Where to Move from UK After Brexit
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Table of Contents
Introduction
It isn’t at all surprising if you’re looking for where to move from UK after Brexit, since the country no longer enjoys a privileged status with other European nations following its departure from the EU.
Of course, British individuals desire to reside in a nation that offers their families and especially their children chances for the future, economic stability, and employment security. Education is a significant factor for many families because of the overcrowding in UK schools or the difficulty for parents in enrolling their children in the schools of their choice. There is also the allure of an active outdoor lifestyle, which may drastically improve the standard of living for British expat families.
Should you wish to stay in an EU member state, you can still do so for a maximum of 90 days within a period of six months. However, you’ll need to obtain a visa if you’re moving to Europe. Do check the requirements of the particular country you’re relocating to.
Where to Move from UK After Brexit: Spain
Spain is the most popular European destination for British expats, so settling in will be a breeze. The country is one of the simplest nations to relocate to from the UK, as it is also well-versed in British culture.
The easygoing, unhurried lifestyle that exists in Spain is well-known. Depending on where you are in the nation, traditional activities like dance and festivals can also be expected along with plenty of wine and beach relaxation. You can also enjoy early afternoon naps called siestas, which is very much ingrained in Spanish culture.
In fact, the country ranked as the 27th happiest country in the world, according to the 2021 Happiness Score from the World Happiness Report.
Spain is also wonderful place to work with some of the most well-liked professions are found in the banking, education, and digital services sectors.
In terms of countries/areas with the highest law and order index scores, Spain came in seventh place (together with the US), according to the 2021 Law and Order report of analytics and advisory firm Gallup, which was based on a 2020 global survey for perceptions of law and order.
Meanwhile, German market and consumer data provider Statista said Spain’s health index score ranked 16th in the health and health systems ranking of countries across the world in 2021.
Asset management firm Mercer also listed Spanish capital Barcelona as the 78th most expensive city in the world for expats in its 2022 Cost of Living City Ranking.
For those looking for a retirement location, Spain can also be a great place to retire to. I have previously laid out some important information in particular to guide you on how to retire in Spain.
Where to Move from UK After Brexit: US
There are already a lot of British expats living in the US, which is known as the country of freedom, fun, and opportunity.
The country ranked as the 19th happiest country in the world, based on the 2021 Happiness Score from the World Happiness Report.
You can find something to suit every taste in the US, whether you crave for the comfortable greenery of New England, the warm beaches of Florida, the snowy peaks of Colorado, the jaggy deserts of Arizona, or the busy cities of New York or Los Angeles.
The US is a melting pot of many distinct cultural traditions because it is made up of 50 states. For instance, California has a sizable Hispanic population, yet the Jewish and Italian populations in New York are both vibrant.
Don’t worry too much as a Brit moving from the UK. I mean, you might find that the US culture isn’t too different from what you were used to. The language is still English (although with a different accent, of course), working hours are 9 to 5, and the Christmases are celebrated on the same date.
Getting a working visa is the most common method of moving to the US. You must apply for and accept a job offer prior to starting the immigration procedure because they are only offered to expats who can demonstrate they are relocating to take a full-time, permanent employment.
To be taken into consideration for a working visa, you might also need to demonstrate a certain set of abilities and credentials. You may be eligible to apply for a Green Card, which will grant you the right to become a nationalized resident, once you have lived and worked in America for a specific period of time – usually five years minimum.
Well, there’s also the option to marry an American citizen to get permanent residence, subject to certain conditions.
If your goal is to retire in the US, being employed in the country or getting married to a US citizen prior to retirement are the most common method to obtain a Green Card. In the event that none of these work out, you can submit an EB-5 application. You must invest at least $500,000 in a US company to be eligible for this. It is also popular option for retirees although it is not a retirement visa so to speak.
With regard to the countries/areas with the highest law and order index scores, the US placed seventh (along with Spain), according to Gallup’s 2021 Law and Order report.
On the other hand, according to Statista, the US’ health index score ranked 49th in the health and health systems ranking of countries across the world in 2021.
New York, one of the most famous US cities across the world, was the 7th most expensive city in the world for expats in Mercer’s 2022 Cost of Living City Ranking.
Where to Move from UK After Brexit: France
France is also one of the best options in terms of where to move from UK after Brexit due to the high number of expats already living in the country. It’s not surprising, as French people are happy people and the country took the 21st spot across the world in terms of the 2021 Happiness Score from the World Happiness Report.
The north of France and England are very similar, with both countries’ large cities, Protestant origins, and passion for contemporary business. Contrarily, the south is more laid-back and has influences from the Catholic Church, the Mediterranean, and the agricultural countryside.
The booming job market in France is one of the clearest signs that the country has one of the strongest economies in the world. There are plenty of opportunities, whether you wish to launch a vineyard business in a small southern town or work for a major firm in Paris.
You have to secure a working visa to be able to settle in France. Employers typically aid you with the documents you need to stay in the country for the long term.
According to the 2021 Law and Order report of Gallup, France came in 9th place (along with the Philippines, Ireland, Croatia, Egypt, Hungary, and the UK) in terms of countries/areas with the highest law and order index scores.
