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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
Every year thousands of British people decide to move abroad. Some are chasing warmer weather, others are looking for new jobs and some just want a fresh start. Moving abroad is also a financial decision as much as a lifestyle one. Selling a UK home, transferring pension funds or moving savings into a new currency all carry real risk if they are not planned properly. Here are the countries attracting the most Brits in 2026, what each move tends to cost in currency terms and how to protect your money along the way.
Spain continues to be the favourite for British expats. The country offers sunshine, a relaxed lifestyle and rich culture. It is especially popular with retirees or anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy life.
Popular areas: Alicante, Mallorca, Costa del Sol
Why Brits move here: Large English-speaking communities, lower cost of living, mild weather all year and a slower pace of life
After Brexit, check residency rules carefully. Healthcare, taxes and property regulations can differ by region.
What this means for your money: Most Spain movers are funding a property purchase, often using proceeds from a UK house sale. That is a large one-off GBP to EUR transfer where the exchange rate on the day can shift the final cost by thousands of pounds. See our full guide to buying property in Spain →
Moving to Australia is a great option for those looking for a lifestyle change and new career opportunities. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have strong job markets in technology, healthcare and engineering. Salaries are typically higher than in the UK.
Visa options: Skilled Migration Program, Working Holiday Visa
Why Brits move here: English speaking, good jobs, sunny weather and welcoming expat communities
Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for updated occupation lists and visa requirements. This will help you plan your move well.
What this means for your money: Beyond the initial relocation costs, many movers end up sending money both ways for years afterwards, repatriating savings, helping family back home or moving super contributions. A fixed account manager who understands the GBP/AUD pair helps more than a one-off app transfer ever will.
The US attracts ambitious professionals and people with family ties. Cities such as San Francisco, Austin and New York are major hubs for technology, finance and creative industries.
Visa types: H-1B, L-1, family sponsorship
Why Brits move here: High salaries, career growth and cultural variety
The visa process can be tricky. Speak to a licensed immigration advisor to avoid mistakes and delays.
What this means for your money: US moves often involve large transfers for housing deposits or family financial support, sometimes with tight deadlines tied to visa or lease timelines. Knowing your rate in advance, rather than finding out on transfer day, matters here.
Canada is popular with those seeking a high quality of life, open spaces and clear migration routes. The Express Entry system makes it easier for skilled workers to move and settle long-term.
Popular cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal
Why Brits move here: Simple immigration process, good healthcare, friendly communities and outdoor activities
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can improve your chances of getting permanent residency.
What this means for your money: Settlement funds requirements for some Canadian visa routes mean you need to show a specific amount in Canadian dollars. Locking in a rate ahead of your application can protect that figure from swinging against you.
France is ideal for people who want a change but not to be far from home. You can travel between London and Paris in about two hours by train, making regular visits easy. France offers world-famous food, rich culture and beautiful scenery.
Popular regions: Paris, Provence and French Riviera
Why Brits move here: Easy travel home, excellent cuisine, strong cultural experiences and a mix of city and countryside life
What this means for your money: Buying property in France usually means working with a notary, and you will need a French RIB (bank details) before funds can be released for completion. Regency FX sets up your RIB and liaises directly with your notary, something most app-based platforms simply do not offer. Read our guide to buying property in France →
Ireland is a natural choice for Brits who want minimal disruption. Dublin has become a major European tech hub, while Cork and Galway are growing professional centres.
Why Brits move here: Shared language, similar culture, short travel times and good job opportunities
Expats enjoy Ireland's friendly communities and relaxed pace outside the capital, which helps them settle quickly.
What this means for your money: Even with the Common Travel Area in place, GBP to EUR rates still apply to house deposits, removal costs and ongoing salary transfers if you are paid from a UK source.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract professionals looking for high salaries and tax-free income. Many Brits work in finance, technology or hospitality.
Why Brits move here: Tax-free salaries, fast-moving international lifestyle and strong expat networks
Considerations: High cost of living, expensive housing and cultural differences
The UAE's cities have modern infrastructure and many leisure activities, which makes it easier for expats to feel at home.
