EASIEST COUNTRIES TO MOVE FROM THE UK IN 2025

Easiest Countries to Move from the UK in 2025

Easiest Countries to Move from the UK in 2025

Blog Article

Moving abroad has always been a life-changing step, but since Brexit, the question for many British citizens is no longer just “Should I leave”, it's “Where can I go with the least resistance”

Whether you're leaving for work, family, lifestyle, retirement, or political certainty, the right destination can make a significant difference. Some countries offer seamless visa processes, reciprocal agreements, or pathways to residency that are far more accessible to UK nationals than others.

This blog from Axis Solicitors examines the Easiest countries to move from the UK in 2025, based on legal entry routes, visa flexibility, ease of integration, and post-Brexit residency arrangements

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1. Ireland: Seamless Relocation Under the Common Travel Area


For British citizens considering a move abroad in 2025, Ireland is one of the Easiest countries to move from the UK. The close political, cultural, and historical ties between the UK and Ireland are underpinned by the Common Travel Area (CTA) — a reciprocal arrangement that predates the UK’s EU membership and remains unaffected by Brexit.

Under the CTA, UK and Irish citizens can live, work, study and access services in each other’s countries without the need for visas, residency permits or immigration applications. This makes Ireland a uniquely frictionless relocation destination for British nationals.

Legal Right to Reside


British citizens do not need a visa, work permit or residence card to live in Ireland. You are automatically entitled to reside in Ireland as long as you are:

  • A British citizen (born or naturalised), and

  • Not subject to a deportation or exclusion order (extremely rare in CTA cases)


There are no immigration checkpoints between the UK and Ireland for land or sea travel. copyright control is minimal, although a valid UK copyright is required for formal identity verification when necessary.

Employment and Work Rights


UK citizens have full labour market access in Ireland and do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship to work. You can:

  • Accept employment with any Irish business or organisation

  • Work on a self-employed basis or set up a company

  • Apply for jobs without copyright restrictions

  • Pay Irish tax and social security contributions as a resident worker


To commence employment, you will need to apply for a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) — the Irish equivalent of a National Insurance Number — which is used for tax, social welfare, and health services.

Healthcare Access


UK citizens residing in Ireland can access the Irish public healthcare system under the CTA agreement. Entitlement is based on ordinary residence, which typically means being present in Ireland for more than 183 days per year with an intention to stay.

Services available to UK nationals include:

  • Public hospital treatment (subject to public waiting lists)

  • General Practitioner (GP) services under the Medical Card or GP Visit Card schemes

  • Prescription drug subsidies via the Drugs Payment Scheme

  • Reciprocal access for urgent/emergency care on a temporary stay


Private health insurance is optional but widely used, particularly in urban areas.

Education and Family Life


British citizens can enrol their children in Irish public or private schools without visa restrictions. There is no requirement for a student visa or guardian consent application. Irish schools follow a curriculum similar to the UK, and English is the primary language of instruction in most institutions.

Higher education is also accessible, though UK students may no longer qualify for EU fee rates or student grants. However, Irish universities are well-regarded and culturally compatible with British education systems.

Property, Tax and Residency Considerations


There are no legal restrictions on UK nationals buying, renting, or inheriting property in Ireland. You may purchase a home or investment property in your own name without registering with the Irish immigration authorities.

Tax residence is based on days spent in the country, not nationality. If you live in Ireland for:

  • 183 days or more in a calendar year, or

  • 280 days or more over two consecutive years


you will likely be considered a tax resident in Ireland and subject to Irish income tax on worldwide earnings.

Axis Solicitors offers expert support with cross-border tax planning, property transfers, and UK-Ireland residency transitions.

