Where to Exit Before Brexit: Move Before It’s Too Late

Heading for the Brexit Exit?

Emigrating to Europe before Brexit.

First off, I am not a politician, nor do I pretend to understand the intricacies of Brexit (scrap intricacies, even the basics seem to be a Rubik’s cube on steroids). Unlike every other person who posts on social media these days, who clearly would have this whole Brexit malarkey sorted by Friday lunchtime!

But what I do know, from first-hand experience of living in Europe, is that what some people seek, and hence why they voted for Brexit – low immigration, a love of their national identity, people who are proud of their country and its flag, who learn and grow from the EU but do not let it interfere – can be found in many European countries. Ironic isn’t it?

Read this great article on the whole Brexit issue by following this link.

Google trends allegedly reported a 100% spike in searches about how to get an Irish passport, and similar spikes were reported for searches related to emigrating to various countries, immediately after the Brexit vote was announced.

That trend continues as it becomes evident that nobody really knows what the Brexit plan was, is, or is going to be, and the route forward appears to be mapped using Sir Francis Drakes charts, on a particularly foggy autumn morning.

And so, in response to the numerous requests for information about moving out of Britain, here is our guide to moving to countries within Europe.

Leaving the UK and Living in Europe – is it easy to emigrate?

Like anything in life, it is as difficult as you want to make it. No problem that comes your way has not been faced and overcome by numerous others.

There are 4.5 million Brits who currently live outside of the UK, 1.3 million of those living in Europe. They emigrated successfully, there is no reason why you should not do so too.

How will Brexit affect the 309k expats in Spain, or the 185k currently living in France?

Who knows, and it looks like years before anybody will know for sure. Life is too short to worry about events that far ahead, especially when you could be sat in sunny climes enjoying a totally different way of life in just a few short months.

Moving to Europe

• Which EU countries allow dual nationality?
• How do I contact the embassy of an EU country?
• How many expats are there in each EU country?
• What is the cost of living in European countries?
• What is the average wage in each European country?
• What are the retirement ages in each European country?
• Which is the easiest country in Europe to Move To?
• How do I move to Europe?

EU country by EU country, we will give you some facts to help you choose where you should live in Europe, whilst you still have the option of getting an EU passport.

And why wouldn’t you want an EU passport, with the freedom to live and work anywhere you want in Europe? Fancy a change of country? No problem, just nip across the border.

Moving to Austria

• Main Language – German
• Embassy Contact Details – 18 Belgrave Mews West, SW1X 8HU
• Tel: 020 7344 3250
• Email: london-ob@bmeia.gv.at
• Austrian Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Only if attained at birth – i.e one parent was Austrian, or by special arrangement.
• Number of Expats – 11 000

Fun fact: Austria has the oldest national flag in the world.

Ranks 8/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 5/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€2709 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 60.

The hills are alive with the sound of music – and cowbells, and skiers, and snowboarders, and hikers. From rolling countryside to snowcapped peaks high in the Alps, all dotted with chocolate box alpine lodges.

With a quarter of the population living in the capital of Vienna, there is plenty of solitude to be found if that is what you seek.

Moving to Belgium

• Main Language – Dutch, French, German
• Embassy Contact Details – 17 Grosvenor Crescent, SW1X 7EE
• 020-7470 3700
• Email: london@diplobel.fed.be
• Belgium Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 27 000

Fun fact: There are over 800 varieties of beer in Belgium.

Ranks 6/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 13/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€3401 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. I cannot think of a better reason to live there.

Moving to Bulgaria

Fun fact: The oldest gold in the world was discovered in Bulgaria.

• Main Language – Bulgarian
• Embassy Contact Details – 186-188 Queen’s Gate SW7 5HL
• 020 7581 3144, 020 7584 9400, 020 7584 9433
• Email: info@bulgarianembassy.org.uk
• Bulgarian Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes for Bulgarian citizens by birth or for naturalised citizens of the EU, EEA or countries with a reciprocal arrangement.
• Number of Expats – 5000

Ranks 25/25 in the cost of living index – the cheapest country in the whole of Europe.

