Practical Advice for Expats Moving Abroad to the UK
With excellent global transport links, a thriving arts and culture scene, a strong job market, and easy communication, it鈥檚 no surprise that moving to the UK is high on many expats鈥� wishlists. But before you pack your bags and head to cities like Cardiff, London, Belfast, Glasgow, or the Shetland Islands, here鈥檚 what you need to know to prepare.
Visa Requirements for Moving to the UK
All visitors to the United Kingdom must have a passport to enter the country. Beyond that, the legal requirements for moving to the UK vary widely by country.
In general, EU citizens aren鈥檛 currently required to have any special documentation or visa to move to the UK. However, this situation is fluid and uncertain as the Brexit separation terms are being navigated.
Americans hoping to move to the UK must obtain a visa before moving. The most common are work visas and family visas (applicable to people who already have a close family member in the UK).
While there are many kinds of different visas available, the vast majority of Americans resettling in the UK do so via a work visa and a family visa.
In most cases, the other visas apply to rare situations. The UK government has an online quiz you can do to see which visa is the best fit for your circumstances.
In general, in order to qualify for a UK visa, you need to demonstrate that you speak English, that you have a valid passport, and that you have funds to support yourself in the UK.
This is in addition to any supporting documentation you must provide to your new employer. This could include demonstrating the job vacancy, proof that you will be paid an appropriate salary, and even a criminal record check.
UK Language and Culture
Many expats assume that, since they are native English speakers, they won鈥檛 have a problem communicating in the UK.
That isn鈥檛 always the case. In many parts of the UK, , including Welsh, Gaelic, Cornish, Manx, and many others.
While you can still communicate in English in these communities, joining a language class will rapidly accelerate your ability to assimilate.
Like any country, the UK has cultural and linguistic quirks that shape social interactions. Talking about the weather – nay, complaining about it – is very common.
As is apologizing. UK residents frequently use the word 鈥渟orry鈥� in everyday conversation, even when there is little context for an apology.
For Canadians, for whom weather-related chit-chat and social apologies are the norms, this isn鈥檛 a huge adjustment. But for visitors from other countries, it can be confusing and even worrisome.
There is also an entire subset of words to describe the logistical and social process of queuing (waiting in line).
This vocabulary often overlaps with the unwritten rules surrounding public transit. The London Underground, in particular, has its own established customs around queuing, using escalators, and starting conversations (in a word: Don鈥檛).
Finding a Job in the UK
Finding a job in the UK isn鈥檛 necessarily that hard, depending on location and industry. However, non-UK applicants need to demonstrate why they鈥檙e a better fit for the job than local applicants.
In many cases, foreign applicants have an excellent combination of language proficiency, experience in international markets, and specialized skills.
In other cases, finding a good match can be much more challenging. Attending international job fairs in your home country is one way to make contacts in the UK market and stay up to date on their needs and requirements.
Finding a Place to Live
There鈥檚 no one way to easily sum up the UK housing market. In some areas, such as London, renting is common and good places go fast.
Prospective renters must be ready to act if they find something they want. While not required, having letters of reference from former landlords and a copy of your credit report can go a long way in terms of demonstrating why you鈥檙e a worthy prospective tenant.
In other parts of the UK, the rental market may be very small. It might be necessary to hire an estate agent to help you with your search, as only they will have access to word-of-mouth rentals, which are never officially posted.
Unsurprisingly, rental costs in London can be very high, while in more remote areas, prices may be downright reasonable. However, on average, the UK housing market is expensive, among the highest in Europe.
The average UK citizen spends 40% of their income on housing, compared to 28% across the rest of Europe. Do your research before moving to the UK; you don’t want to become house-poor.
Don’t forget, wherever you decide to live, you’ll need your “stuff”. Read .
Discover the safest places to live in London.
The UK Healthcare System (NHS)
The UK operates a universal healthcare system called the National Health Service (NHS). Established under the principles of universality, free delivery, equity, and central funding, the NHS is responsible for all aspects of the UK healthcare system.
It is one of the largest public health systems in the world and provides an excellent standard of care, with high-quality hospitals. Anyone legally residing in the United Kingdom is entitled to free NHS healthcare, including expats.
Also, the UK has a number of reciprocal healthcare agreements with other countries, including New Zealand and Australia. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can be treated in the UK at no cost.
While the NHS provides comprehensive coverage, many expats still opt for private health insurance in the UK to gain faster access to specialists, reduce waiting times, and have more flexibility in choosing hospitals and doctors.
Best Health Insurance for Expats Living in the UK
Best Health Insurance for US Citizens Living in the United Kingdom
Banking and Finances in the UK
In theory, setting up a bank account in the United Kingdom is pretty easy. You need two sets of documents. The first proves your identity. A passport, a driving license, or an EU identification card will suffice
The second piece of documentation proves your address. This is sometimes easier said than done for expats who are still sorting out their housing situation.
Some acceptable pieces of address documentation include a mortgage statement, a utility bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a council tax bill.
Some expats change their credit card statement mailing address just prior to their move. That way, they will be receiving mail right away in the UK. However, such a plan requires a trusted address.
Tips for Saving Money in the UK
The cost of living in the UK is high, so most expats look for ways to save money and offset relocation costs.
Many expats aren鈥檛 aware that they can switch home energy and other utility suppliers in the UK. The savings are significant – up to several hundred GBP a year.
There鈥檚 even a price comparison website, which helps you compare providers. If you are moving into a new apartment, you鈥檒l initially use the same company the previous tenants used. However, a switch is relatively easy and can yield significant savings.
Transportation is another costly expense, especially for expats keen to explore their new country. Traveling as locals can save a lot of money.
In cities like London, skip on short journeys on the Underground and opt to walk or catch the less-expensive bus.
For longer journeys, it pays to book your rail travel well in advance to maximize savings. Or you can skip it entirely and take the coach.
And keep the cost of getting to and from the airport in mind before you succumb to the temptation of a low-cost flight. Often, you鈥檒l pay a small fortune getting to an out-of-the-way airport in order to save on the flight itself.
Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning Canadian travel writer with over ten years of experience. Her work has appeared in major publications, and she draws on living in France, Ireland, England, and Malawi to bring global insight to her stories.
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