Moving abroad offers fresh and exciting opportunities, with a chance to explore a new culture, develop your career and enjoy a different way of life. Whether you’re looking for sunny weather, a strong job market or a more relaxed lifestyle, there are numerous destinations that can provide a fresh start.
As experts in international removals, we’ve found some of the best places to move abroad from the UK, looking at what makes them special and how you can get your visa to live, work and thrive in a new country.
Australia is a hugely popular destination for UK expats. It’s estimated that over 1.1 million British people live in Australia, amounting to 14.9% of Australia’s foreign population and 4.4% of the total population, making Brits the largest migrant community in the country.
Australia offers a warm climate and high quality of life, with the added benefit of a shared language. Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are known for their vibrant culture and outdoor lifestyle, and Australia as a whole is known for a laidback approach.
Getting a permanent visa for Australia is notoriously tricky but not impossible. One of the main ways is through the country’s “skill stream” which is designed for workers who can fill gaps in skills and qualifications among Australia’s workforce. So, if you have experience in a specific industry, you could find getting a working visa a breeze. Many UK migrants work in medicine, marketing, HR and civil engineering.
You can find out more in our Moving to Australia guide.
Canada takes a proactive approach to immigration and acknowledges the economic benefits that migrants can bring to the country. As such, around 23% of the total population of Canada is foreign, with over 460,000 of these being from the UK.
Canada is known for its friendly people and stunning landscapes. Most immigrants tend to settle in the larger cities, such as Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary, which offer a high standard of living and strong job markets. One of the main languages in Canada is English, alongside French, and the primary language will depend on which region you end up in. Healthcare in Canada is universal and of an excellent standard, and the education system is often regarded as being amongst the best in the world.
There are various routes to take to get a visa to live and work in Canada. There are two kinds of work permits, and both will usually require the applicant to already have a job offer in Canada. They’ll also have strict criteria around your experience and skills, but with the right qualifications, many UK expats find it easy to secure the right role and successfully apply for their visa.
You can find out more in our Moving to Canada guide.
Portugal is a growing hotspot for UK expats, thanks to its affordable cost of living, mild climate and gorgeous natural landscapes. The UK currently has the second biggest immigrant community in Portugal, with around 45,200 Brits living in the country.
The Portuguese are generally welcoming and friendly, making it an ideal location to move to as a foreigner and build a network of friends. Lisbon and the Algarve are particularly popular destinations, offering beautiful beaches and a vibrant community.
Since leaving the EU, moving to an EU country has become trickier for British people, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Brits will need to apply for a relevant visa if they want to stay for longer than three months and also if they want to work while they live in the country. There are various types of visas depending on if you’ve already secured work, if you’re looking to start a business in Portugal, if you have a stable passive income and won’t be working, or if you’ll be a “digital nomad” and remote working.
You can find out more in our Moving to Portugal guide.
New Zealand is maybe not as popular with British expats as its neighbour Australia, but it still has a lot to offer. It’s estimated that around 270,000 Brits live in New Zealand, which is the largest migrant community by far.
New Zealand has a strong, growing economy and offers a great quality of life with a relaxed and calm approach to day-to-day matters. With a temperate climate and beautiful vistas that are easily accessible even from the large cities, there is a focus on outdoor pursuits and spending time in nature. In addition, English is one of the three main languages of New Zealand, alongside Māori and New Zealand sign language, making things much simpler for Brits.
Applicants for work visas have to fulfil a minimum language requirement, which shouldn’t be an issue for the majority of Brits. There are a variety of residents’ visas to choose from, including the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Applications for this are considered on a points-based system and review the skills shortages that the country is facing at the time.
You can find out more in our Moving to New Zealand guide.
Spain has long been a popular destination for Brits. Spain currently holds the largest British-born population in Europe outside the UK itself, at around 262,000.
The reason Spain is so appealing to British people is a combination of warm, sunny weather, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and affordable living. Plus, with mainland Spain being just a short 2-hour flight away, it can make returning home to visit friends and family quick and easy.
There are various visa routes available to British migrants. For a working visa, you will typically need to have already secured a role with a Spanish employer in order to qualify, but you can also apply as a self-employed person if you earn the minimum amount and can prove you have the necessary skills and experience in the role.
You can find out more in our Moving to Spain guide.
The United Arab Emirates is hugely popular for migrants from all over the world, offering tax-free salaries and a life of luxury. Migrants make up a huge 88% of the total population across the UAE, making it the country with one of the highest percentages of expats in the world. Of this, around 240,000 people in the UAE are from Britain.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most popular emirates in the UAE, offering a clean and safe environment with high-end shopping and dining opportunities. The UAE is known for having a booming economy providing ample job opportunities across a range of industries, including finance, tourism and hospitality.
There are various visas available for UK citizens, including options for those who are looking for employment as well as an entrepreneur visa for those wanting to invest or set up a business in the UAE. Typically, applicants for working visas will need to be highly skilled and/or have a high level of experience.
You can find out more in our Moving to the UAE and Moving to Dubai guides.
The USA has long been a popular destination for UK expats. Offering a diverse range of cultures and societies, the US offers varied climates and landscapes to suit all tastes. It’s estimated that around 675,000 British people currently live across the USA.
The USA is known as the land of opportunity, specifically in work and also in education. Although the cost of living in the USA is generally higher than in the UK, many expats find that they can get a lot more property for their money, and maintain a good quality of life. With a shared language and similar culture, British expats usually find it easy to settle into their new life in the states.
Like Australia and New Zealand, the USA uses a points-based system for visa applications. A successful application will depend on your qualifications and work experience. To get a green card and live in the USA permanently, you will usually need to be a highly skilled worker or be an immediate relative of an American citizen.
You can find out more in our Moving to the USA guide.
Moving abroad? Britannia Movers International can take care of relocating your belongings with our tailored international removals service. Our friendly and experienced team will work to your timeline, budget, and needs, offering a complete door-to-door service and working with trusted partners around the globe to deliver a seamless, first-class relocation.
To find out more about our international removal services or request a free quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international move.
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