Britain Leaving Britain: Why Record Numbers of Brits Are Dreaming of Living Abroad in Spain, France, and Portugal

Britain Leaving Britain: Why Record Numbers of Brits Are Dreaming of Living Abroad in Spain, France, and Portugal

I've been watching Britain leave Britain for years now. Not in a metaphorical, existential way — literally. Friends, colleagues, former classmates, and a staggering number of young professionals are packing up and heading for sunnier shores. Spain, France, Portugal, Italy. The destinations read like a holiday brochure, but this isn't a vacation. This is a migration. According to a British Council survey cited by The i Paper, nearly 72% of young Britons aged 18 to 30 are seriously considering leaving the UK. That's not dissatisfaction. That's a mass departure in waiting.

What Is Driving the British Exodus?

I keep hearing the same word from people who've left: "unaffordable." In Liverpool, Liam Quirke, 28, looked up at a grey sky and realized he could be anywhere in the world. He chose Cyprus. "In Britain, you feel like you're spending money just to breathe," he told The i Paper. His sentiment echoes a wider truth. A bunq Global Living Report found that 68% of Brits moved abroad to offset the cost of living in the UK.

But it's not just the cost. There's a generational shift in mindset. The same bunq data found that 58% of Brits living abroad feel more financially secure, and 64% are happier. The numbers are startling.

According to Rathbones analysis, 5,940 business owners left the UK between January 2024 and January 2026. The tech sector leads the charge, with 10% of departing companies in software. These aren't just people chasing sun; they're chasing a future that doesn't feel blocked at every turn. For more on UK economic trends, check out our in-depth analysis of the UK cost of living crisis.

Why This Matters: The Brain Drain

I founded YEET Magazine in 2017 because I believed in building something. I'm watching entrepreneurs hit a ceiling at home. Software engineers in Manchester and Bristol are looking at Canadian salaries and realizing the maths works differently.

This is a crisis of confidence. A net outflow of 2,758 business owners over two years means jobs, innovation, and tax revenue leaving with them. And while the ONS reports net migration is falling to its lowest level since 2012, driven by fewer non-EU arrivals, the emigration of homegrown talent is a different story.

When people feel they can only afford to visit Britain rather than build a life here, we're in trouble. Young Brits are delaying buying homes and having children in favor of global living. Read our related piece on why young Brits are giving up on UK homeownership.

Timeline of the Exodus

Where Are They Going?

Spain, France, Portugal, and Italy remain the top contenders.

Spain is the perennial favourite, with approximately 275,000 UK nationals legally resident there. In 2024, UK citizens led foreign property purchases with about 11,900 homes bought. However, the 90/180-day rule means you can't just stay forever. You need a visa. Learn more about how Spain's Golden Visa abolition affects British buyers.

Portugal offers the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax regime, a major draw for pensioners and remote workers. British purchasers accounted for roughly 11% of luxury sales in early 2025.

France still leads in actual transactions, and Italy is emerging as a strong contender for digital entrepreneurs and retirees, offering an Elective Residency Visa.

Canada is also in the mix, with some professionals earning £20,000 more for the same work. The UAE and US rank in the top three destinations for departing business owners. Check our guide on the best digital nomad visas in Europe for 2026.

Visa Options for Brits Moving to Europe

One of the biggest questions I get is: "How do I actually stay?" Post-Brexit, you can't just pack a bag and move to Spain. Here are the most realistic pathways:

Portugal's D7 Visa is popular for retirees and those with passive income. The NHR tax regime offers a flat 20% tax rate for certain professions. Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa requires proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. France's Long-Stay Visa is flexible but requires proof of accommodation and income. Italy's Elective Residency Visa targets retirees and those with substantial passive income.

For digital nomads, Portugal and Spain have specific visas that allow remote work with significant tax breaks. The EU is also pushing for a bloc-wide digital nomad framework by 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leaving the UK

What is driving the British exodus to Spain, France, and Portugal?

High living costs, poor work-life balance, unaffordable childcare, and grey weather are primary drivers. A bunq report found 68% of Brits moved abroad to offset the cost of living in the UK, while 58% feel more financially secure and 64% are happier abroad.

Can UK citizens still buy property in Spain and Portugal post-Brexit?

Yes, but with caveats. Brits can buy property freely, but they need a visa for stays over 90 days. Spain's Golden Visa was abolished in April 2025, so property investment no longer fast-tracks residency.

What is the 90/180-day rule for Brits in Europe?

Post-Brexit, UK citizens can stay in Schengen countries for only 90 days in any 180-day period. To stay longer, they need a long-stay visa or residency permit.

How many business owners have left the UK recently?

Rathbones analysis shows 5,940 business owners left the UK between January 2024 and January 2026, with a net outflow of 2,758 after accounting for those arriving.

What are the most popular destinations for Brits moving abroad?

Spain, France, and Portugal top the list. The UAE, US, and Canada are also gaining popularity, particularly among tech professionals and business owners.

What visas are available for Brits moving to Europe post-Brexit?

Portugal offers the D7 Visa and NHR tax regime. Spain offers the Non-Lucrative Visa and Digital Nomad Visa. France offers a Long-Stay Visa. Italy offers an Elective Residency Visa. Each has specific income, insurance, and accommodation requirements.