With Winter weather setting in and new-year planning kicking off, January is when people begin seriously considering major life changes, including starting a new life abroad. 1st Move International say that their data shows that the first two weeks of January generate around 70% more international removal enquiries than the final two weeks of December, a pattern that has held steady over the past four years.  Where do they want to relocate to?

After reviewing four years of enquiry patterns, 1^st Move say this surge reflects the point where festive downtime, winter gloom and new-year planning collide, prompting many Brits to finally take steps toward a move abroad.

Mike Harvey, Managing Director at 1st Move International, comments:

“Every January we see a real surge in enquiries, and it’s not just about chasing sunshine. After the festive period, a lot of people start reflecting on the past year, feeling the winter blues, or thinking about their finances after Christmas. Many are looking at lifestyle changes, career opportunities, or even ways to make the most of lower taxes and cheaper living abroad. 

The destinations people enquire about really show this mix, the US, Australia, and the UAE have been our top three since 2022, with Brits clearly looking for a balance of work prospects, lifestyle, and long-term stability. For a lot of people, January is the moment when a vague idea of moving abroad suddenly becomes a real plan.”

1^st Move International have analysed the trends to see where people are relocating most. Here are the top destinations people are interested in moving to this year.

Key findings

• Canada is the most desirable country to relocate to globally, with over 269,000 annual Google searches, just like in our 2024 study
• Canada ranked as the top relocation destination among 75 countries worldwide
• The United States is the most popular destination for UK movers, followed by the UAE and Australia
• New York City is the most searched US city among UK residents, ahead of Los Angeles and Miami
• New York City also had the most removal enquiries in the past two years
• English-speaking and sunny destinations continue to dominate global relocation trends, showing that movers are motivated by lifestyle and language

The most desirable countries to move to

1^st Move International looked at Google searches from around the world to reveal which countries people are most interested in relocating to. Analysing searches for moving to, living in, and emigrating to, these are the most-searched places to migrate to.

1. Canada – 269,220 relocation searches

Canada takes the top spot, just like last year, with over 269,000 annual relocation searches. Known for its friendly communities, excellent quality of life, and breathtaking natural landscapes, it’s no surprise that Canada continues to attract global attention.

Whether you choose a city like Toronto or Vancouver, or a scenic countryside town, Canada offers a mix of exciting and peaceful living.

2. Australia – 207,900 relocation searches

Australia follows closely behind with just over 207,000 searches globally in the last year. The land down under is a firm favourite thanks to its sunny climate, strong economy, and relaxed lifestyle.

With world-class healthcare and education systems, Australia appeals to families and professionals, although the high cost of living in major cities is an important consideration.

3. Ireland – 179,400 relocation searches

Ireland secures third place, taking the spot from New Zealand, which ranked third last year, with nearly 180,000 relocation searches from around the world.

The country’s welcoming atmosphere, growing job market, and cultural charm make it an attractive option for movers.

Its proximity to the UK and strong sense of community continue to draw people looking for a balance between opportunity and familiarity.

Where people around the world want to move

We analysed global search trends to find out which destinations are the most popular among people looking to move abroad. These are the countries that appeared most often as the top choice for relocation across multiple nations.

1. Canada – Top relocation destination for 75 countries

Canada takes the lead as the most desired relocation destination, ranking first in 75 countries worldwide, just like last year.

Its high standard of living, world-class healthcare, and welcoming culture make it a top choice for people seeking safety, stability, and opportunity.

2. Australia – Top relocation destination for 43 countries

Australia is the top relocation choice in 43 countries, ranking second overall for the second year running. Its outdoor-oriented lifestyle and gorgeous weather continue to attract people from across the globe.

Offering career opportunities and a change in pace, Australia remains one of the world’s most aspirational places to call home.

3. Switzerland – Top relocation destination for 15 countries

Switzerland ranks as the top relocation destination in 15 countries, appealing to those drawn to its clean environment, strong economy, and good quality of life. Last year, Spain took third place, making Switzerland a new top-three destination for 2025.

Renowned for its safety, efficient infrastructure, and stunning Alpine scenery, Switzerland offers a peaceful yet prosperous lifestyle, making it particularly attractive to professionals and families seeking a secure and scenic new home.

Which US cities do people want to move to from the UK? 

According to Google search data in the last year, and 1st Move International over the last two years, UK residents are particularly interested in relocating to a select few American cities. As demand for international removals to the USA rises, for the first time, the top destinations among UK relocators.

1. New York City – Relocation interest score: 10.00/10

New York City tops the list, with over 11,000 searches related to moving from the UK, and the most relocation enquiries received by 1st Move International. The city’s fast-paced lifestyle, iconic landmarks, and career opportunities draw in people of all walks of life.

As one of the most famous cities in the world, NYC offers a dynamic environment for those seeking a big city adventure.

2. Los Angeles – Relocation interest score: 9.81/10

Los Angeles comes in second, attracting nearly 4,500 searches from UK residents for living and moving there. It also recorded the second-highest number of relocation enquiries received by 1st Move International since the start of 2024.

The city is renowned for its sunny weather, vibrant celebrity scene, and dynamic culture. With a mix of beaches and mountains, LA appeals to families and individuals looking for a balance between career opportunities and entertainment.

3. Austin – Relocation interest score: 9.26/10

The capital of the quintessential American state, Texas, completes the top three, attracting more than 2,000 searches in the last 12 months. It was also one of the top 10 cities for removal enquiries received by 1st Move International in the last two years.

With its booming economy, warm climate, and Southern culture, the city attracts UK residents seeking career opportunities and the all-American experience.

Which countries did people move to from the UK?

According to 1^st Move’s internal data, we’ve identified the countries UK residents have most frequently relocated to in 2025. When it comes to making the big move abroad, these three destinations remain the top choices for Brits.

Rank	Country
1	United States of America
2	Australia
3	United Arab Emirates
4	Canada
5	South Africa
6	Cyprus
7	New Zealand
8	Singapore
9	Saudi Arabia
10	Malta

1. United States

The USA is the most popular destination for UK movers. With its diverse cities, career opportunities, and wide range of lifestyles, it appeals to families, young professionals, and students all the same.

The shared language makes the transition smoother, while the country’s unique scale offers something for everyone, from bustling cities to quiet countryside escapes.

2. Australia

Australia ranks second, offering a perfect blend of career opportunities, outdoor living, and cultural diversity.

The country’s laid-back lifestyle, high-quality healthcare and education, and stunning natural landscapes make it a popular choice for UK residents seeking a fresh start abroad.

Like the USA and the UAE, English is the primary language, making the move easier for British expats.

3. United Arab Emirates

The UAE takes third place, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being popular destinations. Known for its modern infrastructure, safety, and year-round sunshine, the UAE offers an attractive lifestyle for expats.

Tax-free income, luxury amenities, and a multicultural environment make it particularly appealing to families and professionals interested in advancing their careers while enjoying a high standard of living.

2026 Trend Predictions

Expert insights from Mike Harvey, Managing Director at 1st Move International:

“As we look ahead to 2026 relocations, we expect many of the world’s most popular moving destinations to maintain their strong appeal.

“We’re seeing a clear pattern of consistency at the top, with destinations like the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Australia remaining firm favourites among UK movers.

“Canada also shows no sign of slowing down, consistently performing well year after year.

“However, the lasting appeal of smaller, lifestyle-focused countries such as Cyprus and New Zealand is particularly interesting. These destinations offer a slower pace of life without compromising on opportunity, which is increasingly important to movers across the last few years.”