Spain remains the European country with the highest number of British expats by a significant margin. As of early 2026, official records indicate that over 300,000 to 400,000 British citizens are formally registered as residents in Spain, though the true number including seasonal residents is estimated to be much higher. The most popular regions remain the Costa del Sol, Alicante, and the Balearic Islands, favored for their mild climate and established English-speaking communities. France holds the second position, with roughly 170,000 British expats, many of whom are concentrated in rural regions like the Dordogne or urban centers like Paris. Ireland ranks third, largely due to the "Common Travel Area" agreement which allows for easy movement between the UK and Ireland even post-Brexit. Other significant populations exist in Germany and Italy, but Spain's combination of lifestyle, healthcare, and cost of living ensures it remains the undisputed favorite for Brits living abroad in Europe.