Moving to and Living in the UK | Expat Arrivals

When it comes to global trends, the United Kingdom takes the lead. From business to culture, moving to the UK can open hundreds of opportunities for expats like you.

Living in the UK is quite different from your own country. It’s not just because of your language or traditions, but also because they have their own systems.

With a wonderful living standard and hundreds of job opportunities, the UK has a lot to offer.

Living in the UK as an Expat

Moving to the UK is one of the most major decisions of one’s life. And it’s essential to carefully consider the ins and outs before moving.

There’s no doubt in saying that the UK is a great country to live in. This country offers you with several opportunities that could change your life.

Yet, there are many factors that you should consider before making a decision.

First things first, know your why! Enlist all your reasons for moving to the UK. Decide what you want to do as soon as you reach the UK. Bear in mind that there are a lot of things that you may need before your arrival in the UK.

Depending on what visa type you hold, you may need to prove that you have enough funds to live in the UK.

Cost of living in the UK

Before you decide to move to the UK, you need to consider the amount of money you need to live peacefully.

If you have a certain type of visa that doesn’t allow you to work, make sure that you have funds to support yourself.

Here are a few things that you should think about:

You need money to pay for your living space. This amount may include a deposit of 1 month’s rent.
Setting up your home can cost you a few bucks, too. Make sure that you at least have money to cover the basics.
Set aside a few pennies for your health-related costs. There’s a chance that you might have to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge.
No matter if you are planning to buy or hire a car or use public transport, you will need money.
And of course, you need to pay for the food and the bills. Well, there’s no option.

Even if you are planning to work in the UK, a sum amount of £5,000 to £8,000 is essential to start.

Almost all jobs pay you after you have served your one month at the organisation. So, make sure you have enough funds in your hand.

Climate in the UK

The climate of the UK is quite hard to predict. It has a temperate maritime climate that keeps changing throughout the year. The summers in the UK are warm. At the same time, the winters in the United Kingdom are cool.

The rainfall is even throughout the year. Thus, it’s essential for expats to make prior arrangements for the rain showers.

Fast facts

Before you head into a life of expats in the UK, ensure that you check out a list of things to know about the UK.

Public Healthcare is Free

Free public healthcare – sounds too good to be true, right? Well, here’s what you need to know.

In 1948, the government of the UK established the National Healthcare Services. And, till today’s date, the NHS has been providing free healthcare services to the UK, funded by taxes.

Public Holidays Are Different

If you are moving from the US or from any part of the world, know that the UK has fewer holidays.

They don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, Labor Day, or Columbus Day! In general, there are ten holidays annually in Northern Ireland, 09 in Scotland, and only 08 in England.

You Will Have Very Few Visas.

Anyone who’s looking to move to the UK for more than six months needs to get a visa. There are several types of visas available, which depend on your situation and needs.

To help expats, the government of the UK has set up a test so that you can analyse the type of visa you need.

How to Move to the UK?

Find the Correct Type of Visa

Before moving forward, make sure that you work on arranging your visa. There are several types of visas available, depending on your wish to move to the UK to work or to study. Make sure that you check out all the visa options on the official government website.

Here are a few things on which your type of visa depends:

Your country of origin
The reason behind coming to the UK
Duration of your stay in the UK
Your Skillset (For Work Visa Purposes)

Find Employment

If you are working for a company that has global chains and offices, ask for a transfer. This way, you won’t have to look for a new job.

If that’s not what you want, set up the direction. Determine the type of job you are looking for and estimate the salary level.

Assess your qualifications and consider the seasonality of your job. Work on your LinkedIn profile and send proposals to your prospective clients.

Here’s a big tip – ACTIVELY NETWORK WITH YOUR CONTACTS! Your connections can do wonders for you. You never know who might help you land your next job.

Apply for the Visa

Got a job? Congratulations, dear expat!

The next step is to apply for a visa. Make sure that you meet all the requirements to be eligible for a visa.

Here are a few things that you can consider before making a decision:

Your job role is eligible for the visa type.
Approval of your UK employer by the Home Office.
Your salary is enough to help you settle as an expat.

Things to Know Before Moving to the UK

Banking In the UK

As an expat, opening an international offshore bank account is the best way to manage your money.

You can open this account in the UK while working there. These accounts are available in EUR and USD. This account also benefits you over other domestic banks in terms of tax arrangements.

How to Transfer Money From the UK

There is a high chance that your offshore accounts will require you to send larger deposits.