Why Ireland Is One of the Easiest Countries to Move to from the UK













































Factor Ireland
Visa required for entry? No
Visa required to work? No
Residency registration required? No
Healthcare access? Yes (with PPSN and residence)
Employment rights? Full access to labour market
Language barrier? None (English is dominant language)
Education access for children? Yes, without restrictions
Access to services/public benefits? Yes, subject to ordinary residence and eligibility
Travel from the UK? Ferry, flight, road – direct, frequent, and low-cost

2. Australia: Familiar Culture, Structured Pathways for Skilled Brits


Australia remains one of the most popular and easiest countries to move from the UK seeking long-term relocation. The two countries share deep historical ties, legal and political similarities, and a strong cultural connection that makes integration easier. For British nationals, moving to Australia from the UK offers one of the most transparent and structured immigration systems in the world, particularly for skilled workers, graduates, families, and investors.

While it’s not visa-free like Ireland, the pathways to residency and eventually citizenship are well-defined, and the process — though rigorous — is achievable for many UK applicants.

Immigration System Overview


Australia’s immigration system is points-based and primarily structured around the Skilled Migration Program, Employer Sponsorship, Family Migration, and Temporary Visas that may lead to permanent residency. British citizens do not receive automatic entry privileges, but they do benefit from language exemptions, skills compatibility, and fast-tracked assessments in many occupations.

Most Common Visas for UK Citizens:



  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)

  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

  • Partner or Family Migration Visas

  • Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

  • Student Visa (Subclass 500)



Eligibility for UK Nationals


While visa eligibility depends on your specific route, common advantages for UK citizens include:

  • English language exemptions for many occupations

  • UK qualifications often meet Australian standards, easing skills assessments

  • Shared professional licensing systems in many sectors (healthcare, law, trades)

  • Age compatibility — most skilled visas require applicants to be under 45

  • Strong demand for UK-trained professionals in sectors like nursing, education, engineering, IT, and construction


UK citizens are also considered low-risk applicants by the Department of Home Affairs, which often results in faster processing times compared to higher-risk countries.

Employment and Work Rights


Australian work visas are designed to support economic demand, with clear conditions around job offers, state nominations, or regional commitments.

UK citizens on skilled visas can:

  • Work for any employer (once permanent residency is granted)

  • Access government-backed career pathways for in-demand roles

  • Earn competitive salaries in global sectors like mining, finance, tech, and healthcare

  • Transition from temporary to permanent status through onshore applications


In addition, Working Holiday Visas for UK citizens have been expanded since 2024, allowing eligible applicants to work and travel in Australia for up to three years without needing to complete rural work requirements — a benefit not extended to other nationalities.

Healthcare and Public Services


Once granted permanent residency, UK citizens are entitled to enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system. This includes:

  • Subsidised general practitioner visits

  • Free hospital care in public facilities

  • Subsidised prescriptions under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)


Those on temporary visas (e.g. students, skilled workers) must maintain private health insurance but are often eligible for some reciprocal emergency healthcare coverage under the UK-Australia health agreement.

Children can access public education in most states, though temporary visa holders may need to pay international student fees in some jurisdictions.

Lifestyle and Integration


Australia offers a high quality of life, strong job market, and English-speaking society — factors that continue to attract British nationals. Some of the benefits include:

  • A familiar legal system

  • Diverse and inclusive urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth

  • Outdoor-oriented culture with world-class beaches, parks, and recreation

  • Year-round mild climate in most regions

  • Strong expat communities with support networks for UK citizens


Integration is typically straightforward for British migrants, especially given the common language, similar education systems, and existing UK expat population of over 1.2 million residents.

Timeline to Permanent Residency and Citizenship


Australia offers one of the clearest routes to permanent settlement among non-EEA countries. Most UK citizens who migrate through skilled or partner routes become eligible for permanent residency within 2–4 years and can apply for citizenship after:

  • Four years of legal residence

  • At least 12 months as a copyright

  • Meeting character and language requirements

  • Passing a citizenship test


Unlike the UK, dual citizenship is permitted. You can retain your British copyright while holding Australian citizenship, with full access to public services, voting rights, and international protection.

Axis Solicitors offers expert support with cross-border tax planning, property transfers, and UK-Australia residency transitions.

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