Top 10 Best Places To Move To From The UK

Moving abroad offers a chance to reset life’s pace, explore new cultures, and find better opportunities. Many from the United Kingdom are considering destinations that balance lifestyle, career prospects, and affordability. This guide highlights where British expats can build a rewarding life overseas while maintaining a strong connection to familiar comforts.

From the laid-back lifestyle of New Zealand and Australia to the cultural richness of Europe and North America, each destination offers something distinct. The following sections explore what makes these ten countries stand out for those ready to take the next step toward living abroad.

Easiest Countries to Move to from the UK

Country	Ease of Moving (for UK Nationals)	Relocation Options
New Zealand	Straightforward for skilled migrants and younger Britons through working holiday and skilled visa routes. English-speaking and culturally similar.	Skilled Migrant Resident Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Partner Visa
Australia	Very popular for Britons due to shared language and lifestyle. Points-based system favors skilled professionals, though competition can be high.	Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Employer Nomination Scheme, Working Holiday Visa, Partner Visa
Spain	One of the easiest EU countries for UK retirees and remote workers. Large British expat community and affordable lifestyle.	Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa (Investment), Work Visa
Portugal	Very welcoming to Britons post-Brexit. Low cost of living, safety, and clear residency pathways make it a top EU destination.	D7 Passive Income Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Golden Visa (Investment), Job Seeker Visa
Ireland	Simplest move for UK citizens due to the Common Travel Area. No visa or residency permit required for Britons.	Automatic residency and work rights under the Common Travel Area (CTA)
Canada	Smooth process for skilled workers and families. English-speaking and culturally aligned with the UK.	Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Working Holiday (IEC), Family Sponsorship
Malta	English is an official language and residency programs are simple. Ideal for retirees and digital nomads.	Permanent Residence Program, Global Residence Program, Nomad Residence Permit
Germany	Strong job market and high living standards. English widely spoken in major cities, though paperwork can be complex.	EU Blue Card, Job Seeker Visa, Freelancer Visa, Student Visa
United States	Difficult visa process but huge career potential and cultural familiarity. Sponsorship or investment often required.	H‑1B (Skilled Worker), E‑2 Investor Visa, Green Card Lottery, Family Sponsorship
France	Popular among Britons for its proximity, lifestyle, and healthcare. Straightforward long-stay visa process and many rural areas welcome remote workers and families.	Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour), Talent Passport, Entrepreneur Visa, Family Reunification Visa

Cost of Moving from the UK by Country

*Fees vary widely based on the type of visa. These are government fees and don’t include migration agent fees.

Country	Visa Type / Route	Est Fees for Individual	Est Fees for Couple	Est Fees for Family of 4	Time to Citizenship
New Zealand	Skilled Migrant / Resident Visa	£2,060 visa + £225 citizenship	£2,800+	£4,500–6,000	5 years residence
Australia	Skilled Independent / Partner / Work Visa	£2,460 visa + £185 citizenship	£6,600+	£11,500+	4 years residence + 1 year PR
Spain	Non-Lucrative / Digital Nomad Visa	£75–130 visa + £85–170 citizenship	£1,200+	£4,500+	10 years residence (2 if from Latin America)
Portugal	D7 Passive Income / Digital Nomad Visa	£75 visa + £135 residence + £210 citizenship	£1,500+	£5,900+	5 years residence
Ireland	Common Travel Area (no visa for UK citizens)	Minimal admin fees (~£0–50)	£800+	£2,000+	5 years residence
Canada	Express Entry / Provincial Nominee / Work Permit	£790 visa + £270 medical/biometrics + £365 citizenship	£1,950+	£3,500–4,700	3 years residence (after PR)
Malta	Nomad Residence Permit / Permanent Residence Programme	£255 application + £23 residence card + £340–510 healthcare + £380–425 citizenship	£950+	£2,400+	5 years residence
Germany	Skilled Worker / EU Blue Card / Freelancer Visa	£65 visa + £85–95 residence permit + £3,825–4,250 healthcare + £215 citizenship	£4,000–5,000+	£6,500–8,000	8 years residence (can reduce to 5 with integration)
United States	Green Card (Employment / Family) / EB Visa	£1,125–1,815 USCIS + £310 medical + £590 citizenship	£2,700+	£5,400–7,800	5 years PR (3 if married to U.S. citizen)
France	Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS) / Talent Passport / Family Visa	£85 visa + £210 residence permit + £45–85 citizenship	£850+	£2,100+	5 years residence (2 if married to a French citizen)

