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Travel & living abroad

Living overseas

If you're thinking of retiring or moving overseas, it's important to research your destination, consider your personal circumstances carefully and plan for the long-term.

You can find tips and information here on starting your new life abroad. We’ve included links to useful websites on tax, pensions and study abroad – see list in right column - as well as information on how to register to vote.

Before you go

  • Familiarise yourself with your new destination before moving there permanently.

  • Understand the different laws, regulations, and customs abroad. You can find more information in our Travel Advice pages.

  • Budget correctly to take into account currency fluctuations. 

  • Understand the different healthcare systems abroad. Unlike the NHS residence-based system, many countries in the EU have a contribution-based system, which means that you may have to pay into the social security system in order for you and your dependants to get state healthcare.

  • Be aware of your changing needs as you get older, such as potential increased medical care and as before, know what health services you are entitled to.

  • Know your income. Unless you are a resident in the UK you may not be eligible for Pension Credits or Tax credits and if you are outside the EU your pension may also not be increased annually. Contact the Department for Work and Pensions for more information.

How our embassies can help you

There is information on all our embassy websites about living in that country. But remember: our embassies can only do so much. It’s your responsibility to find a place to live, ensure you can support yourself financially and find a school for your children.

Register with the British embassy on arrival

You should register with the nearest embassy or consulate so we can provide assistance if you need it.

Voting in UK elections from overseas

You can vote in UK general elections and European Parliamentary elections in the UK when you live overseas. Visit the Electoral Commission's 'about my vote' website to download a registration form and find out more information

You can’t vote in local elections or elections for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly or Northern Ireland Assembly if you live overseas.

Where can I move to?

British Nationals have the right to live in any country in the European Economic Area (EEA).

The following countries are in the EEA:

All full members of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

For other countries contact the local British embassy for more info.

Healthcare abroad

You will have to pay for healthcare in many countries. You should fully research the health care system of the country you are moving to before you go.

The local embassy can give you more advise about a country’s healthcare system.

It may be advisable to buy health insurance once you are abroad.  

Schools and education

Contact the country’s local education authorities to find out about the education system. The government’s website will also have useful information on education in that country.

Most countries have English or international schools which you should be able to find on the internet.

Births, marriages and deaths

Our pages on births, marriages and deaths explain how to register births and deaths and have info on marrying abroad.

All our embassy websites have local and specific info on this.

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