The short answer: moving abroad from the UK takes three kinds of preparation. First, the legal side: since Brexit, UK nationals can stay in Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, so living, working or studying in the EU usually means applying for a visa or residence permit in your new country. Second, the UK admin: tell HMRC you’re leaving, sort your NHS and healthcare position, register as an overseas voter and decide what to do with your bank accounts. Third, and most overlooked, your social life: plan how you’ll meet people in the first weeks, because that’s what decides whether the move feels good. This guide covers all three, with a 90-day plan.
I left the UK with every form filled in and no plan at all for Friday nights. The paperwork was fine. It was the third weekend, sitting in a flat where nobody knew my name, that I hadn’t prepared for. If you’re about to move, here’s what I’d tell my past self.
Before you leave the UK
| Task | Why it matters | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Visa or residence permit | Needed to live, work or study beyond 90 days in the Schengen area | The destination country’s official embassy or immigration site |
| Tell HMRC you’re leaving | Gets your tax right for the year you leave | GOV.UK (form P85 or Self Assessment) |
| Healthcare | NHS entitlement is residence-based | NHS and GOV.UK guidance, plus your new country’s system |
| Overseas voter registration | Keep your vote in UK elections | GOV.UK voting abroad page |
| Bank accounts and cards | Avoid being locked out or charged heavily abroad | Your bank |
| Driving licence | Rules on using or exchanging a UK licence vary by country | The destination country’s official guidance |
| Phone number | Many banks send security codes by text | Your mobile provider |
Visas and residence
The single biggest change for UK citizens since Brexit is that free movement in the EU no longer applies. According to GOV.UK, you can travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. If you want to stay longer, to work or study, or for business, you must meet the entry requirements of the country you’re going to, which usually means applying for a visa or work permit before you travel.
Each country has its own routes: work permits, study visas, family visas, retirement or “non-lucrative” visas, and digital nomad visas for remote workers. Requirements change, so always use the official government or embassy website of your destination rather than a blog summary. If you work remotely, our overview of digital nomad visa countries links to the official pages for several popular options. GOV.UK’s foreign travel advice pages also have country-specific entry requirements.
UK admin checklist
Tax
GOV.UK explains how to tell HMRC you’re leaving the UK. If you don’t usually send a Self Assessment tax return, you normally use form P85; if you do, you tell HMRC through your return instead. If you’ll still have UK income, such as rent from a flat, your tax position can get complicated, so a short session with an adviser is worth it.
Healthcare
NHS entitlement depends on where you live, not your nationality, so moving abroad permanently usually changes what you can get free of charge. Before you go, check the official guidance for your destination, arrange health insurance or registration in your new country, and bring copies of prescriptions and medical records.
Voting
British citizens living abroad can register as overseas electors. GOV.UK confirms that the 15-year limit was removed on 16 January 2024, so you can register to vote from abroad no matter how long ago you left, as long as you meet the other conditions.
Money
Tell your bank you’re moving, check card fees, switch security codes to app authentication and arrive with a buffer. Our expat banking guide has a week-by-week plan for setting up your money abroad.
Weeks 1–2: land and anchor
The first fortnight is about getting the basics working and putting one or two social anchors in your diary. Don’t try to do everything; aim for a functioning phone, a way to pay, a route to the supermarket and one plan with other people each week.
- Register your address and start any residence formalities your new country requires.
- Get a local SIM or eSIM and set up your digital banking.
- Walk your neighbourhood: find the supermarket, a café you like, the gym, the nearest park.
- Book one social thing for each week: a language class, a running club, an expat meetup.
- Message any friend-of-a-friend contacts you have in the city. A coffee with one person is a big win in week one.
Weeks 3–6: build routines
- Open a local bank account and set up direct debits.
- Register with a doctor or local health service.
- Go back to the same weekly activities. Repeats are where friendships start.
- Invite one person you’ve met twice to something specific: a market, a film, a walk.
- Start learning the language seriously, even if work is in English.
Weeks 7–12: widen your circle
- Host a small dinner or picnic for three to five people.
- Add one activity where locals are the majority: a sports club, a choir, volunteering.
- Review your budget and admin: anything left to register, any fees to cut.
- Plan a trip home or a visit from a friend, so you’ve got something to look forward to.
For a fuller version of this timeline, our pillar guide to moving abroad alone breaks the first 90 days into a detailed social plan, and what to do when you first move abroad covers the very first days.
British habits that don’t always travel
- The pub as default: in many countries socialising centres on cafés, terraces, long meals or sport rather than rounds at the pub.
- Self-deprecating humour: it doesn’t always translate. Directness is normal in many cultures and isn’t rude.
- Timing: meal and going-out times can be much later, especially in southern Europe.
- Greetings: cheek kisses, handshakes and personal space vary widely. Watch and copy.
- “We should get a coffee sometime”: vague invitations get vague results everywhere. Suggest a day and a time.
What it actually feels like
The first weeks after moving abroad from the UK are often a high: new streets, new food, everything an adventure. Then, around weeks three to six, many people hit a dip. Things that were charming become irritating, and you miss small, silly things like proper tea or a chat in your own language. It’s normal, and it passes faster if you have weekly routines with the same people. If you’re struggling, our guide to feeling homesick after moving abroad has practical ways through it.
Want to turn this into an actual plan? MeetNow is a free app for meeting people in person: a host posts a plan at a public place, says who pays (host pays, split, pay your own or free) and picks who joins. It is live on the web now, starting in Malta: open MeetNow in your browser and see the plans posted in Malta. (MeetNow is our own app.)
Safety note: when meeting new people, choose busy public places, tell a friend where you’re going, sort your own way home and leave if anything feels off. Save the local emergency number; in the EU it’s 112.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do UK citizens need a visa to live in the EU?
UK nationals can visit Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. To stay longer, work or study, you must meet the entry requirements of the country, which usually means applying for a visa, work permit or residence permit.
Do I need to tell HMRC I am moving abroad?
Yes. GOV.UK explains how to tell HMRC you are leaving, usually with form P85 or, if you normally file Self Assessment, through your tax return. Your UK tax position afterwards depends on your residence and any UK income.
Can I still vote in the UK if I live abroad?
Yes, British citizens living abroad can register as overseas electors. Since 16 January 2024 there is no 15-year limit, so you can register no matter how long ago you left, provided you meet the other conditions.
Can I still use the NHS after moving abroad?
NHS entitlement is based on where you live rather than nationality, so moving abroad permanently usually changes what you can access free of charge. Check the official NHS and GOV.UK guidance and arrange healthcare in your new country before you go.
How long does it take to settle in after moving abroad from the UK?
It varies, but many people find the first three months the hardest and feel more settled after six months to a year. A weekly routine with the same people makes a big difference.
What is the hardest part of moving abroad from the UK?
For many people it is not the paperwork but the loneliness of starting a social life from zero. Planning regular activities and saying yes to invitations in the first weeks helps a lot.
