10 Reasons Why Britons Consider Moving Abroad

Moving to another country is a very serious decision, but it is one that many Britons are making. At the moment, there are more than 800,000 British people who have moved overseas, and they often cite the same reasons for moving abroad as their motivation.

Most of those who consider leaving Britain do so because of work or love interests, but others move with no other motivation than to start a new life in another country. There are, however, some common reasons for moving which keep cropping up over and over again. Here are ten of them!

1)    Work

The reason many Britons choose to move abroad is to find work. It’s certainly true that the UK has high unemployment rates considering its economic standing and many Britons feel that lack of career opportunities can be a big factor.

It’s not just working abroad that will do it – even finding work in another part of the UK would count – but people often mention their desire to move overseas as they feel this is more likely to provide them with an exciting and fulfilling job.

2)    Education

Another major motivation for moving is to access better education. Many Britons choose to move nations when they hit university age, especially if their parents are unwilling or unable to pay for an elite education in the UK. Some also move abroad when they are children to attend international schools. Others want to access further education opportunities.

3)    Love and Romance

The most common motivation for leaving Britain – and also what many that do so go on to regret – is love. Men and women often move abroad to live with a new partner or spouse. This rarely works out long-term as it can be very difficult to maintain a relationship between two countries. Still, it can be a fantastic short-term solution for anyone looking to escape their past life.

4)    Retirement

Many Britons retire abroad, especially to warmer European nations where they can enjoy the better climate and lower living costs that come with this decision. Again, moving abroad is rarely anything but positive regarding retirement.

This is because; it gives people a chance to enjoy their life while they are still relatively young and fit enough to travel, but it is a decision that needs serious consideration as living costs in many countries can be higher than those in the UK and pensions and healthcare might not be available.

5)    Lifestyle

Britons often move abroad because of the lifestyle benefits – including climate, culture, and cost of living – that come with moving to a different country. Many people who move abroad for no other reason than this also regret it, but others find that they enjoy their new life much more than their old one once they get used to the changes in lifestyle that moving brings about.

6)    The Cost Of Living

Another commonly cited reason for moving abroad is the lower cost of living. Many Britons are unable to buy property in the UK at the moment, despite their strong desire to do so, because prices are too high. While some choose instead to rent in their home nation, others move overseas where they can get more space for less money.

7)    Quality Of Life

Another reason people often mention when discussing why they want to move abroad is the quality of life. Living in Britain can be difficult because it is so crowded, there are too many rules and regulations which govern daily life, and it has terrible weather for half the year.

Moving to another country gives Britons a chance to experience all of this for themselves and discover that there are plenty of other places in the world where they would rather live.

8)    Healthcare and Pensions

Moving abroad can also be a great way to gain access to better healthcare and a better pension. Many Britons feel that the NHS is not delivering what they need and that they might do better elsewhere in Europe or further afield, while those who retire abroad often claim their pension will go further than it would at home.

9)    Tourism and Travel

For some, moving abroad is simply about the desire to travel and experience new cultures. Brits who move abroad to another country for this reason often return home after a short period, but others settle permanently and never look back. For those who move abroad as tourists, quality of life can be more important than the cost of living, and the weather might not matter much.

10) Job Opportunities

Many Britons move abroad to accept new job offers because they have been offered a position in another country which is hard to pass up. This can be an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to progress in their career, but it usually means saying goodbye to friends and family.

5 Cons of Living in the U.K

Every country has its pros and cons, but it’s better to relocate outside the U.K after Brexit. Above, we listed some of the best countries to reside as Brits. If you’re still unsure of this decision, consider these five cons below.

Taxes

The U.K.’s income tax rates are high compared to other industrialized countries. Income below £8,865 per year is taxed at 20%, and the rate increases incrementally to 40% for any income above £150,000. However, basic groceries and other necessities are exempt from this tax. Capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and value-added tax (VAT) are other costs associated with living in the U.K.

Commute Times

Compared to other industrialized countries, employees in the U.K have longer commute times — on average, 26 minutes compared to 22 minutes for all other industrialized nations. This is because many people rely on public transportation rather than cars.

Socialized Medicine

The National Health Service, or NHS, is the U.K.’s version of socialized medicine. Under this system, all citizens are insured for medical care via taxes paid to the government. However, due to a lack of facilities and resources, patients must wait several months before undergoing surgery.

