Touchdown's 2025 Relocation Report: entrepreneurs are leaving the UK in shocking numbers

A message from our founder

Across the UK’s entrepreneurial community, a quiet revolution is taking shape. From British founders to remote freelancers, a growing number are rethinking not just how they work, but where they want to live, build, and belong.

Touchdown’s 2025 Relocation Guide explores this shift through fresh survey data and on-the-ground insights. We spoke to over 500 UK-based entrepreneurs, business owners, and self-employed professionals to understand whether they were considering leaving the UK, and if so, where they were heading and why. 

The results were astonishing. 

Nearly four in ten (38 percent) are already in the process of relocating or plan to do so within the next twelve months. Within two years, that figure rises to 62 percent. Over half have their sights set on Spain or Portugal, suggesting that Iberia is becoming the new frontier for British talent.

I’m excited to share this guide as we attempt to unpack the forces reshaping professional life in the UK, the motivations behind the exodus, and the systems that need to evolve to support a new generation of global entrepreneurs. 

I hope you enjoy reading. 

Key Findings

• Nearly 4 in 10 (38%) UK entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals are already in the process of relocating abroad or planning to do so within the next 12 months.

• This figure rises to 62% within two years.

• More than half (52%) say Spain or Portugal is their top destination, as Global politics, shifting tax regimes, and changing attitudes to work begin to drive a fresh wave of mobility among entrepreneurs.

• When asked about the motivation for moving, we found that:

• 64% said weather,

• 59% said flexible work life,

• 33% said tax benefits.

From Brexit to a change in government 

The story of relocation for UK professionals has been shaped by a decade of change. What began as a gradual shift in lifestyle preferences has become a response to deeper political, social, and economic forces. For many entrepreneurs, the moment things truly began to change was in 2016, when the UK’s relationship with Europe entered a new and uncertain phase.

The years that have followed have brought even greater transformation. The pandemic redefined how people work, and entire industries adapted to remote and flexible models. Digital entrepreneurship expanded, new wealth was created through emerging sectors like crypto, and global mobility became part of modern professional life.

At the same time, domestic uncertainty continued to grow. Economic fluctuations, changing regulations, and political turnover have all prompted UK entrepreneurs to think more globally about their future. 

Many are now considering not only how to build sustainable businesses, but where they want to live and thrive.

Visas, tax frameworks, housing markets, and local governance still pose challenges, yet they no longer hold the same power to deter movement. The next twelve months are set to be pivotal for those ready to redefine where opportunity lies.

Relocation is no longer idle curiosity

The impact of all of this is that, according to our data, nearly four in ten (38%) UK entrepreneurs, business owners, and self-employees have already begun the process of relocating, or will do so within the next twelve months. When this timeframe is expanded to the next two years, this figure jumps to 62%. 

Relocation amongst this community has moved well beyond idle curiosity. It represents a fundamental shift in how entrepreneurs and business owners are thinking about success. For many, professional growth now includes physical mobility: choosing locations that enable both business opportunity and quality of life. More on this shortly. 

Advances in technology, flexible work culture, and streamlined global infrastructure have now made it easier than ever to relocate without sacrificing career momentum. As intent turns into action, a new professional archetype is emerging - the globally mobile entrepreneur who can build from anywhere; build a family from anywhere; build a business from anywhere; build a life from anywhere. 

Why Iberia leads - lifestyle, opportunity, and belonging

Spain and Portugal dominate the relocation wish list. Together, they account for 52% of first-choice destinations. When asked why they want to relocate, 64% cited the weather, 59% sought a more flexible work-life balance, and 33% mentioned tax benefits. Among those choosing Iberia specifically, half pointed to quality of life as their main motivation, followed by 21% who mentioned the climate and 15% who noted career opportunities

At first glance, the data points to something obvious: people are after year-round sunshine, a stronger sense of community, and an enviable work-life balance. But the draw is starting to run deeper. 

The region has built sophisticated startup ecosystems and modern infrastructure that allow entrepreneurs to operate globally while enjoying a grounded lifestyle. Lisbon and Barcelona, once seen as laid-back coastal hubs, are now magnets for innovation. They combine affordability with creative energy, attracting digital founders, investors, and remote professionals who value connectivity and culture over corporate routine.

This points to a wider shift in values. For many professionals, the measure of success has evolved beyond earnings or titles. It now includes time, space, and connection. The Mediterranean lifestyle - calmer pace, stronger community, outdoor living - has become the blueprint for a more sustainable kind of ambition.

The fine print of relocation

Relocation promises a lot. Yet, the reality is that the process can be, and often is, incredibly complex, particularly in Iberia. Entrepreneurs who take the leap find themselves navigating an unfamiliar web of bureaucracy, paperwork, and local systems. Our survey uncovered the most common challenges professionals face when planning a move abroad, and what’s potentially holding some of this community back. 

Understanding local governance is the single biggest challenge, cited by 48% of respondents. Regulations differ not just between countries but between regions, and even small administrative errors can delay applications or trigger compliance issues. For those without local guidance, what starts as a move toward freedom can quickly become a maze of forms and approvals.

Visa applications remain one of the most time-consuming parts of relocation, with 44% identifying it as a biggest headache. Requirements vary by consulate, and approval timelines can shift without notice. For entrepreneurs balancing business operations, this lack of predictability is costly.

In cities such as Lisbon and Barcelona, finding a home can be as difficult as finding an investor. 38% of respondents said securing housing was a major obstacle for them. Competition is fierce, and newcomers often face a catch-22: landlords require documents that are impossible to obtain without an address, while local tax IDs and bank accounts depend on having one.

21% said accessing local tax benefits was a major concern. For entrepreneurs managing cross-border income, the risk of double taxation and the complexity of coordinating UK and local systems can turn opportunity into confusion. Reliable tax and legal advice are essential, but often fragmented.

Behind all these statistics lies a human truth. Relocation is exciting but demanding. People aren’t held back by lack of ambition but are instead slowed by uncertainty. As one founder recently told us, “Starting over in a new country takes more than a visa; it takes a guide you can trust.” This is the emotional gap that modern relocation services must close.

The role of technology, and humans

Professionals no longer want to navigate the relocation process alone. Almost everyone surveyed (96%) said they would value a tool or service to help manage their move. 59% said they would be very open to using a digital platform.

Yet, trust remains the key: respondents still want reassurance that their unique situation will be understood and handled with care.

More than a third (37%) prefer a mix of automation and expert support. This hybrid model - where technology handles the process and professionals provide interpretation - is fast becoming the new standard.

Ultimately, the future of relocation support lies in combining speed with empathy. Entrepreneurs want systems that handle logistics seamlessly, but still offer expert judgment and human interaction.

Touchdown - powering modern relocation

Touchdown was founded by people who have experienced the relocation journey themselves. Our platform was created to eliminate confusion and help professionals build a life abroad with clarity and confidence.

The idea is simple: everything you need to relocate to Portugal - legal support, tax planning, business setup, and post-arrival integration - brought together in one easy-to-use platform. It’s a model born from first-hand experience of what relocation really involves.

And don’t just take our word for it…

Each journey is unique, but the goal is always the same: to help you secure residency, structure your taxes with clarity, and thrive in one of the most beautiful, forward-thinking countries in Europe. 

So, whether you’re a freelancer looking for flexibility, a family seeking a new start, or an entrepreneur building across borders, book a free introduction call with our team to see how we can help.