Where are people moving to from UK in 2025?

Family at airport with suitcases preparing to move abroad from the UK in 2025

Over half a million people left the UK in the past year, and the trend shows no sign of slowing in 2025. Emigration is no longer just about retirees heading to Spain. Families, professionals, and digital nomads are looking for better quality of life, affordable living, and clear visa pathways.

From our experience helping households relocate across Europe and worldwide, the picture is consistent with the statistics: the top destinations for UK movers are Spain, Ireland, Australia, Canada, France, and Portugal. Alongside these favourites, more people are relocating to the USA, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UAE, Malta, and increasingly to Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

To help you plan, we’ve covered:

  • The reasons people are leaving the UK in 2025

  • The most popular destinations for British expats

  • Which countries are easiest to move to

  • The latest migration trends and demographics

  • Key things to consider before relocating.

Why Brits are leaving the UK in 2025

Relocation isn’t a single-story trend; it’s driven by a mix of pressures and opportunities.

  • Cost of living crisis – Energy bills, rent, and food prices have pushed many households to breaking point. In Spain or Portugal, daily living is typically 30–40% cheaper than the UK.

  • Better jobs and higher salaries – Sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering offer more competitive pay in Canada, Australia, the USA, and the Gulf states. A UK nurse earning £32,000–£38,000 can expect £45,000–£58,000 in Canada.

  • Retirement lifestyle – Pensioners continue to favour Spain, Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus, blending mild weather, healthcare, and expat communities.

  • Brexit impacts – UK citizens now need visas to live in the EU. While this adds complexity, it hasn’t slowed moves to Spain, France, and Germany, though more people are also looking further afield.

  • Digital nomad visas – Portugal, Spain, Greece, and the UAE have launched remote work visas, drawing professionals who want mobility and lifestyle in equal measure.

Taken together, these drivers explain why more people than ever are exploring life beyond Britain’s borders.

Affordable and visa-free destinations

For those moving on a budget, countries like Spain, Portugal, and parts of Eastern Europe remain cheaper than the UK for housing and daily living. Meanwhile, Ireland stands out as the only country where UK citizens can still relocate without visas or income checks, thanks to the Common Travel Area.

British family outside sold house preparing to relocate abroad in 2025

Top destinations for UK movers

Spain: the long-time favourite

Spain remains the number one destination for British expats. More than 400,000 UK nationals live there, concentrated along the Costa del Sol, Alicante, and Barcelona. Property is affordable compared to the UK, and the lifestyle remains one of the biggest draws. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa and new digital nomad schemes ensure it remains accessible.
Read our full guide to Brits moving to Spain.

Ireland: seamless under the CTA

Ireland stands out because of the Common Travel Area. Unlike other destinations, Brits don’t need visas, residency permits, or income checks. Moves to Dublin, Cork, and Galway are popular among professionals, while many families relocate for work in Ireland’s tech and pharma hubs. Proximity to the UK also makes Ireland appealing for those wanting change without distance.
Explore our removals to Ireland guide.

Australia: work and lifestyle combined

Australia continues to attract skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare, engineering, and IT. The Skilled Independent Visa and employer sponsorships are common routes. Families are drawn to cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane for their sunshine, outdoor lifestyle, and English-speaking environment.

Canada: clear pathways and quality of life

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most transparent immigration programmes. The country is especially appealing to healthcare and construction professionals, as well as families looking for affordable education and safe communities. Moves to Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary remain steady.
See our guide on moving to Canada from the UK.

France: lifestyle and convenience

France continues to be a favourite, particularly for those who want to stay close to the UK. Retirees are drawn to Provence, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and the south coast, while professionals often choose Paris and Lyon. Affordable rural property also attracts families seeking space.
Discover our removals from France to England services.

Portugal: digital nomad hub

Portugal’s D7 visa and non-habitual residency regime make it attractive to retirees and remote workers. Lisbon and Porto attract younger movers, while the Algarve remains popular with retirees. Portugal’s affordability, culture, and international schools strengthen its appeal.

Best countries by lifestyle goal

  • For families – Ireland, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, thanks to schools, healthcare, and strong job markets.

  • For careers – Australia, the USA, and the Gulf states, where demand for skilled professionals remains high.

  • For retirement – Spain, Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus, combining sunshine with accessible healthcare.

Each of these destinations appeals for different reasons, but all provide thriving expat communities that ease the transition.

Other European destinations

Alongside Spain, France, and Portugal, many Brits are relocating to Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Berlin, Amsterdam, and Brussels are hubs for international business, finance, and EU institutions. Moves to Sweden and Denmark are also rising, especially among families attracted by progressive education and strong social systems.

USA: global opportunities

The USA continues to attract ambitious professionals despite its strict visa requirements. Popular destinations include New York, California, and Texas. Work visas in finance, healthcare, and tech are key pathways.

New Zealand: safe and family-friendly

With its dramatic scenery and focus on family life, New Zealand appeals to younger families and skilled tradespeople. English-speaking and relatively open, it remains a popular but less common choice compared to Australia.

