Moving Abroad For Expats In 2025 (With A Checklist)

With 195 countries in the world, moving abroad and becoming an expat is an enchanting idea. Whether you’re seeking better career prospects, a change in scenery, or the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, moving overseas is a life-changing decision that brings both challenges and rewards.

It raises a lot of questions before you move: how do I find a job? How do I plan to move overseas? Do I need a visa? Where will I live? What will it be like there? What do I do with my belongings? How much does it cost to move overseas? Moving abroad these days requires even more careful research, and we are here to help.

To make your transition smoother, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to moving abroad in 2025. Discover how to prepare for relocation, navigate the logistics, and make the most of your new adventure. Don’t miss our step-by-step checklist to ensure your move abroad is as seamless as possible.

Moving abroad for expats in 2025: what is it like? Best places

You have decided you want to move overseas, and you’re looking for a truly new start. You’re hoping to break the bonds of your current living situation, and take flight for pastures new.

Congratulations – that’s a brave step. Moving abroad is a glorious adventure, but it also comes with more than its fair share of stress, fear, and bureaucracy.

To help you take the leap, we put together this complete guide with all steps you need to consider before and after moving abroad, and a checklist on how to move abroad. We have also spoken with expats who have already made the move overseas.

Based on our experience of working with expats around the world, 2025 could be the year you make the big move, joining the expat community overseas. We’re going to lead you through each step of moving abroad, so you can start your new life as quickly and calmly as possible.

What are the reasons people move abroad?

Moving abroad in 2025 continues to appeal to a wide range of individuals, including young professionals, families, digital nomads, students and retirees. The desire to relocate is often driven by factors such as career opportunities, a better quality of life, and the chance to explore new cultures.

The rise of remote work has been a game-changer, enabling professionals to work from anywhere, including idyllic international locations. For many, moving abroad offers the chance to escape the pressures of urban living, find a more affordable lifestyle, or simply fulfill a lifelong dream of experiencing life in another country.

Additionally, global economic challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis, have encouraged people to seek destinations where their money goes further. Countries with lower living costs, better healthcare systems, or family-friendly environments have become top choices for expats planning a move in 2025.

Whether it’s the pursuit of professional growth, a change of pace, or the opportunity to raise children in a new environment and offer them the best education, the motivations for moving abroad remain as varied as the destinations themselves.

Here is a map with data showing the countries around that world that Brits migrate to when moving abroad:

Moving country in 2025 – what is it like?

Moving abroad is stressful enough at the best of times. It’s likely that you’ll face several of life’s most challenging events all at once—changing your residence, managing major financial adjustments, switching schools or jobs, and adapting to a new culture.

Relocating to another country has is more accessible than ever, but still requires thorough preparation and adaptability. Your experience will also vary greatly depending on your reasons for moving abroad, the destination you choose, and whether you move alone or with your family.

In 2025, moving abroad often means navigating evolving visa regulations, particularly as countries adjust their immigration policies to balance local and global workforce demands. Depending on your destination, securing a visa, work permit, or residency status can take time, so starting early and understanding the specific requirements for your situation is essential.

Financial planning remains a key consideration. Researching the cost of living, exchange rates, and potential tax obligations in your destination is crucial to avoid surprises and budget effectively.

Integrating into local communities has become easier than ever in 2025, thanks to social media, expat networks, and local cultural programs. However, understanding local customs, etiquette, and language remains key to feeling at home and building meaningful connections.

One of the most notable changes for expats in 2025 is the role of technology in streamlining the relocation process. From virtual property tours to digital job interviews and remote onboarding, technology simplifies many aspects of moving abroad. Apps for learning languages, managing finances, and connecting with fellow expats make settling in more seamless than ever.

What to expect when moving abroad

Moving abroad is both a challenge and an adventure. You’ll likely experience a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and occasional frustration. By staying organised, being open to new experiences, and leaning on the growing resources available to expats, you can make the process smoother and more rewarding.

Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or personal growth, moving abroad in 2025 offers the opportunity to embrace a fresh start, gain new perspectives, and create a life enriched by global experiences.

What are the best cities to move abroad in 2025?

The Global Liveability Index 2024, a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, puts Vienna (Austria) at the top of the rankings for the third year running, owing to its winning combination of stability, good culture and entertainment, reliable infrastructure, and exemplary education and health services.

The most liveable cities in the world in 2024

Source: The Liveability Index 2024 by The Economist Intelligence Unit

What are the best countries and cities for expats in 2025?

Several countries are capitalising on the moving abroad trend and supporting expats and digital nomads by creating special digital nomad visas.

