Moving to and Living in the UK | Expat Arrivals

Introduction

Living and relocating to the UK may be both an exciting and challenging experience. Understanding housing alternatives, visa restrictions, and the cost of living which can differ greatly between cities is crucial before moving. Residents can receive healthcare from the National Health Service (NHS), and there are a variety of employment options available, especially in large cities like London.

You can more easily adapt to your new town if you are familiar with the local educational system, transit alternatives, and cultural environment. As you adjust to living in the UK, participating in local events and organizations might improve your experience.

How to move to the UK as an expat?

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 while living in the UK. 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 neighborhood that suits you the best.

Immigration and Taxes

When immigrating to the UK, 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, hospitalization in public care centers, and 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.

By understanding how to move to the UK, navigating the banking system, securing accommodations, managing immigration and taxes, and utilizing healthcare services, you can set a strong foundation for your new life in this diverse and lively country.

How much does it cost to live 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, ensure you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

Here are a few important things to think about:

·   Housing Costs: You need money to pay for your living space, which may include a deposit of one month’s rent and the first month’s rent upfront. Research the average rent in your desired area to budget accordingly.

·   Setting Up Your Home: Initial expenses for setting up your home can add up. Ensure you have funds to cover the basics like furniture, kitchenware, and utilities.

·   Health-Related Costs: Set aside some money for health-related costs. If you’re required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, this could be a significant upfront expense. This surcharge allows you access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

·   Transportation: Whether you plan to buy or hire a car or use public transport, budget for transportation costs. If you’re using public transport, consider purchasing an Oyster card in London or a similar travel card in other cities for discounted fares.

·   Daily Living Expenses: You’ll need to budget for food, bills, and other daily expenses. Grocery prices can vary, so check local prices to get a clearer picture of your potential monthly spending.

·   Emergency Fund: It’s wise to set aside an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances. This could cover unexpected medical bills, repairs, or other emergencies.

·   Job Waiting Period: Even if you plan to work in the UK, having a sum of £5,000 to £8,000 is essential to start. Almost all jobs pay you after you’ve served one month at the organization, so having enough funds to cover your living expenses during this period is crucial.

By taking these factors into account, you can ensure a smoother transition as you immigrate to the UK and establish your new life. Proper financial planning will help you through the challenges and enjoy your experience in this exciting country.

Some Fast Facts about living in the UK. 

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.

Is it worth it to move to the UK as an Expat.

Pros

People from their native nations are attracted to the UK because of its many benefits. The UK has a first-rate healthcare system, amazing cultural variety, and some of the greatest educational and professional prospects.

1. One of the greatest healthcare systems in the world is found in the UK. Anyone living in the UK may get affordable healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS). When applying for a visa, you will be required to pay an immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS), which may cost up to £1,035 annually. No matter how much care you receive, you won’t have to pay for it after it’s paid.
   
2. There are numerous benefits to working in the UK. Depending on where you live, there are around eight public holidays annually in addition to the 28 required paid holidays for full-time employees. English is the official language, which facilitates job searches in the UK’s booming employment market across a range of industries. Workers are also protected by extensive labor regulations with relation to compensation, holidays, and terminations.
   
3. Excellent education is available in the UK. From elementary school through university, the country provides top-notch education. Children ages 5 to 18 attend free public schools, and there are many private and foreign institutions to choose from. Some of the best institutions in the world are located in the United Kingdom, such as Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford, which has been named the best in the world for six years running.

Cons

There are drawbacks to being an overseas resident in the UK, just like in any other nation. There are drawbacks to certain benefits as well. 

1. There are problems with the NHS. The NHS has issues including underfunding and personnel shortages, which result in long waitlists for basic treatment even though it is one of the greatest healthcare systems. Private healthcare is more effective but also more costly, which is why many foreigners choose it. Where you live has a big impact on the quality of NHS care.
   
2. The cost of education in the UK is high. Although public education is free for students ages 5 to 18, the quality varies by region, therefore some students prefer private schools, which may cost between £10,000 and £20,000 annually. With post-graduate degrees reaching £30,000 and bachelor’s degrees for overseas students costing about £22,000 annually, higher education is very costly. There could be scholarships available to aid with expenses.

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. As you plan your move, 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.

To make your transition smoother, consider using TangoPay for sending money internationally from the UK. With our easy-to-use app, you can quickly transfer funds to family and friends back home without the hassle of visiting a bank. Download TangoPay today and enjoy fast, secure money transfers that keep you connected, no matter where you are. 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.