Best Countries for UK Expats in 2025: Where to Move & Why

In a world of increasing global mobility, the best countries for UK expats in 2025 are those that offer the right mix of financial advantages, lifestyle benefits, and long-term stability. Whether you’re planning to retire, start a business, work remotely, or simply seek a new adventure, where you go can shape your quality of life and financial future.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared popular and emerging expat destinations using key criteria that matter most to British nationals abroad. These include:

• Favourable tax treatment for foreign residents
• Accessible residency or visa pathways, especially post-Brexit
• High quality of life, including healthcare, safety, and infrastructure
• Cost of living in relation to lifestyle and amenities
• Size of the British expat community (for ease of integration)
• Remote work and business-friendly environments

This list is not influenced by any particular firm’s presence in a country. It’s a broad, unbiased view designed to reflect where UK expats can truly thrive in 2025—based on lifestyle, legal frameworks, and practical considerations.

Portugal

Portugal remains one of the most attractive destinations for British expats in 2025, offering a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, a favourable climate, and one of the largest UK expat communities in Europe. While recent changes to tax incentives have altered the landscape slightly, the country continues to offer good value for money, diverse visa options, and a high quality of life. Whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or relocating for a slower pace of life, Portugal’s combination of charm, safety, and accessibility makes it a top contender.

Pros:

• Mild climate, excellent healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle
• Large and active British expat community
• Moderate cost of living relative to Western Europe
• Multiple visa routes, including D7 for passive income and digital nomad visas

Cons:

• The Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime, which previously offered significant tax advantages, is being phased out for new applicants
• Some bureaucracy can be slow, particularly around immigration and property transactions

Caveat: Though NHR is ending, Portugal still offers tax-efficient alternatives, and the D7 and digital nomad visa options remain viable.

Spain

Spain continues to be a favourite among UK expats, thanks to its warm climate, rich culture, and well-established British communities along the coast and islands. In 2025, it remains a compelling option for retirees, remote workers, and families alike. While navigating residency post-Brexit requires more planning, Spain offers a diverse lifestyle, excellent healthcare, and accessible visa options for those with the right financial means.

Pros:

• Excellent climate, healthcare system, and cultural richness
• Significant British expat population across coastal regions and islands
• Moderate cost of living with diverse lifestyle options

Cons:

• Post-Brexit, UK citizens must navigate more complex visa routes (e.g., non-lucrative, golden, or digital nomad visas)
• High income tax in some regions

Caveat: Visa pathways are accessible but require financial documentation and planning. Regional tax variations should be carefully reviewed.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has become an increasingly popular destination for UK expats seeking tax efficiency, modern amenities, and international career opportunities. In 2025, it stands out for its zero income tax, luxurious lifestyle, and strong infrastructure, making it ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and high earners. However, the high cost of living and cultural adjustments require careful consideration before making the move.

Pros:

• No income tax for individuals
• High quality of life and infrastructure
• Easy residency via employment or property investment
• Excellent hub for business and international travel

Cons:

• High cost of living, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Social and legal norms may require adjustment for newcomers

Caveat: Best suited to professionals, entrepreneurs, or high-income earners due to living costs and visa conditions.

Australia

Australia remains a top-tier destination for UK expats in 2025, offering a familiar language, high standard of living, and robust public services. Its laid-back lifestyle, strong job market, and excellent healthcare and education systems make it particularly appealing to families and skilled professionals. While the cost of living is high and the immigration process can be competitive, those who qualify often find the move well worth the effort.

Pros:

• World-class healthcare and education
• English-speaking with cultural familiarity
• High quality of life and strong employment market

Cons:

• Cost of living is high in major cities
• Immigration process is points-based and can be competitive

Caveat: Skilled worker or family visas are available but involve a rigorous and time-consuming application process.

Switzerland

Switzerland offers a premium lifestyle for UK expats in 2025, combining stunning natural beauty with world-class infrastructure, safety, and healthcare. It’s particularly attractive to high-net-worth individuals and professionals in finance or tech, thanks to its economic stability and selective tax advantages. However, the high cost of living and complex residency requirements mean it’s best suited to those with significant financial resources or specific employment opportunities.

