Best countries for British expats in 2026: lifestyle, costs and paperwork
Moving abroad from the UK remains a popular goal for people looking for better weather, a slower pace of life, career opportunities, retirement options or a lower cost of living. But choosing the right country is more complicated than comparing beaches and house prices.
Since Brexit, British citizens usually need to think more carefully about visas, residency rules, healthcare access and the documents required by foreign authorities. GOV.UK guidance for countries such as Spain, for example, covers practical areas including visas, residency, healthcare, tax, pensions, driving, property and documents for British people living abroad.
Below are some of the most attractive countries for British expats in 2026, along with the paperwork you may need to prepare before moving.
Spain
Spain remains one of the most popular choices for British expats. It offers warm weather, short flights back to the UK, established British communities, good healthcare and a wide range of coastal and city lifestyles.
Popular areas include:
- Costa del Sol
- Alicante
- Valencia
- Barcelona
- Madrid
- Mallorca
- Canary Islands
Spain can be a strong option for retirees, remote workers, families and people buying property abroad. However, British citizens now need to pay close attention to visa and residency requirements, especially if they plan to stay for more than short visits.
Documents you may need include:
- passport
- proof of income or pension
- health insurance documents
- criminal record certificate
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- proof of address
- property or rental documents
Some documents may need to be translated into Spanish or legalised with an apostille before they are accepted.
Portugal
Portugal is another popular destination for British expats, particularly because of its climate, coastline, lifestyle and large international community. The Algarve, Lisbon, Porto and Madeira are common choices.
Portugal may appeal to retirees, remote workers and families looking for a slower lifestyle while still staying relatively close to the UK. As with Spain, British citizens should check visa, residency, healthcare, tax and driving requirements before moving.
Useful documents to prepare include:
- passport
- proof of income
- bank statements
- health insurance documents
- birth or marriage certificates
- criminal record certificate
- pension records
- property or rental agreement
If you are applying for residency, working locally or registering with authorities, you may be asked for certified, translated or legalised documents.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, attracts many British professionals because of its job market, international lifestyle and business opportunities. It is particularly popular with people working in finance, technology, construction, education, healthcare and hospitality.
The UAE can be a good fit for career-focused expats, entrepreneurs and families looking for international schools and a modern city lifestyle.
Documents commonly requested may include:
- passport
- employment contract
- degree certificate
- professional qualification certificates
- marriage certificate
- birth certificates for children
- medical documents
- police or background check
The UAE often has strict document requirements, especially for employment, family sponsorship, education and marriage-related paperwork. UK documents may need to be legalised before they are accepted.
Australia
Australia is attractive for British citizens because of the shared language, outdoor lifestyle, employment opportunities and family-friendly cities. Popular destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Australia may suit skilled workers, families, healthcare professionals, tradespeople and people with relatives already living there.
Documents to prepare may include:
- passport
- skills assessment documents
- degree or training certificates
- employment references
- police check
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- medical records
- children’s school documents
Visa applications can be document-heavy, so it is sensible to gather official records early.
Canada
Canada is another strong option for British expats, especially for people looking for space, nature, career opportunities and English-speaking provinces. Popular cities include Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Halifax.
Canada may appeal to skilled workers, students, families and people looking for long-term settlement options.
Documents you may need include:
- passport
- education certificates
- employment references
- proof of funds
- police certificate
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- medical documents
- academic transcripts
If you are applying through a skilled worker, study or family route, document preparation can take longer than expected.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environment and strong appeal for families and skilled workers.
It may suit people who want a quieter pace of life than the UK, especially those working in healthcare, construction, education, agriculture or technical professions.
Useful documents include:
- passport
- qualification certificates
- professional registration documents
- employment references
- police certificate
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- medical documents
As with Australia and Canada, skilled migration routes may require detailed evidence of work history and qualifications.
Ireland
Ireland is a practical option for British citizens because of its proximity, shared language, cultural familiarity and the Common Travel Area arrangements between the UK and Ireland.
It can be especially attractive for people who want to move abroad without going too far from family, work networks or the UK property market.
Documents that may still be useful include:
- passport
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- employment records
- rental references
- bank statements
- qualification certificates
- children’s school records
Even when immigration paperwork is simpler than in many other countries, employers, schools, banks and landlords may still request official documents.
France
France is a popular choice for British retirees, second-home owners, families and people seeking a lifestyle change. It offers varied regions, strong healthcare, food culture and good transport links to the UK.
However, moving to France after Brexit usually requires more planning than it did in the past. Residency, healthcare, tax and property rules should be checked carefully before relocating.
Documents to organise may include:
- passport
- proof of income
- pension statements
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- health insurance records
- property documents
- tax records
Certified translations may be needed for some official processes.
Germany
Germany can appeal to British expats looking for strong career opportunities, especially in engineering, technology, healthcare, research and finance. Cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt are common choices.
Germany may suit professionals, students and families who are comfortable with more formal administration and documentation.
Useful paperwork may include:
- passport
- employment contract
- degree certificates
- professional qualifications
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- rental documents
- health insurance records
- school records for children
Documents may need to be translated depending on the authority or organisation requesting them.
Thailand
Thailand is popular with retirees, remote workers and people seeking a lower cost of living, warm weather and a different lifestyle. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and coastal areas are common choices.
Thailand may suit people who have stable overseas income, pension income or flexible remote work. However, visa rules, healthcare arrangements and long-term residency options should be checked carefully.
Documents you may need include:
- passport
- proof of income
- pension records
- bank statements
- health insurance documents
- marriage certificate
- medical records
For long-term stays, official documents may need to be prepared in advance before leaving the UK.
How to choose the right country
The best country for one British expat may not be right for another. Before deciding, think about:
- visa options
- cost of living
- healthcare access
- tax position
- employment opportunities
- language
- school options
- safety
- property rules
- distance from the UK
- climate
- long-term residency options
International surveys can be useful for comparing general expat satisfaction. For example, InterNations’ 2025 Expat Insider ranking placed Panama first overall, with high scores across several quality-of-life and ease-of-settling-in measures. Rankings can be helpful, but your personal situation, visa route and document requirements matter more than any single list.
Paperwork British expats should prepare before moving
Whichever country you choose, it is sensible to organise your documents before leaving the UK.
Common documents include:
- passport
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- divorce documents
- deed poll or name change documents
- degree certificates
- academic transcripts
- employment references
- police or criminal record certificate
- bank statements
- pension records
- tax records
- medical records
- children’s school records
- property documents
Some overseas authorities may ask for original documents, certified copies, certified translations or apostilled documents.
Do your UK documents need an apostille?
An apostille may be required when a UK document is being used abroad. It confirms that the document, signature or seal is recognised for international use in countries that accept apostilles.
Documents commonly requiring an apostille include:
- birth certificates
- marriage certificates
- degree certificates
- police certificates
- court documents
- powers of attorney
- company documents
Requirements vary by country and by the organisation requesting the document. It is always best to check before submitting paperwork.
Final thoughts
The best countries for British expats in 2026 depend on your reason for moving. Spain and Portugal may suit lifestyle and retirement plans. The UAE may be attractive for career growth. Australia, Canada and New Zealand may work well for skilled migration. Ireland may be practical for a closer move, while France, Germany and Thailand each offer very different lifestyles.
Wherever you decide to go, paperwork is one of the most important parts of a smooth relocation. Preparing certificates, employment records, financial documents and legalised paperwork early can help reduce delays and make the move less stressful.