The Best Countries to Move to from the UK in 2026

The Best Countries to Move to from the UK in 2026

Last updated: September 2026

Stay informed about the latest developments in investment migration. Mirabello Consultancy's Swiss-based team monitors programme changes daily to keep our clients ahead of regulatory shifts and new opportunities.

Why Are More UK Nationals Moving Abroad in 2026?

UK high-net-worth individuals are relocating at record rates in 2026, driven by the FIG regime 4-year window, post-Brexit Schengen 90-day limits, and increasing UK income tax burdens. Investment migration programmes, Caribbean CBI from $200,000, Greece GV from €400,000, Portugal, provide concrete pathways to restored travel rights, alternative tax residency, and long-term EU access.

The question of the best countries to move to from the UK has never been more pressing. Since Brexit took full effect, British passport holders lost the automatic right to live, work, and retire anywhere across the European Union, a right that millions had taken for granted for decades. Simultaneously, shifting tax legislation, rising costs of living, and a desire for greater global mobility have prompted a significant wave of HNW and UHNW British nationals to explore investment migration as a structured, legally sound route to a new life abroad.

Investment migration, encompassing both residency by investment (often called golden visa programmes) and citizenship by investment (CBI), provides a clear, government-regulated pathway to residency or a second passport in exchange for a qualifying economic contribution. That contribution may take the form of real estate acquisition, a capital deposit, a government fund contribution, or investment in a local business.

For British nationals specifically, the appeal is multi-dimensional: restored access to the EU, enhanced tax planning opportunities, lifestyle upgrades, and the security of a second citizenship to pass on to future generations. Below, we explore the most compelling destinations and programmes available to UK nationals in 2026.

For a broader overview of the global landscape, visit our guide to the best golden visa investment programmes currently available worldwide.

Which Countries Are Best for UK Nationals to Move to in 2026?

The top investment migration destinations for UK nationals in 2026 are: Caribbean (St Kitts, Dominica, Antigua, fast citizenship, Schengen travel restored), Greece (€400,000 Zone B, no stay required, EU residency), Portugal (€250,000+ fund route, citizenship eligibility after 10 years for most nationalities), Malta MPRP (EU permanent residency), and UAE (zero tax, AED 2M Golden Visa). Each addresses a different combination of travel, tax, and timeline needs.

Not every programme suits every applicant. The right destination depends on your objectives, whether that is EU access, tax optimisation, a Caribbean lifestyle, or a robust second passport for global travel. Here is our expert overview of the top destinations for British nationals in 2026.

Portugal, The European Gold Standard

Portugal's Golden Visa remains one of the most sought-after residency by investment programmes in Europe, even after the real estate investment route was closed to new applicants in late 2023. The programme now centres on qualifying capital transfers from €500,000, investment in venture capital or private equity funds from €500,000, or job-creation routes. Holders enjoy the right to live and work in Portugal, visa-free travel across the 27 Schengen countries, and eligibility for Portuguese citizenship, and by extension full EU citizenship, after seven years of residency for EU and CPLP nationals, or ten years for other nationalities (Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026). Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, recently restructured but still offering meaningful advantages for new residents, makes it a compelling financial destination as well.

Processing typically takes 12-18 months from submission to residency card issuance. Family members, including a spouse, dependent children up to age 26, and dependent parents, may be included in a single application.

Explore our dedicated programme page: Portugal Golden Visa.

UAE, Zero Tax, World-Class Infrastructure

The United Arab Emirates does not offer citizenship by investment in the traditional sense, but its Golden Visa scheme, introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded since, offers 10-year renewable residency to investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and real estate buyers. Real estate investment from AED 2 million (approximately £430,000 / $545,000) qualifies an applicant for the 10-year Golden Visa. The UAE imposes no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax, making it extraordinarily attractive to British nationals with complex financial portfolios or business interests.

Dubai in particular has emerged as a premier relocation destination for British entrepreneurs and investors, offering world-class schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and connectivity. Processing times for the UAE Golden Visa typically run 4-8 weeks, among the fastest of any major investment migration programme globally.

Learn more on our UAE Golden Visa programme page.