These are often easier to apply for, entitle you to perform your business duties, let you off paying local tax, and allow you to stay in the country for far longer than an ordinary tourist permit.

As a digital nomad, you will be able to take your work with you overseas. This could allow you to live an authentic expat lifestyle – working anywhere from a tropical island to a thriving city – while earning a foreign salary, which will allow you to live more luxuriously than you could at home. Unlike expats, who settle in one country, digital nomads tend to hop from place to place, travelling the world while growing their careers. In other words, you can live the expat lifestyle without the long-term commitment!

InterNations polled nearly 12,000 expats around the globe to come up with a definitive ranking of the best places to live. These include Mexico, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand.

Finding the best country for you really depends on what you’re looking to gain from moving abroad. Maybe you want to move to a healthier country? Maybe you’re looking for the best place to raise a family abroad? Whether you are planning to settle somewhere new for a better way of life, or looking to set up your business overseas, there’s a lot to think about before taking the next big step.

Check out our Worldwide Expat Index if you are an aspiring expat wondering where in the world should you move to, as we delved deep into data surrounding several factors such as happiness and well-being, healthcare, employment opportunities and quality of life.

Moving abroad from the UK – How much does it cost?

An estimated 5.5 million British people live permanently abroad, which is almost 1 in 10 of the UK population. In addition, around 500,000 British people spend part of the year abroad. The most popular European countries for Brits to move abroad to are Spain, France Portugal and Italy.

Want to find out how much it would cost you to relocate abroad? Try our relocation calculator to discover the average cost of moving to your dream destination:

Relocation Calculator

How much money should I have before moving to another country?

If you’re serious about moving overseas, it’s important to have enough savings. Ideally, you should have enough savings to cover eight to ten months of living costs before you make your move, although the exact amount will depend on whether you will be employed if you are moving with your family/dependents and your lifestyle.

You will need this to cover the essential costs of moving and getting set up, which can include:

• Travel costs
• Moving costs if you are shipping items from the UK
• Deposits, for instance tenancy deposits, or for securing places in a local school
• Local taxes, e.g. rental taxes
• Consultancy fees, for instance if you have hired a solicitor or agency to help you move

At a minimum, you will need enough money to cover your initial housing costs, including security deposits and other costs of settling in, as well as enough to cover any emergency healthcare costs and the costs of moving back to the UK, if you decide that the expat life is not for you.

Are there any changes to employment for British expats in 2025?

Global employment trends continue to evolve, offering both opportunities and challenges for British expats. Many companies now embrace remote work, enabling professionals to live and work abroad without needing to secure a local role. However, for expats seeking on-site positions, industries like technology, healthcare, and education often have higher demand for international talent.

In 2025, the TechPat trend remains strong, as skilled professionals in technology, AI, and cybersecurity find opportunities to work in innovation hubs across the globe. For anyone considering working abroad, it’s crucial to understand local tax rules and whether you need to register with authorities in your new country.

What about changes to healthcare for British expats in 2025?

Accessing healthcare remains a top priority for expats, and understanding the system in your destination country is essential. Many nations now require proof of private health insurance before granting residency or work permits. This trend highlights the importance of securing international health insurance for uninterrupted access to high-quality care.

For British expats in Europe, a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can provide access to certain healthcare services, but it’s worth noting that state-funded care may have limitations. Having private insurance not only expands your options but also ensures peace of mind, particularly in countries with different healthcare systems or longer wait times.

How to move abroad: top tips from expats and a handy checklist

To help you plan your move overseas, we have listed below the most important stages of moving abroad and becoming an expats, together with some tips from people who have already moved abroad.

There are dozens of different aspects to consider – so here are some of the main factors that’ll help you make your mind up:

1. Decide on the country and documents you need
2. Get on board with finding work abroad
3. Check the costs and find accommodation abroad
4. Think about healthcare and expat health insurance
5. Learn about the logistics of life as a foreigner
6. Tie up loose ends at home
7. Move your belongings abroad

1/ Decide on the country, language and documents you need

Above we have covered countries that might be best for relocation, depending on your individual situation. Now let’s talk more about the specifics of becoming an expat.

Visa and staying legally in the new country

When you start your relocation process and start to check for the document requirements, you will visit a government website that lays out the different visa options, and how you can qualify for them.

Every government has it, but sometimes you might have to use the online translator function (there is one in Google Chrome, for example). You can also call the country’s UK embassy and ask the representatives all the questions. Most likely, there will be relevant information on the embassy’s and consulate will be able to answer all your questions.

Read carefully, follow the instructions to the letter, and work out how much you’ll have to pay ahead of time, so you can budget it in. There’s no point in choosing a country, only to be refused entry. Ascertain how easy it is to move to the destination you have in mind, and check whether it’s possible to test drive your potential new home.