And, to help you with this concern, TangoPay is the best deal for you! TangoPay offers a full range of financial liberty for both individuals and businesses.

We offer a swift and convenient way to send money across the world from your homes in the UK. This means you no longer have to pay a physical visit to a bank.

This way, you get to see the faces of your loved ones brightening up when they receive your love via TangoPay.

Finding Accommodations

The best way to find your perfect UK house is by having a clear idea of what you are searching for. It may feel very overwhelming at the start, but with these tips, you can set it easy.

1- Consider the rent. Rent is the biggest expense you will encounter in the UK. Weigh up the cost of your rent against all the other expenses. Figure out the exact amount that you can afford to spend on rent.

2- Do your research about the neighborhood. No matter if you are planning to live near the countryside or want to live near the bustle of the city, research!

This will help you determine the type of neighbourhood that suits you the best.

Immigration and Taxes

Your taxes are the contributions to the government’s spending, including NHS and education.

The UK’s tax authorities tax all the incomes earned in the UK as well as the worldwide earnings. This income may include job benefits, profits, pensions, rents, etc.

Yet, if you are still not registered as a UK citizen, your rent and income will be automatically taxed.

Wrapping Up Your First Three Months

Congratulations on completing your first three months in the UK! Take a moment to think about how things have been going for you.

Consider it a good chance to see what you have achieved so far, where you can improve, and use that to keep doing better.

Health Insurance

National Health Services in the UK provides free access to the following services:

Consultations with general practitioners.
Consultations with specialists.
Hospitalisation in public care centres.
Blood tests and examinations.

But, if you are visiting the UK for less than six months, make sure you have private insurance.

To avail of the above-mentioned benefits, you need to pay a contribution to the NHS when you reach the UK.

Pros and Cons of Living in the UK

Pros:

Career Opportunities

The UK market is full of opportunities to offer. Whether you are looking for a flexible job or want to progress towards a good career path, the UK works best.

Access to Free Education

There are several public schools in the UK funded by the state.

So, whether you are a legal resident or are planning to move, you can educate your children tuition-free up to the age of 18.

Employment Benefits

Moving to the UK offers you great labour benefits. All the full-time workers get around 28 paid holidays in a year, along with paid, sick, and parental leaves.

The UK laws also protect your employee’s right to a national minimum wage. This prevents the full-time workers from working more than 50 hours.

Cons:

Cost of Living

If you are planning to settle in cities like London, the cost of living might break your wallet. Rents, food costs, and other spending will add up to your expenses, making it a little difficult to manage.

Therefore, before you move to the UK, sort out your finances.

Expensive Rents

If you are planning to buy a property in the UK, this can be a big challenge because paying rent in the UK is expensive.

If you are planning to rent a property or buy your own, consider your salary first.

Consider the following factors before you rent:

Location
Suitability
Rent Guarantor

Make sure that you save enough amount after paying your rent.

Difficult Accents

Keep in mind that it might take you some time to get comfortable with the British accent. A lot of newcomers find the Welsh, Cockney, and Northern accents hard to understand.

Interact with people around you to learn more about the language or accent they speak.

Conclusion

Moving to and living in the UK as an expat is a diverse experience. Throughout this guide, we have explored the essentials, from visas to health and culture. While you are planning to move to the UK, make sure you travel with an open mind.

Throughout your expat journey, stay willing to adapt to the new change. With the right preparation, your UK journey can turn into an enjoyable experience. Cheers to a happy expat life in the UK!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UK good for expats?

The UK can be an excellent destination for expats due to its diverse culture, strong economy, world-renowned education and healthcare systems, and various job opportunities in sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare.

However, the experience can vary based on personal preferences and circumstances.

Can you move to the UK just to live there?

Yes, you can move to the UK to live without having a job lined up. There are various visas, such as the Tier 2 General Work Visa, Tier 1 Investor Visa, Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa, or the Youth Mobility Scheme (for eligible young people from certain countries), that allow individuals to relocate to the UK for different purposes.

What are the requirements for moving to the UK?

The specific requirements depend on the visa category. Generally, you’ll need a valid passport, proof of funds to support yourself, a place to stay, and possibly a job offer, depending on your visa type.

How do you move to the UK without a job?

If moving without a job, consider options like the Tier 1 Entrepreneur or Investor Visa if you have enough funds to invest or start a business in the UK.

Alternatively, explore the Youth Mobility Scheme if you’re eligible or seek short-term visas to explore the country while networking for job opportunities.