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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

… 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
Radionowhere · 05/07/2025 13:19

What nationality are you OP?

MiloMinderbinder925 · 05/07/2025 13:23

The Nordic countries have an excellent standard of life.

Marrietta · 05/07/2025 13:25

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

PonyPatter44 · 05/07/2025 13:26

The fact that you're already a mobile expat family changes this up a bit. Really, where do you want to go?

Sourisblanche · 05/07/2025 13:29

When the UK decided to leave the EU was the moment I thought okay we’re off. It’s taken a few years because of GCSEs and my dear poorly mum but we sold up and moved to S of France this year.

ByGreenHiker · 05/07/2025 13:29

UAE ...enjoy

MidnightPatrol · 05/07/2025 13:30

It depends what you want from your lifestyle, surely?

Mrsbloggz · 05/07/2025 13:31

MiloMinderbinder925 · 05/07/2025 13:23

The Nordic countries have an excellent standard of life.

And very high taxes.

Didntask · 05/07/2025 13:32

What is it that's making you want to leave?

Chungai · 05/07/2025 13:33

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.

Of those countries I'd choose Portugal or Canada

ByGreenHiker · 05/07/2025 13:34

Chungai · 05/07/2025 13:33

Of those countries I'd choose Portugal or Canada

Canada is ruinously expensive. Sales tax and tips on everything you buy even on top of an ice cream at a kiosk.

PlutoCat · 05/07/2025 13:35

There are quite a few threads on MN from (often new for some reason) posters who are planning to leave the UK imminently. If you do a search you will find helpful info, I'm sure.

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

PlutoCat · 05/07/2025 13:47

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

But rich people are leaving in droves and all we'll be left with is benefit claimants and poor people! Woe to the UK.

Or something like that.

Underpr3ssure · 05/07/2025 13:53

ByGreenHiker · 05/07/2025 13:34

Canada is ruinously expensive. Sales tax and tips on everything you buy even on top of an ice cream at a kiosk.

Not to mention the 'departure' tax on your worldwide assets when you eventually leave.

whitewineandsun · 05/07/2025 13:55

ByGreenHiker · 05/07/2025 13:34

Canada is ruinously expensive. Sales tax and tips on everything you buy even on top of an ice cream at a kiosk.

This! It's a nightmare when visiting. I wouldn't want to move there. And it's too close to America.

thornbury · 05/07/2025 13:55

Well paid jobs in the UAE are extremely competitive and influenced by nationality. Summer weather is brutal, but quality of life and safety help to balance it out.

Overtheatlantic · 05/07/2025 13:56

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

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.

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?

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 14:00

Radionowhere · 05/07/2025 13:19

What nationality are you OP?

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

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.

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!

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.