Here's some quick facts about the UK:
Thinking of moving to the UK? Discover everything you need to know in our Ultimate UK Relocation Guide.
Planning a relocation to the UK? You're in excellent company! Each year, thousands of expats choose the United Kingdom as their new home, drawn by its world-class universities, thriving job market, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're shipping luggage to the UK or planning every detail of your move, thorough preparation makes all the difference.
The UK consistently ranks among the world’s most desirable destinations for expatriates, offering an exceptional blend of career opportunities across technology, finance, and healthcare, along with strong public services and diverse cultural experiences. From London’s global business hub and Edinburgh’s historic charm to Manchester’s innovation scene, Cardiff’s vibrant energy, and Belfast’s growing creative industries, every part of the UK provides expats with a distinctive living experience that balances professional growth with quality of life.
This ultimate relocation guide will walk you through every essential aspect of moving to the UK, from visa requirements to settling into daily life. Whether you're planning to work, study, start a business, or embrace a new British lifestyle, we'll provide you with the practical insights needed to make your transition as smooth as possible.
This ultimate guide covers all the essential aspects of relocating to the UK, including:
We hope this guide both inspires and informs you. As individual circumstances vary, we strongly recommend conducting your own research alongside this guide to ensure your move to the UK goes smoothly. The information provided, including any costs or procedures, are indicative and correct at the time of publication. Over time and with economical and political changes, and even your own circumstances, these can change.
Here's some quick facts about the UK:
The best way to relocate to the UK starts with careful planning and understanding the key steps involved. How do I relocate to the UK? Moving to the UK takes thoughtful planning, but the effort pays dividends. The first step is securing the right visa or residence permit for your situation, as this forms the foundation of your relocation. Once your paperwork is sorted, you can focus on the practical side - shipping your belongings to the UK, finding accommodation (ideally starting with short-term rentals whilst you explore neighbourhoods), and setting up essentials like obtaining your National Insurance number, bank accounts, and NHS registration.
Which part of the UK should I move to? It's highly beneficial to research different cities and regions ahead of time to see which ones suit your lifestyle - whether you prefer London's cosmopolitan buzz and global business opportunities, Manchester's thriving tech scene, Birmingham's central location, Edinburgh's cultural richness, Glasgow's vibrant energy, Bristol's creative atmosphere, Leeds' growing financial sector, or Cardiff's Welsh charm. By handling these key details early, from flights to finances, you'll make your move smoother and give yourself more time to settle into your new life in the UK.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and reason for moving. Irish citizens can live, work, and study in the UK freely under the Common Travel Area agreement. Most others will require a visa or permit, so it’s important to apply early and choose the correct type.
Visa options vary by purpose, including work, study, family, business, or youth mobility. Key work visas include the Skilled Worker Visa (now requiring degree-level skills and sponsorship), Global Business Mobility for intra-company transfers, and the Health and Care Worker Visa for NHS roles. Entrepreneurs can apply under the Innovator Founder Visa, while young people from certain countries may use the Youth Mobility Scheme. Students need a Student Visa, and family visas support partners and dependents.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) generally becomes available after five years of continuous residence for most work visa holders, leading to citizenship. Processing times vary, so apply well ahead, and always check the latest UK Home Office guidance or consult an immigration adviser.
For full details and to check your visa requirements, visit the official UK government website.
When relocating to the UK, it's essential to look beyond visas and moving logistics to fully understand daily life in this diverse nation. From education and healthcare to housing options and managing finances, many key factors influence how successfully you settle in. Whether you're moving to the UK for work, to start a business, to study, or for family reasons, these are the most common topics people explore when planning their new British life.
There is no specific retirement visa for non-EEA nationals; most retirees need family ties or significant funds for other visas. Irish citizens benefit from free movement under the Common Travel Area. The UK offers excellent NHS healthcare, but private health insurance is wise due to NHS pressures. The country features rich culture and varied living environments, though living costs - especially housing - can be high.
