Best Countries to Move to From UK

Moving From UK to Overseas

It can be difficult deciding to move overseas and it can be hard to decide which country would offer the best quality of living. It is important to assess what your priorities are and whether you meet the criteria of your chosen new home.

Be sure to look at the local property prices, quality of healthcare and the day-to-day costs of living.

Some locations may have a complicated immigration system that can initially be off-putting. However, with the support of a professional immigration lawyer you can successfully navigate the process.

Ireland

The close proximity of Ireland and the ease of immigration for UK citizens could be a tempting option for those looking to move overseas.

With both countries committed to the Common Travel Area citizens are free to live, work, and study in either Ireland or the UK without the need for a visa,

Other benefits include being able to access public funds and health care without being subject to immigration restrictions.

However, even though the process of moving to Ireland is straightforward you may also want to consider if the country is suitable for you and your family.

The cost of living in Ireland is higher than the UK, especially in cities such as Dublin, with prices comparable to London.

If you are looking to enjoy a more affordable lifestyle, then you may want to seek out more rural areas where property prices are lower. For example, the cost of living in Dublin is 33% higher than in Cork.

Canada

Recent years have seen a rise in the number of people looking to move from the UK to Canada and it is now seen as a prime destination for UK citizens wanting to relocate overseas. 

In particular, potential residents are attracted by Canada’s high quality of life, attractive job opportunities and the stunning landscapes. Of course, apart from in some regions, the language barrier is removed and this makes it an appealing destination. 

Canada also offers a universal healthcare system, has an education system that is generously supported by government investment and low crime rates.

There are a number of routes for those from the UK looking to emigrate and the most suitable pathway depends on your work plans or whether you have relatives already settled in Canada.

Canadian Work Visas for UK Citizens

If you are a skilled worker then you may be able to emigrate to Canada via the Express Entry route. To qualify you will need to demonstrate you have the right skills and experience to contribute to the Canadian economy.

There are three economic immigration programmes through Express Entry:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Gaining Canadian Residency Via Investment

For those with sufficient funds it is possible to move from the UK to Canada via one of the country’s investment-based routes. 

The key routes are: 

• The Quebec Immigration Investor Program (QIIP)
• The Quebec Entrepreneur Program
• The Quebec Self-Employed Programs, 
• The Federal Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Program
• The Federal Start-Up Visa Program
• The Investor Program

Emigrating via investment can be a complicated process and you may wish to reach out to an immigration expert to ensure you correctly showcase how you meet the criteria for your chosen route.

Moving from the UK for Canada to Join Family Members

The Canadian Family Visa is a suitable route for those who already have family members who have settled in the country. 

The Canadian family reunification visa category has three subcategories based on the family relationship that applies:

• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
• Dependent Child Sponsorship
• Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship

Applicants will need to prove they meet the requirements for the visa and that they have a qualifying family member willing to sponsor them to come from the UK to Canada. 

This route is ideal for those wanting to reunite with loved ones. However, there are some restrictions on who is a suitable sponsor including being declared bankrupt, in prison or receiving social assistance. 

Other Options for British Citizens Wanting to Move to Canada

Aside from the main Skilled Worker and Family Visa routes, there are other options for those wanting to benefit from Canadian life and potentially lead to permanent residency. 

This include: 

Start-up visa – for those looking to start their own business in Canada with the support of a designated organisation. 

Atlantic Immigration Pilot – skilled workers and international graduates who want to work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces –  Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia or New Brunswick.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot –  for skilled workers who want to work in a small and rural community.

Quebec-selected skilled workers –  applicants must have a Quebec Selection Certificate from the Government of Quebec and wish to become permanent residents of Quebec

Caregivers –  The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot scheme enables those who qualify to become permanent residents in Canada

Self-employed Persons Program (currently paused until 2027) –  for those who are self-employed. In order to be eligible, you must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. You must be willing to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada

Agri-Food Pilot – for experienced, non-seasonal workers in specific industries and occupations. (This scheme is set to be paused from May 2025)

Australia

There is a strong history of UK citizens relocating to Australia, with many tempted by the warmer weather, the outdoor focused way of life and the fact English is the official language. 