1) New Zealand

New Zealand attracts many people from the UK for its clean environment, stable economy, and relaxed pace of life. The country offers a mix of modern cities and quiet rural areas, making it suitable for different lifestyles and budgets.

Auckland and Wellington provide strong job markets, particularly in technology, finance, and education. Christchurch continues to grow as a centre for innovation and rebuilding, while Dunedin and Hamilton appeal to those seeking smaller communities with good amenities.

The healthcare and education systems maintain high standards, and the country’s low population density supports a sense of space and safety. Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports are easily accessible, which suits those who value an active lifestyle.

For UK citizens, the shared language and cultural similarities make settling in relatively straightforward. Residency and work visa options are well defined, helping newcomers integrate smoothly into local life.

2) Australia

Australia attracts many people from the UK due to its familiar language, stable economy, and outdoor lifestyle. The shared cultural ties and similar legal and education systems make settling in relatively straightforward.

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer strong job markets, diverse communities, and extensive public transport. These areas suit professionals seeking career growth and cultural variety.

Brisbane and Perth appeal to those looking for a warmer climate and a slower pace. Both cities provide good housing options and access to beaches and national parks.

Adelaide and Canberra often rank highly for affordability and quality of life. They offer shorter commutes, lower living costs, and a strong sense of community.

For British expats, Australia’s mix of urban convenience, coastal living, and familiar social norms makes it a practical and appealing destination.

3) Spain

Spain attracts many people from the UK looking for a warmer climate, lower living costs, and a relaxed lifestyle. The country offers a mix of modern cities, coastal towns, and rural areas, each with distinct advantages for newcomers.

Barcelona and Madrid appeal to professionals who value culture, public transport, and job opportunities. Both cities have strong international communities and good access to healthcare and education.

Valencia and Alicante provide a slower pace with affordable housing and access to Mediterranean beaches. These areas suit families and retirees seeking a balance between city amenities and seaside living.

The Costa del Sol, including Malaga and Marbella, remains popular for its consistent sunshine and established expat networks. Mallorca and the Canary Islands attract those wanting island life with reliable infrastructure and flight connections to the UK.

Spain’s healthcare system, safety, and transport links make it a practical choice for long-term relocation. English is commonly spoken in major expat areas, easing daily life for new arrivals.

4) Portugal

Portugal attracts many people from the UK seeking a mild climate, coastal living, and a slower pace of life. The country’s stable economy, friendly communities, and relatively low cost of living make it appealing for retirees, remote workers, and families alike.

Lisbon offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with reliable public transport, international schools, and a strong job market in tech and tourism. Porto, known for its riverside charm, provides a more affordable alternative with a growing expat community.

The Algarve remains popular for its beaches and English-speaking residents, making daily life easier for newcomers. Further north, Braga and Aveiro offer quieter surroundings with good infrastructure and lower housing costs.

Portugal’s safety, healthcare quality, and residency options, such as the D7 visa, add to its practicality for long-term relocation.

5) Ireland

Ireland attracts many people from the UK seeking a familiar culture with a slower pace of life. It offers a shared language, close proximity, and a friendly environment that makes relocation relatively straightforward. The country’s strong economy and high standard of living appeal to professionals and families alike.

Dublin remains a popular choice due to its employment opportunities, especially in technology and finance. However, housing costs are high, so some prefer smaller cities such as Cork or Galway, which balance career prospects with a more relaxed lifestyle.

Those seeking scenic surroundings often look to towns like Kinsale, Westport, or Dingle. These areas provide coastal charm, community spirit, and access to outdoor activities. Belfast also draws attention for its affordability and cultural energy.