Ranks 25/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€529 – average monthly wage – the lowest in Europe.

Currently, men retire at 64 and women at 61.

Ancient history, stunning countryside, mountains and beaches – and all at affordable prices, what’s there not to like?

Moving to Croatia

Fun fact: Croatia has the smallest town in the world, Hum, with a population of just 23.

• Main Language – Croatian
• Embassy Contact Details – 21 Conway Street W1T 6BN
• 020 7387 2022
• Email: vrhlon@mvep.hr
• Croatian Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes, but persons seeking to become Croatian citizens by naturalisation are to renounce foreign citizenship unless applying by ‘privileged naturalisation’ (e.g. descendants of Croatian emigrants).
• Number of Expats – 500

Ranks 20/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 23/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1071 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 61.

Beautiful weather, a long Adriatic coastline, vineyards, a long history, and stunning architecture. There is plenty for the outdoor enthusiast to do.

Moving to Cyprus

Fun fact: Aphrodite, the goddess of love, according to legend, was born here.

• Main Language – Greek
• Embassy Contact Details – 13 St. James’s Square SW1Y 4LB
• 020 7321 4100
• Email: CyprusinUK@mfa.gov.cy
• Cyprus Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 41 000

Ranks 12/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 22/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1779 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean. It has a very low crime rate and is regarded as one of the safest places in the world. And if you are worried about driving in Europe, don’t be, they drive on the left here. It is sunny for 300 days a year too.

Moving to Czech Republic

Fun fact: Czech people are the world’s biggest consumer of beer.

• Main Language – Czech
• Embassy Contact Details – 26-30 Kensington Palace Gardens W8 4QY
• 020 7243 1115
• Email: london@embassy.mzv.cz
• Czech Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 5000

Ranks 19/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 14/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1065 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 63 and women at 62.

A beautiful country nearly totally surrounded by mountains. With over 2000 castles and numerous spa towns, you will never get bored for things to do.

Moving to Denmark

Fun fact: You should never fly the national flag before 08:00 or after sunset.

• Main Language Spoken – Danish
• Embassy Contact Details – 55 Sloane Street SW1X 9SR
• 020 7333 0200
• Email: lonamb@um.dk
• Denmark Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 19 000

Ranks 1/25 in the cost of living index – the most expensive country to live in Europe.

Ranks 10/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€3452 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

With the highest employment rate, highest life satisfaction and the best life/work balance in Europe, it is an attractive place to want to live.

Moving to Estonia

Fun fact: There are 100 females to every 84 men here.

• Main Language – Estonian
• Embassy Contact Details – 44 Queen’s Gate Terrace, London, SW7 5PJ
• 020 7589 3428
• Estonian Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Only if Estonian by descent
• Number of Expats – 500

Ranks 16/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 19/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1153 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 63 and women at 63.

Found in Northern Europe, a part of the old Soviet Union. There are rocky beaches, ancient forests and many lakes. It is one of the least crowded places in Europe, with forests covering 52% of the country. Public transport is entirely free in the capital and Estonia is regarded as one of the least religious countries in the world.

Moving to Finland

Fun facts: Fins consume the most coffee per person anywhere else in the world, twice as much as the Italians!

• Language – Finnish, Swedish
• Embassy Contact Details – 38 Chesham Place SW1X 8HW
• 020 7838 6200
• Email: sanomat.lon@formin.fi
• Finland Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 7 000

Ranks 4/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 7/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€3380 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

The most sparsely inhabited country in Europe will give you plenty of solitude. There are over 185,000 lakes to visit and of course, Santa lives here.

Moving to France

Fun fact: France still uses the cheque book.

