Despite the UK being one of the most developed, diverse and multicultural countries in the world, millions of British citizens prefer to live, work and study abroad.
Many Brits emigrate to other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. Others prefer to stay closer to home and settle in the EU. But there’s also a significant number of British citizens living in various developing countries across Asia, Africa, and South America.
Have you decided to leave the UK and build a life abroad? Here are four tips for an easy transition.
1. Compare the Cost of Living Thoroughly
Many Brits choose to move abroad to benefit from a lower cost of living. The average cost of living in the UK is higher than in most other countries, so moving abroad to a country like the Netherlands with the help of a company like Kamernet is a great way to reduce living expenses. However, it’s crucial to realize that in countries with a low cost of living, wages are low too. Will you rely on a local job as your sole source of income? Compare both wages and prices before settling on a particular destination country.
The cost of living is a critical factor to consider when emigrating because it will affect your quality of life. The more disposable income you’ll have, the easier it will be to enjoy life abroad.
2. Sort Out Your Taxes
A significant challenge that all expats face is sorting out their taxes. If you own property in the UK or have other ties to the country, you may need to talk to a tax advisor before leaving. You will need to inform HMRC about your intention to live and work abroad full-time to avoid holding tax liability in the UK. Not sorting out your taxes can complicate your life as an expat. Moreover, you risk getting a hefty tax bill from the UK in addition to what you’ll pay in your new country of residence. Taking the proper steps to avoid double taxation is crucial.
UK taxation is straightforward, and British citizens and residents have the option to solve tax-related issues online, which is a quick and easy process. However, other countries have a much more traditional approach to these issues. Even highly-developed countries like France or Germany are known for their stuffy bureaucracy. Hiring an English-speaking accountant or tax lawyer is the least stressful way to sort out your taxes as an expat.
3. Get Medical Insurance
Although many Brits complain about the NHS, it’s safe to say that the UK provides one of the highest standards of healthcare in the world. In many other countries, public healthcare is nowhere near the same level.
An essential aspect to remember is that once you leave the UK, you are no longer entitled to medical treatment under the NHS because the benefits are tied to a person’s residence. Therefore, you will have to find alternative coverage.
Many countries don’t have a public health system and rely instead on a network of private hospitals and clinics. Other countries have a public health system but cannot provide high standards of care in their public hospitals due to a lack of equipment, facilities, or trained staff.
Even if you don’t have any medical issues, the thought of not having access to reliable healthcare services while living in a foreign country can be daunting. What are your options? The best solution is to look into private health insurance for Brits living abroad. Private insurance can get you excellent medical care no matter where you plan to move. It’s the simplest way to protect your health and finances.
4. Connect With Local Expat Groups
Another excellent way to make your life abroad easier is to connect with local expat groups. Living abroad can be an isolating experience, and loneliness is a struggle for many expats, regardless of their background, personality, or lifestyle. The good news is that there are large British expat communities in many countries, so tapping into these networks is easy. Connecting with local expat groups will help you navigate any feelings of disconnection you may experience at the beginning of your expat journey.
Meeting other British expats is also the quickest way to gain access to valuable information about the practical aspects of being an expat. Expat groups are a gold mine of information about finding jobs and housing, securing visas, making friends, or learning the language.
Final Words
No matter how much they love their country, British citizens value their mobility fiercely. Whether you want to explore a new culture, pursue lucrative career paths, study, or experience a different lifestyle, you can find dozens of helpful resources. And no matter where you go, you will probably run into other British expats pursuing the same dreams as you.
Follow our tips for a great experience abroad.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
