food. Allow for: suitable housing; private healthcare; medical insurance; visa renewals; flights to the UK; imported products; reliable transport; home security; translators or local assistance; emergency savings; future care. The least expensive country on paper may not be the least expensive country for your particular health and family needs.

8. 8

   Remember That Poland Is Still a Post-Brexit Move Poland was the only EU country in the top ten. It may appeal through: growing cities; international employers; lower costs than parts of Western Europe; shorter journeys to Britain; European culture and location. However, British citizens no longer have automatic freedom of movement within the EU. A British person moving to Poland still needs to check: the correct residence route; permission to work; healthcare entitlement; tax residence; property and rental rules; recognition of qualifications; family reunification. Being geographically closer to the UK does not remove the administrative work involved in becoming legally resident.

9. 9

   Do Not Dismiss Spain Because It Was Not in This Particular Ranking Spain did not appear in John Mason’s ten most popular destinations for its own customers. That does not mean British interest in Spain has disappeared. A removals company’s rankings may be influenced by: the services it offers; the type of customer it attracts; the volume of belongings people ship; whether people use road transport instead; whether buyers purchase furnished properties; whether movers already own a Spanish home. Spain and the Canary Islands continue to appeal because of: climate; outdoor living; established expat communities; regular UK flights; European location; familiar tourism infrastructure; coastal and island lifestyles; healthcare access for eligible residents; greater proximity to family than many long-haul destinations. But Spain is not simply Britain with sunshine. British citizens moving now need to understand: residence and visa routes; Spanish tax; healthcare; driving; property ownership; inheritance; administration; future care. In the Canary Islands, people must also consider: specialist healthcare; travel between islands; dependence on flights; imported-goods costs; transport; distance from family; the seasonal nature of some communities.

10. 10

    Establish Whether You Can Legally Live There Owning a property or having enough money does not automatically create the right to reside in another country. Check: visa requirements; age limits; employment conditions; minimum-income rules; savings requirements; private-insurance conditions; renewal rules; permanent-residence routes; family reunification; whether your partner can work. Do not buy a property or ship your belongings before understanding whether you qualify to live there.

11. 11

    Build a Complete Budget A realistic moving-abroad budget should include: housing; rental deposits; property-purchase costs; taxes; utilities; healthcare; insurance; school fees; transport; visa costs; legal and translation fees; currency fluctuations; flights to Britain; future care; emergency travel; relocation costs; pet transport; storage. Do not base your decision only on average national living costs. Research the actual town, city or island you are considering.

12. 12

    Research Healthcare Before You Commit Ask: Is public healthcare available to me? Must I have private insurance? Are pre-existing conditions covered? Is there a waiting period? Where is the nearest hospital? Are specialists available locally? Is care available in English? What happens during a serious illness? Would treatment require travel? What happens if one partner becomes a carer? Healthcare should be researched before moving, not only after someone becomes unwell.

13. 13

    Check How Easily Family Can Reach You Consider: direct flights; seasonal routes; ticket prices; travel time; visa and visitor rules; local accommodation; transport from the airport; who could help before family arrived; what happens during a medical or family emergency. An airport may be nearby, but that does not guarantee convenient, affordable year-round flights to the part of Britain where your family lives.

14. 14

    Ask Whether You Could Manage Alone Couples should each ask: Could I afford the home alone? Could I manage the language? Do I understand the residence documents? Do I know how the bank accounts work? Could I drive or use public transport? Do I know where important documents are kept? Do I have local support? Would I remain abroad or return to Britain? This is particularly important when one partner handles all the money, paperwork or local-language communication.

15. 15

    Visit as a Resident, Not Only as a Tourist A research visit should include ordinary life. Try to: shop in local supermarkets; travel by public transport; visit residential neighbourhoods; check healthcare facilities; speak to long-term residents; view properties at different prices; test internet and telephone services; experience the climate outside peak season; see how quiet or busy the area becomes; test the journey back to the UK. A holiday shows you what is enjoyable. A research visit should also show you what may be inconvenient, expensive or difficult.

16. 16

    Rent Before Buying Where Practical Renting first may help you discover: whether the climate suits you all year; whether the neighbourhood feels safe; how much daily life really costs; whether transport is adequate; whether you can build friendships; how often you miss family; whether the area works during illness; whether the location suits reduced mobility; whether you genuinely want to remain long term. A home should support your life. It should not trap you in a location you chose before understanding it.

17. 17

    Decide What You Really Need to Move Before shipping all your belongings, ask: Will the furniture fit? Is the electrical equipment compatible? Will customs charges apply? Is shipping cheaper than replacement? Are sentimental items insured? Where will belongings be stored? Could medication or documents be delayed? Which essentials must travel with you? Keep important documents with you, including: passports; visas; residence documents; birth and marriage certificates; medical information; prescriptions; insurance; financial records; property documents; essential contact details. Never place irreplaceable documents in a shipment you cannot access.

18. 18

    Prepare for the Emotional Side People moving abroad may miss: children and grandchildren; family celebrations; old friends; familiar humour; favourite foods; trusted doctors; previous routines; their former sense of identity. The first months may feel exciting. Homesickness can appear later, once the move becomes ordinary life. Discuss: how often family may visit; how often you can afford to return; how you will make friends; what happens if one partner settles and the other does not; whether returning to Britain remains possible. A move should not depend on pretending that nobody will ever miss home.

19. 19

    Create an Exit and Emergency Plan Planning a way back does not mean expecting the move to fail. It means protecting yourself. Record: how much money would be needed to return; whether you would sell or rent the overseas home; where you could stay in Britain; how pets would travel; which possessions would return; who could help locally; how family could enter the property; what happens during illness; what happens during incapacity or bereavement. A good moving-abroad plan includes both a way forward and a way back.