… To be considering leaving the UK?

[globalnomad25]

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Very helpful, thank you!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Yeah totally agree. I am often baffled by those who born in raised in a town haven't left, don’t want to leave and havent ever left. The world is so wonderful and big!

But you also pay taxes there too. Dont imagine that you don’t pay! Tax rates are only slightly lower than ours - look them up. Then on top you pay for your healthcare and insurance. Not massive amounts, but not insignificant either.

This is why I’m telling people to do their research. I absolutely love Spain. But don’t assume moving there you will have lots more money and life will be one long holiday. There are upsides and downsides.

Thank you, this is great practical information, very helpful

Possibly not, after a year and a half of being there we couldn’t get residency, it was all made so complicated despite our company intervening and spending lots of time at town hall.

Interesting and thanks for sharing

Bit fed up of MN threads about how terrible UK is and how it's apparently so much better everywhere else

Sadly the grass isn't always greener. I've family who emigrated to Aus/NZ. 25 years later they've come home! A quarter of a century there and said they always missed England! So they've returned home. Before I manged to visit them there too!

It’s ok if people want that as everyone is different but no it feels too stifling to me.

You have to have an income of nearly 30 k and there is a set amount for children. It’s nothing like as easy as when we went to live there in 2001. You should research Inheritance and tax laws and how it will affect your finances generally.
it is true that the health care is good, but unless you have medical insurance, contribute by working there or are a state pensioner it will be costly, and health insurance may not cover some existing conditions.