Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

… To be considering leaving the UK?

567 replies

globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 13:17

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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Foolsgold74 · 05/07/2025 16:09

I'm just doing some soul searching on whether to move or not. I'm starting to get twitchy. I can't bear the way the UK mainland is going and I'm getting on a bit and thinking about a smaller home. I'm just doing some number crunching to see if I can make it work. I loathe the heat, so I'm not going anywhere warmer and will probably go to a UK island.

JMSA · 05/07/2025 16:09

BMW6 · 05/07/2025 13:42

Aren't you rather assuming that these countries want you?

But really, you're not British to start with and have family all over (presumably globally) so I'm sure you have enough information from your global family to be able to make informed decisions without needing input from here! 🙄

These "we are leaving UK" threads get very wearisome. Honestly, no-one cares. Off you pop, have a nice life, byeeee

Where is the need for this and what is your true motivation for posting in such a bitchy way?
Perhaps you’re unhappy in your life here.

Original poster
globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 16:06

Marrietta · 05/07/2025 13:25

Where have your clients and friends gone, and what are their experiences?

UAE mainly - Dubai and Abu Dhabi - but one has gone to Portugal, another to Singapore, and a family to Ireland (but the latter come from there originally).

OP posts:
Original poster
globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 16:05

Radionowhere · 05/07/2025 13:19

What nationality are you OP?

I’ve got dual nationality - British plus a European one.

OP posts:
Original poster
globalnomad25 · 05/07/2025 16:05

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.

Thank you. This is one of my concerns: - we end up stuck away from friends and no happier than before.

OP posts:
Savoury · 05/07/2025 16:01

Something we’ve considered too as taxation has exploded for business owners and the wealthy. I’ve always been pro tax when spent wisely but my personal view is that we can’t sustain the current spending bill with as few net contributors.

Of your list, Portugal or Jersey would be my top choices. The latter requires a job that is in shortage or sufficient funds to demonstrate you can fund yourself. I personally don’t like countries like UAE or Australia where the heat means even a run is out of the question for months. Gibraltar is another option.

Valeriekat · 05/07/2025 15:14

ExtraOnions · 05/07/2025 14:05

We were in Canada last year visiting relatives … it’s a beautiful place, but lots of complaints from relatives about the cost of housing, lack of employment for young people etc … I don’t think any country is immune.
..Flights.. they paid so much more for flights both internal & international, and things like phone contracts, that couldn’t believe how cheap ours was.

The phone contracts are ruinous! Toronto is brutally cold in winter. Do your research and find a job.

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.

Mrsbloggz · 05/07/2025 14:54

heldinadream · 05/07/2025 14:10

I would not move anywhere currently without factoring in climate change.
I have a relative living in Portugal for about ten years now. They love it, BUT are considering coming back to the UK at least partly because the summer heat is becoming unbearable and ramping up year on year. Some places in the world will soon be almost uninhabitable. Don't ignore that fact.
The weekend we had about 30 degrees, they had over 40 in some places. It's only going to get worse.

I agree, climate change means there's a strong chance that some currently inhabited parts of the world will become incompatible with life.

Sunnyrainbows · 05/07/2025 14:49

Following as I ask myself this regularly. I am French so for me it's between moving there or staying in the UK.

Personally I'd prefer to stay here but I would like to know what the smartest decision would be. What would be best for my kid's futures? I just have no idea.

abracadabra1980 · 05/07/2025 14:13

BMW6 · 05/07/2025 13:42

Aren't you rather assuming that these countries want you?

