Retirement is a great time to consider moving abroad, as your list of responsibilities and ties to the UK dwindle.
The most popular overseas destinations for British expats to relocate to have been shared, with many European holiday hotspots in the running.
The UK's neighbour, Ireland, topped the list with a score of 85 out of 100. It was particularly attractive because of its visa access and residency pathways.
The research, conducted by Hoxton Wealth, considered factors such as cost of living, property ownership, lifestyle, healthcare, visa access, taxation and safety.
Portugal was among the most popular places for British expats to retire to
|GETTY
If looking for something further afield, popular European holiday destinations also proved popular among expats, with Portugal and Cyprus coming in joint second on the list.
The experts said: "Portugal was recognised for the appeal of its mild winters and hot summers, especially in the south; its relaxed, friendly, outdoor-oriented lifestyle, especially around popular expat hubs on the Algarve, the Lisbon coast, the Silver Coast, and on Madeira."
Similarly, expats love Cyprus for "its climate, for its relaxed, beach-oriented lifestyle, and for being expat-friendly" - "especially around expat hubs like Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca".
Top countries for retired British expats
- Ireland = 87
- Cyprus = 85
- Portugal = 85
- Malta = 83
- Malaysia = 81
- Panama = 81
- Spain = 81
- Greece = 80
- Mauritius = 80
- Turkey = 80
- UAE = 80
- France = 78
- Italy = 76
- Uruguay = 76
- Canada = 73
- Japan = 73
- Thailand = 72
- New Zealand = 70
- USA = 69
- Australia = 68
Spain came in joint 4th, despite often being a top choice for Britons going on holiday. It dropped down the list in part due to visa requirements, with Britons requiring a visa for stays over 90 days in an 180-day period.
However, expat communities are widespread in Spain which makes it attractive for Britons hoping to move while still having a touch of home. The lifestyle in the country was also praised with the "dry, sunny Mediterranean climate" pulling Britons to retire there.
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Ireland was ranked number one in the research
|GETTY
Further afield spots like Malaysia, the UAE, Japan, the USA and Australia were all in the top 20. CEO of Hoxton Wealth, Chris Ball, said: “For decades, British retirees have followed familiar paths when deciding where to spend their later years.
“Places like Spain, France, Australia, and the like have long been seen as safe, sunny, and straightforward. But the world has changed. Rising living costs, shifting visa rules post-Brexit, evolving tax landscapes, and new global lifestyle trends mean the decision of where to retire or relocate now involves far more than sunshine and property prices. UK residents considering retiring abroad need to look beyond purely the climate or cost of living.
“Factors like local tax laws, access to healthcare, residency requirements, currency exchange risks, and estate planning implications can significantly impact long-term financial security.
"The right destination will depend entirely on your personal circumstances - whether you're looking for a vibrant expat community, lower healthcare costs, or simply a slower pace of life. What suits one retiree may not suit another, which is why tailored financial advice is key to making an informed, confident decision.”
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