However, it is important to realise that the cost of living is not as favourable as it once was. In major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, property prices are similar to the UK, so it is important to consider location when making the move from the UK to Australia. Rural areas offer more value for money but bring challenges in other ways, especially in the more remote regions. 

There are a number of visas available to UK citizens, especially for those looking to relocate for work purposes. It is also possible to gain Australian citizenship after four years of continuously living in the country.

Working in Australia as a UK Citizen

The job market in Australia is very favourable with higher wages than in the UK, especially in more rural areas looking to attract the right talent. There is strong demand for overseas workers who have experience in IT, healthcare and engineering.

Working conditions are also attractive compared to the UK, with a strong emphasis on a positive life-work balance so many employers offer flexi-working and high levels of worker rights.

Australian Worker Visas Suitable for UK Citizens

There are many routes on offer for those looking to work and live in Australia. The most suitable visa will depend on the type of work you plan to do when in the country. 

The following categories of workers qualify for a Australian Work Visa: 

• Skilled workers
• Individuals who undertake specific activities
• Highly specialised workers
• Trainees on short-term visas
• Experienced business people
• Individuals investors

Some of the most popular visas for UK citizens want to move to Australia to work include:

Australian Family Visa Options for UK Citizens

There are several options for UK citizens who may be eligible to apply for an Australian family visa depending on your relationship with an Australian citizen or someone with permanent residency status.

Visa options that are available for eligible individuals include:

• Partner Visa
• Prospective Marriage Visa
• Tourist Stream
• New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa
• Sponsored Family Stream
• Frequent Traveller Stream
• Aged Dependent Relative Visa
• Carer Visa
• Parent Visa
• Aged Parent Visa
• Dependent Child Visa
• Child Visa
• Adoption Visa

Portugal

Portugal has gained in popularity with UK citizens both as a holiday destination and a potential new home. Especially as the country has a very favourable climate, affordable property prices, stunning beaches and a low cost of living. 

For families with children, Portugal also has a high-quality education with a number of international schools that teach a British curriculum. There is also universal healthcare for Portuguese citizens and residents of Portugal. 

There is a strong expat community in the capital city of Lisbon and in coastal areas such as the Algarve. English is also widely spoken, which can help make day-to-day living much easier for Brits. 

A key factor is also that it is relatively easier for UK citizens to gain Portuguese citizenship when compared to many other countries. So whether you want to  live, work, study or invest in property, there are immigration routes for moving to Portugal from the UK.

Portugal National Visa

There are two types of Portuguese National Visas which are suitable for UK citizens looking to move from the UK to Portugal, which one is suitable depends on how long you wish to stay in the country. 

Temporary Stay Visa

If you wish to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days but less than a year then you will need a Temporary Stay Visa. 

This visa is suitable for those travelling to the country for work, to study, medical treatment, volunteering or religious purposes.

Residency Visa 

For those wanting to move to Portugal for a longer period then a Residency Visa is required. This is issued for four months initially to allow enough time to apply for a Residency Permit. To be given a Residency Visa you must be planning to 

• Work
• Study and research
• Professional training, internship or volunteer work
• Family reunification
• Fixed residency

Other Portuguese Visa Options for UK Citizens

Tech Visa – suitable for workers in the technology and innovation fields. Businesses can hire up to 50 per cent of their staff via this route, or up to 80 per cent if they are mainly Portugal based. 

Golden Visa – this investment route is for those able to commit to investing a significant amount into Portugal’s business economy. 

Start-up Visa – ideal for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Portugal and have proof of experience and funds. 

How IAS Can Help

No matter which country you plan to move to, the IAS team are here to provide support. Our expert immigration lawyers have experience in giving advice on immigration processes and visas to UK citizens.

We can help navigate the documents needed to support your application as well as ensuring the rest of your application meets all the required legal requirements.

Reach out today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or use our live chat to book an advice session to start your journey to move from the UK to overseas.