In terms of healthcare, meanwhile, Statista said France’s health index score placed 16th in the health and health systems ranking of countries across the world in 2021 (that’s the same rank as Spain).
Mercer listed French capital Paris as the 35th most expensive city in the world for expats in its 2022 Cost of Living City Ranking. You can definitely enjoy the city of lights and love if you end up relocating in France.
For those eyeing a potential retirement location, France can also be a great alternative to your current home. I have previously laid out some important information in particular to guide you on how retiring in France works for expats.
Where to Move from UK After Brexit: Dubai
Dubai, which ranked as the 31st most expensive city in the world for expats based on Mercer’s 2022 Cost of Living City Ranking, deserves its spot as one of the best alternatives of where to move from UK after Brexit.
Dubai is one of the most magnificent, opulent, and ultra-modern cities on earth. It has grown quickly over the past 50 years, supported by earnings from the oil and petrochemical sectors, as well as the shipping industry, which remain as Dubai’s largest industries.
The best part of being a resident in Dubai is its tax-free status. Several multinational corporations have relocated their operations to the city in order to take advantage of it. As a result, the most sought-after professions for expats in Dubai are very similar to those in London, such as tech, finance, and advertising.
You can take advantage of not paying income tax on your earnings if you work in Dubai. However, that also comes at a cost. The caveat is that you can anticipate a relatively higher cost of living here.
Since Dubai is one of the seven United Arab Emirates (or UAE), its culture is primarily Arabian. The UAE ranked as the 25th happiest country in the world, according to the 2021 Happiness Score from the World Happiness Report.
When it comes to medical care, the UAE’s health index score ranked 28th in the health and health systems ranking of countries across the world in 2021, according to Statista.
Muslim customs like Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr are very important to Dubai’s cultural life as Islam is the recognized religion of the UAE.
While Arabic is the official language, do not fret if you don’t speak Arabic because of all states in the world, Dubai has one of the largest percentages of foreign residents. In fact, there are many British expats in the city, so English has become the official second language of Dubai. You can expect to hear the English language in most professional and social settings.
Expat living in Dubai is a significant aspect of its culture, and you can expect to find an environment that blends cultures from all over the world — with Filipinos, Indians, Pakistanis, and Iranians making up some of the largest groups.
Splurging is a common lifestyle in Dubai and you can enjoy yourself in their rooftop infinity pools with stunning views of the city as well as their free beaches.
Where to Move from UK After Brexit: Italy
Italy is also a contender for the best options of where to move from UK following Brexit. Well for one, Italy is a very safe country. In fact, it took the 10th place (like Montenegro) in terms of countries/areas with the highest law and order index scores, based on the 2021 Law and Order report of Gallup.
It is the nation that gave the world Ferrari automobiles as well as legendary and luxury fashion labels, such as Versace and Prada. It is also among the top destinations for British expats in the world, so it’ll be easy for you to adapt here.
Italy too has a distinct north-south division. Its northern region, which includes towns like Milan, Turin, and Bologna, is well renowned for its robust industry and commerce, making it the de facto working center of Italy.
While the north has a more modern, upbeat Mediterranean culture with a heavy emphasis on industry, the south, which includes Rome, Naples, and the island of Sicily, has a more traditional, relaxed Mediterranean culture. It’s also the ideal location for retirees.
In Italy, wonderful food is never too far away from you no matter where you go. The country can be considered a haven for pasta and pizza lovers, and it also has an interesting wine and food culture overall.
As long as you’re okay living in a very Catholic and family-oriented region of the world and somewhere English comprehension is somewhat lower than the rest of Europe, you’ll actually do great in Italy.
According to Statista, Italy’s health index score ranked 14th in the health and health systems ranking of countries across the world in 2021 (the same as Germany).
Besides, the country ranked as the 28th happiest country in the world, according to the 2021 Happiness Score from the World Happiness Report.
Meanwhile, Mercer listed Italian capital Rome as the 57th most expensive city in the world for expats in its 2022 Cost of Living City Ranking.
For those looking for a retirement location, Italy can also be an excellent choice, with stunning beaches, a Mediterranean climate, as well as an advancing economy to boast of. I have previously laid out some important information in particular to guide you on how to retire in Italy as an expat.
Where to Move from UK After Brexit: Other Options
Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Belize are also among the most popular locations as to where to move from UK after Brexit, making Commonwealth states viable alternatives.
If you’re moving to retire in these locations, check out our guides on how to retire in these countries to get a better grasp of what it entails.
Where to Move from UK After Brexit: Final Notes
When moving from the UK to another European country, do note that your professional credentials are also no longer immediately recognized in the continent. Say, if you work as an architect, doctor, or engineer, each country where you practice must recognize your credentials first. You can confirm such matter with the UK embassy in the country you’ve chosen.
Ultimately, you should take into account your specific desires and needs when choosing where to move from UK after Brexit. Take some time to consider your options and assess the benefits and drawbacks of each location before deciding. Should you eventually decide that none of the places mentioned in this list actually suits you, there is nothing that should keep you from wrapping up your belongings and leaving.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 760.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
