Page 17 | … To be considering leaving the UK?

globalnomad25 · 2025-07-05T12:17:56+00:00

We have been considering leaving, even if only for a few years. Many of our clients have already gone or are planning it, and some of our friends too. I’m not sure where we’d go: UAE, Portugal, Jersey, Ireland, Canada, Australia? We don’t currently want to move to the US, even though that would probably make the most sense from a business/client point of view. For those out there who have already left, how has it gone? Was it a horrible mistake or are you glad you did it? For those also thinking about it, where would you go? Kids are school-aged and smart and used to international travel as our work already takes us all over, although they’d miss their friends (as would we). We aren’t English so our family is already based all over the place, although we visit them frequently.

Ellmau · 05/07/2025 18:44

manage to save more £ for our kids’ uni fees at the same time, it could be attractive!

Where would the children be looking at for university? If it's the UK, make sure the savings are enough to cover international fees and all living costs, as domestic student status for both fees and loans is based on residency not citizenship.

Sanabria2 · 05/07/2025 18:43

YourJustShark · 05/07/2025 18:32

You have to pay for your healthcare in Spain. It’s about €250 for blood tests for example, that’s on top of the appointment and treatment. And insurance.

It may be better but it is costly.

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Not if you're a tax resident and paying social security? I think that applies for nomads.

RenoLouis · 05/07/2025 18:43

I’d hold out a bit longer OP to be honest, I really can’t see Labour lasting another year.

iamnotalemon · 05/07/2025 18:42

YourJustShark · 05/07/2025 18:03

Hey OP, I left the UK and retuned after a year. We were not the only ones, everyone I know who left has all come back or is planning to from places in Europe and one went to Kuwait.

I would strongly warn others off going now unless they truly understand what they’re going into. Or say one parent go out and try it first if you can before moving over. We went to somewhere in EU and post-Brexit it was chaos. People think they’re walking off into the sunset and it’s not like that at all. It’s not one long holiday. Culture differences, language differences, tax and residency barriers etc.

I see loads of people saying they’re off due to tax, but we lost money overall. Think very very carefully, find out as much as you can and see if you can get a range of opinions on the particular place from expats.

Oh and we’re in the 40% tax bracket. And I still wouldn’t recommend it. This is only my experience though of course.

Edited

Obviously I don’t know the circumstances and am not judging but that is a big upheaval for only a year and I’m not surprised you’re no better financially off. Also, I’d say at takes at least a year to settle into somewhere else.

JustSawJohnny · 05/07/2025 18:42

saltinesandcoffeecups · 05/07/2025 18:10

For someone quick to insult your reading comprehension isn’t great…

I’m not sure where we’d go: UAE, Portugal, Jersey, Ireland, Canada, Australia? We don’t currently want to move to the US, even though that would probably make the most sense from a business/client point of view.

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Where was the 'insult'?

Also, the fact that the US makes the most sense, as stated, means they'll consider it.

Go pick a fight with someone else.

GreenIsMyFavoriteColour · 05/07/2025 18:40

You have to pay for your healthcare in Spain

Wheras in Britain you have to pay for other people's healthcare as well as your own.

Original poster

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 18:40

EmeraldShamrock000 · 05/07/2025 17:22

Ireland has an excellent education system. If you can afford to purchase a property, you would be happy here.

Renting is a disaster, although those with tenancy agreements are protected.

The cost of living is higher than the UK, it balances out as wages are higher too.

The DC are very friendly and mix well, school is very inclusive, religion is optional in all schools, my youngest DC go to a Catholic school, many of their pals opt out, there is no issues.

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Very helpful, thank you!

OP posts:

Lazytiger · 05/07/2025 18:38

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 16:42

Oh Jersey is definitely one of my current favourite options and I’d love to know more about your experience. I think we may need to start off as a ‘registered’ renter though. Am I right in thinking we need 5 years for full work rights and 10 years for qualified? I hear the schools in St Helier are good too; like JCG?

