Where would you emigrate to?

[XJ75]

Given everything going on in the UK at the moment, we often talk about emigrating. I doubt we'd ever do it, but it's fun to think about.

But where to go? We would need:

1. Near a business "hub", so we can continue our careers (finance and IT)
2. Good schooling for our two children
3. Decent weather (or at least no worse/colder than the UK)
4. The ability to at least get by with only speaking English (happy to learn another language but that won't be overnight)

My gut feeling is also that most places probably aren't a lot better than the UK, and that's the main reason I'm on the fence.

Main considerations are Singapore and Australia. Most places that appeal in Europe are either cold (Scandinavia), or in a worse state than the UK (France/Spain?).

[Truckosaurus]

XJ75 said:

....My gut feeling is also that most places probably aren't a lot better than the UK,...

Indeed. Especially if you have to live in a large town/city in order to find work.

If you are rich and retired (and have the correct passport) you can live somewhere nice (same applies to the UK).

[ukwill]

Portugal.

[The Leaper]

Truckosaurus said:

XJ75 said:

....My gut feeling is also that most places probably aren't a lot better than the UK,...

Indeed. Especially if you have to live in a large town/city in order to find work.

If you are rich and retired (and have the correct passport) you can live somewhere nice (same applies to the UK).

I'm half of that...retired. We'd opt for Italy.

R.

[romft123]

ukwill said:

Portugal.

me too. Go there tomorrow but her..........no chance

[ukwill]

romft123 said:

me too. Go there tomorrow but her..........no chance

Same - I'm working on her - thankfully got lots of time yet. Reckon I can get Jan-Mar sorted without much fighting though.

[StuTheGrouch]

ukwill said:

Portugal.

My immediate thought too. Great weather, lovely people and the language wouldn't be an issue. I would move to Lisbon tomorrow if I could.

[Oilchange]

This place

Edited by Oilchange on Wednesday 31st July 10:37

[raceboy]

The Leaper said:

We'd opt for Italy.
.

That's our plan, it'll be retirement, and not sure where yet, Monza is the current favourite but we've not yet been to anywhere in Italy we haven't liked.
Really must start learning the basics of the language.

[Countdown]

I know it's not a different country but either

1. Cornwall / Devon
2. North Yorkshire

For all its faults I think the UK is one of the best countries in the world.

[Esquire]

ukwill said:

Portugal.

Probably the best shout in Europe although its not quite as accessible as it once was.

[ukwill]

Countdown said:

I know it's not a different country but either

1. Cornwall / Devon
2. North Yorkshire

For all its faults I think the UK is one of the best countries in the world.

Fair shout - but it's the winters I could do without when I'm an old fart.

[Vixpy1]

Despite the monumental fisting I'm about to recieve Tax wise, There is no where else i'd rather live.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Obviously New Zealand

Which is the plan.

[Jimjimhim]

I think like you've pointed out, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, reading on here you would often think that the UK was absolutely awful and everywhere else is amazing! I do like Portugal so that's probably a decent shout.

[RustyMX5]

New Zealand and Italy are main the options we've considered. Singapore and Vietnam are backup options.

[JEA1K]

XJ75 said:

Given everything going on in the UK at the moment, we often talk about emigrating. I doubt we'd ever do it, but it's fun to think about.

But where to go? We would need:

1. Near a business "hub", so we can continue our careers (finance and IT)
2. Good schooling for our two children
3. Decent weather (or at least no worse/colder than the UK)
4. The ability to at least get by with only speaking English (happy to learn another language but that won't be overnight)

My gut feeling is also that most places probably aren't a lot better than the UK, and that's the main reason I'm on the fence.

Main considerations are Singapore and Australia. Most places that appeal in Europe are either cold (Scandinavia), or in a worse state than the UK (France/Spain?).

Perfection doesn't exist, all countries they all have their problems, you just need to go with your eyes wide open. Based on your requirements, I'd say Australia would be a good fit.

We're planning to move to Southern Spain (Costa Tropical) in 18 months, both feel its time for a change of culture/climate before we get on (we're approaching 50). We (I in particular) hate the climate in the UK (amongst other things) ... I find the long winters and wet weather absolutely draining as I love spending time outside.

Its going to be a big change for us and Spain isn't without its problems but 320 days of sunshine a year and a culture which suits us now and in the years to come has won us over!

[RedWhiteMonkey]

RustyMX5 said:

New Zealand and Italy are main the options we've considered. Singapore and Vietnam are backup options.

Pretty sure you can't easily (if at all) emigrate to Vietnam. A mate of mine spends a lot of time there but has to pop out of the country to renew his visa before going back. You would live there permanently if he could but says it isn't really possible.

[croyde]

I've done two long stints in Tenerife this year and am tempted to up sticks and move there.

For the climate, as I hate the weather here, and as it's so much cheaper.

I'm 61 and would like to retire but there's no way that I could afford that here yet it would be doable in The Canaries.

My only worry would be being lonely as it's just me.

I'm sure that I'll get loads of requests for visits though

€1.50 for a nice bottle of rosé in the local Lidl. Stop at a bar for a bottle of beer and it's €1.20.

I'd keep away from the tourist areas though.

[RustyMX5]

RedWhiteMonkey said:

Pretty sure you can't easily (if at all) emigrate to Vietnam. A mate of mine spends a lot of time there but has to pop out of the country to renew his visa before going back. You would live there permanently if he could but says it isn't really possible.

Permanent residency isn't easy for foreigners to get for VN but there's a lovely little get out. The 90 day tourism visa can be renewed by stepping out of the country and back in But as I said, it's only a backup option we've looked at. NZ is currently the primary option if we're still working with Italy for retirement.

I'd never really considered Portugal as quite a few have mentioned. Perhaps that one is worth looking at.