Sun, salaries and a shift overseas: Four countries Brits could be moving to in 2027

British workers considering a move overseas in 2027 are likely to be weighing up more than just job opportunities. Climate, lifestyle, cost of living, language and the practicalities of working abroad could all influence where they choose to go. And with an estimated 246,000 British nationals leaving the UK to live abroad for at least 12 months in 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics, the question is: where will the next wave move to? International employment specialist Agility EOR predicts that Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Australia could prove particularly attractive to British workers in 2027, offering very different combinations of lifestyle and career opportunities. Portugal Portugal combines many of the lifestyle factors that appeal to British workers looking overseas, including a warmer climate, coastal living, and established international communities. Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in business and areas popular with international residents. More than 120 foreign companies have established digital-sector operations in Portugal over the past decade, adding to its appeal for professionals looking to combine lifestyle with career opportunities. Ireland For British workers who want to experience living abroad without moving too far from home, Ireland offers an attractive combination of familiarity and opportunity. It is English-speaking and closely connected to the UK, and the Common Travel Area, the special open-border travel zone, means British citizens can live and work in Ireland without a visa, residence permit or employment permit, making it one of the simplest international relocation options for British workers. Spain Spain continues to appeal to Britons looking for warmer weather, outdoor living and a different pace of life. It also has one of the largest established British communities in Europe, with 281,584 UK-born residents recorded at the start of 2025. Eligible remote workers can use Spain's international remote worker route, potentially allowing them to continue working for an overseas employer. The language may be more of a consideration than in Ireland or Australia, but for some, learning Spanish will be part of the attraction. Australia Australia offers a much bigger lifestyle change, but its shared language, established British community and demand for skilled professionals continue to make it an attractive option. The strength of the existing British connection is clear, with England the country's second-largest overseas birthplace and 970,950 England-born residents recorded in June 2025. However, skilled migration is points-based, with eligibility dependent on factors including occupation, qualifications, experience, and even age. Many British workers move through employer sponsorship instead, via the Skills in Demand or Employer Nomination Scheme visas. These depend on a job offer and a minimum salary rather than a points score. Scott Winter, Co-Founder of Agility EOR, commented, 'People still want many of the same things from a move overseas: a better quality of life, warmer weather, new experiences and the opportunity to earn a good living. But increasingly, the question is not simply 'where would I like to live?' but 'where can I realistically build my career?' Language is part of that decision too, whether someone wants the familiarity of an English-speaking country or sees learning a new language as part of the experience. 'Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Australia offer very different propositions, but all combine lifestyle appeal with opportunities for people who want to build their careers overseas. We expect international mobility to become an increasingly important part of workforce planning in 2027.' For more information about Agility EOR, please visit https://agilityeor.com