While the idea of living abroad is appealing to many Brits, making a permanent move can be a daunting prospect – from managing visa requirements to juggling living costs and settling on which belongings to bring along.
As a result, more people are opting for short-term relocations, which offer a low-risk way to experience a new country before settling down.
Interest in temporary relocation has surged in the past year, with curious Brits making 834,700 searches related to short-term moves abroad, and three-quarters of UK-based 18-30-year-olds noting they’re open to temporarily living and working abroad.
Research from a 2024 study into expat sentiment shows practical considerations play a major role in planning the move.
Staying connected with friends and family is key, with 36 per cent of respondents prioritising this, while others consider finances (32 per cent), language barriers (29 per cent) and fears of regretting the decision (21 per cent).
By trialling life abroad with these supports in place, prospective expats have the opportunity to explore a new life overseas with the safety net of an end date.
In light of this, a new study has revealed ten countries across the globe that make it simplest for Brits to try life overseas.
It analysed various factors to rank the leading nations, such as visa accessibility, minimum monthly wage requirements, average monthly rent cost, visa cost, and estimated monthly living costs for a single person.
A new study has listed ten countries that make it easier for Brits to trial a relocation, assessing factors such as minimum monthly income requirements, visa costs and average monthly rent costs
Taking the top spot is Japan (pictured: Tokyo) – the only country to offer a free 12-month visa to UK nationals
Despite its distance from the UK, Japan has emerged as the best country overall for Brits to try life abroad, as it stands out as the only nation to offer a free 12-month visa for UK nationals.
As well as a free visa, it combines a low minimum income requirement of £417, below-average living costs of £623.30, and speedy visa processing times (up to two weeks).
Interest is steadily on the rise, with searches for ‘Japan working holiday visa’ up 30 per cent in the past month.
East Asia dominates the top of the rankings, with South Korea following closely in second place.
It offers one of the lowest barriers to trial relocation – requiring a minimum monthly wage of just £146 and a £50 application fee, as well as boasting a two-week visa processing period.
Taking the third spot is Serbia, the highest-ranking European destination on the list.
With its close proximity to the UK, low living costs of £536 per month, and average monthly rent in the city centre under £400, it’s an ideal choice for Brits wanting to test drive a new life abroad without venturing far.
The remaining seven countries ranked as easiest for trial relocations are: Turkey, New Zealand, Mexico, South Africa, Slovenia, Hungary, and Malaysia.
Offering one of the lowest barriers to trial relocation is South Korea (pictured), which follows in second place with its two-week visa processing times and £50 application fees
In third place is Serbia, the highest-ranking European country on the list thanks to its £400 average monthly rent costs and close proximity to the UK
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The study shows that low living costs appear to influence where people eventually settle on for trial relocations, with countries like Turkey and Malaysia offering monthly costs well below the average.
Mike Harvey, managing director of 1st Move International, which conducted the study, said: ‘For many Brits considering a move overseas, trialling life abroad first offers a practical way to explore a new country without the pressure of a permanent commitment.
‘Whether they are taking an extended holiday to explore the country, its landscape, culture and people, or working abroad as a digital nomad.
‘Living abroad for a shorter period of time can help people understand day-to-day costs, housing, healthcare and lifestyle, while reducing the financial and emotional risks often associated with relocation. If they find the shorter stay in a country enjoyable, it often leads to a permanent move.’
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