An IMGlobalWealth.news Report
Europeans are increasingly prepared to build a life beyond their home country. A new survey found that only 10% would completely rule out moving abroad, while almost half expect to live overseas at some stage in their lives.
The study, commissioned by digital insurance company Feather and conducted by 3Gem between 24 June and 1 July 2026, questioned 2,000 adults across Britain, France, Germany and Italy.
“For many Europeans, moving abroad is no longer an exceptional ambition. It is becoming an increasingly credible response to financial pressure, professional mobility and the search for a better life”
French respondents showed the strongest appetite for relocation, with 57% expecting to live abroad in the future. They were followed by Germans at 52%, Italians at 49% and Britons at 48%.
Among respondents in Britain, 28% said they were seriously considering or actively planning an international move.
Financial pressures are helping to drive this restlessness. The cost-of-living crisis made 53% of British respondents more open to relocation, compared with 48% in France, 43% in Germany and 32% in Italy.
Yet the attraction of another country extends beyond lower prices. Better weather, improved work-life balance, career opportunities, healthcare and a generally higher quality of life are also influencing potential movers.
Remote and hybrid working have made relocation appear more realistic, particularly for professionals who no longer need to remain close to a traditional workplace. Spain emerged as the most attractive destination overall.
It was the first choice among British and Italian respondents and ranked second among those surveyed in France and Germany. Its climate, lifestyle, infrastructure and relative affordability continue to make it one of Europe’s strongest relocation magnets.Canada and Australia also featured prominently among British respondents, while Austria was the leading choice in Germany.
Portugal and Switzerland appealed strongly to Italians, reflecting a mixture of geographical proximity, economic opportunity and lifestyle considerations.
The findings suggest that modern migration may increasingly involve flexible or temporary relocation rather than permanent emigration.
Some Europeans may spend several years overseas, divide their time between two countries or use remote working to test a destination before making a longer-term commitment.
The headline figure should nevertheless be treated with some caution. The research covered four European countries rather than the continent as a whole, with 500 respondents surveyed in each market. It was also commissioned by a business serving expatriates.
Even so, official migration figures support the broader direction. Millions of EU citizens already live in another member state, while large numbers continue to move between European countries each year.
For many Europeans, moving abroad is no longer an exceptional ambition. It is becoming an increasingly credible response to financial pressure, professional mobility and the search for a better life.
