Is Emigrating Your Best Move?
Even before Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic, moving abroad was commonplace for UK citizens. Which is understandable as emigrating can pose a number of benefits to your lifestyle and wellbeing although there are also a number of factors against it too. Below, we look at some of the top reasons why people are emigrating from the UK.
Why do people emigrate?
Job opportunities
Presently, more people than ever before want to relocate to another country from Britain. The majority of them are searching for new opportunities abroad either to work or study.
One of the most notable benefits of working abroad is that many countries have a higher average wage than the UK. Germany, for example, has an average salary that is 12.25% higher than that of the UK. Couple this with the lower cost of living and rent prices as well as potentially less tax, emigrating elsewhere in Europe can prove to be a very sensible economic decision.
There are also factors in the culture of work in some countries. Italy and Spain, for example, have more relaxed work hours, regularly taking siestas during the hotter months. If this is a culture that you want to be a part of, emigrating towards the Mediterranean could be a very wise decision.
The Weather
It may seem trivial but if you can get a guarantee of good weather somewhere else, that could be a big draw. It is why so many Brits choose to holiday in Spain and Portugal, but having a permanent residence there is an option too. Although this is primarily an option for retirees, it is not uncommon for people to move for the assured climate.
The UK is almost infamous for the rain and this bleak weather is sure to play a role in people’s state of mind. Grey skies, grey weather and freezing cold mornings can be exchanged for brighter spells and warm weather, all while benefiting your mental wellbeing.
Cost and standard of living
Living in the UK, particularly certain areas in the South, can be a luxury that many can’t afford. The disparity in homes up north and homes down south is such that improving your standard of living could seem like a losing effort.
As we mentioned, things such as lower or even fewer taxes are a significant factor, in particular with retirees however the general cost of living can be so much cheaper in places that rank very highly for things such as education, safety and health. The Netherlands for example has a similar cost of living but with very low crime levels and an overall greater happiness rating, according to the World Happiness Report 2021.
Why It’s Currently Difficult to Emigrate from the UK?
Brexit
Due to Britain’s exit from the European Union, you can expect some adjustments in the immigration rules, especially when relocating to countries in the European Union as Brexit has impacted the freedom of movement between the EU and the UK.
Currently, there are no general rules to determine what happens to the UK residents who wish to work, study or even relocate to the EU countries, however this can vary from country to country.
Coronavirus Pandemic
Covid-19 has impacted the way we live, move and think all over. Due to this, most countries have been forced to shut down their borders, making it very hard for immigrants to move. Presently, it will be hard for you to move and start a new life abroad, however, this should not deter you from still planning for it in the future if you believe it is right for you.
In the end, there are plenty of things you need to keep in mind when relocating to another country, such as whether you can even sell your home in time. For issues such as this, there are companies that specialise in buying houses privately and quickly. Spring, for example, offer a we buy any house and sell house fast service.
If you want a new start in a country that is better suited to what you want in life, emigrating is the route for you but it is by no means something to rush into.