Pros:

• Outstanding infrastructure, safety, and healthcare
• Scenic landscapes and excellent quality of life
• Financial and economic stability

Cons:

• Very high cost of living
• Complex residency and tax arrangements

Caveat: Residency may be contingent on wealth or employment. Tax treatment varies by canton and is often most favourable to high-net-worth individuals.

United States

The United States remains a land of opportunity for UK expats in 2025, offering diverse lifestyles, career prospects, and familiar cultural touchpoints. From bustling cities to laid-back coastal towns, the variety of living environments is unmatched. While the tax system and healthcare costs can be complex and expensive, the appeal of economic opportunity, English language, and established expat communities continues to draw British nationals across the Atlantic.

Pros:

• Diverse lifestyle and career opportunities
• English-speaking and culturally varied
• Popular regions like Florida and California attract retirees and professionals alike

Cons:

• Tax system is complex, especially for international income
• Healthcare is expensive and insurance is essential

Caveat: While relocation is possible via employment or family sponsorship, the immigration process can be lengthy and legal/tax support is advisable.

Canada

Canada continues to be a top choice for UK expats in 2025, thanks to its high quality of life, welcoming immigration policies, and strong public services. Its multicultural cities, breathtaking natural landscapes, and reputation for safety and political stability make it especially appealing to families and skilled workers. While the cost of living can be high in urban centres, many find the balance of opportunity and lifestyle well worth the move.

Pros:

• Exceptional quality of life and public services
• Friendly, multicultural society
• Clear and well-structured immigration pathways

Cons:

• High cost of living in cities like Toronto and Vancouver
• Long and cold winters may not appeal to everyone

Caveat: Though taxes are relatively high, the services offered in return (healthcare, education) often justify the cost for many expats.

Thailand

Thailand remains a popular destination for UK expats in 2025, particularly among retirees and digital nomads drawn to its warm climate, low cost of living, and vibrant culture. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer modern amenities, while coastal areas provide a more relaxed pace of life. Although long-term residency options can be limited and subject to policy changes, Thailand’s affordability and expat-friendly lifestyle continue to make it a strong contender.

Pros:

• Low cost of living and excellent food and climate
• Attractive to digital nomads and retirees
• Growing expat community in places like Chiang Mai and Phuket

Cons:

• Healthcare can be variable outside major cities
• Residency and long-term visa options can lack stability

Caveat: Thailand offers long-term resident and retirement visas with favourable tax treatment for foreigners, but policy changes are not uncommon, and local income restrictions may apply.

At A Glance: Best Countries for UK Expats in 2025

Country	Tax Regime	Residency Pathways	Quality of Life	Cost of Living	British Expat Community	Ease of Business / Remote Work
Portugal	Moderate	Yes	High	Moderate	Large	Good
Spain	Moderate	Yes	High	Moderate	Large	Good
UAE	Yes	Yes	Very High	High	Growing	Excellent
Australia	No	Yes	Very High	High	Moderate	Excellent
Switzerland	Selective	Yes	Very High	Very High	Small	Good
USA	Mixed	Yes	Varies	Varies	Large	Very Good
Canada	Moderate	Yes	Very High	High	Moderate	Good
Thailand	Yes	Yes	High	Low	Growing	Good

Help Figuring Out Where To Move As A UK Expat

In 2025, the best countries for UK expats are not just about sunshine and scenery—they’re about financial viability, community support, and long-term opportunity. Whether you’re seeking a place to retire, launch a business, or simply start a new chapter, where you choose to move will shape your future.

For nearly four decades, Blacktower Financial Management has supported British nationals living abroad with bespoke financial strategies tailored to life in a new country. From Europe to the Middle East, Australia to the US, our experienced professionals are here to help facilitate your move with confidence and clarity.

Thinking of making a move in 2025? Get in touch today for personalised wealth management guidance wherever life takes you.