Moving from the UK to Europe

Your complete guide to visas, tax, property and relocation planning

Moving to Europe from the UK can offer a fresh start, but the practical steps are more complex post-Brexit.

This guide brings together expert-led guidance to help you navigate visas, tax, property, healthcare, banking and day-to-day logistics across Europe.

You will also find links to detailed country guides for France, Spain, Italy, Germany and other popular destinations, to help you plan each stage of your move with confidence.

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Key statistics

Europe is still the most popular destination for British people

Around 1.3 million UK-born citizens now live in EU countries (not including Ireland), and in 2023 alone more than 42,000 British citizens relocated to the continent.

Many are drawn by a different pace of life, rich culture and closer access to Europe. But the transition carries significant risks without a clear plan, especially when you face a new language, regional bureaucracy and unfamiliar admin procedures such as the local tax identifier, residency permit and healthcare registration.

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1,300,000+

It is estimated that there are over 1.3m UK citizens resident in Europe.

 

 

 

42,000

More than 42,000 British citizens move to an EU country in 2023

*Expatica
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66%

66% of British expats in Europe are aged 64 and under

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72%

Among British adults aged 18-to-30 around 72% would consider living abroad.

*https://www.britishcouncil.org/about/press/majority-young-people-considering-life-and-work-outside-uk

Moving to Europe Step-by-Step Checklist

Planning your move to Europe after Brexit

Now that British nationals are now treated as non-EU citizens, everything including visa applications, healthcare access, taxation and property rights have changed.

While EU countries share some broad rules, the reality is that each country, and each region within those countries, has their own cultural expectations, administrative processes and timelines.

Many long-term moves fail to account for how varied these differences can be and how much time is required to properly evaluate visas, taxes, healthcare and local bureaucracy. Overlooking any one part can quickly lead to delays and unnecessary stress.

Our free resources and introductions help create clarity by reduce uncertainty and stress, helping you move with confidence on your own terms.

Click on each of the options for an overview and a link to useful guides to help you take the next step.

Help & Advice

Explore our expat help and advice articles

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Australian tax: A guide for foreigners and expats

This guide explains how the Australian tax system works for residents, non-residents and temporary visa holders. It covers residency rules, current tax rates, reporting requirements, foreign income ...

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Checklist for staying tax compliant in both Australia and the UK when you live in Aus

A tax checklist to help British expats in Australia understand how to stay compliant with both UK and Australian tax authorities. It outlines the key steps to determine tax residency and also avoid ...

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UK–Australia tax essentials for British expats moving to or living in Australia

This article explains how British expats living in Australia are taxed under the UK–Australia double taxation agreement, including how residency is determined, how UK income such as property and ...

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Declaring overseas assets in Spain: reporting rules, penalties and why professional advice matters

Declaring overseas assets in Spain is not optional and the penalties for mistakes can be severe. While it is technically possible to file the declaration yourself, doing so without professional help ...

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Spanish Fortunes Tax: A guide for people moving to Spain

The Spanish Fortunes Tax applies to individuals with net assets above €3 million and works alongside regional wealth tax rules. This guide explains how the tax works, who may be liable, how it ...

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Irish-UK tax: Tax requirements for British nationals moving to and living in Ireland

Understanding how Irish tax works is essential for British people relocating from the UK. While terminology often looks familiar, the rules differ in important ways, from income tax and capital gains ...

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Spanish Tax Guide for expats and foreign nationals

Spain offers an incredible lifestyle, but tax rules can feel unfamiliar, especially for British expats accustomed to a centralised system. Getting the right advice early is the simplest way to avoid ...

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Split Year Treatment and how it reduces your UK tax exposure

Split year treatment can significantly reduce your UK tax liability in the year you move, but it’s only available in specific circumstances. The rules are strict, and mistakes can lead to double ...

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Understanding Italy–UK taxes for British expats in Italy

This article provides an overview of how British individuals in Italy are taxed under Italian law and the UK–Italy Double Taxation Treaty. It outlines residency rules, differences between tax years, ...

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UK–Canada taxes explained for British expats in Canada

This article explains how UK and Canadian taxes work for British expats moving to or living in Canada. It covers residency rules, the UK–Canada Double Tax Agreement, treatment of income, property and ...

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Speak to trusted specialists who can help you move to Europe

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Essential expat services

Companies and services designed specifically for expats

Living abroad changes a lot of things, including which companies and services are available to you.

We've collated a number of lists of services which we've evaluated and believe can help expats.

From banking and insurance to buying your baked beans, these services can help you make more of your life abroad.

  1. 01

    Which are the best bank accounts for expats?
  2. 02

    International health insurance companies
  3. 03

    The best currency and money transfer services
  4. 04

    Travel insurance for internationally mobile people
  5. 05

    British food and grocery shops
  6. 06

    International removals companies
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