The Best Countries For Brits to Try Life Abroad

For many Brits, the idea of living abroad is appealing, and while a permanent move can feel like a big step, short-term relocations are increasingly popular as a way to explore life overseas. Research from a 2024 study into expat sentiment shows that practical considerations like staying connected with friends and family (36%), finances (32%), language barriers (29%), and fears of regretting the decision (21%), play a role in planning the move.

For those looking to test the waters, a short-term move offers a lower-risk way to experience a new country. Managing the practicalities, such as visa requirements, living costs and arranging international removals for essential belongings, can make the transition smoother and less stressful.Trialling life abroad with these supports in place allows people to enjoy a new country with the safety net of an end date, and for many, this often becomes the first step toward a permanent move.

To reveal where Brits can do this most easily, international removal company 1st Move International analysed visa accessibility, living costs, rental affordability, and happiness levels across popular destinations worldwide. The research highlights the countries that make it simplest for Brits to try life overseas. 

Key takeaways

• Japan ranks as the best country overall for Brits to try life abroad, combining a free visa, low minimum financial requirements (£417), fast processing times and below-average living costs.
• East Asia dominates the top of the rankings, with both Japan and South Korea offering some of the lowest visa barriers despite their distance from the UK, proving that long-haul destinations can still be accessible for short-term moves.
• Low living costs play a major role in trial relocations, with countries like Serbia, Turkey and Malaysia offering monthly costs well below the average, reducing financial risk for short-term stays.
• Brits’ interest does not always align with ease of relocation, with countries like the US, Australia, and the UAE attracting high enquiry volumes despite being more complex or costly than many top-ranked destinations.

Top 10 countries for Brits to try life abroad

Rank	Country	Minimum monthly financial requirement	Estimated number of documents needed	Estimated processing time (weeks)	Cost	Estimated monthly  living costs for a single person	Average monthly rent (one-bed apartment, city centre)	Happiness score /10	Overall score /10
1	Japan	£417	6	2	£0	£623.30	£417.33	6.15	9.27
2	South Korea	£146	6	2	£50	£752.90	£441.96	6.04	8.92
3	Serbia	£800	6	3	£170	£535.90	£389.37	6.61	8.90
4	Turkey	£500	6	2	£90	£479.70	£426.71	5.26	8.77
5	New Zealand	£89	4	2	£190	£725.20	£823.15	6.95	8.68
6	Mexico	£2,000	6	2	£250	£517.80	£563.29	6.98	8.60
7	South Africa	£2,441	6	Not available	Not available	£490.20	£361.54	5.21	8.44
8	Slovenia	£2,603	9	4	Not available	£703.70	£586.26	6.79	8.43
9	Hungary	£2,227	6	3	£59	£567.30	£424.60	5.92	8.35
10	Malaysia	£1,477	6	4	£183	£396.80	£300.84	5.96	8.32

1. Japan – overall score of 9.27/10

Japan ranks first overall as the best country for Brits to try life abroad, offering a low-risk way to experience a short-term move despite its distance from the UK.

It is the only destination in the study to offer a free visa, with an estimated processing time of two weeks and a minimum monthly financial requirement of just £417 – around four times lower than the study average. Combined with below-average living costs (£623 per month) and average city-centre rent of £417 per month, Japan presents a rare balance of affordability and administrative ease.

For Brits looking to immerse themselves in a different culture without facing complex visa rules or high upfront costs, Japan stands out as the most accessible option for trialling life overseas.

→ Explore international removals to Japan

2. South Korea – overall score of 8.92/10:

South Korea ranks second overall, highlighting a misconception that long-haul destinations are harder to access for short-term relocation.

The country offers one of the lowest minimum monthly financial requirements in the study at just £146, alongside a relatively quick visa processing time of two weeks. While the visa application fee (£50) is higher than Japan’s, South Korea remains among the most affordable destinations for admin costs.

With moderate living costs and a clear visa process, South Korea appeals to Brits seeking a structured but flexible environment for a temporary move, particularly those interested in urban living, remote work, or experiencing a highly developed digital economy without long-term commitment.