What this means for your money: Many UAE movers send a portion of their tax-free salary home each month, to cover a mortgage, support family or build savings in GBP. A consistent, well-managed transfer routine protects more value over a year than an ad-hoc one.
Portugal is growing in popularity due to its mild climate, coastal towns and lower living costs. Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are the most popular spots.
Visa options: In 2023, the Golden Visa was updated and residential real estate was removed as a qualifying investment. It now focuses on investments in funds, research and job creation.
Why Brits move here: Friendly communities, relaxed lifestyle, investment opportunities and scenic surroundings
What this means for your money: Golden Visa investments and qualifying fund transfers tend to be large and time sensitive. Getting the rate and the timing right matters as much as the investment choice itself.
Portugal is growing in popularity due to its mild climate, coastal towns and lower living costs. Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are the most popular spots.
Visa options: In 2023, the Golden Visa was updated and residential real estate was removed as a qualifying investment. It now focuses on investments in funds, research and job creation.
Why Brits move here: Friendly communities, relaxed lifestyle, investment opportunities and scenic surroundings
Portugal is great for those who want a slower pace but still want modern amenities, healthcare and plenty of social and outdoor activities.
When choosing a country, think about your priorities:
Check visa requirements, healthcare, taxes and housing costs. These can vary even within the same country. Use official government websites or certified migration advisors to plan your move safely.
Moving abroad is a big decision. With careful planning and research, relocating can give you new opportunities, better weather and a higher quality of life.
Wherever you are headed, one thing is true for almost every mover: at some point you will need to move a meaningful amount of money across currencies. A transfer through an app is fine for small amounts. A house deposit, a pension transfer or a year of relocation costs is a different kind of decision, and it is where we start where the apps end.
Safety: Your funds are safeguarded through FCA authorised e-money partners including Sciopay, Numito and CurrencyCloud, held in ring-fenced accounts at Tier-1 banks rather than mixed with company funds.
Savings: Bank-beating exchange rates on transfers above £2,000, with no hidden fees buried in the rate.
Service: A dedicated account manager who knows your move, not a call centre queue.
Strategy: Guidance on timing larger transfers, including forward contracts where appropriate, so a single bad day in the market does not cost you thousands.
These four pillars, safety, savings, service and strategy, are what we build every client relationship around.
What's the cheapest way to send money abroad when moving? For small, regular amounts, app-based platforms can work well. For one-off transfers above roughly £2,000, a currency specialist usually beats app rates once fees and spread are accounted for, particularly on larger property or relocation transfers.
Do I need a local bank account before I move abroad? It depends on the country and what the transfer is for. For French property purchases, for example, you need a French RIB before a notary can release funds. Regency FX can set this up for you and liaise with the notary directly.
How do I transfer money to buy property abroad? You will need to agree a completion date with the seller or notary, confirm the funds required in the local currency and arrange the transfer with enough lead time to account for currency fluctuation. A specialist can lock in a rate ahead of completion to protect your budget.
Is it safe to transfer large sums of money internationally? Yes, provided you use an FCA authorised provider that safeguards client funds in ring-fenced accounts, separate from its own operating funds. Always check a provider's FCA register entry before transferring large amounts.
When should I start planning my currency transfer when moving abroad? As early as possible, ideally as soon as you have a rough figure and a likely date. This gives you time to consider rate timing rather than transferring under deadline pressure.
Planning a move abroad involves more than choosing the right country. Managing your money safely and efficiently is just as important. That’s where Regency FX can help. Whether you’re transferring funds for a property purchase, retirement savings or anything in between, we make currency transfers simple, fast and cost-effective.
Moving abroad should be exciting, not stressful. With a dedicated account manager handling your currency transfer, you can focus on settling into your new home and enjoying your life overseas, knowing your finances are in expert hands.
Make your move smoother, smarter and stress-free with Regency FX.
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