Ireland’s transport links, healthcare system, and education standards support long-term settlement. Expats often appreciate the country’s mix of modern infrastructure and traditional character, making it a practical and welcoming option for UK movers.

6) Canada

Canada attracts many UK movers for its stable economy, strong healthcare system, and high standard of living. Cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa offer reliable infrastructure, diverse communities, and good employment opportunities in sectors like technology, education, and finance.

The cost of living varies widely. Toronto and Vancouver are among the most expensive, while cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Halifax provide more affordable housing and lower commute times. These differences allow people to choose a location that suits their budget and lifestyle.

Canada’s immigration pathways, including skilled worker and provincial nominee programs, make it accessible for qualified professionals. English-speaking environments in most provinces simplify integration for UK citizens.

The country’s clean environment, low crime rates, and emphasis on community wellbeing appeal to families and individuals seeking long-term stability. For those who value outdoor recreation, Canada’s natural landscapes offer easy access to hiking, skiing, and coastal activities.

7) Malta

Malta attracts many people from the UK seeking a smaller, sunnier place to live within easy reach of Europe. English is an official language, which helps new arrivals settle in quickly. The island’s Mediterranean climate offers warm summers and mild winters.

Valletta and Sliema appeal to professionals who value convenience, walkability, and access to cafés and shops. St Julian’s suits those who enjoy nightlife and waterfront dining. For quieter surroundings, towns such as Mellieħa and Gozo provide more space and slower daily rhythms.

Living costs vary by location, with central and coastal areas generally higher. Public transport is reliable, and healthcare standards are strong. Many expats appreciate Malta’s safety, compact size, and friendly community culture.

The island also offers straightforward residency routes for retirees and remote workers. Combined with its cultural heritage and coastal scenery, Malta remains a practical and appealing choice for UK citizens planning a move abroad.

8) Germany

Germany attracts many people from the UK for its strong economy, reliable infrastructure, and high standard of living. Cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt offer diverse job opportunities, particularly in technology, finance, and engineering.

The country’s public transport network is efficient, making commuting straightforward. Healthcare and education systems are well regarded, and many international schools cater to expatriate families.

Berlin appeals to those seeking a creative and affordable lifestyle, while Munich provides a balance of career prospects and outdoor recreation. Frankfurt suits professionals in finance, and Hamburg offers a maritime atmosphere with a strong cultural scene.

Germany’s central European location also makes travel across the continent easy. English is widely spoken in major cities, helping new arrivals settle in with fewer language barriers.

9) United States

The United States attracts many people from the UK due to its broad range of lifestyles, climates, and job opportunities. From major financial hubs to quieter regional cities, it offers a wide selection of places to settle depending on personal goals and preferences.

New York City remains a popular choice for professionals in finance, media, and the arts. It provides strong career prospects but comes with high living costs and a fast pace of life.

Those seeking a more relaxed environment often consider cities such as Austin, Texas or Denver, Colorado. These cities combine growing job markets with a lower cost of living and access to outdoor activities.

For families, areas like Raleigh in North Carolina or Portland, Oregon appeal for their good schools, safety, and community focus. British expats also appreciate the cultural diversity and established expatriate networks found in many urban centres.

The country’s size and variety mean that climate, housing affordability, and lifestyle can differ greatly from one region to another. Careful research helps newcomers find a location that matches their professional and personal needs.

10) France

France attracts many people from the UK for its mix of culture, lifestyle, and accessibility. Its proximity makes relocation relatively simple, with frequent transport links and familiar communities already established across the country.

Expats often choose regions such as Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux for work and education opportunities. These cities offer strong infrastructure, healthcare, and public services, which appeal to professionals and families alike.

Others prefer smaller towns like Annecy, Aix-en-Provence, or La Rochelle for their slower pace and scenic surroundings. These areas combine traditional French living with access to modern amenities.

The cost of living varies widely. Urban centres tend to be more expensive, while rural areas provide better value for housing and everyday expenses.

France’s healthcare system, public transport, and emphasis on work-life balance continue to make it a reliable choice for those seeking a stable move from the UK.