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I think most people who have lived elsewhere move on long before they are eligible to get any residency rights in Jersey. It's a small, small, Island. Very expensive to live in as an outsider. Pockets of real poverty among the locals. Not particularly diverse and really not much to do, other than eat and drink.

It suits some people (mainly the very rich who can spend large periods of time in London and other European cities to get their culture fix). Many find it boring and get serious cabin fever.
That said the schools are fine and not expensive, it is safe and family friendly, there's no language to learn and it's very tax friendly.

If you're just looking for somewhere short-term to wait out the Labour government then it could be a good option.

Original poster

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 18:38

Cyclingmummy1 · 05/07/2025 17:11

Abu Dhabi over Dubai if you choose the UAE.

Thank you; I’ve heard that from others too as they say Abu Dhabi is more family-friendly than Dubai and slightly more ‘green’, would you say that’s true? I’ve only been there twice but some of our clients have moved there and now live in Saadiyat. They seem very happy and told us that British schools like KCS are opening too (although not until 2028). They did say that everyone leaves for the summer though, as it’s just so hot!

OP posts:

YourJustShark · 05/07/2025 18:34

GreenIsMyFavoriteColour · 05/07/2025 18:32

Is that true? Spain have a massive depopulation problem and, I thought, had made it very easy to immigrate as a result of that.

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Brexit has made things super tough. There are also rules about EU members getting the first dibs on jobs - so if a person living in the EU can do a job, they get it first. So you couldn’t just get a job in a local cafe unless you can prove you are the only one able to do that job, you don’t have the right to. So even if you go over and have a job, if you lost it you may not be able to get another over there. It’s all very complicated. Im not saying don’t go, I’m saying just be aware.

JHound · 05/07/2025 18:33

No - lots of people consider it. We get a thread like this once a month or so. Do whatever makes you and your family happy.

YourJustShark · 05/07/2025 18:32

Sanabria2 · 05/07/2025 18:31

We're off to Spain as well for quality of life reasons. The UK has just ground us down over the last 5 years. I agree with DecemberBabe - the food quality is outstanding in Spain. Also Healthcare.

You have to pay for your healthcare in Spain. It’s about €250 for blood tests for example, that’s on top of the appointment and treatment. And insurance.

It may be better but it is costly.

GreenIsMyFavoriteColour · 05/07/2025 18:32

YourJustShark · 05/07/2025 18:23

You need to do a deep delve into the visa and residency process. Spain have made it very difficult since Brexit. Someone I know was told by the government she needed to have nearly £30k in savings to remain there after she had already arrived and settled.

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Is that true? Spain have a massive depopulation problem and, I thought, had made it very easy to immigrate as a result of that.

YourJustShark · 05/07/2025 18:31

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 18:28

This is really helpful, thank you.

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I know I sound really negative, I think just having been so burnt I want to warn other people to take their time and research the hell out of everything before going. I think many people think the grass is greener but it’s not always the case. There is still crime, still taxes, issues with money being tied up, the loss of family and friends being nearby. I hope if you do make the leap you have a fantastic life! Lots of people do, as I say I’m just very wary about people making the leap without truly understanding what they’re walking into. Good luck!

Sanabria2 · 05/07/2025 18:31

We're off to Spain as well for quality of life reasons. The UK has just ground us down over the last 5 years. I agree with DecemberBabe - the food quality is outstanding in Spain. Also Healthcare.

InterIgnis · 05/07/2025 18:30

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 18:20

I get why you feel that way but, from my perspective, we’ve always paid our taxes here in full and have contributed to our community in many other ways too. We like the UK and love the friends we’ve made here. Until relatively recently we expected to be here for quite some time. However recent experiences - like my teenage son being mugged on the tube, our car being stolen, and extremely long NHS wait times for urgent care - make me question if the quality of life here still matches what we’re putting in or if we could find a better balance somewhere else. Brexit, VAT on school fees and a bit of a ‘tall poppy’ rhetoric haven’t exactly helped convince us to stay either.

This would be a big move though so we need to think it through and where might fit the bill best for us.

