The Ultimate Guide to Spending Your Golden Years in the United Kingdom
Looking to retire in the UK? Spending your golden years among the rolling green hills of the United Kingdom might sound like a dream, but for many expats, it’s a reality.
The island nation, which comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is a top choice for foreigners looking to retire abroad. This is largely thanks to its free national healthcare system, relatively low crime rate, and breathtaking countryside.
Although the United Kingdom closed its retirement visa program in 2022, it is still possible to retire there with the right visa. If you’re considering spending your golden years in the UK, this article outlines everything you need to know before making the move.
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The Pros and Cons of Retiring in the UK
From the majestic glens of Scotland and the Medieval castles of Northern Ireland to the bustling cities of England, the UK offers something for everyone. It’s no wonder the UK has become a popular retirement destination for people from around the world, with nearly 15% of its population being foreign-born.
Among the nearly ten million immigrants residing in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, around 20% are over the age of 65, reflecting the appeal of the UK as a place to spend one’s golden years.
Is the UK a Good Place to Retire?
There are many reasons to fall in love with the United Kingdom. Let’s delve into what makes it such an appealing retirement destination for foreigners.
The UK is Safe
Naturally, safety is a top priority when choosing where to live. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), the United Kingdom ranks as the 37th safest country in the world.
Additionally, it is surrounded by several other countries with high safety ratings. For instance, Denmark holds the 2nd spot, Ireland is 3rd, Germany is 15th, the Netherlands is 16th, and Belgium is 20th. This is a big pull factor for expats looking to retire in the UK.
The GPI ranks the safety of the world’s countries based on factors like crime, societal safety and security, domestic conflict, and international conflict.
Healthcare is Free for Permanent Residents
The UK has an excellent healthcare system, which stands out for its comprehensive and accessible care.
At the heart of this system is the National Health Service (NHS), a public program that provides free medical services to UK citizens and legal residents. Funded by taxes, the NHS ensures that residents can access the healthcare they need without worrying about costs. It covers everything from routine check-ups and emergency care to preventive services and specialized treatments.
This offers a significant advantage for those looking to retire in the UK.
Ease of Travel
Globetrotting retirees love how easy it is to travel from the UK to other countries in Europe. For example, a high-speed train can whisk you from London to Paris in less than two and a half hours.
You can also fly from London to the following European cities within just two hours:
- Paris, France
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Berlin, Germany
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Bilbao, Spain
For those planning a trip to the United States, flights from London to New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia are just under eight hours. And if Dubai is on your travel list, it’s even quicker, with a flight time of only seven hours.
Rich History and Culture
The history of the UK is incredibly rich, spanning thousands of years from the Roman Empire to the Tudor dynasty.
You can find this historic heritage in world-class museums like the British Museum and the National Museum of Scotland, as well as in the vibrant theater scene of London’s West End and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
If you’re a nature lover, the Lake District National Park is a must-visit destination, offering breathtaking scenery and serene landscapes. For those who appreciate fine spirits, the UK is home to renowned whiskey and Scotch distilleries, particularly in Scotland.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, the UK offers a wealth of experiences.
English is the Predominant Language
Unlike in some countries, you won’t need to learn a new language to retire in the UK, as English is the dominant language.
While you may hear Welsh in Wales and Gaelic in Scotland, you’ll be surrounded by English-speaking Brits. As an American living in the UK, you’ll just need to learn the subtle differences between British and American English.
The Cost of Living
Although the UK has recently experienced a cost of living crisis, it is much more affordable than several other popular retirement destinations around the world. This includes the US, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Hong Kong.
The UK generally offers more affordable options for housing, groceries, and daily services. This naturally makes it an appealing choice for retirees looking to balance a comfortable lifestyle with manageable expenses.
Read Also: The Cost of Living in the UK
The Downsides of Retiring in the UK
The UK is an incredible place, but like any country, it has its drawbacks. If you are looking to retire in the UK, there are several key factors you need to consider before making the move:
- Depending on where you choose to live, the cost of living can be high, particularly in major cities like London
- The National Health Service (NHS) offers free medical care, but you might experience long wait times for certain treatments and specialist appointments due to high demand and limited resources
- Outside major cities, public transportation can be limited, so if you move to a rural area, owning a vehicle will likely be necessary
- Large expat communities are rare in rural villages and small towns, so if you prefer to be around other immigrants, bigger cities are a better choice
- Winters can be darker than expected, with cities like London experiencing only about 8 to 9 hours of daylight each day during the winter months
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Where in the UK Should Expats Retire?