The UK is business-friendly, with easy company registration and good access to investment. The Innovator Founder Visa supports experienced entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, allowing settlement after three years if targets are met. The Global Entrepreneur Programme helps tech startups with mentorship and visa support. You don’t need to live in the UK to register a company, but understanding local laws and taxes is important.
The job market offers many opportunities in tech, healthcare, renewables, creative industries, and more. London usually pays more, especially in tech and finance. Employment law protects workers, with around 28 days’ holiday including bank holidays. Securing the right work visa and understanding local workplace culture help ensure a smooth transition.
The NHS provides free care for residents, including most visa holders registered with a GP. Visa holders pay an Immigration Health Surcharge, but Irish citizens are exempt. NHS care is high quality but sometimes faces delays, so private healthcare is recommended for quicker access and emergencies.
The UK has world-class schools and universities attracting many international students. State education is free for residents, while private and international schools offer other options. Undergraduates apply mainly via UCAS. The education system is respected globally, making the UK a popular choice for families relocating for study.
Costs vary widely; London is the most expensive, especially for housing. Other cities and rural areas are generally cheaper. Main expenses include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and council tax. Public transport is efficient but can be costly in cities like London. Careful budgeting and regional research help manage living costs.
The UK drives on the left. Foreign licences are valid for 12 months, after which many must be exchanged for a UK one. Costs include insurance, tax, fuel, and MOT tests. Urban parking can be costly, and many city residents choose public transport over car ownership.
Opening a bank account is straightforward with ID and proof of address. Major banks offer expat-friendly services. The UK tax system is progressive, with national insurance contributions on earnings. Residency for tax is usually based on spending 183+ days in the UK annually. Understanding both UK and home country tax rules is vital.
UK public transport is extensive but varies by region. London has the best network, including Underground, buses, and trains with Oyster/contactless payment. Other cities have good services; rural areas may need a car. National rail and domestic flights connect major areas. Cycling infrastructure is growing in cities.
English is the main language, with Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish spoken regionally. British culture values politeness, respect, and orderly behaviour. Social norms include saying “please” and “thank you,” enjoying pub culture, and small talk about weather. The UK is diverse and welcoming, with a strong respect for different backgrounds and faiths.
The UK is well connected internationally with major airports in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Glasgow offering global flights. The Channel Tunnel and ferries provide European access. Customs are efficient but having correct visa documents avoids delays. Ground transport from airports includes trains and coaches.
If you’re relocating to the UK with your pets, it is possible, and you’ll be glad to know that the UK is a top destination for pet lovers. The UK has regulations to prevent rabies and protect animal health, with specific rules depending on where you're travelling from.
Important: Pets must enter through approved routes (Eurotunnel, certain airports and seaports) and carriers. Some dog breeds are prohibited or restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The process for entering England, Scotland, or Wales differs slightly from entering Northern Ireland, so checking specific requirements for your destination is essential.
To ensure you have the most current information, check the official UK pet travel website or contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Starting this process early is highly recommended, and professional pet relocation services can assist with complex moves.
Moving personal belongings to the UK used to mean relying solely on traditional removal companies with lengthy timelines and significant costs. Today, My Baggage offers a faster, more affordable alternative by using air freight courier services, ensuring your items reach the UK quickly and securely.
Whether you're shipping luggage, sending boxes, transporting golf clubs, or moving bicycles to the UK, My Baggage provides a reliable door-to-door international removals service with full online tracking and dedicated customer support. From a few bags to larger shipments of personal effects, their service ensures your belongings are handled with care and arrive safely, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Whether you're dealing with excess baggage from your flight or need to send items ahead, My Baggage offers flexible solutions tailored to your relocation needs.
My Baggage specialises in shipping personal belongings to the UK, offering a great alternative to paying excess baggage fees with airlines, making it an excellent choice for your move to the UK.