3. Serbia – overall score of 8.9/10:

Serbia ranks third overall and is the highest-scoring European destination in the study, offering proximity to the UK alongside strong affordability.

Although its visa costs are higher than those of some other top-ranked countries, Serbia’s low cost of living significantly reduces the financial risk of a trial move. Estimated monthly living costs for a single person are £536 – over £200 below the study average – while average city-centre rent is under £400 per month, roughly half the overall average.

With short flight times from the UK and comparatively low day-to-day expenses, Serbia is well-suited to Brits who want to test living abroad without travelling far or committing to high ongoing costs.

Top 10 easiest countries to get a visa

Rank	Country	Minimum monthly financial requirement	Estimated number of documents needed	Estimated processing time (weeks)	Cost	Overall score /10
1	Cayman Islands	Not available	3	1	£42	9.63
2	Japan	£417	6	2	£0	8.83
3	South Korea	£146	6	2	£50	8.79
4	Hong Kong	£171	5	3	£30	8.55
5	New Zealand	£89	4	2	£190	7.78
6	Turkey	£500	6	2	£90	7.73
7	South Africa	£2,441	6	Not available	Not available	7.20
8	Singapore	Not available	3	4	£130	7.08
9	Australia	£221	4	2	£330	7.06
10	Hungary	£2,227	6	3	£59	6.94

1. Cayman Islands – overall score of 9.63/10:

The Cayman Islands rank first for visa ease, offering the most straightforward application process in the entire study.

As a British Overseas Territory, the islands require just three documents, with an estimated processing time of one week – the fastest among all destinations analysed. There is also no declared minimum monthly financial requirement, and application costs are low.

For Brits seeking a short-term move with minimal paperwork, the Cayman Islands offer one of the least admin-heavy options.

→ Explore international removals to the Cayman Islands

2. Japan – overall score of 8.83/10:

Japan ranks second for visa accessibility, combining speed, clarity, and affordability.

The visa is free to apply for, requires six documents, and typically takes around two weeks to process. Financial requirements are also below average compared with many other destinations in the study.

For Brits considering a short-term move, Japan stands out as a long-haul destination that remains surprisingly easy to access.

3. South Korea – overall score of 8.79/10:

South Korea closely follows Japan, offering a similarly straightforward visa process for short-term stays.

Applicants usually face a two-week processing time and a small number of required documents. The minimum monthly financial requirement is just £146, one of the lowest in the study, although the application fee is £50.

This makes South Korea a practical option for Brits looking to try life abroad without navigating complex or expensive visa routes.

The countries that Brits are most interested in moving to

While some countries have the draw of cheap rent, and others make it easy to secure the correct documentation for entry, Brits don’t always follow the facts when setting their hearts on a life overseas.

Here, we use exclusive enquiry data from 1st Move International to reveal the countries at the top of people’s emigration lists. 

1. The United States

The United States remains one of the most popular destinations for Brits exploring life abroad, offering a wide range of cities, climates, and career opportunities.

Cultural familiarity and a shared language make the idea of moving to the US feel approachable, while short-term visas, temporary work arrangements, and remote working options allow many people to experience life there before making longer-term decisions. With careful planning around visas, healthcare, and logistics, the US can work well as a trial destination for those seeking variety and opportunity.

→ Explore international removals to the USA

1. Australia

Australia continues to attract strong interest from Brits, particularly those looking for a change of pace, warmer weather, and access to international work opportunities.

The absence of a language barrier and cultural similarities help make settling in feel more straightforward, and many people use Australia as an initial step into overseas living. Short-term visas offer flexibility, allowing Brits to spend time there and assess whether the lifestyle suits them before deciding on a longer-term move.
→ Explore international removals to Australia

1. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates remains a popular option for Brits considering a move abroad, especially cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Tax-free salaries, modern infrastructure, and established expat communities make the UAE particularly attractive for professionals and digital nomads. Short-term employment contracts and remote working opportunities allow many Brits to trial life in the region, with clear visa routes and well-developed relocation support making the process more manageable.
→ Explore international removals to Dubai

Mike Harvey, managing director of 1st Move International, comments on the findings and offers tips for moving abroad short-term:

“For many Brits considering a move overseas, trialling life abroad first offers a practical way to explore a new country without the pressure of a permanent commitment. Whether they are taking an extended holiday to explore the country, its landscape, culture and people or working abroad as a digital nomad. Living abroad for a shorter period can help people understand day-to-day costs, housing, healthcare and lifestyle, while reducing the financial and emotional risks often associated with relocation. If they find the shorter stay in a country enjoyable, it often leads to a permanent move.

