Best countries for British expats after Brexit

August 2022

By Will Glyn

Many people considering a move are now wondering where they can live and whether or not they can retire abroad now they’re no longer citizens of the European Union.

In this article, we’ll talk about the best places for Brits to go post-Brexit. We’ve considered factors like education, retiring options, living costs, culture, and healthcare.

Where do Brits live abroad currently?

Unsurprisingly, some of the most popular places for UK citizens to move to are the commonwealth countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa. Being able to live in another country where your language is spoken has a huge advantage. There are around 1.2 million Brits living in Australia and over half a million in Canada.

After the EU referendum in 2016, there was a huge spike in the number of Britons wanting to move out of the UK and there has been a rise of 30% since the result. However, people are increasingly concerned about what Brexit means for moving abroad.

Why do people choose to move abroad?

There are many reasons why British people are choosing to move abroad. This includes lifestyle benefits, standard of living, job opportunities, education and future prospects for their children, and economic stability.

Moving abroad also has the appeal of being in a warmer climate and living a more outdoor lifestyle, which many British families struggle to enjoy in the winter months.

So, can you still move abroad as a British citizen after Brexit?

Now the pandemic is slowly coming to an end and restrictions are minimal (if at all), many Brits are starting to consider a life overseas. With the UK leaving the European Union, its citizens no longer have a special status within the EU. The UK is now considered to be a “third country” or a nation that is not in the EU.

What this means is that you can stay in an EU member state for 90 days in a 180-day period with no trouble but if you want to permanently live in a European country, you’ll need a visa. And with a visa, come specific country requirements.

Another complication is that a person’s professional qualifications aren’t recognised automatically in EU countries like they were before. This means that if you’re a doctor, dentist, vet, nurse, teacher, pharmacist, architect, etc., you will need to have your qualifications formally recognised by your chosen country. There’s no point moving abroad for a better life if you’re prevented from working when you get there so it’s important to check with the country’s embassy in the UK before deciding.

If you’re not wanting to work but are looking to retire abroad, you’ll need to look into benefits, pensions, tax, etc.

The good thing is that your citizenship in the UK won’t be affected and you’ll still be able to vote in UK elections when you’re abroad.

Best countries for British expats after Brexit: our thoughts

So, after all of that, which are the best countries for British expats after Brexit?

The most popular destinations post-Brexit seem to be:

• Spain
• USA
• France
• Dubai
• Italy

Let’s look at each of these in more detail.

Spain

Spain continues to be the most popular country for UK expats. It’s easy to settle here and isn’t too far away from your home comforts. Despite Brexit, Spain still remains a popular destination for expats; there are just a few more hoops to jump through to get there.

The culture is laid-back and easy going and you’ve got plenty of delicious food and drink out there. There’s also the great work culture with a three to four-hour lunch break (though that often means working until 7 or 8 pm).

For retirees, it’s fantastic – there’s no wonder some 120,000 British retired people already live here. You’ll need to obtain a permiso de residencia to prove you can afford to support yourself – but you are able to claim your state pension in the UK too.

USA

Some 600,000 Brits already live in the United States and with the country’s vastness and variety, there is something for everyone here. So, whether you prefer snowy mountains in Colorado, Arizona’s rugged deserts, or New England’s green pastures, you’ll be made welcome.

Though the culture is varied, it’s also familiar and so many Brits feel at home in the US. There’s less of a culture shock since everyone speaks English and there are all of the familiar celebrations like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, etc.

It can be difficult to retire to the US but it isn’t impossible. It’s easier to do so if you work in the country first and then choose to retire. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply to the EB-5 program and you’ll need to invest a minimum of half a million dollars in an enterprise in the US.

France

Around 180,000 Brits live as expats in France. Being close to the UK, it’s an easy move for many to make.

Culture-wise, there’s a big north-south divide, much like in the UK. The north is much more like England, which isn’t surprising considering our Norman ancestry! There are more protestants here and they love modern business. Meanwhile, the south is more Mediterranean with an easy-going lifestyle and more rural and Catholic culture.

France is popular for UK retirees and there are some 50,000 of them. Since Brexit, British citizens now need to apply for French residency but it is pretty straightforward to do so.

The only things you’ll need to prove are that you have income (state pension counts) and that you can speak a basic level of French. A French retirement visa is valid for ten years.

Dubai

Dubai is the Emirate itself as well as the city, however most UK expats will move to the city. This is one of the easiest countries for British expats to emigrate to.

Fuelled by oil trade profits, this destination as rapidly sprung up in the last half a century and is an impressive location. It’s tax free, which makes it an excellent location for work and it has high salaries and great standards of living.

The culture is mostly Arab and the official language here is Arabic. The state religion is officially Islam and so traditions like Eid-al-Fitr and Ramadan are a huge part of the culture.

However, around 80% of people living in Dubai are expats, which is the highest state proportion anywhere in the world. You’ll find Egyptians, Iranians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, Indians, and more on its shores. With a large number of Westerners, English is commonly used everywhere too.

To retire in Dubai, you’ll need to have a monthly income of £4,000, savings of £200,000 or own a property in the country that is worth £400,000. This grants a retirement visa that’s valid for five years.

Italy

With beautiful beaches and a growing economy, it’s no surprise that British expats are making homes here. Like France, there is a north-south divide here. You’ve got Bologna, Turin, and Milan known for their strong commerce and industry sectors in the north. While in the south, you’ve got the more laid-back, traditional culture of Naples, Rome and Sicily, which are ideal for retirees.

The food is, of course, fantastic as well as familiar. However, the level of English comprehension compared to France and Spain is pretty low so you’ll need to know more than your favourite pizza toppings to get by here.

For retirees, you’ll need to apply for an elective residence visa through the Italian Consulate or Embassy. You’ll also need to meet minimum income requirements, which are €31k (€38k for a couple) plus €20k for each child/dependent moving too.

Final thoughts

Though there may be more hoops to jump through since Brexit, UK expats still have a wealth of opportunities when it comes to moving abroad – and many are still choosing to do so. The requirements for non-EU countries have always been there, it’s just that there are now requirements for EU countries too.

Will is an Independent Financial Adviser with over a decade of experience helping expats make the most of their international status.