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 really looks like in today’s market.
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.
- Why more people than ever are moving overseas from the UK in 2026
- Which destinations make the process simplest
- What legal and financial steps you must take before you go
- How much an overseas move really costs
- How to prepare for life after you arrive
- And how Total Moving Solutions (TMS) can make it all happen smoothly
Why more people are moving overseas from the UK
The idea of starting fresh overseas has never been more appealing. According to recent ONS data, 693,000 people emigrated from the UK in the year ending June 2025 – the highest number since before Brexit. Of these, 252,000 were British nationals. The rise reflects both economic pressures and new opportunities in key destinations.
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 details 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 across Europe now make it genuinely feasible to live abroad while working for UK or global employers.
Spain requires €2,849 per month income, Portugal €3,480 per month, and Greece €3,500 per month – clear thresholds that help remote workers plan ahead. Emerging digital nomad visas in Malaysia, Thailand, and even Japan offer lower income requirements for different budgets.
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 Passive Income visa and Digital Nomad visa make residency straightforward. The Digital Nomad visa requires €3,480 per month income and €10,416 in savings.
Living costs are 12–15% below UK levels.
Spain – familiar favourite
Spain’s Non-Lucrative visa and Digital Nomad visa are clear and established. The Digital Nomad visa requires €2,849 per month income. Around 15% of all UK emigrants move there each year.
Explore lifestyle insights in our “Why expats are leaving Spain” article.
Greece – sun, culture and affordability
Greece’s Digital Nomad visa requires €3,500 monthly income. Living costs are 20% below the UK, and the visa pathway is quick. Fast-growing destination for remote workers seeking Mediterranean lifestyle.
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.
Qatar – high earners and specialists
Qatar offers residence visas tied to employment with tax-free salaries for many roles. Sponsorship is straightforward for skilled workers in engineering, healthcare and technology.
Many British professionals move here for 2–5 year contracts with significant financial benefits.
Poland – EU access and low costs
As an EU member, Poland is 10–15% cheaper than Western Europe while offering EU residency rights. Visa requirements are straightforward for UK citizens; many work remotely here.
Popular with digital nomads and those seeking Eastern European experience without sacrificing EU benefits.
Emerging options
Destinations such as Malaysia (with digital nomad visas from $24,000/year), Panama (friendly nation visa), and Albania (1-year renewable residency) are attracting attention for low living costs and accessible new residency pathways.
Newer programs in Japan, Sri Lanka, and the UAE also appeal to specific skill sets and budgets.
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. If you’re currently a non-dom taxpayer, note that this status was abolished on 6 April 2025 – from that date, all UK residents are taxed on worldwide income regardless of domicile status. When you leave the UK, confirm your non-resident status (fewer than 183 days in the UK per tax year) on form P85.
You may also be eligible for ‘split year treatment,’ which allows you to be treated as non-resident from your departure date if you meet specific criteria, such as working abroad full-time or leaving dependents in the UK. Claim this on form P85 when you notify HMRC – it can save significant tax in your final UK year.
National Insurance and pensions
You can claim your UK State Pension overseas. From April 2026, the full State Pension is £241.30 per week (subject to annual increases via the triple lock). You may also keep paying voluntary National Insurance contributions to maintain your record and boost your pension.
Be aware: if you move to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Africa, your pension will be frozen at the rate when you leave – annual increases won’t apply. This is critical for long-term financial planning.
Healthcare
NHS access stops once you move permanently. If you’ve worked in the UK, you may be eligible for an S1 form, which allows you to access healthcare in EEA countries and 22 reciprocal agreement countries (including Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and others). S1 applications are now online via the NHS website – apply before you leave for faster processing.
If you’re moving to a non-reciprocal country, arrange private healthcare cover before departure. 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. For transparent pricing and a breakdown tailored to your move, talk to one of our move managers or get your free detailed quote today.