Greece, Lowest-Cost EU Residency

Greece's Golden Visa programme offers one of the most cost-effective entry points to EU residency available today. Real estate investment starts from €250,000 in designated lower-demand regions (though investment thresholds in Athens, Thessaloniki, and the islands have risen to €800,000 following recent reforms). The Greek Golden Visa grants five-year renewable residency with Schengen access for the whole family, with no minimum stay requirement, meaning you do not need to live in Greece to maintain your status. After seven years of legal residency, applicants may apply for Greek citizenship. Processing takes approximately 6-12 months.

Malta, Residency First, Citizenship by Naturalisation

Malta's direct citizenship-by-investment route, the Malta Naturalisation for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment (MEIN) programme, closed in April 2025 following a Court of Justice of the EU ruling, and no longer accepts applications. Malta nevertheless remains one of Europe's most accessible destinations through the Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP), which grants permanent Schengen-area residency for government fees totalling €99,000 (a €37,000 contribution, a €60,000 administration fee and a €2,000 donation) plus a qualifying property purchase or rental. For citizenship, naturalisation is possible after five to seven years of genuine residence, with English as an official language easing integration for British nationals.

Read our full breakdown on the best citizenship by investment programmes currently available.

Caribbean Nations, Speed, Simplicity, and a Second Passport

For British nationals prioritising a second passport above all else, the Caribbean citizenship by investment programmes, offered by St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, and St Lucia, remain the global benchmark for speed and accessibility. Government fund contributions start from $200,000 (Dominica) to $240,000 (St Lucia) for single applicants, while real estate routes typically start from $200,000-$400,000 depending on the country. Processing typically takes three to seven months depending on the programme, and full citizenship, including a passport, is granted without any requirement to visit or reside in the country. Caribbean passports offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 144-157 countries including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom itself.

What Is the Difference Between a Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment?

A Golden Visa (Greece, Portugal, UAE) grants residency in a country, the right to live, travel, and in some cases work there, but not citizenship or a passport. Citizenship by Investment (St Kitts, Dominica, Vanuatu) grants full citizenship and a second passport immediately, without a residency requirement. For UK nationals wanting Schengen travel restored quickly, Caribbean CBI is faster; for EU lifestyle access, Golden Visas are the starting point.

What is a Golden Visa? A golden visa, technically a residency by investment programme, grants the applicant and their family the legal right to reside in a given country in exchange for a qualifying investment. It does not immediately confer citizenship or a new passport. Over time, after meeting minimum residency requirements, golden visa holders may apply for permanent residency and ultimately naturalisation (citizenship). Golden visa programmes are particularly prevalent in Europe (Portugal, Greece and Malta’s MPRP among them, Spain closed its programme in April 2025) and the Gulf (UAE).

What is Citizenship by Investment? A citizenship by investment (CBI) programme grants full citizenship and a passport directly, without a prior residency phase (or after a short one). CBI programmes are primarily offered by Caribbean nations and certain Pacific island states, no EU country has offered a direct route since Malta’s programme closed in April 2025. They are ideal for applicants who need a second passport quickly or who do not wish to relocate.

Both routes serve different objectives, and the optimal choice depends entirely on your individual circumstances, tax residency status, travel requirements, and long-term life plans. Our advisers take the time to understand each client's situation before recommending any programme.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements and Due Diligence Expectations?

All serious investment migration programmes require a clean criminal record, proof of legitimate source of funds, and minimum net assets typically 10-20× the investment threshold. Due diligence now includes biometric checks, adverse media screening and sanctions verification by national authorities such as the Caribbean citizenship by investment units and Residency Malta Agency; in the Caribbean, ECCIRA, the regional regulator expected to begin operating later in 2026, is set to harmonise these checks. UK nationals generally clear these checks efficiently given UK financial regulatory standards.

Investment migration programmes are not open to everyone. Every country operates a thorough due diligence process, and applicants must demonstrate that their investment funds originate from legitimate sources. Standard eligibility requirements across most programmes include:

• Clean criminal record: Most programmes require a police clearance certificate from all countries of residence for the past 10 years.
• Proof of wealth: Applicants must demonstrate the lawful origin of investment funds, typically through bank statements, tax returns, and audited financial accounts.
• Health requirements: Some programmes require a basic health certificate or proof of health insurance.
• No sanctions or adverse media: Applicants must not appear on international sanctions lists and must pass reputational screening.
• Minimum investment threshold: Funds must meet the programme's qualifying investment amount and be transferred within specified timelines.

