Moving overseas from the UK
If you’re thinking about moving overseas from the UK, you’re part of a growing wave. Thousands of people every month are packing up, looking for a fresh start – whether that’s a new job in Canada, a slower pace in Portugal, or sunshine in Australia.
It’s a big step. Exciting, yes – but also full of questions. Where do you start? How much does it cost? What happens with your pension or healthcare? And how do you actually get your life from here to there safely?
At Total Moving Solutions, we’ve spent years helping people make that exact move. From young professionals heading to Europe to families relocating halfway around the world, we’ve seen every version of an overseas move … the smooth, the stressful, and the life-changing.
We are specialists in overseas removals from the UK, and this guide draws on what we’ve learned from our customers, our partners, and our day-to-day experience managing international moves. We’ve also included some up-to-date facts and figures from official sources to give you a realistic picture of what moving overseas in 2025 really looks like.
While every effort has been made to include the latest information, visa rules, tax requirements, and government policies can change – so it’s always wise to check official advice before making final decisions.
What people planning to move overseas from the UK want to know
If you’re serious about moving overseas, here’s what we’ve gathered from years of helping people relocate and what you’ll find most useful as you plan your move.
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Why more people than ever are moving overseas from the UK in 2025
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Which destinations make the process simplest
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What legal and financial steps you must take before you go
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How much an overseas move really costs
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How to prepare for life after you arrive
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And how Total Moving Solutions (TMS) can make it all happen smoothly
Why more people are moving overseas from the UK in 2025
The idea of starting fresh overseas has never been more appealing. According to recent ONS data, more than half a million UK residents left the country in 2024 … the highest number since before Brexit.
The cost-of-living push
High housing costs, rising energy bills and everyday expenses have made many families rethink their future. Countries like Portugal, Spain and Thailand offer lower living costs and a slower pace of life.
For more detail on affordable European destinations, see our European removals guide.
Better balance and remote work
The shift to remote working has opened up new opportunities. Digital nomad visas in Spain, Portugal and Greece now make it easier to live abroad while working for UK or global employers.
For career-driven relocations, our guide to moving from the UK to Canada breaks down visas and job markets.
Retiring overseas
Many retirees move for sunshine, space and better value. Spain, Portugal and France remain favourites. See our blog “Is it worth moving to Canada from the UK?” for an honest look at long-term lifestyle changes.
Family reasons
Families often move for calmer lifestyles and quality education. Ireland remains popular due to its shared language and close proximity. Learn more in our removals to Ireland guide.
Post-Brexit changes
New visa rules have made movers plan smarter — organising paperwork early and choosing reliable shipping partners.
Read our removals from France to England page for practical examples of post-Brexit logistics.
Freedom and climate
Finally, many people simply want a new experience — somewhere with sunshine, outdoor life and better work-life balance. Our “Cool places to live in Melbourne” blog explores why so many UK expats love Australia.
The easiest countries for UK citizens to move to
Some destinations make moving overseas smoother thanks to flexible visas and cultural familiarity.
Ireland – simplest route
No visa needed under the Common Travel Area. UK citizens can live, work and access healthcare freely.
See removals to Ireland for what to expect.
Portugal – relaxed and affordable
The D7 and Digital Nomad visas make residency straightforward. Living costs are 15–20% below UK levels.
Learn more through our European removals guide.
Spain – familiar favourite
Spain’s Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visas are clear and established. Around 15% of all UK emigrants move there each year.
Explore lifestyle insights in our “Why expats are leaving Spain” article.
Canada – open, structured and safe
The Express Entry system and provincial programmes make immigration predictable.
Read our full guide to moving from the UK to Canada.
Australia – family-friendly and English-speaking
Australia’s skilled-visa routes and familiar culture make settling easy.
See our moving to Australia guide.
Emerging options
Destinations such as Malaysia, Panama and Albania are attracting attention for low living costs and new residency pathways.
Essential legal and financial steps before moving overseas
Before you leave, there are some key formalities to take care of.
Notify HMRC
Complete form P85 once you leave the UK to confirm your change of tax residency and ensure correct tax treatment.
National Insurance and pensions
You can claim your UK State Pension overseas and may keep paying voluntary NI contributions to maintain your record.
Healthcare
NHS access stops once you move permanently. Some pensioners can use an S1 form for healthcare in the EEA; otherwise, arrange suitable local cover before leaving.
For examples of healthcare systems abroad, see our guide to moving and living in Norway from the UK.
