Understanding how many British citizens live abroad reveals fascinating insights into global migration patterns. This comprehensive guide examines the latest statistics on brits abroad, popular destinations for British expatriates, where UK citizens can live without a visa, and the contributions of migrants to the UK economy.
Understanding British Citizens Living Abroad in 2026
The global British diaspora represents one of the largest expatriate populations worldwide. British citizens living abroad span every continent, from retirees enjoying Mediterranean sunshine to professionals pursuing careers in North America, Asia, and beyond. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), emigration patterns continue evolving in response to economic conditions, lifestyle preferences, and post-Brexit regulatory changes.
This guide provides comprehensive statistics on British citizens living abroad, examining where they live, why they relocate, and how migration patterns are changing. Whether you are considering moving abroad or researching migration trends, understanding the British expatriate community offers valuable insights into global mobility.
How Many Brits Live Abroad?
Approximately 5.5 million British citizens live abroad as of 2026, representing about 8% of all UK nationals. Australia hosts the largest British expatriate community with around 1.3 million residents, followed by Spain, the United States, and Canada.
The number of British citizens living abroad has remained relatively stable over the past decade, though destination preferences have shifted following Brexit. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides consular services to British nationals worldwide, tracking approximate populations in each country.
British Expat Population by Region
These figures represent estimates based on various government and research sources. Actual numbers may be higher as not all British citizens register with local authorities or British consulates when living abroad.
Where Can Brits Live Abroad?
British citizens can live in any country that offers appropriate visa pathways, with easiest access to Ireland (Common Travel Area), countries with working holiday visas (Australia, Canada, New Zealand), and nations with retirement or digital nomad visa schemes. Post-Brexit, living in EU countries now requires residence permits.
Where UK citizens can live abroad depends on visa requirements, work permits, and residency schemes offered by destination countries. Some nations have preferential arrangements with the UK, while others require formal immigration applications similar to those for Skilled Worker visas to the UK.
Easiest Countries for British Citizens to Relocate
- Ireland: Common Travel Area allows British citizens to live, work, and access services without a visa
- Australia: Working holiday visas for under-35s, skilled migration pathways, and family visas
- New Zealand: Working holiday schemes, skilled migrant categories, and investor visas
- Canada: Working holiday programmes, Express Entry for skilled workers, Provincial Nominee Programs
- United States: Work visas (H-1B, L-1), investor visas, and family-based immigration
- Portugal: Golden visa, D7 passive income visa, digital nomad visa
- Spain: Non-lucrative visa, golden visa, self-employed visa pathways
Popular Destinations for British Expats
The most popular destinations for British expats are Australia (1.3 million), Spain (761,000), the United States (678,000), and Canada (603,000). These countries attract British citizens through combinations of shared language, career opportunities, climate, and established expat communities.
British expatriates choose destinations based on various factors including employment opportunities, quality of life, climate preferences, and existing connections. Understanding these popular destinations helps prospective expats make informed decisions about where to relocate.
Australia: Top Destination for Brits Abroad
Australia hosts the largest British expatriate community globally, with approximately 1.3 million British citizens calling it home. The appeal includes shared language and cultural similarities, high living standards, excellent healthcare system, outdoor lifestyle and climate, and strong job market in various sectors. Many British citizens initially arrive on working holiday visas before transitioning to skilled migration pathways or employer-sponsored visas.
Spain: Retirement and Lifestyle Destination
Spain remains the top European destination for British expats, particularly retirees. Regions like the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Balearic Islands have established British communities. Post-Brexit, British citizens now need residence permits for long-term stays, with popular options including the non-lucrative visa for those with sufficient income and the golden visa for property investors.
United States: Career and Family Connections
The United States attracts British citizens primarily through employment opportunities and family connections. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco host significant British communities. Immigration to the US typically requires employer sponsorship for work visas, though investment-based and family-sponsored routes also exist.
Emerging Destinations for British Expats
Beyond traditional destinations, British citizens are increasingly moving to:
- Portugal: Attractive tax regimes, digital nomad visas, and affordable cost of living
- Thailand: Low cost of living, retirement visa options, warm climate
- Dubai/UAE: Tax-free income, career opportunities, modern infrastructure
- Singapore: Business hub, English-speaking, high quality of life
- New Zealand: Quality of life, outdoor lifestyle, skilled migration pathways
Why Do British Citizens Move Abroad?
British citizens move abroad primarily for career opportunities (32%), retirement and lifestyle improvements (28%), family reasons (22%), education (10%), and adventure or travel (8%). Climate, cost of living, and quality of life are significant factors across all categories.
The motivations for British citizens living abroad vary significantly by age group, family status, and personal circumstances. Understanding these drivers helps contextualise the British diaspora and provides insights for those considering international relocation.
Employment and Career Opportunities
Career advancement remains the primary driver for working-age British expats. Key factors include higher salaries in certain industries and locations, international experience valued by employers, career opportunities not available in the UK, company transfers and international assignments, and entrepreneurial opportunities in growing markets.
Retirement and Quality of Life
Retirement migration is particularly significant among British expats, with Spain and Portugal being top choices. Motivations include warmer climates benefiting health and wellbeing, lower cost of living stretching pension income further, relaxed pace of life, established expatriate communities providing social support, and access to quality healthcare at lower costs.
Family and Relationship Reasons
Family connections drive significant migration, including moving to join partners or spouses abroad, relocating to be near children or grandchildren, returning to countries of family origin, and accompanying family members on work assignments. For information on bringing family members to the UK, see our guides on the UK spouse visa and parent of a British child visa.
