Best Countries to Move to From the UK in 2026

Moving From the UK: What to Consider First

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. Dublin is significantly more expensive than other Irish cities — those looking for more affordable living often find Cork, Galway, or Limerick offer a better balance of cost and quality of life.

Spain

Spain has consistently ranked among the top three destinations for British expats since Brexit. The combination of a Mediterranean climate, a relaxed pace of life, and a cost of living significantly below the UK, especially once you move outside Madrid and Barcelona, continues to draw new arrivals every year.

Since the end of the Brexit transition period, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals when moving to Spain, meaning a visa is required for any stay beyond 90 days. The right route depends on whether you plan to work while living in Spain.

Strong British communities have built up along the Costa del Sol, in Valencia, and across the Balearic Islands, making the transition easier for many newcomers, with plenty of English-speaking services and established expat networks already in place.

Spanish Work Visas for UK Citizens

The most common routes for UK citizens moving to Spain include:

• Non-Lucrative Visa – for those who can support themselves through savings or passive income without working in Spain. Not a work visa, but a popular choice for early retirees and those with remote income from outside Spain.
• Digital Nomad Visa – for remote workers employed by, or contracting for, companies based outside Spain, allowing you to live in Spain while continuing to work for an overseas employer.
• Highly Qualified Professional Visa – for those with a Spanish job offer in a role requiring specialist skills or qualifications.
• EU Blue Card (Spain) – Spain’s implementation of the EU-wide route for highly skilled non-EU professionals with a qualifying job offer and salary.

Spanish Family Visa Options

If you have family members already living legally in Spain, family reunification routes are available for spouses, registered partners, dependent children, and in some cases dependent parents, subject to the sponsor meeting minimum income and accommodation requirements.

Path to Spanish Residency and Citizenship

Most visa holders can apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous, lawful residence in Spain. Spanish citizenship is generally available after ten years, though this is reduced to two years for nationals of certain Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal, and Sephardic Jews with Spanish heritage. UK nationals do not currently benefit from a reduced qualifying period

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 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 Program (AIP) – a permanent pathway for skilled workers and international graduates wanting to work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic Provinces — Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick

Rural Community Immigration Class (RCIC) – a permanent programme for skilled workers wanting to settle in smaller rural and northern communities across Canada.

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

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. Australian citizenship is possible after meeting a 4-year residency requirement (including at least 12 months as a permanent resident). UK citizens must first secure a permanent residency visa before they can begin this pathway.

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 – Portugal’s Golden Visa continues to accept certain investment-based applications, though real estate investments were removed as a qualifying category in 2023. Qualifying routes now include investment funds, capital transfer, or job creation. Minimum investment thresholds apply and vary by route.

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

New Zealand

New Zealand holds a long-standing appeal for British citizens, helped by deep historical ties between the two countries and the fact that many Brits moving there already have family connections in New Zealand.

The country also boasts dramatic scenery, a strong outdoor culture, and a lower cost of living than the UK in most regions outside Auckland, though property prices vary considerably depending on where you settle.

New Zealand Work Visas for UK Citizens

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the main temporary route for UK citizens with a job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. To qualify, you’ll generally need:

• A genuine job offer from an accredited employer
• To meet the skill and pay requirements for the role
• To pass health and character checks

For those wanting permanent residency rather than a temporary work visa, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the primary points-based route. Applicants are assessed on factors including age, qualifications, skilled work experience, and a registered job offer, and most applicants will also need to complete a skills assessment confirming their qualifications and experience meet New Zealand’s requirements before they can apply.

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

For younger UK citizens not yet ready to commit to a long-term move, the Working Holiday Visa is a popular first step. UK nationals aged 18 to 35 can apply for up to 36 months, one of the most generous working holiday arrangements New Zealand offers to any nationality, following an extension agreed between the UK and New Zealand governments.

Path to New Zealand Residency and Citizenship

Meeting the requirements of the Skilled Migrant Category can lead to permanent residency, and citizenship becomes possible after five years of holding permanent residence, provided you’ve spent enough time physically in New Zealand during that period.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

The UAE’s single biggest draw for UK professionals is straightforward: there is no income tax on personal earnings. Combined with salaries in sectors like finance, technology, and hospitality that are often substantially higher than UK equivalents, it’s become an increasingly popular destination for British professionals looking to maximise their take-home pay.

Large, well-established British expat communities have grown up in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with plenty of familiar amenities and international schooling options for those relocating with family. That said, the cost of living in Dubai, particularly housing, is high enough to offset some of the tax advantage, so it’s worth budgeting carefully before making the move.

UAE Work Visas for UK Citizens

The standard route for most UK professionals is the Employment Visa, sponsored by a UAE-based employer, either on the mainland or within one of the UAE’s free zones. Requirements typically include:

• A valid job offer from a UAE employer or free zone company
• A medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration
• An attested degree certificate, depending on the role

The UAE Golden Visa

Unlike the other countries on this page, the UAE doesn’t offer a traditional path to permanent residency, and most expats remain on renewable employment visas throughout their time there. However, some UK citizens may qualify for the Golden Visa, a renewable long-term residence permit lasting 5 or 10 years that isn’t tied to a specific employer. Routes include:

• Property investment of at least AED 2,000,000
• A skilled professional salary of at least AED 30,000 a month, with an attested degree
• Recognised specialist talent, such as doctors, scientists, or executives with qualifying experience

The Golden Visa grants long-term residency, but it does not lead to UAE citizenship, which remains available only through a separate, highly selective nomination process.

Best Countries to Move to From the UK for Work

Canada and Australia are strong work options, with Canada favouring healthcare, engineering, and tech, and Australia’s skills shortage list weighted towards healthcare, construction, and IT.

Germany’s EU Blue Card opens up shortage sectors including engineering and healthcare for UK professionals with a qualifying job offer.

The UAE offers no income tax and high salaries in finance, tech, and hospitality, sponsored through an Employment Visa, though without a route to permanent settlement.

Best English-Speaking Countries to Move to From the UK

Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA are the five primary options for UK citizens seeking an English-speaking destination. Ireland is the only one of the five with no visa requirement at all under the Common Travel Area.

Canada and Australia, covered above, both offer accessible skilled worker routes. New Zealand combines family ties with a generous working holiday scheme for under-35s.

The USA is generally the hardest of the five to gain permanent residency in without a family connection or an employer willing to sponsor you, given the size of its backlogs and the limited number of employment-based green card routes available each year.

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.