Top Destinations for British Expats and How to Plan Your Move

For many people, emigrating from the UK isn’t just about changing location. Emigration is about changing lifestyle.

From warmer climates to new career opportunities, the appeal of living abroad continues to grow among British travellers and professionals alike. Whether you’re planning a long-term relocation, a working adventure overseas, or retirement abroad, moving internationally can open the door to exciting opportunities.

But before taking the leap, it’s important to understand where Brits are moving, why these destinations are popular, and what you need to plan before relocating overseas.

Why More Brits Are Moving Abroad

Emigration from the UK has long been part of British culture. For decades, people have been heading overseas in search of sunshine, adventure, and new opportunities.

While motivations vary from person to person, lifestyle improvements are often the driving factor.

Common reasons for emigrating from the UK include:

• Seeking warmer weather and outdoor living
• Finding a better work-life balance
• Accessing career opportunities abroad
• Enjoying lower living costs in certain countries
• Planning a retirement in the sun
• Experiencing a different culture and environment

For younger professionals, moving abroad can be an exciting way to build international experience and explore the world. For families, it may offer a different lifestyle with more outdoor space and a slower pace of life and for retirees, relocating overseas can provide both sunshine and financial benefits.

Whatever the reason, the first step is deciding where to go.

Top Destinations for British Expats: The Stats

If you’re considering emigrating, it’s helpful to know where other UK movers are heading.

Recent data from Compare My Move reveals that several countries consistently appear among the most popular relocation destinations for British expats.

These figures highlight two key trends in UK emigration:

• Many people move to nearby European countries for the lifestyle and climate.
• Others relocate further afield to destinations such as Australia or Canada for career opportunities and long-term lifestyle changes.

Let’s take a closer look at both.

Lifestyle Relocation: Moving to Europe

For many British expats, Europe offers the ideal mix of lifestyle change while remaining close to home. You can see in the statistics above that many of the chosen emigration destinations are in Europe!

Countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy have long been popular destinations for UK residents looking to relocate.

Why Europe Is So Appealing

One of the biggest advantages of moving to Europe is accessibility. Many destinations are just a short flight from the UK, making it easier to visit friends and family or travel back for work commitments.

Other lifestyle benefits include:

• Warmer climates and longer summers
• Relaxed pace of life, particularly in southern Europe
• Strong local food and culture
• Lower living costs in many regions compared to major UK cities
• Established British expat communities

In countries like Spain and Portugal, coastal towns and smaller cities often attract retirees and remote workers looking for a slower pace of life. Meanwhile, France and Italy appeal to those drawn to rural living, beautiful landscapes, and strong cultural traditions.

For many people, moving to Europe feels like a manageable first step into international living.

Career and Adventure: Moving to Australia

While Europe offers proximity and lifestyle change, Australia continues to attract British expats looking for bigger adventures and long-term opportunities.

Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane regularly rank among the world’s most liveable cities and offer vibrant job markets across many sectors.

Why Brits Emigrate to Australia

Australia offers a combination of lifestyle benefits that many people find appealing:

• Sunshine and outdoor living year-round
• Beautiful beaches and national parks
• Strong job opportunities in skilled industries
• High quality of life in major cities
• A culture that prioritises work-life balance

For younger travellers, Australia is also a popular destination for working holiday visas, allowing them to live and work while exploring the country.

For families and professionals seeking a more permanent relocation, Australia offers long-term career opportunities and a lifestyle that blends city living with easy access to nature.

Planning Your Move Abroad

While the idea of emigrating is exciting, relocating overseas involves careful planning and preparation. Moving abroad isn’t simply about booking a flight. It requires organisation across several areas of life.

We’ve pulled out some of the most important things to consider before relocating.

Research Visa and Residency Requirements

Every country has different immigration rules. Depending on where you plan to move, you may need to apply for:

• Skilled worker visas
• Employer sponsorship
• Residency permits
• Retirement visas
• Family relocation visas

Immigration policies can change regularly, so it’s important to check official government guidance before making plans.

Budget for the Cost of Emigration

Moving abroad can involve a range of expenses beyond the initial travel costs. These may include:

• Visa application fees
• Flights and international travel
• Shipping personal belongings
• Temporary accommodation
• Setting up utilities and banking
• Legal or immigration advice

Planning your finances in advance helps ensure a smoother transition when you arrive in your new home country.

Healthcare and Insurance Considerations

Healthcare systems vary widely around the world, and access to services can depend on your residency status. Depending on your destination, you may need to arrange:

• Private health insurance
• Travel insurance for your relocation journey
• Temporary medical cover before local eligibility begins

Ensuring you have appropriate cover during the transition period can provide valuable peace of mind.

We offer specialist one-way trip insurance for UK emigrants. Our policies provide comprehensive cover for the journey and up to 31 days after arrival, allowing time to arrange permanent insurance. Unlike some policies, our benefits extend beyond arrival, offering a ‘breathing space’ while settling in, and can cover pre-destination travel, up to the 31-day post-arrival limit.

Don’t Forget Travel Cover During the Transition

One aspect of emigration that many people overlook is the travel period before fully settling into their new home.

Relocating abroad often involves more travel than you might expect. You may spend time exploring different regions, visiting potential places to live, or travelling around your new country before committing to one location.

For example, you might:

• Travel around Australia before choosing a city to settle in
• Road trip across Europe while searching for a permanent home
• Visit nearby countries before starting work
• Spend time exploring before committing to a long-term lease

At Go Walkabout, we can cover up to 31 days of travel after you reach your destination country, which can be particularly useful during this transition period.

It allows you to explore and settle in at your own pace, knowing you have travel cover in place while your plans take shape.

Is Emigrating from the UK Right for You?

Emigrating abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience. From sunny coastlines in southern Europe to vibrant cities across Australia, there are countless opportunities waiting beyond the UK.

But successful relocation starts with good planning. Research your destination, understand immigration requirements, and prepare for the journey ahead.

With the right preparation, moving abroad can be the start of a rewarding new chapter.

FAQ

What are the most popular countries for British expats?

Some of the most popular destinations for British emigrants include Spain, Australia, the United States, France, Canada, and Portugal. These countries offer a combination of lifestyle benefits, career opportunities, and strong expat communities.

Is it difficult to emigrate from the UK?

The difficulty of emigrating depends largely on the destination country and visa requirements. Many countries offer skilled migration routes, working holiday visas, or retirement visas that allow UK residents to relocate.

Do I need travel insurance when moving abroad?

While emigrating is not the same as a holiday, travel insurance can still be useful during the transition period. This is particularly true if you plan to travel or explore after arriving in your destination country. Many travel insurance policies don’t cover one-way travel, so be sure to look for travel insurance like our emigration policies that are designed to cover one-way travel away from the UK.

What should I plan before moving abroad?

Before emigrating from the UK, you should research visa requirements, cost of living, healthcare systems, housing options, and financial planning to ensure a smooth relocation.