Local council and utilities
Cancel or update council tax and utilities, redirect mail via Royal Mail International, and inform insurers or lenders.
Documents and finances
Keep copies of passports, certificates, tax papers and medical records. Notify your bank, and consider an international account for easier payments.
How much does it cost to move overseas from the UK
As a general rule, costs vary depending on where you’re heading, how much you’re taking and how you ship it.
Typical 2025 ranges
| Move type | Typical cost (GBP) | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| Shared container (LCL) | £1,000 – £2,500 | 4–8 weeks |
| Full container (FCL) | £3,000 – £8,000 | 6–12 weeks |
| Air freight (small consignments) | From £5 per kg | 7–14 days |
| Packing & collection | £500 – £1,500 | — |
| Customs & admin | £300 – £800 | — |
Sea freight remains the most economical for large moves.
By destination
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Europe: £2,000–£4,000
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North America: £5,000–£7,000
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Australia / New Zealand: £6,000–£9,000
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Asia / Middle East: £5,000–£8,000+
Other costs
Include visa fees, flights, first-month rent and setup expenses. Families should budget £6,000–£12,000 overall.
Saving money
Declutter before packing, book early, and consider shared-container services. TMS quotes are always transparent and fully itemised.
Get a personalised estimate on our International Removals page.
Managing healthcare, pensions and tax after your move
Healthcare
Permanent overseas residents aren’t covered by the NHS. Register for healthcare locally or use reciprocal schemes where available.
Pensions
You can receive your UK State Pension abroad. Increases apply only if you live in the EEA, Switzerland or a country with a reciprocal agreement.
Tax
You’ll be non-resident once you spend fewer than 183 days in the UK each tax year. File form P85 and pay UK tax only on UK-sourced income.
For post-Brexit transitions, see our removals from France to England guide.
Banking
Notify your bank before leaving and consider a multi-currency or international account for easy transfers.
Adapting to life overseas
After the move, the real adjustment begins. The first few weeks can feel like a holiday before reality sets in — new systems, routines and cultures.
Settling in
Give yourself a few months to find your rhythm. Learn key phrases, register locally, and keep some familiar routines.
See our moving to a new town and starting over in the UK article for helpful mindset tips.
Cultural adjustment
Every country has its own pace. Approach differences with curiosity, not comparison, and you’ll feel at home faster.
Staying connected
Keep in touch with family but focus on building life where you are. Balance both worlds, don’t live in two.
Lean on support
At TMS, we stay connected even after delivery – helping with storage, additional shipments or local contacts. We don’t just move boxes; we move lives.
How Total Moving Solutions helps you move overseas stress-free
When you’re ready to move overseas, TMS handles every stage – packing, transport, customs and delivery.
Our services include
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Export-standard packing
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Full or shared container shipping, and air options
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Customs paperwork and ToR support
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Real-time shipment updates
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Short- and long-term storage solutions
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Optional cover for added protection
Each customer has a dedicated Move Coordinator from start to finish.
Learn more on our International Removals page.
Why choose TMS
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Experienced in global relocations
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Transparent, itemised quotes
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Flexible options for any shipment size
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Accredited overseas partners
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Personal service with real people, not call centres
Total Moving Solutions makes overseas moving simple, secure and stress-free, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
Frequently asked questions about moving overseas from the UK
How do I start planning a move overseas from the UK?
Start six months ahead: research your destination, confirm visa requirements, and request quotes from accredited overseas removals companies.
What documents do I need to move overseas?
You’ll need a valid passport, visa or residence permit, proof of address, and shipping paperwork such as customs inventories and ToR forms.
Do I need to tell HMRC if I move overseas?
Yes. Complete form P85 after leaving the UK to update your tax status and ensure you’re taxed correctly.
Will I lose my UK State Pension if I move overseas?
No, but annual increases only apply if you live in the EEA, Switzerland, or a country with a reciprocal agreement.
Can I keep using the NHS after I move overseas?
No. Once you live abroad permanently, NHS entitlement ends, though short-term visits for emergencies are still possible.
How much does it cost to ship furniture overseas?
Most full-household moves range between £3,000 and £8,000, depending on distance, volume and service type.
Is it hard to adjust to life overseas?
It takes time but becomes easier once you build local routines, join communities and stay open to cultural differences.
Why use a professional removals company?
Because experienced movers like Total Moving Solutions handle packing, customs and delivery safely, saving you time and stress.