Feather Insurance’s 2026 Relocation Index ranks Amsterdam as the easiest European city for UK nationals to move to, driven by a strong job market and high English proficiency, amidst increasing outward migration from Britain due to economic and social pressures.
Feather Insurance’s newly published 2026 Relocation Index places Amsterdam at the top of European cities for UK nationals seeking to move abroad, saying the Dutch capital’s combination of job availability, English-language accessibility and a large international community makes relocation there comparatively straightforward. According to reporting on the index, the ranking assessed legal processes, employment prospects, business-friendliness and administrative complexity to determine which locations are ‘realistically’ easiest for British movers. (Sources: Euroweekly News, ITIJ)
The index’s release comes amid rising outward migration from Britain. Office for National Statistics figures cited alongside the research show UK emigration climbed by more than 6 per cent in 2025, with about 252,000 people leaving the country and just 143,000 returning; roughly three quarters of those departing were under 35, the analysis noted. (Sources: Euroweekly News, Relocate Magazine)
Push factors identified by analysts include stagnant wages, pressures on public services and the growing difficulty younger adults face in buying a home, which together have prompted many to consider continental alternatives promising lower living costs, better work-life balance and more reliable public transport. Industry commentary accompanying the index frames these economic and social concerns as a decisive element in recent mobility trends. (Sources: Relocate Magazine, ExpatNetwork)
Amsterdam’s strengths in the index were driven by two closely related attributes: a buoyant labour market and exceptionally high English proficiency among residents. The city was highlighted for having about 42 job vacancies per 1,000 inhabitants in the index’s dataset and for a multicultural population in which English is commonly used as a practical lingua franca, easing everyday integration for anglophone arrivals. (Sources: ITIJ, PR Newswire)
The city is not presented as a low-cost option. Analysts and local observers warn that Amsterdam’s housing market remains tight and that rental costs are comparatively high, with an average one‑bedroom flat taking a substantial share of typical salaries. For those prioritising cheaper living, the index suggests other destinations may offer a stronger financial case, even if they score lower on administrative ease or English usage. (Sources: Euroweekly News, ExpatNetwork)
The study also reflects a broader policy backdrop in which migration has become a central political theme in the UK. Changes to immigration rules and proposals to lengthen routes to settled status, along with tighter language requirements for some visas, have added complexity to moves in both directions and are influencing decisions by employers and prospective migrants alike. Academic commentary warned that continued outflows of skilled workers could produce noticeable labour shortages in sectors already reporting recruitment difficulties. (Sources: Relocate Magazine, PR Newswire)
Vincent Audoire, co‑founder of Feather Insurance, said: ‘More people are looking to leave the UK in search of warmer climates, a new lifestyle, or a lower cost of living. But too often the challenges an expat faces and the processes involved when moving abroad are ignored and underestimated. From finding a place to rent and sorting visas and insurance, to settling into a new environment, relocating can be complex. That’s why we created the Relocation Index, to highlight the easiest places to move to and help people understand the benefits and challenges of each destination.’ (Sources: PR Newswire, ITIJ)
Source Reference Map
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://www.consultancy.uk/news/43267/amsterdam-the-top-destination-for-uk-emigrants-in-europe – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/02/20/amsterdam-crowned-easiest-european-city-for-uk-expats-in-2026/ – Amsterdam has been named the easiest European city for UK expats to relocate to in 2026, according to the Feather Relocation Index. The index evaluates cities based on factors such as legal processes, job opportunities, and social integration. Amsterdam’s high English proficiency, strong job market, and large expat community contribute to its top ranking. In 2025, UK emigration increased by over 6%, with 252,000 citizens leaving the UK, and 76% of them were under the age of 35. (euroweeklynews.com)
- https://www.itij.com/latest/news/amsterdam-named-easiest-european-city-relocate – Feather Insurance’s 2026 Relocation Index has ranked Amsterdam as the easiest European city for UK citizens to relocate to. The index assesses cities based on openness to immigration, economic opportunity, ease of opening a business, and administrative complexity. Amsterdam’s high English proficiency, digital visa process, and strong job market, with 42 vacancies per 1,000 residents, contribute to its top position. In 2025, UK emigration rose by over 6%, with 252,000 citizens leaving the UK, and 76% of them were under the age of 35. (itij.com)