Another con of the U.K.’s version of socialized medicine is that it can be very expensive for people who do not qualify for subsidies under this system.

Poor Weather Conditions

UK’s location on the western coast leaves it open to rain, fog, and cloudy skies much more often than many other industrialized countries. For example, London gets only 6.5 hours of sunshine per day on average, compared to 9 hours in Rio de Janeiro and 11 hours in Los Angeles.

Isolation from Mainland Europe

The U.K.’s location on an island off the coast of mainland Europe gives it relative insulation from terrorist attacks as well as immigration from mainland Europe. However, this isolation can also give rise to loneliness and a sense of being cut off from the world, especially if one does not have many friends or family nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brexit

What Is Brexit?

Brexit is the term that has been coined for the British exit from the European Union, otherwise known as the EU. The referendum was held on 23rd June 2016, when 52% of the UK voted to leave. The UK has, in recent years, had a close relationship with Europe. It was one of the original six countries that formed the EU in 1958.

What was the result of the referendum?

The majority (52%) of people voted to leave the European Union. 48% voted to remain. Turnout for the vote was 71.8%, with more than 30 million people voting nationwide out of 46 million eligible voters. Most MPs wanted voters to stay in Europe, but the referendum result dictated that they would not.

What happens after Brexit?

The UK left the EU by January 2020 (two years after Article 50 was triggered), which means all current rules and laws within the country will no longer apply. Negotiations are still occurring between both parties, with trade deals a key priority. The impact on the UK economy will be closely monitored in the coming months and years, as the pound fell to a 31-year low following the referendum results.

Conclusion

Moving to another country outside the U.K is one of the many options that British expats will have to consider after Brexit.  For many UK nationals, expats, and retirees, the European Union (EU) permits freedom of movement to enable them to travel everywhere in Europe for business or pleasure. So, if you’d love to relocate to one of the best countries, refer to the ones listed in this article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The UK’s exit from the European Union has left many British residents and expats in a state of uncertainty. Many Brits who have lived within the EU for years have to consider their options, including whether or not they should remain living in the regions where they currently reside or if it would be more practical to relocate to another country.

As an EU member state, there were certain rights and privileges associated with residing in another country than one’s home nation. For example, the ability to freely travel within Europe was a major benefit of life as part of the Union. Now that Brexit has taken place, it is likely that these benefits will no longer be available to Brits living abroad – at least not without restrictions.

This leads many Brits to consider other member states of the EU that may offer them similar experiences while also allowing them to maintain ties with their home nation. France and Spain are popular alternatives to the UK for British expats hoping for a new life abroad; however, several other countries in the EU are becoming increasingly popular.

Today, we will walk you through the best countries for British expats to live in after the Brexit. Have you been looking elsewhere to get the right information about this context? Look no further! This is the right platform, as we’ve got you covered with the best tips and guides from an expert.

Top Countries for British Expats to Live in After Brexit

1.    Ecuador

Many British expats are starting to head south of the equator, as Ecuador is gaining an international reputation for being a hip yet a laid-back place where retirees can live out their days. The weather in Ecuador is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round with little seasonal variation.

Healthcare is also much cheaper than in the United Kingdom, with medical procedures costing as little as a tenth of what they would back home. The cost of living is also extremely reasonable, with renting apartments being around USD 500 per month while typical food prices are at least 30% cheaper than in the UK.

Ecuador only recently abolished its military (in 2008), and therefore it boasts one of the smallest defense budgets in South America at about $50 million. Most of the country’s defense equipment is from the United States and will be replaced by newer equipment produced locally.       

2.    Australia

The second-best country for British expats to live in after Brexit is Australia, as the government has passed legislation to make it easier for retirees to gain citizenship there. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that people aged 65 and over grew by 14% between 2009 and 2010 alone, which demonstrates how much demand there is for retired expats.

Although the country does have a higher cost of living than Ecuador, that’s mostly attributed to its far higher wages. Citizens are also entitled to free healthcare and other benefits such as unemployment insurance. The biggest attraction for retirees choosing Australia is the weather, with temperatures ranging from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit all year round and very low rainfall.

3.    Malaysia

Malaysia might be one of the more surprising picks for countries British expats should consider moving to after Brexit, especially since its closest neighbors are Muslim-majority nations where Sharia law is enforced. However, Malaysia is actually quite progressive regarding religious freedom and women’s rights, so living there as an ex-pat is much easier than it might be elsewhere.