I fully agree that issues like human rights and climate impact are important and should be part of the decision-making process—which is exactly why I’m looking at a range of countries, not just the UAE.

Every country has its pros and cons, including the UK. I’m just hoping to have a practical discussion about those trade-offs, especially from families who have already made a similar move, to help make an informed choice.

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My husband and I did it last year. My parents have also done it.

It all depends on works for you and your desired lifestyle. Someone else hating somewhere doesn’t mean you won’t love it, and vice versa. With our income we absolutely have a better quality of life in the U.S than we did the U.K.

Original poster

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 18:29

Lolabear38 · 05/07/2025 18:27

I’d 100% agree with this. I’ve been an expat for 13 years and am desperate to come back to the UK. Having a husband with a good job that pays vastly more than it does in the UK and children settled in schools means this isn’t likely for me any time soon and I really miss so many aspects of the UK. Friends, family, the culture, history etc. I would concentrate on moving to a nicer part of the UK if it was me rather than moving abroad - especially given visas and limits on residency in so many countries.

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Thanks Lolabear. I hope you get back to the UK soon.

OP posts:

knitnerd90 · 05/07/2025 18:29

The thing about the UAE is you will always be an expat with rotating friends and colleagues, not settled. Jersey might be a bit stifling.

If you are outdoorsy and want somewhere your kids can actually settle in and become locals, Canada or Australia. Both expensive, but good quality of life for the money. I don't think Toronto has such terrible winters. The Prairies do, though!

(We're in the USA but our reasons were more complicated than just wanting to leave the UK.)

Original poster

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 18:28

YourJustShark · 05/07/2025 18:03

Hey OP, I left the UK and retuned after a year. We were not the only ones, everyone I know who left has all come back or is planning to from places in Europe and one went to Kuwait.

I would strongly warn others off going now unless they truly understand what they’re going into. Or say one parent go out and try it first if you can before moving over. We went to somewhere in EU and post-Brexit it was chaos. People think they’re walking off into the sunset and it’s not like that at all. It’s not one long holiday. Culture differences, language differences, tax and residency barriers etc.

I see loads of people saying they’re off due to tax, but we lost money overall. Think very very carefully, find out as much as you can and see if you can get a range of opinions on the particular place from expats.

Oh and we’re in the 40% tax bracket. And I still wouldn’t recommend it. This is only my experience though of course.

Edited

This is really helpful, thank you.

OP posts:

Lolabear38 · 05/07/2025 18:27

FeministUnderTheCatriarchy · 05/07/2025 14:59

I've lived all over the world. I've been an expat for 11 years. The grass definitely isn't greener and despite it's faults, the UK is the best country I have ever lived in (and I've lived in NZ, Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Greece, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia).

It does depend on where in the UK you are, so if it was me I would focus on moving somewhere nicer in the UK rather than overseas.

I know loads of expats, I've met a ton over the years. I would say 90%+ of the men love it but only a few women I've met have genuinely been happy.

I’d 100% agree with this. I’ve been an expat for 13 years and am desperate to come back to the UK. Having a husband with a good job that pays vastly more than it does in the UK and children settled in schools means this isn’t likely for me any time soon and I really miss so many aspects of the UK. Friends, family, the culture, history etc. I would concentrate on moving to a nicer part of the UK if it was me rather than moving abroad - especially given visas and limits on residency in so many countries.

YourJustShark · 05/07/2025 18:23

DecemberBabe · 05/07/2025 18:16

We're moving to Spain, wages are terrible here and our quality of life especially dc future isn't looking great.
I love Spanish supermarkets too, so much more healthier food compared to the UK shops.
Luckily my job is fully remote and dh is self employed so we can get digital nomad visas.
If the UK wasn't in such a terrible state we would stay but there you are.

You need to do a deep delve into the visa and residency process. Spain have made it very difficult since Brexit. Someone I know was told by the government she needed to have nearly £30k in savings to remain there after she had already arrived and settled.

