Costs Moving From the UK to Europe After Brexit
The average cost to move your stuff from the UK to Europe ranges between £2,500 and £8,000, based on the distance, volume, container type, and additional services.
To move to Europe from the UK, expect to pay:
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom | £2,500 – £4,000 |
| Three-bedroom house | £5,500 – £8,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates. The final cost will be calculated based on the distance, seasonality, volume, and optional additional services like professional packing.
Sea freight is the most common option for shipping furniture to Greece. While air freight is faster, it’s substantially more expensive. You can save money by opting for a shared container, which is also called a part-load service.
Estimate the Volume of Your MoveMoving to Europe With Pets
Whether you’re moving a cat from the UK to Europe or a large dog, all animals fall under the EU pet travel regulations. This regulation makes moving pets from the UK to Europe fairly straightforward, as long as you follow these rules:
- Pets need an ISO-compliant chip (inserted before any vaccinations).
- A rabies vaccination is mandatory, and you can first travel 21 days after it’s given.
- Your pet has to travel in an airline-approved pet carrier.
- Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) no more than 10 days before departure.
- A written declaration is required to travel with your pet under non-commercial rules.
Best Companies for Moving to Europe From the UK
International moving companies can pack your belongings and safely move them from the UK to Europe. To get started, below are the top 5 international moving companies to Europe from the UK.
Sirelo Top Mover
9.0
269
Tamworth
25 ratings as Professional
25 ratings as "Professional"
Sirelo Top Mover
7.9
425
Ashford
57 ratings as Good Price
57 ratings as "Good Price"
Sirelo Top Mover
9.6
265
Folkestone
61 ratings as Good Communication
61 ratings as "Good Communication"
Sirelo Top Mover
9.0
207
London
32 ratings as Professional
32 ratings as "Professional"
7.8
85
Amersham
6 ratings as Good Price
6 ratings as "Good Price"
Visa to Europe From the UK
Many Brits started looking into visa options for working in Europe post-Brexit. While there are requirements to navigate, there are various visa options to live and work in Europe. While every country has their requirements, here’s a global overview of Europe visas for UK expats.
How to Apply for a European Visa From the UK
Most visa applications for a European country are similar. Finding an employer who wants to sponsor you is the easiest way to secure long-term residency, but you’ve got options. To apply for a Europe visa, UK citizens generally have to:
- Choose the most suitable visa (work, study, retirement, digital nomad, family reunion).
- Ensure your passport is valid for another six months upon your planned arrival.
- Gather all important documents like job contracts or university admissions.
- Attend an in-person visa appointment at a consulate or embassy in the UK.
- Pay the visa fee and wait for processing. This can take a few weeks to months.
- Receive your visa and prepare for your move to Europe.
Different Visas to Enter Europe From the UK
Most countries in Europe will offer visas for expats with local job offers, retirees, students, self-employed digital nomads, and families looking to reunite. These visas are available for Brits.
- Schengen Visa: A short-stay visa that covers 26 Schengen countries and allows you to stay for 90 days within a 180-period, but you cannot work or study.
- Work Visa: An employer-sponsored visa to work for a company within the country. For example, France offers a Talent Passport and Germany provides EU Blue Cards for high-skilled workers.
- Student Visa: For students who enrol in European universities and have an acceptance letter, plus proof of sufficient funds.
- Family Reunification Visa: For people who want to join family members who are EU residents or citizens.
- Retirement Visa: For retirees who meet the minimum monthly earnings from pensions or investments. Greece has the FIP visa and in Portugal and Spain, it’s called the D7 visa.
- Investment or Golden Visa Program: For investors looking to invest in local businesses or real estate, available in countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain.
- Digital Nomad Visa: For self-employed or remote workers looking to reside in European countries. You cannot work for local clients or employers.
- Entrepreneur Visa: For those starting a business or investing in startups.
Living in Europe
Many dream of moving, but what is it like to live and work in Europe as an expat? In this section, we’ll look at the best countries to live in Europe, as well as the cheapest European destinations.
Cheapest Places to Live In Europe
From Romania to Greece, Europe has plenty of vibrant yet affordable hotspots. The cities below are some of the cheapest in Europe, with existing expat communities.
- Bucharest, Romania: With one-bedroom flats starting from £480 a month, this city combines affordability with rich cultural experiences and history.
- Kraków, Poland: Known for its charm and history, this city is scenic and cheap. The average living costs for a single person are around £580 a month.
- Prague, Czech Republic: Prague is getting more popular with expats, but it’s still very affordable for British foreigners, with monthly rents averaging £600.
- Lisbon, Portugal: While Lisbon has been on the up and up and rent prices are increasing, the cost of living is still affordable compared to other European cities.