• Main Language – French
• Embassy Contact Details – 58 Knightsbridge SW1X 7JT
• 020 7073 1000
• France Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 185 000

Ranks 7/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 1/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€2957 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 62 and women at 62.

What can I say that you don’t already know? The largest canyon in Europe is in France, there are 40,000 Chateaux for you to visit and wine has been made here since Roman times.

Moving to Germany

Fun fact: The largest department store in Europe can be found in Berlin.

• Main Language – German
• Embassy Contact Details – 23 Belgrave Square/Chesham Place SW1X 8PZ
• 020 7824 1300
• Email: info@lond.diplo.de
• Germany Embassy
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – No
• Number of Expats – 103 000

Ranks 10/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 11/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€3703 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Stunning countryside and the Danube river are but a couple of the attractions of Germany.

Moving to Greece

Fun fact: 85% of Greeks own their own home, the highest in Europe.

• Main Language – Greek
• Embassy Contact Details – 1A Holland Park W11 3TP
• 020 7229 3850
• Email: gremb.lon@mfa.gr
• Greece Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 18 000

Ranks 13/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 23/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1092 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 67 and women at 67.

Comprising of 3000 mostly uninhabited islands, Greece is mainly covered by mountains and forests. It is a super healthy country with one of the lowest death rates from cancer in Europe.

Moving to Hungary

Fun fact: VAT in Hungary is the highest in the world at 27%.

• Main Language – Hungarian
• Embassy Contact Details – 35 Eaton Place SW1X 8BY
• 020 7201 3440
• Email: mission.lon@mfa.gov.hu
• Hungary Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 7 000

Ranks 22/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 20/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€965 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 63 and women at 63.

Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe. The rivers Danube and Tisza, the Great Hungarian Plains, hills and mountains, the world’s largest Thermal lake and the largest lake in central Europe can all be found here. There are 10 National Parks and 145 nature reserves, plenty to keep the family out and about.

Moving to Ireland

Fun fact: There are no snakes in Ireland.

• Main Languages – Irish, English
• Embassy Contact Details – 17 Grosvenor Place SW1X 7HR
• 020 7235 2171
• Email: londonembassymail@dfa.ie
• Ireland Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 255 000

Ranks 2/25 in the cost of living index – the second most expensive country in Europe in which to live.

Ranks 8/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€3133 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 66 and women at 66.

The land of Guinness and shamrocks. The emerald isle is known for its hospitality, beautiful landscapes and numerous castles.

Moving to Italy

Fun fact: The world’s first pizzeria opened in 1830.

• Main Language – Italian
• Embassy Contact Details – 14 Three Kings’ Yard Davies Street W1K 4EH
• 020 7312 2200
• Email: ambasciata.londra@esteri.it
• Italy Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 65 000

Ranks 9/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 3/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€2560 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 66 and women at 64.

Pasta and Chianti. Architecture. History. And three active volcanoes. Enough said.

Moving to Latvia

Fun fact: An Estonian created the first denim jeans.

• Main Language – Latvian
• Embassy Contact Details – 45 Nottingham Place W1U 5LY
• 020 7312 0041
• Email: embassy.uk@mfa.gov.lv
• Latvia Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Citizens of member countries of EU, NATO and EFTA.
• Number of Expats – 1 000

Ranks 17/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 24/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€886 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 63 and women at 63.

A small country with 330 miles of sandy beaches, 3,000 lakes and huge forests. But if you want to work from home, it has some of the fastest internet connections in the world. Temperatures average around 20 degrees in summer.

Moving to Lithuania

Fun fact: It is the only country in the world with its own official scent which is called, Scent of Lithuania.

• Main Language – Lithuanian
• Embassy Contact Details – Lithuania House 2 Bessborough Gardens SW1V 2JE
• 020 7592 2840
• Email: amb.uk@urm.lt
• Lithuania Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – No
• Number of Expats – 3 000

Ranks 21/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 21/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€818 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 63 and women at 62.