To help you find the best place to retire in the UK, we’ve evaluated the safety, healthcare, cost of living, amenities, and other quality-of-life factors for five of the country’s best cities.
The Best Places to Retire in the UK
Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen is a charming seaside town known for its low cost of living and high quality of life. The people are friendly, and the pace of life is relaxed. Due to its northern location, you can enjoy up to 18 hours of daylight in the summer, as well as the breathtaking Northern Lights.
Aberdeen is full of walking routes, so you won’t find much car traffic here. You can spend your evenings at the beach, a local pub, or one of the area’s excellent seafood restaurants. With low crime rates and highly rated local medical facilities, Aberdeen is an excellent choice for expats wanting to retire in the UK.
London, England
London has it all! This diverse, multicultural city is a hotspot for immigrants and offers a wealth of experiences for retirees. You can spend your retirement exploring its riverside parks, luxury boutiques, chic cafes, lively pubs, five-star restaurants, and historic sites and museums. The city is also home to some of the best doctors and medical facilities in the country, including Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital.
London is safe and walkable, and more than 20% of the city is public green space. The only downside of living here is the high cost of living, as it is the most expensive city in the UK. But if you have the budget, the capital offers more amenities and attractions than almost anywhere else in the country. This makes it a top destination for expats looking to retire in the UK.
Glasgow, Scotland
If you desire city amenities amid natural beauty, Glasgow might be the perfect choice for you. Located on Scotland’s west coast, the vibrant city offers a wealth of culture, entertainment, and natural beauty. Whether you love theater, ballet, symphonies, opera, architecture, history, or sports, you’ll always find something interesting to do here.
Low pollution means that Glasgow’s air quality is excellent, and the crime rate is also relatively low. For retirees concerned about healthcare, Glasgow is about as good as it gets, as the city’s medical infrastructure ranks among the best in the UK.
Birmingham, England
Birmingham is an excellent alternative to London if you love city life but need a lower cost of living than the capital city affords. It’s a beautiful, walkable town with lovely canals and the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants outside of London.
Birmingham is also celebrated for its local craft beer and street food scenes. The city’s healthcare system is highly rated, and it features more green spaces – including nearly 600 parks – than any other European city of similar size. Its central location also makes it easy to access other UK cities, making it ideal for weekend trips to various destinations across the country.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Despite having a population of over half a million, Scotland’s capital retains a charming small-town feel. Locals rave about how friendly, green, and walkable the city is. It takes less than 30 minutes to reach most places on foot, but if you don’t want to walk, Edinburgh’s excellent public transport system has you covered.
The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is great news for history buffs. Crime in Edinburgh is also extremely low and it’s considered to be one of the safest places to live in the UK. Retirees will also appreciate the city’s high-quality healthcare facilities and affordable property prices, with the average house price in Edinburgh being around 40% lower than in London.
Other Great Places to Enjoy Your UK Retirement
There are too many charming cities and towns in the UK to count, but we’ve selected a few standout retirement locations. While these places have smaller populations than those on our top-five list, they each offer unique appeal and are definitely worth considering:
- Bath, England
- Bristol, England
- Dorset, England
- Tenby, Wales
- Pembrokeshire, Wales
What Does it Cost to Retire in the UK?
Good retirement planning starts with looking at the cost of living for where you want to live. The monthly average cost for one person to live in the UK, including rent, is $2,400. However, as you might expect, costs vary significantly from country to country within the kingdom.
The approximate monthly cost of living for one person in each country is:
- England: $2,450
- Scotland: $1,975
- Wales: $1,900
- Northern Ireland: $1,800
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to pay for common goods and services in the United Kingdom:
- Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $84
- A gallon of milk: $7
- One dozen eggs: $4
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $11
- Monthly transit pass: $97
- A gallon of gas: $8
- Movie ticket: $14
- Internet connection: $43
What Are the Requirements for Foreigners Who Wish to Retire in the UK?
