Around 75% of the British nationals who emigrated in the year ending June 2025 were under the age of 35, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, it seems that work opportunities aren’t necessarily the main driver. With the cost of living crisis continuing, exacerbated by recent global events, Brits of all ages are moving abroad in hope of a better quality of life.
- Can it give you a better quality of life?
Many potential benefits of moving abroad can support a happier, healthier lifestyle, including:
- Better work-life balance
- Lower cost of living
- Improved wellbeing
- Personal growth
However, the grass isn’t always greener. Moving abroad means losing some of the better aspects of living in the UK, such as free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS) and top-rated schools and universities. It can also involve frustrating bureaucracy like complicated visa processes, and risks isolation.
- Most popular destinations
Nearby to facilitate easy holidays back home, Europe is a popular option for Brits emigrating. Spain is the top choice, with Portugal and France second and third. Outside of Europe, Australia is number one, alongside the US and Canada. Dubai is emerging as a leading destination, especially for younger entrepreneurs.
- Destination aspects to consider
Not every destination is geared up to support a better quality of life than we can achieve in the UK. Aspects to consider include:
- Wages vs expenses
If salaries are higher, the cost of living may be higher too, so check to see if you’ll really be better off compared to your current circumstances.
- Weather
The climate can make a huge difference to personal wellbeing. Access to warmer weather and a trend for outdoor living help residents reap the physical and mental benefits of sunshine and time in nature. On the flip side, months of darkness and regular rain can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Logistics
You need to understand if you qualify for a work permit or permanent residency, how the healthcare system works and how the move may impact tax and pensions. - Family living
If moving abroad with children, the choice of schools and after-school activities can have a big impact on their – and therefore, your – quality of life.
- Planning logistics for peace of mind
Nailing the practicalities from the start has a huge impact on how fully you’re able to enjoy life as an expat. Organising your visa and other relevant travel documents should take precedence, including keeping your passport up to date. Especially if you’re retiring abroad, healthcare should be a primary consideration, especially if private care is of a higher standard. People of all ages should register with a GP.
Think about your lifestyle as well. If possible, seek advice on the best places to live in your new destination, and look for options which balance your preferences and priorities. You may want to be within walking distance of a school, close to work, in a gated community or in a neighbourhood top-rated for safety. Consider a short-term rental at first while you find your feet and get an idea of where you’d like to be.
Travel will factor into your lifestyle too, and being prepared will give you peace of mind and the freedom and flexibility to jet off as and when you like. Providers such as Staysure offer special expat travel insurance with suitable protection for visits back to the UK and further afield. Living relatively close to the airport or rail connections can make frequent travel easier.
- Redefining what home means
Perhaps most important in finding a better quality of life in a new country is mentally redefining what home means. Clinging to life in the UK can keep your chosen destination feeling strange and lonely, no matter how long you live there. Successful expats keep in mind that home doesn’t have to be where you grew up – it can be found in a place and even within people that make you feel happy.