The cost of living in Malaysia is also fairly reasonable, with rent typically around USD 300 per month and food prices being cheaper than in the UK. The weather isn’t relatively as temperate as Ecuador or Australia, but it’s still warm enough for people to enjoy running outside and gardening during the daytime hours.

4.    Canada

British ex-pats looking for cold weather may want to consider heading up north instead of further south, as Canada is an ideal destination for people who like winter sports and activities. This makes it especially attractive to retirees who plan on spending most of their time indoors. However, the northern climate does make it necessary for most retired expats to own their homes or pay for private accommodation.

Canada is also famous for its universal healthcare, which means that retirees don’t have to worry about how to afford medical treatment should something go wrong. Canadians are also known throughout the world as being very friendly, so there’s a good chance you’ll make some British friends once you move there.

5.    New Zealand

Another country for British expats to live in after Brexit is New Zealand, as it offers a high quality of life at very reasonable prices. The growing number of retirees moving to New Zealand has led it to create an Extraordinary Skills visa that allows people with those qualifications to move there quickly. However, it’s also possible to move without any qualifications.

Like Australia, New Zealand is very easy for people looking to retire outside of the EU. The healthcare system is open to all citizens and expats alike, with even foreigners paying the same rates as locals whenever they visit a doctor or hospital. Rent prices are low enough that even retirees on fixed incomes can afford to live in New Zealand for the rest of their lives.

6.    Belize

Another Central American nation that is fast becoming a hotspot for British expats looking to retire in the Caribbean is Belize, which has some of the most beautiful beaches and warmest climates in the entire region.

Since the country is located along several shipping routes, it can be reached relatively cheaply from North America and Europe. One thing Belize has going for it is its stable economy and low unemployment, which should make it easier for expats to find work as self-employed professionals.

The cost of living in Belize can be very reasonable, especially for those who like to spend their time fishing or relaxing on the beach. Belize offers a lot of value for the money and is a great destination for British retirees exploring other regions besides Europe and Asia.

7.    Mexico

British expats should definitely consider Mexico one of the top countries they can move to after Brexit, as it has become very popular with retirees in recent years. The vast majority of expats moving to Mexico plan to live in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta. However, there is a growing number of retirees who prefer to live inland where property prices are cheaper.

Mexico’s property market continues to grow every year, with many new developments being developed by foreigners looking for an opportunity to invest their money. Retirement visas can be obtained fairly quickly as long as an applicant has enough money to retire comfortably. Still, the main drawback of living in Mexico is that it doesn’t play host to too many British expats.

8.    Bulgaria

British retirees looking for cheap property and a warm climate may want to consider moving to Bulgaria, which like other Central European countries, has low real estate prices. Thanks to the ongoing development of its tourism and healthcare industries, Bulgaria is able to offer a higher standard of living than many other European nations, which means that British expats won’t have to worry about having enough money for their retirement.

Another thing that makes Bulgaria attractive to British retirees is its relaxed attitude regarding visas; as long as you can provide evidence of a regular monthly income, you’ll be able to move there and live in relative comfort.

Although Bulgaria is a relatively small nation compared to other European countries, it’s big enough for expats to find lots of great places to explore and enjoy the kind of life they’ve always dreamed about.

9.    Panama

Although it doesn’t have the same kind of weather that you can expect to find in other Central American nations, Panama makes up for it with its high living standards and excellent infrastructure. The nation’s economy is growing very quickly, which has led to an influx of foreigners looking for work – especially those who want to invest their money and retire there later.

Panama’s property market is also growing at a steady rate, which means that British expats who want to retire in the sunshine and live an active lifestyle won’t have any trouble finding great deals on land or property.

As long as you can provide evidence of a regular monthly income and make sure you don’t stay longer than 90 days without applying for an extension, you’ll be able to live in Panama without any problems.

10. Peru

British expats looking to retire in one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth can undoubtedly do so by moving to Peru. Although it’s considerably more expensive than many other South American countries, it’s definitely within their budget as long as they plan accordingly.

Considering how much British retirees spent per month before Brexit, they’ll find that Peru offers a lot of value for money. Even the cost of living in Lima is relatively low compared to London, which means that British expats should be able to save enough money for their retirement.

One reason why so many British tourists love holidaying in Peru is because of its rich history and fascinating culture. Although you can certainly see all of the country’s major tourist attractions during your first visit, it’s also possible to return on a regular basis without running out of things to see and do.