But really, you're not British to start with and have family all over (presumably globally) so I'm sure you have enough information from your global family to be able to make informed decisions without needing input from here! 🙄

These "we are leaving UK" threads get very wearisome. Honestly, no-one cares. Off you pop, have a nice life, byeeee

How nasty, bitchy, unhelpful and unnecessary. Off you hop…

heldinadream · 05/07/2025 14:10

I would not move anywhere currently without factoring in climate change.
I have a relative living in Portugal for about ten years now. They love it, BUT are considering coming back to the UK at least partly because the summer heat is becoming unbearable and ramping up year on year. Some places in the world will soon be almost uninhabitable. Don't ignore that fact.
The weekend we had about 30 degrees, they had over 40 in some places. It's only going to get worse.

iamnotalemon · 05/07/2025 14:10

CeaselesslyIntoThePast · 05/07/2025 14:08

MN is full of posts declaring they want out of the UK usually following some sort of political decision they deem makes the UK the worse place in the world. I suspect most don’t go. It’s another form of flouncing.
You can’t realistically choose a country to move to like you are picking a holiday cottage.

Well, assuming you can get a visa to the said country, yes you can just pick a country to go to.

Meetmeundertheclock · 05/07/2025 14:09

Does your business benefit from UK standards like Accountancy or Law? Cyprus might work out.

Zov · 05/07/2025 14:08

CeaselesslyIntoThePast · 05/07/2025 14:08

MN is full of posts declaring they want out of the UK usually following some sort of political decision they deem makes the UK the worse place in the world. I suspect most don’t go. It’s another form of flouncing.
You can’t realistically choose a country to move to like you are picking a holiday cottage.

100% this. ^

CeaselesslyIntoThePast · 05/07/2025 14:08

MN is full of posts declaring they want out of the UK usually following some sort of political decision they deem makes the UK the worse place in the world. I suspect most don’t go. It’s another form of flouncing.
You can’t realistically choose a country to move to like you are picking a holiday cottage.

iamnotalemon · 05/07/2025 14:07

BMW6 · 05/07/2025 13:42

Aren't you rather assuming that these countries want you?

But really, you're not British to start with and have family all over (presumably globally) so I'm sure you have enough information from your global family to be able to make informed decisions without needing input from here! 🙄

These "we are leaving UK" threads get very wearisome. Honestly, no-one cares. Off you pop, have a nice life, byeeee

You sound really pleasant.

ExtraOnions · 05/07/2025 14:05

We were in Canada last year visiting relatives … it’s a beautiful place, but lots of complaints from relatives about the cost of housing, lack of employment for young people etc … I don’t think any country is immune.
..Flights.. they paid so much more for flights both internal & international, and things like phone contracts, that couldn’t believe how cheap ours was.

Zov · 05/07/2025 14:04

BMW6 · 05/07/2025 13:42

Aren't you rather assuming that these countries want you?

But really, you're not British to start with and have family all over (presumably globally) so I'm sure you have enough information from your global family to be able to make informed decisions without needing input from here! 🙄

These "we are leaving UK" threads get very wearisome. Honestly, no-one cares. Off you pop, have a nice life, byeeee

👏 100% this.

Fact is, the people posting this type of thread won't leave the UK. Wink

Deep down they know where they're well off. And as you say, it's hilarious that people assume these countries will allow them in!

iamnotalemon · 05/07/2025 14:02

I’ve been out of the UK for around 5 years. No kids to consider but I do have a good lifestyle and am financially better off here. I do miss parts of home though.

I’d say do it.

Genevieva · 05/07/2025 14:00

Radionowhere · 05/07/2025 13:19

What nationality are you OP?

I think she’s British but not of British descent.

FunnysInLaJardin · 05/07/2025 13:59

we moved from the UK to Jersey 27 years ago and have never looked back. You will need a licensed job to be able to rent decent housing though.

What do you both do professionally?

Genevieva · 05/07/2025 13:59

It depends on so many factors. What do you like about the U.K. that you’d miss if you didn’t have it? What’s most important to you: job opportunities, tax advantages, cultural opportunities, work-life balance, climate…? Is the world your oyster (can you meet the requirements for anywhere?

suburberphobe · 05/07/2025 13:58

These "we are leaving UK" threads get very wearisome. Honestly, no-one cares. Off you pop, have a nice life, byeeee

Gosh, aren't you pleasant?.... not.

Are you subconsciously wanting to do the same? But can't.

Personally, I enjoy these kind of threads.

Overtheatlantic · 05/07/2025 13:56

You can’t just up and move to another country without proper visas.

Swipe left for the next trending thread