With rising rents, a tough job market, and stretched paychecks, many young Britons are deciding to take their careers abroad. In the year ending June, around 195,000 people under 35 moved overseas, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). So, where are they going? What’s attracting them? And will they ever return?
Take Ray Amjad, a 25-year-old from Manchester. After graduating from the University of Cambridge, he traveled to 20 countries while working remotely as a web designer. Eventually, he settled in Tokyo under a two-year visa for top graduates. “I can’t imagine living back in the UK,” he shares. Ray feels Japan is lucky to welcome young talent that has already been educated at the UK’s expense. “The flat I’m renting here is three times cheaper than one in London,” he adds.
Ray isn’t alone. Many of his university friends have moved to countries like Australia, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Cost of living and job opportunities often top the list of reasons for relocating. “Tokyo feels safe. I can walk around without worrying about theft,” he notes.
Another young entrepreneur, Isobel Perl, started her skincare brand from her family home in Watford. Now, at 30, she plans to move to Dubai to expand her business. “It makes sense since my family is moving there, too,” she explains. With year-round sunshine and no income tax, Isobel’s decision is grounded in practical benefits.
“When I saw how the business community thrives in Dubai, I wanted to be part of it,” she says. Isobel is optimistic, especially as she was one of the first to receive a golden visa for content creators, allowing her to live in Dubai for ten years.
The trend isn’t just about escapism. David Little from Evelyn Partners cites an increasingly negative economic narrative in the UK. High unemployment and debt burdens push young people to seek greener pastures. “Destinations like Dubai offer a vibrant business environment and tax-free living,” he explains.
Sol Hyde, a 25-year-old from Colchester, echoes a similar sentiment. After quitting his corporate job, Sol moved to Bali, where he started a marketing consulting firm. “The UK felt lonely; I needed a change,” he says. In Bali, he merged work and enjoyment. “I wake up to sunshine and meet other young entrepreneurs,” he shares, connecting more deeply with his friends despite the distance.
Three-quarters of British nationals who emigrated last year were under 35, according to ONS data. An ONS spokesperson noted that young people often form the bulk of migration trends. As families shift focus, supporting children in relocating is now as common as helping them buy their first homes.
Isobel’s move also highlights a shift in priorities among young professionals. Rather than follow traditional paths, many are now trauma-tied to spaces that empower ambition and growth. As Sol put it, “Many successful people face criticism in the UK. Here, success feels celebrated.”
The UK government aims to foster innovation and economic growth, but whether that will be enough to retain its young talent remains an open question. As these young entrepreneurs and professionals make bold moves abroad, their stories encourage reflection on how to bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity in their home country.
For those interested in more findings on migration patterns, you can check the latest reports from the Office for National Statistics.