Typical 2026 ranges
| Move type | Typical cost (GBP) | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (Shared Container / Groupage) | Starting from £1,000 | 8–16 weeks |
| Dedicated container (Full load / FCL) | Starting from £4,500 | 5–10 weeks |
| Air freight (small or urgent consignments) | From £5 per kg | 1-3 weeks |
| Packing & collection | Starting from £500 | 1-3 days (pre-shipment) |
| Customs & admin | £300 – £800 | — |
- Sea freight remains the most economical for large moves.
- Part-Load (Shared Container / Groupage): This is a cost-effective choice for smaller moves or just a few boxes. Your belongings share space in a secure shipping container with other customers headed in the same direction. The delivery time is wider because it must wait for the container to be fully consolidated.
- Dedicated Container (Full Load): This is where you hire an entire 20ft or 40ft container just for your use. This is the fastest sea freight option and the most secure way to ship a complete household or large items.
Moving overseas costs by destination
- Europe: £600–£4,000 (Small groupage loads can start from around £600, while larger 40ft full containers can reach up to £8,000, depending on the volume and whether professional packing is included.)
- North America: £1,000–£20,000 (Prices vary widely based on shipment size and packing. A smaller move could be around £1,000, while a 20ft full container with packing and delivery can cost £4,500–£5,000, and complex relocations may reach £20,000.)
- Australia / New Zealand: £650–£9,000 (Typical small groupage shipments start from £650 , while a 40ft container including export packing and full delivery can cost around £9,000.)
- Asia / Middle East: £600–£8,000+ (Groupage services can start from £600 , though larger shipments using a 40ft high-cube container may reach £8,000 or more, especially with added packing or delivery services.)
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
Once you’re resident abroad permanently, NHS access ends. You’ll need to register for healthcare locally or, in some cases, apply for an S1 form if you’ve worked in the UK and are retiring. The S1 form allows you to access healthcare in EEA countries and 22 reciprocal agreement countries (including Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland and others). Applications are now online via the NHS website.
Pensions
You can receive your UK State Pension abroad. From April 2026, the full State Pension is £241.30 per week (subject to the triple lock, which increases it annually). Pension increases apply only if you live in the EEA, Switzerland, or a country with a reciprocal agreement.
If you move to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Africa, your pension is frozen at the rate when you left the UK – increases won’t apply even if you return to the UK for spells. This is critical because moving to a non-reciprocal country can cost you tens of thousands in missed increases over a lifetime.
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 article on moving to a new town and starting over in the UK 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
- Export-standard packing
- Full or shared container shipping, and air options
- Customs paperwork and ToR support
- Real-time shipment updates
- Short- and long-term storage solutions
- Optional cover for added protection
We also guide you through customs documentation requirements, including ToR (Transfer of Residence) forms, B534 forms (for Australian moves), NZCS218 forms (New Zealand), and BSF186 forms (Canadian moves). Each destination has specific requirements – our team handles this complexity so you don’t have to.
Each customer has a dedicated Move Coordinator from start to finish.
Learn more on our International Removals page. If you’re not moving overseas but relocating a significant distance within the UK, our long-distance moving services cover door-to-door moves across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Why choose TMS
- Experienced in global relocations
- Transparent, itemised quotes
- Flexible options for any shipment size
- Accredited overseas partners
- 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.
What’s changed for moving overseas from the UK in 2026?
The non-dom regime ended on 6 April 2025, so all residents are now taxed on worldwide income. The State Pension increased to £241.30 per week from April 2026. Healthcare in the EEA now uses online S1 form applications. Red Sea disruptions have delayed sea freight and increased costs – expect 10-14 additional days and £200-£420 extra per container for Asia routes. Digital nomad visas across Europe now have specific income thresholds (Spain €2,849/month, Portugal €3,480/month, Greece €3,500/month).
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult qualified professionals (solicitors, accountants, financial advisors, immigration specialists) before making decisions about moving overseas, as rules and circumstances vary by individual.