Migrants in the UK: Statistics and Demographics
Approximately 10.4 million foreign-born residents live in the UK, representing about 15% of the total population. The largest groups come from India, Poland, Pakistan, Romania, and Ireland. Migrants contribute significantly to the UK economy and workforce, particularly in healthcare, technology, and hospitality sectors.
Understanding migration to the UK provides context for the reciprocal movement of British citizens abroad. According to the Migration Observatory, the UK's migrant population has grown significantly over the past two decades.
Top Countries of Origin for UK Migrants
Economic Contributions of Migrants to the UK
Migrants make substantial contributions to the UK economy and society:
- Healthcare workforce: Nearly one in five NHS workers were born outside the UK
- Tax contributions: EEA migrants contributed approximately £20 billion more in taxes than they received in benefits and services
- Skills gaps: Migrants fill critical roles in technology, engineering, medicine, and hospitality
- Entrepreneurship: Foreign-born residents are more likely to start businesses than UK-born individuals
For detailed information on UK immigration pathways, see our comprehensive guides on the UK student visa requirements and Skilled Worker visa.
Visa-Free Countries for British Citizens
British citizens can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to approximately 187 countries. Popular visa-free destinations include the Schengen Area (90 days per 180 days), United States (90 days ESTA), Japan (90 days), Australia (electronic visitor visa), and New Zealand (up to 6 months).
The British passport ranks among the world's most powerful for travel freedom. However, visa-free access is typically limited to short-term visits; longer stays for work or residence require appropriate visas. The FCDO foreign travel advice provides up-to-date entry requirements for all countries.
Visa-Free Access by Region
Challenges and Support for British Expats
British citizens living abroad face challenges including navigating foreign bureaucracy, accessing healthcare, managing finances across currencies, and maintaining connections with the UK. Support is available through British consulates, online expat communities, and various UK government services for citizens abroad.
Living abroad presents unique challenges that prospective expats should consider. Understanding these issues and available support helps British citizens prepare for successful international relocation.
Common Challenges for Brits Abroad
- Healthcare access: Understanding local healthcare systems and obtaining appropriate insurance coverage
- Pension and taxation: Managing UK State Pension, private pensions, and tax obligations in multiple jurisdictions
- Banking and finances: Currency exchange, international transfers, and maintaining UK bank accounts
- Legal residency: Navigating visa requirements, renewals, and paths to permanent residency
- Language and culture: Adapting to local customs, learning new languages, and social integration
- Voting and civic participation: Maintaining electoral registration and understanding voting rights
Support Services for British Citizens Abroad
Various resources support British citizens living abroad:
- British consulates and embassies: Emergency assistance, passport services, and consular support
- GOV.UK guidance: Official information on living abroad, including country-specific guides
- Expat communities: Online forums, social media groups, and local British associations
- International pension services: DWP International Pension Centre for State Pension queries
- Legal services: UK-qualified solicitors specialising in international matters and human rights issues
- Approximately 5.5 million British citizens currently live abroad, with Australia, Spain, and the US as top destinations
- Post-Brexit, British citizens need visas or residence permits for long-term stays in EU countries
- Career opportunities, retirement, and family are the primary motivations for moving abroad
- The UK hosts approximately 10.4 million foreign-born residents who contribute significantly to the economy
- British passport holders can travel visa-free to approximately 187 countries for short-term visits
Frequently Asked Questions About British Citizens Living Abroad
How many British citizens live abroad?
Approximately 5.5 million British citizens live abroad as of 2026, representing about 8% of all UK nationals. The largest British expatriate communities are in Australia (1.3 million), Spain (761,000), the United States (678,000), and Canada (603,000). These figures are estimates as not all British citizens register with local authorities.
Where can British citizens live abroad without a visa?
British citizens can live freely without a visa in Ireland under the Common Travel Area agreement. For other countries, visa-free access typically covers short-term visits only (usually 90-180 days). Long-term residence requires visas or permits, even in countries with visa-free tourism arrangements like the Schengen Area, USA, or Australia.
Can British expats still vote in UK elections?
Yes, British citizens living abroad can register as overseas voters and vote in UK general elections and referendums. Under the Elections Act 2022, there is no time limit on how long you can vote after leaving the UK (previously limited to 15 years). You must register annually and can vote by post or proxy.
How has Brexit affected British citizens living in Europe?
British citizens who were legally resident in EU countries before 31 December 2020 retained their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. New residents must now apply for national visas or residence permits. Short-term visits are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. Working in EU countries requires specific work visas.
What is the most popular country for British expats?
Australia is the most popular destination for British expats, hosting approximately 1.3 million British citizens. The appeal includes shared language, cultural similarities, high quality of life, excellent healthcare, outdoor lifestyle, and strong job market. Many British citizens arrive on working holiday visas before transitioning to permanent residency pathways.
Can British citizens receive their UK pension abroad?
Yes, British citizens can claim their UK State Pension while living abroad. However, pension payments are only increased annually (triple lock) in certain countries with reciprocal agreements, including EEA countries, Switzerland, and some others. In countries without agreements (including Australia and Canada), the pension is frozen at the rate when you left the UK or first claimed.
How many migrants live in the UK?
Approximately 10.4 million foreign-born residents live in the UK, representing about 15% of the total population. The largest communities are from India (920,000), Poland (743,000), Pakistan (610,000), and Romania (539,000). These migrants contribute significantly to the UK economy, particularly in healthcare, technology, and essential services sectors.
What support is available for British citizens living abroad?
British citizens abroad can access support through British embassies and consulates for emergencies, passport services, and general assistance. GOV.UK provides comprehensive guides for living in specific countries. The DWP International Pension Centre handles State Pension queries. Expat communities and forums offer practical advice and social connections.
For detailed statistics on international migration, visit the Office for National Statistics and the Migration Observatory at Oxford University.