British expats getting younger, study finds

The number of British 25-35 year olds moving abroad has increased dramatically since 2011.

There was a time, probably from the mid-‘80s onwards, when the image of a typical British expat was easy to define.

Brits who lived abroad were of a certain vintage – at least 50-years-old – and loved nothing more than a good, old-fashioned British-red tan, life existing within a small triangle of beach, bar and greasy spoon cafe, and any attempts to learn the local language stretched barely any further than a few mumbled words of thanks…

But a recent survey by British bank NatWest has found that the demographic has changed, with more and more British expats now increasingly younger, more upwardly mobile and aware that their life overseas is likely to be temporary.

The NatWest survey also found that, even as recently as 2008, around two-thirds of British expats considered themselves ‘lifers’ – their move overseas would be for good, with barely any thought given to ever eventually moving home.

But in 2015, that portion of Brits who can never see themselves living back in Blighty has fallen to one-third. In 2008, just one in ten Brits had moved overseas for the job or for other temporary assignments, whereas now that figure is 50% – and they are getting younger.

As companies seek to employ a more mobile staff globally, upping sticks and working for a few years in another country is becoming more and more commonplace. NatWest’s survey found that 25 to 35-year-olds now comprise one in four British expats, compared to one in six in 2011.

And the gender balance is tipping, too. In 2011, one-third of all Brits who would move overseas were women. Today, it is around half.

“Our index has seen your typical expat change significantly,” said NatWest International Personal Banking head, Dave Isley. “Previously, moving abroad was a huge life commitment that would entail a complete upheaval for all involved.

“With the advances in remote working and new means available to keep in touch with family, people are more prepared than ever to pack their bags in search of both adventure and a way to improve their career prospects.”

A recent HSBC survey ranked just where these expats enjoy life overseas the most, revealing that career-minded Brits tend to favour places such as Singapore, Switzerland and Hong Kong to better further their employment prospects.

However, Spain’s performance in the index ranking revealed that the country remains the place to be for Brits who want to escape to somewhere relaxed, safe, welcoming and enjoyable: Spain ranked highly for quality of life, healthcare, social life and family attractions.

For retirees, Spain remains one of the most popular destinations in the world for Brits. A combination of warm weather, EU healthcare, affordable property, a mature and varied expat culture, and easy and cheap access back to the UK makes it hard to beat for people of pensionable age.

For the younger generation, Spain might not be able to offer the promise of a fabulous career right now, but its economy is certainly on the right track, so watch this space!