“What stands out from this research is that ease of short-term relocation isn’t always linked to geography. Countries like Japan and South Korea rank highly not because they’re close to the UK, but because their visa processes are clear, efficient and affordable, which removes much of the uncertainty people associate with moving overseas. The data also highlights the importance of affordability when trialling life abroad. Lower living costs and rental prices give people the flexibility to settle in, experience everyday life and decide whether a move genuinely works for them without constant financial worries.

“Even though moving abroad for a trial period is less of a commitment, preparation is still the key to making it a success. After all, starting a new life in an unfamiliar country is a big undertaking, regardless of how long you plan on staying. Here are our top tips to begin the process of emigrating:

• Start by researching and shortlist­ing your target countries: While it might seem like an unnecessary step, make multiple short visits to the shortlisted countries if possible, so you understand seasonal differences, local norms, and how day-to-day life actually feels on the ground.
• Check the visa requirements early: Ensure you know how long you can stay and what paperwork is required, as these often differ from permanent relocation rules. Check the official government websites of your destination for guidance.
• Get your finances in order: Even for temporary stays, it’s wise to know the cost of living, average wages, taxes, and rental costs, and to sort out international banking to avoid surprise fees or delays. 
• Healthcare and insurance: Make sure to take out adequate insurance to cover your stay, especially for healthcare, as state support varies significantly from what we have in the UK, depending on where you go.

“These basic steps should help to give you structure and confidence, allowing a short-term move overseas to be as hassle-free as possible.”

Methodology

1st Move International is a specialist international moving and shipping company offering expert packing, shipping, and insurance services for household goods and personal effects. 

With a global reach covering over 80 countries and 6,500 worldwide destinations, we provide tailored solutions for a stress-free relocation.

With expertise in international removals, we wanted to reveal the top destinations for Brits wanting to try living abroad for a shorter period of time, with the following methodology: 

• We created a seed list of developed nations and popular destinations for 1st Move International customers. 
• For each, identify the most relevant visa for a short-term stay (i.e. digital nomad visa, temporary residence visa, or long-stay visa) and rank based on the following factors.

Visa factors

1. Minimum monthly financial requirement: We normalised this factor by calculating the minimum monthly income needed to meet a normalised monthly requirement. For example, if only a minimum amount of savings is required, we divided it by the maximum stay allowed under the visa’s rules. Where a yearly salary was needed, we simply divided this by 12. All figures were converted to GBP. This figure represents the minimum financial eligibility threshold required for visa approval, not expected monthly spending.
2. Number of documents required
3. Processing time
4. Cost

For the visa factors, some information was not declared on official government pages. In this case, we treated it as missing data and calculated an average for the overall score based on the available data.

Each of the above was sourced from official government immigration pages. If official timelines aren’t provided, we use publicly available estimates from reputable immigration sources (e.g. Jobbatical, NomadGate, MigrateWorld). If a source listed a range like “2-4 months”, we used the lower bound of the range to keep scoring consistent across destinations.

Lifestyle and quality-of-life factors

1. Cost of Living – The average cost of living for a single person, sourced from https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
2. Rental Affordability – Average monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment (city centre), sourced from https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
3. Happiness Score – Sourced from: https://data.worldhappiness.report/table

We combined these scores into a weighted table, normalising each factor with a score out of 10. We then averaged these scores to get our overall score out of 10. When a range was provided, we used the lower bound of the range for our weighted table. 

Additional sources

1.  https://www.currenciesdirect.com/en-gb/british-expat-report-2024