- Sofia, Bulgaria: With mountain landscapes and buzzing city vibes, Sofia is another in-demand and cheap place to live in Europe.
- Athens, Greece: Here you’ll find historical charm and flats at around £520 a month.
- Tirana, Albania: This city in Europe is a rising favourite for budget-conscious expats, with rents being 70% cheaper than in other Western countries.
- Zagreb, Croatia: Here you’ll find a mix of Mediterranean and European lifestyle, and affordable housing.
- Vilnius, Lithuania: A city in Europe that’s more quietly popular, and a great place for low-cost living while enjoying a vibrant, creative culture.
- Riga, Latvia: The dynamic social scene makes Riga especially attractive to younger British expats.
Top 10 Best Countries to Live In Europe
A city can be affordable, but when we look at the standard of living, the cheapest doesn’t always equal the best. Curious about the best country in Europe to live and work? We’ve handpicked the 10 best countries to live in Europe.
- Switzerland: Known for its great quality of life, safety, and high salaries.
- Portugal: An expat favourite with comfortable temperatures and international companies.
- Spain: Known for its relaxed lifestyle, vibrant cities, and beautiful coasts.
- Italy: Loved for its culture, food, and picturesque towns.
- Germany: Offers a strong economy, excellent infrastructure, and cultural diversity.
- Sweden: A family favourite with its social welfare system and natural beauty.
- France: A blend of urban sophistication and rural tranquillity.
- The Netherlands: Well-organised with an open and inclusive society.
- Austria: Combines safety, history, and access to stunning landscapes.
- Denmark: Famous for its “hygge” lifestyle and environmental initiatives
Top 10 Best Cities to Live In Europe
If you ask us, these are the best cities to move to in Europe from the UK, in no particular order.
- Zurich, Switzerland: Offers the highest quality of life in Europe.
- Lisbon, Portugal: Combines affordability with a lively expat scene.
- Barcelona, Spain: A vibrant city with a balance of work and play.
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Known for its cultural charm and sustainability.
- Copenhagen, Denmark: Offers a green lifestyle with great work-life balance.
- Vienna, Austria: Famous for culture, safety, and green spaces.
- Berlin, Germany: A creative hub with endless opportunities.
- Paris, France: Iconic for its culture, though pricey for living.
- Budapest, Hungary: Affordable and full of history.
- Tallinn, Estonia: A rising tech hub offering affordability and innovation.
Cost of Living in Europe vs the UK
When comparing the cost of living in Europe versus the UK, there are far too many countries to compare them all. Instead, we’ll show you the average living costs in London compared to an expensive and cheap city in Europe.
| Item | Geneva, Switzerland | Vilnius, Lithuania | London, UK |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £26.96 | £10.02 | £20.00 |
| Regular Cappuccino | £4.26 | £2.62 | £3.74 |
| Eggs (12) | £5.90 | £2.03 | £3.44 |
| Single Transport Ticket | £2.70 | £0.54 | £2.95 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Centre) | £1,714.08 | £609.28 | £2,170.59 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary | £5,797.27 | £1,221.82 | £3,478.12 |
Source: Numbeo
British Citizens Working in Europe
Unfortunately, UK citizens no longer have the right to work in Europe without a visa. But after you’ve applied and obtained the work permit, what is it like to work in Europe as a British expat? And how does it work with taxes? Let’s dive in.
UK Citizens Working In the EU
Whatever country in the EU you decide to move to, there likely will be work culture differences.
For example, Germany and The Netherlands have a more direct and punctual approach on the work floor than Mediterranean countries. Benefits differ per country, with Scandinavian countries having a more universal welfare system and generous parental leave. In France, the workplace hierarchy might feel more formal than you’re used to in the UK, and Spain, informal after-work networking is a big thing.
Work Permit Jobs in Europe
Most work permits in Europe are tied to an employer or occupation, with some sectors having a higher demand for foreign workers. Certain EU countries offer fast-track visas for skilled workers, such as Germany’s Blue Card and Spain’s highly skilled worker visa.
Moving From the UK to Europe Tax
Depending on the country, you might have to file taxes in the UK and the European country you’ve moved to—especially if you only work in Europe temporarily. Double taxation agreements often allow you to claim tax relief for income taxed abroad. Countries like Ireland have easier work processes for UK citizens.
Checklist: How to Move to Europe from the UK
Each country has its requirements, but this global checklist for moving to Europe from the UK will help you prepare for a smooth, headache-free transition.
- Research and choose the best city in Europe to live
- Understand the visa requirements for your purpose
- Consider learning the language
- Collect all important documents and ensure their validity
- Start the visa application
- Apply for health insurance that covers you globally
- Find temporary or long-term housing
- Hire a removal company for your move to Europe
- Pack all your belongings or hire professional packers
- Register with the local authorities after arrival
- Set up a local bank account
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