Juslooking2 · 05/07/2025 18:20

EmeraldShamrock000 · 05/07/2025 17:22

Ireland has an excellent education system. If you can afford to purchase a property, you would be happy here.

Renting is a disaster, although those with tenancy agreements are protected.

The cost of living is higher than the UK, it balances out as wages are higher too.

The DC are very friendly and mix well, school is very inclusive, religion is optional in all schools, my youngest DC go to a Catholic school, many of their pals opt out, there is no issues.

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Can I ask where in Ireland you are?

Been once last year and fell in love with the place.

Original poster

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 18:20

Blibbleflibble · 05/07/2025 17:26

It makes me laugh, the rich are the wealthiest they've ever been, but their desire to hoard even more money because they have to pay tax for the privilege is quite grotesque.

Tbf at least it will just leave the people who want to fight for what's best for the country behind. Maybe we can make it a better place. Good luck with climate change with some of those options though and it must be nice to care so little about slavery and human rights issues you'd consider the UAE. 😬

I get why you feel that way but, from my perspective, we’ve always paid our taxes here in full and have contributed to our community in many other ways too. We like the UK and love the friends we’ve made here. Until relatively recently we expected to be here for quite some time. However recent experiences - like my teenage son being mugged on the tube, our car being stolen, and extremely long NHS wait times for urgent care - make me question if the quality of life here still matches what we’re putting in or if we could find a better balance somewhere else. Brexit, VAT on school fees and a bit of a ‘tall poppy’ rhetoric haven’t exactly helped convince us to stay either.

This would be a big move though so we need to think it through and where might fit the bill best for us.

I fully agree that issues like human rights and climate impact are important and should be part of the decision-making process—which is exactly why I’m looking at a range of countries, not just the UAE.

Every country has its pros and cons, including the UK. I’m just hoping to have a practical discussion about those trade-offs, especially from families who have already made a similar move, to help make an informed choice.

OP posts:

positivebutnegative · 05/07/2025 18:19

TwigletsAndRadishes · 05/07/2025 16:51

They used to. Very high taxes but a very good quality of life. Not so much these days, although they still have the very high taxes.

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I am in one of the Nordic countries, and there is no way I would want to move. No way. It’s a very good life.We’re happy to pay high taxes, it is well worth it to make sure everyone has a decent living standard and free childcare etc.

TwigletsAndRadishes · 05/07/2025 18:16

I've lived in four countries and I'm currently in the UK with no plans to go anywhere again. But if I did feel the need to move now, I think it would be Australia. And only because the UK and most of Europe is going to shit and if WW3 breaks out I think it's probably the furthest, safest and most politically and economically stable place to be, because it's cushioned from much of the crap that's going on elsewhere. And it doesn't suffer from all the current issues around security that the UK and continental Europe do. And politics is not as polarised as the US, and the place is not as wackily liberal/woke and too bloody cold and boring as Canada. And I'd be okay with the language, obviously. I don't know that I'd actually like living in Aus all that much, but if safety, security, healthcare and general standard of living were the main drivers then I think it's probably the best choice overall.

I hate it when people bash the UK but even I have had to finally and reluctantly admit that we are destined for economic oblivion for the next twenty years or so, and socially we are going to hell in hand cart. It's an absolute mess with no end in sight.

The cost of living crisis has impacted just about everywhere though, since covid and Ukraine. Everyone from France to the USA complains about the cost of food and rent/bills and the difficulty of buying property for young people. I have friends and family in just about every corner of the world and the only places absolutely booming and doing well seem to be in Asia. In recent years I've had friends move to Spain and come back, move to Portugal and come back, move to France and come back. Move to the States and come back. Move to Belgium only to hate it and end up back in the ME. Two sets of friends have moved to Germany and love it but find the financial pressures there crippling after living and working in Asia and the ME for years. My Kiwi friends have been in the ME for years and will retire soon but DO NOT want to settle back in NZ. And my Scottish friends who emigrated to NZ lasted four years and came back. Nowhere is Utopia.