Moving to the UK.

Moving to the UK is a life-changing decision, offering the chance to experience a rich cultural heritage, excellent career opportunities, and world-class education. From the energy of London to the quiet charm of rural villages, the UK has something to offer everyone.

This guide provides an overview of the key steps and considerations when relocating to the UK – from visa requirements to finding work, setting up your new life, and everything in between. Each section includes links to more detailed resources to help you plan with confidence.

Why move to the UK?

People choose to move to the UK for many reasons. The country is a global business and financial hub, home to multinational companies, start-ups, and leading institutions in industries such as technology, finance, law, healthcare, and the creative arts.

The UK also offers access to free public healthcare through the NHS, and its education system is among the best in the world, with globally renowned universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.

Cultural diversity is another major draw. Around 16% of the population was born overseas, making the UK one of the most multicultural countries in Europe. This diversity creates welcoming communities, especially in major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

The quality of life is generally high, with well-developed infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to Europe for travel and business.

Where to live in the UK

With a wide variety of places to live, the UK has somewhere to suit everyone, from fast-paced cities to seaside towns and quiet rural villages. Where you choose will depend on your lifestyle, job opportunities, and budget.

• London is the most expensive, but offers unrivalled cultural life, transport links, and career opportunities, especially in finance and law.
• Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and Bristol offer lower costs with vibrant city life and growing business sectors.
• Edinburgh and Glasgow are popular Scottish cities with strong universities and cultural heritage.
• Coastal or countryside areas such as Cornwall, Devon, and the Cotswolds appeal to those seeking space and a slower pace of life.

UK visa options

Securing the right visa is the most important part of your journey. The UK uses a points-based system for many work visas, meaning you must meet a specific set of criteria. The main routes include: 

Skilled Worker Visa: The most common route for professionals. You need a job offer from a Home Office-approved employer (a licensed sponsor), and the role must meet minimum skill and salary levels. 

Health and Care Worker Visa: A dedicated pathway for qualified medical professionals with a job offer from the NHS or an eligible social care organisation. 

Global Talent Visa: For recognised leaders or potential leaders in fields like academia, research, arts, and digital technology. A job offer is not required, but you must be endorsed by a relevant body. 

Family Visas: If you have a partner or parent who is a British citizen or has settled status, you may be eligible to join them. You will need to prove that your relationship is genuine and meet a financial requirement. 

Student Visa: For international students accepted onto a course at a licensed UK educational institution

Many of these routes offer an option to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after being in the country for a certain number of years. ILR allows people to live and work in the UK without a time limit and acts as a pathway to British Citizenship.

Requirements for moving to the UK

Before relocating, you must ensure you meet the legal and immigration requirements. Most people will need a visa to live, work, or study in the UK.

The UK uses a points-based immigration system for many visa categories. To qualify, you typically need to meet specific criteria such as having a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor, meeting minimum salary thresholds, and demonstrating English language proficiency.

Other requirements often include:

• Proof of funds, to show you can support yourself
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you’re from a listed country
• Clean criminal record certificates for certain visa types
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment, which allows access to NHS services

Visa processing times and costs vary by category. The most common routes are the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, Global Talent visa, Family visa, and Student visa.

Cost of moving to the UK

It’s important to budget carefully for your move. Costs vary widely depending on your lifestyle and where in the UK you choose to live.

Upfront costs can include:

• Visa fees – which can range from hundreds to several thousand pounds
• Immigration Health Surcharge – around £1,035 per year of your visa
• Flights and shipping of personal belongings
• Temporary accommodation while you search for housing
• Rent deposit (usually five weeks’ rent) and first month’s rent upfront

Once settled, you will need to account for ongoing living expenses such as:

Rent: London is the most expensive, with average rents over £2,000 per month, while cities like Leeds, Sheffield and Cardiff are far more affordable.

Council tax: Charged by local authorities and based on your property’s value band.

Utilities and transport: Energy bills and rail or bus travel can be significant monthly costs.

Groceries and other essentials: These can vary significantly depending on where you live and your household size.

Finding a job in the UK

The UK has a large and varied job market, attracting skilled workers from around the world. If you plan to move for work, it’s important to understand the sponsorship system.

Most overseas workers will need a Skilled Worker visa, which requires a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor. Your job must meet minimum salary thresholds and be at an appropriate skill level. Shortage roles, such as positions in teaching and construction, have lower thresholds and faster visa processing.

The strongest job sectors for international candidates include healthcare, finance, engineering, IT and technology, education, and the creative industries. London remains a major centre for finance, law, and tech, while Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds are growing hubs for media, digital, and advanced manufacturing.

Popular websites for job seekers include LinkedIn, Indeed, and Reed. It could be worth doing some research on best practices for CVs in the UK. For example, making it concise, focused on achievements, and supported by a tailored cover letter.

Studying in the UK

The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities and offers a wide range of qualifications at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Studying here can be a gateway to career opportunities and even long-term residency. 

International students need a student visa. To qualify, you must have an offer from a licensed UK education provider, prove you can speak English, and show you can cover tuition fees and living costs. You may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. 

The academic year generally runs from September to July. Most full-time students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. After completing your degree, you may be able to apply for a graduate visa to stay and work in the UK for up to two years. 

Healthcare in the UK 

England is well-known for its free healthcare options, provided by the National Health Service (NHS), available for all residents. 

Most healthcare in the UK is provided by the NHS and is free at the point of use for residents. As part of your visa application, you will pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to NHS services as soon as you arrive. 

Once you have a permanent address, you should register with a local GP (doctor’s surgery), who will be your first point of contact for non-emergency care.  

Dental and optician services aren’t always free, however, they usually come with discounted prices through NHS bands. 

Some people choose to take out private medical insurance for faster access to certain treatments or private hospital facilities, but this is optional. 

Bringing pets to the UK

Pets are often treated as part of the family, so it’s understandable if you want to bring them on your new journey.

You can bring your pet to the UK, but the process is tightly regulated. Cats, dogs and ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by official health documents.

Depending on where you are travelling from, a rabies blood test and waiting period may also be required. Pets must travel on approved routes with approved carriers and usually fly as cargo, not in the cabin.

It’s important to check whether your pet is actually allowed into the country. England has some strict rules and regulations, especially for dogs. Some dog breeds are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Arriving and settling in

When you arrive in the UK, a few key steps will help you get settled quickly:

• Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), usually from a designated Post Office
• Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number, which you need for work and tax
• Secure long-term accommodation, providing your right-to-rent documents and paying a deposit
• Open a UK bank account using your BRP and proof of address
• Register with a GP so you can access NHS care

Beyond the admin, it helps to get involved in your local community. Joining groups, clubs or sports teams can help you build a social network.

Understanding British cultural norms will make settling in easier – from queuing in a shop to learning how to make the perfect cup of tea.

Ready to make your move to the UK?

Moving to the UK is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning. From navigating visa applications to understanding your legal rights and responsibilities, it’s vital to get the details right from the outset.

The process can feel overwhelming for many people, and rightly so. There is a lot of paperwork and criteria to meet, and if you don’t get it right the first time, you could face delays or even a visa refusal.

At Britton and Time Solicitors, our immigration specialists provide clear, practical advice to guide you through the process and give you peace of mind.