Switzerland and Norway: high salaries and stability

Switzerland and Norway offer some of the highest salaries and safest living standards in Europe. Zurich, Geneva, and Oslo remain top choices for finance, engineering, and healthcare professionals.
See our dedicated guide to moving to Norway.
Explore removals to Switzerland.

UAE and the wider Gulf: tax advantages and expat hubs

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are magnets for UK professionals, thanks to tax-free salaries and world-class infrastructure. Beyond the UAE, Qatar (Doha) and Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Dhahran) are seeing more moves in energy, healthcare, and education.

Malta and Cyprus: lifestyle choices

For retirees and English speakers, Malta and Cyprus remain appealing. Both offer straightforward residency options, mild climates, and thriving expat communities.

Family looking at Mediterranean home symbolising British expats moving to Spain or Portugal

Easiest countries for UK citizens to move to

Some destinations involve minimal hurdles, while others require extensive paperwork.

  • Ireland – seamless thanks to the CTA.

  • Portugal and Spain – structured retirement and digital nomad visas.

  • Canada – points-based, transparent, and welcoming.

  • Malta and Cyprus – straightforward for retirees and English speakers.

In contrast, moves to the USA, Switzerland, and Australia require higher thresholds for income, skills, and visa approvals.

Relocation ease isn’t the only factor –  but for many families, it can make the difference between a plan and a reality.

Migration trends in 2025

The ONS reports that 517,000 people emigrated from the UK in 2024, including around 77,000 British nationals.

Current trends show:

  • Europe remains dominant – Spain, Ireland, France, and Germany continue to top the list.

  • More non-EU moves – Canada, Australia, the USA, and UAE are steadily gaining.

  • Demographics – movers are mostly young professionals (25–40), families with children, and retirees aged 60+.

  • London exodus – high costs are pushing more moves abroad directly from London and the South East.

The picture is clear: while Europe remains the easiest option, long-haul destinations are steadily becoming more popular for professionals and high earners.

Compared with 2024, interest in Ireland and Spain remains stable, while demand for moves to the USA, UAE, and Germany has grown sharply in 2025, reflecting both career-driven relocations and global hiring trends.

Professional movers packing boxes and handling household items during a managed removals service.

Key things to consider before moving abroad

Every international move involves balancing opportunity with logistics.

  • Visas and residency – Ireland is almost frictionless, Spain requires income proof, and Canada runs a points-based system.

  • Cost of living – Spain and Portugal are cheaper, while Switzerland and Australia are pricier.

  • Housing – average homes cost £120K–£180K in Spain, £400K in Canada, and £540K in Sydney.

  • Healthcare access – public coverage may have waiting periods (e.g. Canada, Australia); private insurance often required in Spain and Portugal.

  • Language and culture – English-speaking destinations are easier initially, but established expat communities ease integration across Europe and the Gulf.

Taking time to plan around these factors helps ensure a smooth transition.

How Total Moving Solutions supports your move

Relocation isn’t just about packing boxes. It’s about safeguarding your belongings, managing paperwork, and starting fresh with confidence.

Total Moving Solutions offers:

  • Fully managed international removals across Europe and beyond.

  • Export packing and secure transport by road, sea, or air.

  • Customs clearance support to reduce stress at borders.

  • Storage options in the UK and abroad.

  • Specialist relocation services for vehicles, pets, and high-value items.

We’re proud members of MoveAssured, and with MoveProtect Extended Cover, provided through a leading removal cover provider, your belongings are protected from door to door for extra peace of mind.

Explore our dedicated routes:

Start planning your move today on our international removals page and let our team handle every detail for you.

Family loading boxes into removals van for international move with Total Moving Solutions

FAQs about moving abroad from the UK

Which country do most Brits move to?

Spain remains the most popular, with over 400,000 UK residents.

What is the easiest country to move to from the UK?

Ireland, thanks to the CTA, followed by Portugal and Canada.

Why are so many Brits leaving the UK?

Cost of living, career opportunities, and retirement in sunnier climates are the main reasons.

Can I live in the EU permanently with a British passport?

Yes, but you’ll need a national visa or residency permit — automatic rights ended with Brexit.

Where do most retirees move from the UK?

Spain, Portugal, and France are consistently top retirement destinations.

What is the cheapest country to move to from the UK?

Spain and Portugal are often the most affordable, with lower housing costs and everyday expenses up to 40% cheaper than the UK.

Where can I move to from the UK without a visa?

Ireland remains visa-free under the Common Travel Area. All other destinations require an application process post-Brexit.

Family with children unloading boxes from a removals van outside their new home after a long-distance move.

Where British expats are settling in 2025?

In 2025, the most common destinations for people leaving the UK are Spain, Ireland, Australia, Canada, France, and Portugal. Increasingly, movers are also heading to the USA, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the wider Gulf region.

People are making these moves for many reasons – from lower living costs and better job opportunities to retirement in the sun. Post-Brexit rules may have added complexity, but the opportunities abroad are broader than ever.

If you’re planning your own relocation, careful preparation – and the right removals partner – can make the process far easier. Get started today with a free, no-obligation quote and take the first step towards your new life abroad.