Language

If you speak multiple foreign languages, the world is your oyster.

If you don’t know any, you may want to limit your search to countries that are English-speaking, like Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Barbados. And of course, there are plenty of nations which are exceptionally good at teaching their populace English as a foreign language, like Sweden, Singapore, and the Netherlands.

But how can you learn the language as a new expat? Thanks to the abundance of digital technology we can access while sitting at home, you can learn a new language from the comfort of your own sofa. For example:

• Look into virtual language classes – Online classes are becoming a part of everyday life. Companies such as SkyEng offer online classes that support you in learning a new language.
• Use language apps – There is an app for everything these days, including ones to help you learn a language. We recommend dipping into Duolingo or Memrise to get yourself more familiar with another language. Both apps are free, and make learning a language feel like less of a chore.
• Immerse yourself in the language digitally –  Well, since you can’t necessarily do that face-to-face for now, why not switch that film you’re watching to your chosen language?

2/ Get on board with finding work abroad

Becoming an employed, contributing member of society is generally the best way to convince the authorities that you deserve a temporary visa, never mind permanent residence.

We recommend getting a job before you make your move. It’s good to have an idea of which countries have demand for your job role and where you can expect to find a competitive salary before you jet off. Also, if you currently work for an international company, check if they could offer a secondment overseas.

If you’re taking a brave step into the unknown without paid work, be sure to get well-acquainted with job sites, and hit the ground running when you arrive to find a role as soon as you can.

Alternatively, maybe you’re thinking about going it alone and setting up a new business abroad, or becoming a digital nomad and taking your work with you?

3/ Check the costs and find accommodation abroad

Check living costs around the world before you make your decision, or you may not be able to enjoy your new life to its fullest. On the other hand, a wise financial choice can lead to you living in comfort for the rest of your years.

Expats around the world are already experiencing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, with budgets squeezed by tax rises and everyday purchases going up in price. Before you make your move abroad, you might want to brush up on the latest news from your new country to see how it’s been affected.

Take a look at the main financial aspects you need to organise before you leave the country, such as:

• Bank accounts – If you don’t have any assets in the UK, such as property, it’s best for you to close your UK bank account. Before you get settled into your new home, you should also set up an international account. Many UK banks will offer these, so it shouldn’t be a stressful process.
• Pensions – You can either leave your pension in the UK, or transfer it to an approved arrangement in your new country of residence. But before you move, you must inform your current pension holder.
• Individual Savings Account (ISA) – You can keep your ISA open and still get UK tax relief on money and investments held in it. However, you cannot put money into it after the tax year following your move.
• Expat taxes – Whether or not you have to pay expat taxes will depend on your own personal circumstances. You should test whether you’re liable for tax by completing the Statutory Residence Test.

If you decide to purchase a property when you move abroad, we have a full guide on how to buy a house abroad as a British expat.

4/ Think about healthcare and expat health insurance

A foreign adventure is always exciting, but every adventure should come with a safety net. Make sure you take in to account different healthcare systems, and if you’ll be able to afford healthcare in your new home.

Also consider the quality of healthcare in the country (or countries) you’ll be living in. The standard of healthcare worldwide is improving rapidly, but not all countries are performing well.

If you want to protect yourself and your family with international health insurance, get a free quote from William Russell today. We’ve designed our international health insurance around modern expat living and together we can build the right cover for you.

We have plenty of options to personalise your plans, so you can find the cover that suits your circumstances.

5/ Learn about the logistics of life as a foreigner

Don’t worry, there’ll still be plenty to sort out after you’ve moved abroad! There’s no easy way around bureaucracy and paperwork for expats. You will need to be patient and organised.

Utility bills

You’ll need to purchase plans for the following:

• Mobile phone contract
• Electricity and/or gas
• Water
• Wi-Fi

And of course, you’ll have to find your local supermarket or butcher, baker, and fruit and veg maker. In all of these decisions, the key is research – so prepare as much as possible, and ask locals for their opinions after you’ve arrived.

Streaming services

When it comes to Netflix, you’ll continue to pay the same amount, in pounds, when you move countries. If you’d rather pay the local price, just cancel your account the day before the end of your month, then restart it the next day.

And don’t worry: Netflix is available in 190 countries.

Likewise, if you’re signed up to Amazon Prime Video, it’s available everywhere apart from mainland China, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. You’ll need to cancel your Amazon Prime membership and sign up again for the Prime membership you want in your preferred country.

Networking

If there’s one thing we can be sure of right now, it’s that everyone is in the same boat when they move abroad. Joining an online expat community can support you in the months ahead, and can help you connect with people in similar situations.

