SearchRelocating Abroad: From Fringe to Mainstream for UK Entrepreneurs
Once considered a niche or eccentric decision, relocating abroad has now become a mainstream strategic move for a growing segment of the UK’s entrepreneur community. From tax pressures to lifestyle aspirations and international market access, the reasons driving this shift are varied — but the trend is undeniable.
At HURST, we’ve seen first-hand how relocation, once the exception, is becoming a viable and increasingly popular route for owners and founders. Here’s why the conversation has changed — and why it's one that many business leaders are now taking seriously.
1. Tax Policy is No Longer Just Background Noise
Taxation has always been a consideration for high-net-worth individuals, but for UK entrepreneurs, it’s become a central strategic issue. Recent policy proposals — such as possible increases in Capital Gains Tax (CGT) or the overhaul of the non-domicile regime — have fundamentally altered perceptions of the UK’s attractiveness for wealth creators.
A 2024 Helm survey revealed that 60% of UK entrepreneurs would consider relocating abroad if CGT rates were substantially increased.
Similarly, a poll of business owners with £5 million+ turnover found that 39% are actively considering moving their business abroad, citing a lack of support and rising tax burdens.
This is not just about paying less tax. It’s about certainty, predictability, and how fiscal policy reflects the government’s stance on entrepreneurship. When tax planning becomes reactive and uncertain, entrepreneurs look elsewhere.
2. The World is Smaller — and Opportunity is Borderless
Where once relocation might have meant starting again, today’s entrepreneurs are often already operating across borders. They may have remote teams, international investors, or overseas customers — meaning their centre of gravity is no longer tied to a UK postcode.
Living abroad no longer requires severing business ties at home. Instead, it becomes part of a global strategy:
Portugal offers favourable tax treatment and a relaxed pace of life.
Dubai and Singapore provide a launchpad into emerging markets with no personal income tax.
Italy and Greece are luring high earners with flat-tax schemes and investor visas.
In this context, relocation isn’t retreat — it’s expansion, recalibration, and rebalancing.
3. Remote Working Has Normalised Mobility
The COVID-19 pandemic did more than change office culture — it permanently rewired what we expect from work. For founders and business owners, it proved they could lead, inspire, and scale from anywhere.
As remote work matured into hybrid business models, the "where" became less important than the "what" and "how". That flexibility, coupled with cloud infrastructure and digital tools, has made overseas living not just possible — but practical.
This shift has removed a key psychological barrier: fear of being disconnected. Entrepreneurs now see relocation as compatible with — or even beneficial to — the way they run their business.
4. Lifestyle is a Business Strategy
For many entrepreneurs, personal and business life are deeply intertwined. Decisions about where to live often reflect broader values: time with family, climate, education, health, and quality of life.
Relocation can also form part of a broader wealth preservation plan — one that includes estate planning, succession, and long-term legacy goals.
And as more entrepreneurs move, the "fringe" label fades. Networks are established. Communities of likeminded founders grow. Relocating no longer feels like a solitary leap — but a well-trodden path.
5. It’s No Longer About Escaping — It’s About Choosing
Perhaps the most telling shift is psychological. The narrative has moved from "escaping the UK" to "choosing the best base" for your personal and professional future.
Entrepreneurs aren’t running from regulation or tax — they’re proactively seeking environments that align with their ambitions. The UK remains a strong ecosystem, but it’s no longer assumed to be the final destination.
The change is not about disloyalty — it’s about optionality.
Final Thoughts from HURST
Relocation abroad has gone from being a left-field idea to a mainstream conversation in boardrooms, strategy sessions, and family discussions. It reflects a broader truth: that today’s entrepreneurs are global citizens, and their decisions are shaped by a much wider lens.
Whether you’re contemplating a move, or simply want to understand your options, we can help you navigate the legal, tax, and practical considerations — with clear advice grounded in your long-term goals.
At HURST, we’re not just accountants — we’re sounding boards, strategists, and partners for whatever comes next.