Worried you will be the only foreigners here? Don’t be, 154 different nationalities live in Lithuania. It borders Poland, Latvia and Belarus. Temperatures here range from 17 degrees in the summer to minus 5 in the winter.

Moving to Luxembourg

Fun fact: Luxembourg has won the European Song Contest 5 times.

• Main Languages – French, German
• Embassy Contact Details – 27 Wilton Crescent SW1X 8SD
• 020 7235 6961
• Email: amb@mae.etat.lu
• Luxembourg Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 7 000

Ranks 3/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 4/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€4412 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

One of the smallest countries in Europe, it is mostly rural with forests and gorges. The climate is warm between May and Mid October. Luxembourg is considered one of the safest countries in the world.

Moving to Malta

Fun fact: There are 365 churches here, so you can visit one every day of the year.

• Main Language – Maltese, English
• Embassy Contact Details – Malta House 36-38 Piccadilly W1J OLE
• 020 7292 4800
• Email: maltahighcommission.london@gov.mt
• Malta Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 12 000

Ranks 15/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 6/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1025 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

Low annual rainfall, hot summers with an average of 12 hours of sunshine and mild winters. Malta drives on the left, one of the main languages is English and there is a low crime rate here.

Moving to Netherlands

Fun fact: Dutch people are the tallest in the world – on average.

• Main Language – Dutch
• Embassy Contact Details – 38 Hyde Park Gate SW7 5DP
• 020 7590 3200
• Email: LON@minbuza.nl
• Dutch Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted — No – but Persons over 18 with multiple nationalities must live in the Netherlands or the EU for at least one year out of every ten years, or receive a Dutch passport or a nationality certificate every ten years.
• Number of Expats – 50 000

Ranks 5/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 9/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€2855 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

The Netherlands is the most densely populated country in Europe. With a great public transport network and the fact it is a fairly small country, you can travel easily between home and the tulip fields or canals.

Moving to Poland

Fun fact: The co-founder of Marks & Spencers was Polish.

• Main Language – Polish
• Embassy Contact Details – 47 Portland Place W1B 1JH
• 020 7291 3520
• Email: london@msz.gov.pl
• Poland Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 35 000

Ranks 23/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 18/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1073 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 60.

Stunning medieval architecture, a long coastline, lake districts, mountains and plains, Poland is mostly unspoilt. The Cheap cost of living and relatively cheap property make this a country worth thinking about.

Moving to Portugal

Fun fact: Half the world’s cork is produced in Portugal.

• Main Language – Portuguese
• Embassy Contact Details – 11 Belgrave Square SW1X 8PP
• 020 7235 5331
• Email: londres@mne.pt
• Portugal Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 18 000

Ranks 14/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 16/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1158 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 66 and women at 66.

Beautiful, beaches, weather and scenery draw many to Portugal. The climate is Mediterranean with the south being warmer and drier, with mild winters.

Moving to Romania

Fun fact: The fountain pen was invented by a Romanian.

• Main Language – Romanian
• Embassy Contact Details – Arundel House 4 Palace Green W8 4QD
• Phone: 020 7937 9666
• Email: londra@mae.ro
• Romania Embassy
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 3 000

Ranks 24/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 24/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€721 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 60.

Home of Dracula, stunning mountains and endless forests. Hot summers are followed by very cold winters and weather patterns vary enormously between different parts of the country. 60% of Europe’s brown bear population lives here.

Moving to Slovakia

Fun fact: The parents of Andy Warhol were Slovakian.

• Main Language – Slovakian
• Embassy Contact Details – Embassy of the Slovak Republic
• 25 Kensington Palace Gardens W8 4QY
• Tel 020 7313 6470
• Email: emb.london@mzv.sk
• Slovakia Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Dual citizenship is only permitted to Slovak citizens who acquire a second citizenship by birth or through marriage; and to foreign nationals who apply for Slovak citizenship and meet the requirements of the Citizenship Act.
• Number of Expats – 5 000

Ranks 18/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 17/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€897 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 60.