Self isolation doesn’t have to stunt your move abroad. You can learn the ins and out of your new town or city through online expat communities: ask questions, connect with expats in your area-to-be, take a look at other people’s queries, and who knows – you might even meet people going through the same thing!

There are global expat websites which divide into area-specific communities. We’ve asked our team members about their personal opinions and gathered what they’ve heard from our members. They’ve highlighted certain websites as high-value resources for expats – check out the 7 best websites for expats living abroad.

Culture

We all know cultures are different from each other. But what are those differences? The first time we travel to a new country, we don’t always know what we don’t know.

What we may consider “common sense” may not be common – or make much sense – in another culture. By simply acting “naturally,” we could actually embarrass ourselves – or worse: offend someone.

Check out the United Nations’ World Happiness Report and the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, and research which nations are most tolerant of racial minorities and LGBT+ people. Look into which country excites you with its entertainment offerings, its approach to food and drink, and its national pastimes – and check out the working culture, too. It’s also worth noting how attitudes toward family, family values, and traditions differ by looking at examples of family culture around the world.

After all, there’s a big difference between France’s two-hour lunches, 35-hour weeks, and 30 holiday days, and the US’s mere 10 days of holiday. Find out more about culture shock and how it affects expats here.

6/ Tie up loose ends at home

Finding a new home, a new job, and new friends is stressful, but at least it’s exciting. Tying up loose ends is not exciting, but it’s necessary. Once you’re done cancelling your subscriptions and saying goodbye to your friends, here are the steps the UK government requires you to take:

Benefits

If you receive any benefits from the government, you need to tell the offices responsible for them that you’re moving to a different country. They’ll tell you whether you can keep getting them while you’re overseas.

Council

Let your local council know if you move overseas, so they can cancel your council tax payments, and make sure to provide a forwarding address.

Pensions

If you’ve made enough UK National Insurance payments, you’ll qualify for a state pension, regardless of whether you’re retiring here or abroad.

Nevertheless, you should contact the International Pension Centre, where staff will tell you how to claim your pension from a different country. Read our guide on retiring abroad as a British expat.

Student loans

Tell the Student Loans Company that you’re moving to a new country, so you can continue paying what you owe.

The government has prosecuted some former students for failing to repay their loans, and though it’s unlikely that you’ll be tracked down in your new country, you should keep up repayments if you harbour thoughts of ever returning to the UK.

Tax

You’ll need to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about your move. Here’s how you can do that:

• Fill in form P85
• Fill in a Self Assessment tax return if you usually do
• If you’re leaving your company, ask your employer for a P45 form
• If you’ll be working for a UK-based company for at least one full tax year (April 6th to April 5th the following year), prepare a tax return
• Send all of the above documents that you’ve filled in to the HMRC, either by post, commercial software, or by using the services of a tax professional
• The HMRC does not accept these documents if you send them online, for whatever reason.

If you’re planning on spending less than half of each year in the UK for the foreseeable future, you’ll likely be a non-resident, and therefore will only be taxed by the HMRC on any UK income you receive, and not on your income in your new country.

Voting and citizenship

There’s good news in both these areas.

You’ll almost certainly be able to vote in UK elections while living abroad, and you’ll remain a citizen too. If you want to vote by post or proxy, all you need to do is fill in the relevant document – just make sure to print it off first, as it can only be completed in paper form.

Then send it back to your local council’s electoral services team. Check whether they’d prefer it by post, or whether you can send them a scanned copy via email.

Getting your security deposit back

If you are renting, you may want to think about ways of getting your security deposit back before you move out.

7/ Move your belongings abroad

At this point, you’ll be ready to physically move yourself and all your most important belongings to your new home.

Shipping is by far the most efficient, least expensive way of making sure all your prized possessions follow you across the ocean in a safe and timely fashion. Compare My Move data has shown that the average international removals cost is £2,997 for a 40ft container (roughly a 3-bedroom house).

Air freight is 12-16 times more expensive than sea freight, according to the World Bank, which makes it much less attractive. Plus, from 2014 to 2016, ships transported an average of £9.3 trillion worth of cargo across the world – and 99.99% of containers travelled safely to their destination.

Thinking of moving abroad in 2025?

There has never been a better time to think about starting a new life. In 2025, we have created a guide with a list of best places to live and move abroad for expats, and we have considered healthcare as one of the biggest factors when you make a move.

Wherever you decide to move, just make sure you have the confidence of international health insurance. At William Russell, we have been providing worldwide health cover for over 30 years, helping expats like you and their families to settle into their new homes. Speak to us today to find out more about how global health insurance could support you.