From Movers to Settlers: The New Expat Mindset

There is a strong and growing commitment among expats to remain abroad permanently, particularly among those already retired or nearing retirement. 

Three in four respondents (76%) plan to retire outside their country of origin, showing that living abroad is now seen as a long-term lifestyle choice rather than a temporary phase. 

This sentiment is especially pronounced among retired individuals, the majority of whom intend to stay in their host country rather than repatriate. 

The primary drivers are lifestyle advantages: respondents consistently report higher satisfaction with healthcare, climate, and overall wellbeing abroad, with over half citing lifestyle factors as their main motivation for staying. 

Regions such as Europe, North America, and the UAE are viewed particularly positively, with expats in these areas expressing some of the highest levels of contentment. 

This data reflects not only confidence in their current destination, but a sense of belonging that outweighs any pull to return home. 

The survey data shows a decisive shift toward lifestyle-driven migration, with respondents prioritising personal wellbeing over financial gain. 

Lifestyle preferences were cited by 59% of participants, climate by 46%, and healthcare by 38%, making these the leading factors influencing their decision to live abroad. 

By contrast, cost of living was cited by just 16%, indicating that financial savings are a secondary consideration for most expats in this demographic. 

Rather than relocating for tax efficiency or lower everyday expenses, the majority are motivated by improvements in health, comfort, and overall quality of life – underscoring a clear trend toward values-based, rather than cost-based, migration. 

While the majority of expats are settled and content, the data reveals a notable undercurrent of caution. 

Around one in five respondents cite political concerns, and a similar proportion express worries about possible tax changes or shifts in government policy that could impact their financial or residency status. 

Additionally, 13% are specifically concerned about visa or residency rules tightening, signalling sensitivity to regulatory uncertainty. This explains why nearly a third of respondents still want to retain the flexibility to relocate again in the future. 

Rather than indicating dissatisfaction, these concerns reflect a pragmatic mindset: expats are largely happy where they are, but remain alert to external risks and committed to preserving their mobility if circumstances change. 

There are clear signals of “planned permanence” in the data, even without a direct residency/citizenship question. 

Nearly half (47%) say they do not intend to move internationally in the next five years, and a further 20% are undecided – together indicating a broad lean toward staying put.  

At the same time, 33% still plan to move again, preserving flexibility if circumstances change. 

As concrete anchors of permanence, 13.5% report a property purchase in their host country, and 13.5% cite visa/passport access as a factor – both consistent with settling longer term. 

In short: many are bedding in, but a sizeable minority are deliberately keeping their options open.

Emotional and family dynamics are clear anchors in expats’ decisions to stay put. Over half (54.5%) explicitly cite proximity to friends and family, and two-thirds (67.5%) have at least one child. 

Both of these factors correlate with greater stickiness: among those who value proximity, 54.1% say they don’t plan to move in the next five years, versus 38.5% among those who don’t. 

While a smaller share mark ‘family’ as a standalone motivator (13.5%), the broader pull shows up in proximity and day-to-day life choices. 

On the emotional side, respondents point to lifestyle preferences (59%) and quality of life (20%) as key reasons for staying, reinforcing that family ties and everyday life satisfaction are driving long-term commitment to their host countries. 

Interest in relocation-related services is distinctly low, underscoring how settled most respondents feel in their current locations. 

Only 15% would like a quote from an international removal specialist (versus 82% ‘no’), and just 5.5% want family pet relocation information (versus 91% ‘no’). 

Taken together, these responses indicate little near-term appetite for moving again, reinforcing a picture of stability and satisfaction with current expat setups. 

The data from our survey paints a picture of an expat community that is not just content abroad – but deeply rooted. 

The overwhelming majority plan to remain in their adopted countries, driven not by financial advantage, but by a clear upgrade in lifestyle, wellbeing, and personal fulfilment. 

Regions such as Europe, North America and the UAE are viewed not as temporary escapes, but as places to build a better life – supported by superior healthcare, climate, and everyday quality of life. 

While a pragmatic minority are mindful of future political or regulatory shifts, this is more about maintaining flexibility than any desire to return home. 

Most are firmly settled, as evidenced by minimal interest in relocation services and increasing moves toward property ownership and long-term residency. 

Emotional drivers are now at the core of expat decision-making. 

In short, what began for many as an international move has evolved into a permanent lifestyle choice, defined by confidence, belonging, and long-term commitment to life abroad.

For decades, Brits have chosen the same destinations to retire to – France, Spain and Australia being prime candidates.

But as the cost of living rises, visa rules change post-Brexit, tax landscapes evolve and global lifestyle trends shift, a new roster of destinations has emerged.

And the factors influencing people’s decisions about where to retire involve a lot more than just how sunny it is and how much property costs, it’s also about post-Brexit legal changes and financial implications.

We have put together this essential guide, comparing the top 10 traditional retirement destinations for UK expats with emerging options such as Portugal, Cyprus and Thailand, to help Britons make informed decisions about relocating for retirement abroad.

You can download it here.