Before you can begin your new life in the UK, the Home Office requires you to meet a set of legal and practical requirements. If you are considering a move, one of the first questions you are likely to ask is: What exactly will I need to prove?
Having a clear understanding of the documents, financial evidence and health checks required will make the process far smoother and reduce the risk of delays or refusals.
This guide sets out the key requirements for moving to the UK, including documents, financial proof, health checks, and practical steps to take before you relocate.
Visa and immigration requirements
The first step for most people is securing the right visa. The requirements vary depending on your situation, but in all cases, you must complete an online application and pay the relevant visa fees. You will also need to provide:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of English language ability (where required)
- Evidence of funds or income
- Biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph)
Some visa categories require additional documents, such as a job offer letter from a licensed sponsor or an acceptance letter from a UK university.
Financial requirements
Many visas require you to prove that you have enough money to support yourself. The amount depends on the visa type.
Skilled Worker visa: at least £1,270 in savings, unless your employer certifies your maintenance
Student visa: tuition fees for the first year plus a monthly allowance for living costs to cover 9 months. These will differ between London or elsewhere.
Family visa: your partner in the UK must usually earn at least £41,700 per year.
Bank statements must normally cover the 28 days before your application, and the funds must be held in your name.
Do I need a UK bank account before I arrive?
No, you do not need to open a UK bank account before you move.
In fact, most banks require proof of address in the UK before allowing you to set up an account.
For visa purposes, you can show savings or income from an overseas account, provided the account is in your name and the funds have been held for the required period (usually 28 days).
Once you arrive, you can open a UK bank account using your visa and proof of your UK address, such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill.
Will debt or bankruptcy affect my application?
Having personal debt or a history of bankruptcy does not usually prevent you from being granted a UK visa.
The Home Office is primarily concerned with whether you meet the financial requirements for your visa, such as minimum savings or income, rather than your credit history.
However, if your financial situation prevents you from showing the required level of funds, or if it suggests you may be unable to support yourself in the UK, it could affect the outcome.
Health requirements
You may need to meet certain health requirements before moving to the UK.
Tuberculosis test: required if you are coming from a listed country and staying for more than 6 months.
Immigration Health Surcharge: Usually £1,035 per year of your visa. However, the price may change if you’re a healthcare worker or student.
Private medical insurance: optional, but some applicants choose to take it out in addition to NHS access
Documents for children and dependants
If you are bringing children with you to the UK, each child must have their own dependant visa application. Children are usually classed as dependants if they are under 18 at the time of application. Older children may still qualify if they are financially dependent and living with you.
You will need to provide:
- A valid passport for each child
- Their birth certificate, showing your parental relationship
- Evidence of parental responsibility, such as custody or guardianship documents, if applicable
- Proof of funds to support them (where required by the visa type)
The Home Office accepts both original printed documents and official electronic copies, but if a document is not in English or Welsh, you must also provide a certified translation. For ease of processing, it is strongly recommended to bring the original printed versions where possible, especially for passports and birth certificates.
Parents or legal guardians normally complete and submit applications on behalf of their children. If only one parent is moving to the UK, you may also need to provide written consent from the other parent confirming that the child can travel and live with you. In cases where someone other than a parent is applying for a child, they must have formal legal responsibility, such as a court order.
Accommodation and practical proof
In some visa categories, you may need to provide proof of accommodation in the UK. This can include a tenancy agreement, mortgage documents, or a letter from your employer if they are providing housing.
Even if it is not a formal requirement, arranging accommodation in advance will make your move smoother and can speed up your application.
What if my documents aren’t in English?
The Home Office requires that all supporting documents be in English or Welsh. If your documents are in another language, you must provide a certified translation. The translation must:
- Confirm it is an accurate translation of the original document
- Include the translator’s name and contact details
- Show the date of translation
- Be signed by the translator or a representative of the translation company
Examples of documents that often need translating include birth certificates, marriage certificates, bank statements, employment letters and academic qualifications.
Submitting documents in another language without a certified translation can lead to delays or even the refusal of your visa application.
What if I don’t have the correct documents?
If you are missing an original document, such as your birth certificate or marriage certificate, you should apply for a replacement from the authority that issued it. It’s best to do this before submitting your visa application in case there are delays.
The Home Office generally expects original, official documents or certified copies, and missing paperwork is one of the most common reasons for refusal.
In some cases, you can provide alternative evidence, but this must meet the Home Office’s strict requirements and be clearly explained in your application. It is always safer to obtain the correct documents in advance wherever possible.
What if I have a criminal record?
A criminal record does not automatically prevent you from moving to the UK, but it can make the process more complicated.
For certain visa types, particularly those involving work with vulnerable people, such as health, education or social care roles, you may be required to provide a criminal record certificate from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
The Home Office will assess whether your conviction is “spent” or whether it falls into a category that may affect your suitability to enter or stay in the UK. Serious or recent convictions can lead to refusal, while minor or older offences may not. It is important to be honest in your application. Failure to disclose relevant information can have more serious consequences than the conviction itself.
If you are unsure how your record might affect your application, seeking legal advice before applying is strongly recommended.
Our immigration solicitors can guide you through the process, ensuring that every requirement is met and your application has the best chance of success.
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