Found in central Europe, Slovakia is a beautiful country, bordered by Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary and Czech Republic. There are four seasons here each lasting three months.

Moving to Slovenia

Fun fact: The only country with the word ‘LOVE’ in its name.

• Main Language – Slovenian
• Embassy Contact Details – 17 Dartmouth Street
• London SW1H 9BL
• : 020 7222 5700
• Email: vlo@gov.si
• Slovenia Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes, except for certain persons seeking to become Slovenian citizens by naturalization who are to renounce any foreign citizenship (the requirement to renounce foreign citizenship may be waived upon special application).
• Number of Expats – 500

Ranks 15/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 15/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€1613 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

Breathtaking scenery, famous for skiing, lakes and mountains, a hikers paradise. It has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, mild summers and freezing winters in the Alps and the east gets the hot summers with freezing winters.

Moving to Spain

Fun fact: It is a crime in Spain to slander the dead.

• Main Language – Spanish
• Embassy Contact Details – 39 Chesham Place SW1X 8SB
• 020 7235 5555
• Email: emb.londres@maec.es
• Spain Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes, if a Spanish citizen by descent or origin.
• No, if a naturalized Spanish citizen.
• Number of Expats – 309 000

Ranks 11/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 12/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€2188 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire at 65 and women at 65.

There is so much more to Spain than the Costas. Avocado and lime groves, whitewashed Fincas, traditional villages, and customs. Great weather coupled with some outstanding scenery.

Moving to Sweden

Fun fact: Sweden has the highest number of McDonald’s per capita of anywhere in Europe.

• Main Language – Swedish
• Embassy Contact Details – 11 Montagu Place W1H 2AL
• 020 7917 6400
• Email: ambassaden.london@gov.se
• Sweden Embassy (link)
• Multiple Nationality Permitted – Yes
• Number of Expats – 25 000

Ranks 3/25 in the cost of living index.

Ranks 2/25 in the average cost per meter of property.

€3546 – average monthly wage.

Currently, men retire between 61-67 and women between 61-67.

Vast forests that cover 69% of the country, mountains, coastal islands, and inlets are all here. The Swedes work and play hard. Property is expensive but the wages are the third highest in Europe. Environmental issues are high on the agenda of any Swede.

So there you go, plenty of information to set you off on your flight path, or channel crossing, out of the UK.

And should they ever build a super-fast link between Eastern and Western Europe, you will be able to earn super high wages in Denmark and enjoy a super low cost of living and cheap property in Bulgaria. Happy days!

Students, don’t forget that education is a great path to getting nationalized in another country. Many countries offer special terms for the naturalization of people who are educated and work in their country.

Are you ready to pack and go?

The next step on your big adventure to a totally new life is to get an estimate for your international home move from a reputable moving company. There are many professional moving companies that will help and guide you. Moving out of a country, or even across a big city, can be complicated if you try to do it yourself, so leave it to the professionals.

For a free International home moving estimate follow this link.

You can read reviews of professional international removal companies here.

Your free UK home moving estimate is available here.

We have a whole library of articles to help make your next move as stress-free as possible, as well as some great country destination guides, just follow this link.

Bon voyage.

---

So what are you going to do? Sit and wait to see what happens post Brexit?

Do you really think Britain will change for the better overnight post Brexit?

Of course not, and you will still be sat at home thinking if only……

Nothing will change except we will have lost any benefits we had from EU membership.

What are your thoughts?

---

There are lots more statistics to be found at the following links that you may find useful.

European cost of living Statistics: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained

Average wages across Europe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_European_countries_by_average_wage

Average life expectancy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_European_countries_by_life_expectancy

Retirement ages: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retirement_in_Europe

Property prices in Europe: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/region_prices_by_city?itemId=100&region=150

European trivia: https://www.eupedia.com/trivia/