Migrate

Migrate and build a new life abroad with your family

Why should you migrate abroad?

With more than 400,000 British nationals departing the nation each year for extended stays overseas, migration from the UK has remained consistent over the last ten years. There are many causes, including everything from lifestyle choices to economic opportunities. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), work, family, and retirement are the main drivers, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), with noticeable trends toward nations with higher living standards and warmer climates.

Better climate: More than 30% of UK retirees cite weather as their top reason for moving abroad, with Spain and Portugal ranking among the top destinations.

Career advancement: In 2022, 45% of UK emigrants relocated for employment, primarily to the UAE, Canada, and Australia.

Lower cost of living: British expatriates who relocate to Portugal or Thailand report monthly cost savings of up to 40% compared to UK averages.

Retirement: With cheaper healthcare and more laid-back lifestyles, Spain has over 100,000 British retirees.

Adventure and change: More and more British citizens between the ages of 25 and 34 are opting to live overseas to have cultural experiences, with 18% stating that "personal development" is the primary motivator.

Migrate Abroad

 

Top Countries to Migrate from the UK

Australia

Laid-back lifestyle, stunning beaches, strong job market

Canada

High quality of life, friendly immigration policies, beautiful landscapes

New Zealand

Ideal for nature lovers, slower pace of life

United States

Diverse cities, broad industries, land of opportunity

Spain

Warm climate, relaxed vibe, popular with retirees and remote workers

Portugal

Affordable living, excellent healthcare, welcoming expat communities

Ireland

Close to home, cultural similarities, strong economic ties to the UK


Popular migration pathways for UK Citizens

Pathway

Description

Work Visas

For professionals, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs seeking employment abroad

Study Visas

For students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees internationally

Retirement Visas

Available in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Thailand for retirees

Family Reunification

For joining family members already settled abroad

Investment & Golden Visas

Offered by countries like Portugal and Greece for property or business investment


Eligibility for UK Migration

While every nation has different requirements, some common ones are as follows:

  • Proof of employment or income
  • No criminal history
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Language proficiency (e.g., IELTS for countries that speak English)
  • Work experience or educational background


Visa Processing Time

Country

Average Processing Time

Australia

4–8 months

Canada

6–12 months

New Zealand

3–6 months

USA

Varies by visa type

Spain

2–4 months

Portugal

3–5 months

Ireland

1–3 months


Step-by-step process to migrate abroad

Step 1: Consider lifestyle, language, job market, and climate to decide on the country.
Step 2: Consult a migration agent or visit the official immigration websites.
Step 3: Gather financial statements, medical records, certificates, and passports.
Step 4: Apply to an embassy or online. Pay attention to due dates and costs.
Step 5: Make travel arrangements, arrange accommodation, and inform UK authorities.
Step 6: Open a bank account, sign up for local services, and integrate into your new neighbourhood.


Cost of migrating abroad from the UK

Although migration costs can vary widely, the following is a general breakdown:

  • Visa fees: £100 to £2,000 depending on the country and type
  • Flights: £300–£1,000+
  • Legal/agent fees: £500–£3,000
  • First-time lodging: £500–£2,000 per month
  • Shipping belongings: £1,000–£5,000
  • Miscellaneous: vaccinations, insurance, etc.

Cost of Migrating Abroad


Best Cities Abroad for UK Citizens

City

Country

Highlights

Toronto

Canada

Diverse, safe, and rich in job opportunities

Barcelona

Spain

Vibrant culture, beachside living, and sunny climate

Lisbon

Portugal

Affordable lifestyle, scenic views, and great food

Sydney

Australia

Cosmopolitan vibe with access to stunning nature

Auckland

New Zealand

Peaceful, family-friendly, and close to outdoor adventures

Dublin

Ireland

Culturally familiar, tech-driven economy, near the UK


Job Opportunities Abroad for UK Citizens

Many countries actively recruit British professionals in:

  • Healthcare
  • Engineering
  • Software development and IT
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Tourism and hospitality

Global Opportunities for British Professionals

Use country-specific portals or global job boards such as Indeed Global or LinkedIn.


Studying Abroad

Studying abroad provides:

  • Global exposure
  • Language proficiency
  • Networking Opportunities 
  • Pathways to obtain permanent residency

Benefits of Studying

The United States, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands are popular travel destinations. Exchange programs and scholarships are widely accessible.

 

Healthcare, Banking and Housing Abroad

Healthcare

While some countries, like Canada and Australia, provide universal healthcare, others demand private insurance.

Banking

As soon as you arrive, open a local bank account. Certain UK banks provide international services.

Housing

Renting is often the first step. Use reliable websites such as Domain (Australia), Idealista (Spain), or Rightmove Overseas.

 

Why Choose Y-Axis?

  • Professional Advice for UK Applicants: Tailored assistance for UK students submitting applications to universities in Europe.
  • End-to-End Application Support: Everything under one roof, from choosing a university to applying for a visa.
  • Scholarship Help: We assist you in locating and submitting applications for the top scholarships for which you qualify.
  • Preparation and Review of Documents: Proper documentation is necessary to prevent application delays or rejections.
  • Trusted by Thousands: More than 1 million customers have used Y-Axis to successfully complete their international education.

Why Settle Abroad

Jobs

High paying jobs

Quality of life

Quality of life

Migrate with Family

Migrate with family

Healthcare & Safety

Healthcare & Safety

Retirement Policies

Retirement benefits

Opportunities to Travel

Opportunities to travel

Find your destination

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Documentation

Migration is a complex legal process. Y-Axis offers un-matched expertise to help you arrange and prepare your documents by following all the procedures accurately. Understand documentation requirements Assistance with filling applications Assistance with collecting documents Creating application packages Reviewing and revising your documents Submitting your documents

Visa application

Each country follows different procedures while filing a visa application. Some are based on points criteria before applying while others are more straightforward. Y-Axis will help you at each step of your visa application to ensure you have the highest chance of success: Understanding visa requirements Preparing visa application Reviewing visa application Mock visa interviews Submitting your application

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Post landing support

Moving to a new country without an existing support system can be difficult. To help you ease into the new environment, Y-Axis offers essential post-landing services to help you settle in a hassle-free process. We can help you find apartments, get insurance, open a bank account and what not. Talk to us for more information. We're here to help.

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