If you want to retire in the UK, the first step is to get a visa. Unfortunately, as of February 2022, the UK no longer offers retirement visas. However, there are several other visa options available.
If you plan to live in the UK for more than six months, you will need to apply for a residence permit. For stays shorter than six months, consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa, which covers business, short-term study, and tourism.
After being a resident of the UK for five years, you can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain visa, also known as a Settlement visa. This grants you permanent residence and the right to live in the UK for as long as you desire. Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the visa you currently hold.
Notably, since the UK is no longer an EU member, EU citizens who did not secure “settled status” before Brexit will need to go through the visa application process as well.
Read About: Understanding UK Work Visas
Can a US Citizen Retire in the UK?
Yes, U.S. citizens can retire in the UK, but since retirement visas are no longer an option, you’ll need to qualify for a different type.
Can I Collect My US Social Security if I Move to the UK?
If you’re concerned you’ll lose your U.S. Social Security benefits if you move across the pond, don’t worry – you won’t. Americans can still collect Social Security benefits if they retire to the UK. Learn more about living on social security while retired abroad.
Will the UK Tax My US Social Security Payments?
Your Social Security benefits can be taxed in the UK, but you won’t be taxed twice. The UK/USA Double Taxation Treaty prevents Americans from being taxed twice on their retirement income.
Do Expats Get Free Healthcare in the UK?
The UK has a free national healthcare program called the National Health Service (NHS). All UK permanent residents, including foreigners, can access this tax-funded system.
To access NHS services, you will first need to register with a local General Practitioner (GP). You can read more about this in our article on the healthcare system in the UK.
Public vs Private Healthcare in the UK
The UK also has private medical facilities, but only 10% of UK residents opt to pay for private health insurance to use them. The NHS doesn’t cover all treatment, and public medical facilities can grow crowded.
For this reason, some people choose to buy private health insurance to avoid long wait times. This also grants them access to a wider variety of doctors and hospitals in the UK. Notably, you can also use private health insurance to cover services that the NHS doesn’t pay for, such as dental treatments, optical care, and elective procedures.
It is important to be aware that only foreign retirees who are permanent residents of the UK can access NHS services. Depending on the type of visa you have, it takes about five years to become a permanent resident. Until you have permanent residency status, it’s wise to enroll in a private medical insurance plan to ensure your health expenses are covered.
It is important to be aware that only foreign retirees who are permanent residents of the UK can access NHS services. Depending on your visa type, it typically takes about five years to achieve permanent residency. Until you obtain permanent residency status, it is advisable to enroll in a private medical insurance plan to ensure your health expenses are covered.
There are several private health insurance plans retirees can choose from, including the following:
Cigna Global Medical Plan
- Flexibility to tailor plans to suit your individual needs
- Access to Cigna Global’s network of trusted doctors
- Convenience and confidence of 24/7/365 customer service
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Four plan options and plus optional coverages
- Choice of the coverage areas and deductibles
- Freedom to choose your health care provider
U.S. citizens planning on retiring in the UK can also apply for the following plan:
Xplorer Worldwide Medical Plan
- Premium Benefits, Coverage and Service
- Define your deductible and prescription benefits
- For Foreigners in the US or US Citizens Abroad
As you might expect, the premium you pay will vary depending on the insurance provider and the level of coverage you choose. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and select the right plan to suit your needs and budget. You can read more about this in our article on UK health insurance plans for foreigners.
Does the UK Accept US Medicare Insurance?
The UK does not accept US Medicare insurance. Americans can only use Medicare to pay for the cost of treatments within the US.
Read About: Moving to the UK From the US
Should I Retire to the UK?
The UK stands out as an excellent retirement destination due to its safety, affordability, and appealing lifestyle. Its high-quality healthcare system is also a major draw for those looking to spend their golden years in the country.
Aside from these factors, the UK’s rich cultural heritage, diverse cities, and picturesque countryside offer retirees a variety of leisure opportunities to enjoy. Whether you want to explore historic landmarks, enjoy modern city life, or relax in nature, there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Related:
- Moving Abroad to the United Kingdom
- The Best Places to Live in the United Kingdom
- The Cost of Living in London
- Health Insurance Advice for Retiring Abroad