British nationals are generally considered low-risk applicants from a due diligence perspective, which can streamline the process. However, applicants with complex corporate structures, dual nationalities, or business interests in certain jurisdictions may require additional documentation.

What Does the Investment Migration Application Process Look Like Step by Step?

Typical investment migration applications follow: (1) free eligibility consultation, (2) programme selection and adviser engagement, (3) document collection (passport, bank statements, source-of-funds, criminal clearance), (4) application submission, (5) due diligence processing (4-8 weeks), (6) approval and investment execution, (7) permit or citizenship issuance. Timeline ranges from 45 days (Vanuatu CBI) to 18 months (Malta MPRP).

While each programme has its own specific requirements and timelines, the investment migration process follows a broadly consistent structure:

1. Initial consultation and programme selection: Your Mirabello adviser assesses your objectives, financial position, and family situation to identify the most suitable programme or programmes. This is always a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
2. Documentation gathering: We work with you to compile all required documents, identity documents, police clearances, source-of-funds evidence, and any programme-specific requirements.
3. Due diligence pre-screening: Before submission, we conduct an internal pre-screen to identify and resolve any potential concerns, protecting your application and your privacy.
4. Investment completion: Depending on the programme, you complete the qualifying investment, whether a real estate purchase, fund investment, or government contribution.
5. Application submission: Your fully compiled application is submitted to the relevant government authority.
6. Government due diligence and approval: The host government conducts its own due diligence review. Timelines vary: 4-8 weeks for UAE, 3-7 months for Caribbean CBI, 6-12 months for Greece, and 12-18 months for Portugal.
7. Residency card or passport issuance: Upon approval, residency permits or citizenship certificates and passports are issued.

Throughout every stage, Mirabello Consultancy provides hands-on support, liaising with local legal counsel, government agencies, and real estate partners on your behalf. Book a free consultation to begin the conversation today.

Can I Include My Family in an Investment Migration Application?

Yes, all major programmes allow family inclusion. Caribbean CBI typically covers a spouse, children up to age 25-30, and financially dependent parents. Malta MPRP extends to children up to 29 and grandparents of both applicant and spouse, the broadest family inclusion in Europe. UAE Golden Visa covers spouse, children, and domestic workers. Family fees vary but rarely double the cost for a couple plus children.

One of the most compelling aspects of investment migration for British families is the ability to include multiple family members under a single application. Most programmes allow:

• Spouse or civil partner
• Dependent children (typically up to age 18, and up to 25-26 if in full-time education)
• Dependent parents of the main applicant or spouse (in many programmes)
• Dependent siblings (available in select Caribbean CBI programmes)

The incremental cost of including additional family members varies by programme. In Caribbean CBI programmes, additional government fees per dependent typically range from $25,000 to $50,000. In European golden visa programmes, family members are usually included at little or no additional government fee, though legal and administrative costs apply.

Securing residency or citizenship for your entire family through a single investment represents exceptional long-term value, particularly for British parents whose children may wish to study, work, or live in the EU without restriction.

What Tax Considerations Apply to UK Nationals Relocating Abroad?

A second passport or residency permit alone does not change your UK tax residence, you must also break UK tax residency under the Statutory Residence Test (reduce UK days to under 16, or meet split-year rules). Obtaining Caribbean citizenship supports a clean departure; obtaining a UAE or Malta permit creates an alternative tax residency base. Always obtain specialist tax advice before relocating, Mirabello works alongside approved tax advisers.

Investment migration and tax planning are closely intertwined, but they are distinct disciplines. Mirabello Consultancy focuses exclusively on the investment migration component; we always recommend that clients engage a qualified tax adviser to assess the implications of relocation for their specific tax position.

That said, there are well-established general principles worth understanding. UK tax residency is determined by the Statutory Residence Test (SRT), and physically leaving the UK does not automatically sever UK tax residency. Clients who intend to exit UK tax residency must carefully manage their days spent in the UK and may need to satisfy specific conditions under the SRT. Conversely, many destination countries offer significant tax incentives to new residents, Portugal's restructured incentive tax regime for new residents, Greece's lump-sum tax option, Malta's global income exemptions for non-domiciled residents, and the UAE's complete absence of personal income tax are all worth exploring with a specialist adviser.