- https://www.relocatemagazine.com/amsterdam-named-the-easiest-city-for-brits-to-relocate-to-in-europe-feather-0226 – According to Feather Insurance’s 2026 Relocation Index, Amsterdam is the easiest European city for UK citizens to relocate to. The index evaluates cities based on factors such as openness to immigration, economic opportunity, ease of opening a business, and administrative complexity. Amsterdam’s high English proficiency, digital visa process, and strong job market, with 42 vacancies per 1,000 residents, contribute to its top ranking. In 2025, UK emigration increased by over 6%, with 252,000 citizens leaving the UK, and 76% of them were under the age of 35. (relocatemagazine.com)
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amsterdam-named-the-easiest-city-for-brits-to-relocate-to-in-europe–according-to-new-research-302691851.html – Feather Insurance’s 2026 Relocation Index has identified Amsterdam as the easiest European city for UK citizens to relocate to. The index assesses cities based on factors such as openness to immigration, economic opportunity, ease of opening a business, and administrative complexity. Amsterdam’s high English proficiency, digital visa process, and strong job market, with 42 vacancies per 1,000 residents, contribute to its top position. In 2025, UK emigration rose by over 6%, with 252,000 citizens leaving the UK, and 76% of them were under the age of 35. (prnewswire.com)
- https://expatnetwork.com/amsterdam-named-the-easiest-city-for-brits-to-relocate-to-in-europe/ – Feather Insurance’s 2026 Relocation Index has ranked Amsterdam as the easiest European city for UK citizens to relocate to. The index evaluates cities based on factors such as openness to immigration, economic opportunity, ease of opening a business, and administrative complexity. Amsterdam’s high English proficiency, digital visa process, and strong job market, with 42 vacancies per 1,000 residents, contribute to its top ranking. In 2025, UK emigration increased by over 6%, with 252,000 citizens leaving the UK, and 76% of them were under the age of 35. (expatnetwork.com)
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score: 7
Notes: The article references a 2026 Relocation Index by Feather Insurance, published on 24 February 2026. Similar content has appeared in other publications, such as Euro Weekly News on 20 February 2026 and ITIJ on 17 February 2026 . The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 17 February 2026. The narrative appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the presence of similar content across multiple sources raises concerns about originality.
Quotes check
Score: 6
Notes: The article includes a quote from Vincent Audoire, co-founder of Feather Insurance: ‘More people are looking to leave the UK in search of warmer climates, a new lifestyle, or a lower cost of living.’ A search for this quote reveals it has been used in other publications, such as ITIJ on 17 February 2026 . The identical wording across multiple sources suggests potential reuse of content. The lack of independent verification of this quote raises concerns about its authenticity.
Source reliability
Score: 5
Notes: The lead source is Consultancy.uk, a niche publication focusing on consulting industry news. While it provides industry-specific insights, its reach and reputation may be limited compared to major news organisations. The article appears to be summarising or aggregating content from other sources, including press releases and articles from publications like Euro Weekly News and ITIJ. This raises concerns about the independence and originality of the content.
Plausibility check
Score: 7
Notes: The article presents plausible claims about UK emigration trends and Amsterdam’s appeal to UK nationals. However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the reliance on a single source for key data points raise concerns about the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the information. The article lacks specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, which diminishes its credibility. The tone and language are consistent with typical corporate or official language, but the absence of independent verification sources is a significant concern.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary: The article presents plausible claims about UK emigration trends and Amsterdam’s appeal to UK nationals. However, it heavily relies on a press release from Feather Insurance and summarises content from other publications, raising concerns about originality, independence, and the ability to independently verify the information presented. The lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the absence of direct access to the original Feather Insurance report further diminish the article’s credibility. Given these concerns, the content does not meet the necessary standards for publication under our editorial indemnity.