The UK ranks as the world’s third most popular destination for millions of migrants annually. In 2021, approximately 71 million individuals relocated to the UK from various nations for diverse reasons. Numerous factors contribute to the UK’s status as the world’s third-largest recipient of immigrants, which we will delve into later in this piece.
If you are perusing this article, chances are you are contemplating a move to the UK and seeking essential information on the relocation process. With this in mind, we have crafted a comprehensive guide entitled
Here are some helpful links on moving to the UK, offering step-by-step guides and important considerations for your relocation:
Wise – Moving to the UK from the US: Step-by-step guide: This guide provides detailed steps on figuring out legal requirements, finding a job, and settling in the UK. It’s aimed at Americans but is useful for anyone outside the UK looking to move there. Visit Wise
VisaGuide.World – How to Move to the UK?: This step-by-step guide covers everything from visa applications, healthcare surcharge, to the cost of moving. It provides essential insights for those planning to move to England. Visit VisaGuide.World
Expatica – Moving to the UK: the ultimate checklist for expats: Expatica offers a comprehensive checklist for expats moving to the UK, covering visas, work, living arrangements, and the culture you can expect to find. Visit Expatica
InterNations – A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to the UK: This guide touches on visas, work permits, as well as practical advice on living in the UK, including banking, health insurance, and education. Visit InterNations
The British Council – Moving to the UK | Study UK: If you’re moving to the UK for study, the British Council provides advice on arriving and settling in, including preparations you can make before you arrive and support available at universities. Visit Study UK – British Council
Let’s delve into it!
In 2020, over 71 million people migrated to the UK, with many drawn by its renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge, UOM, and Queen Mary University, all ranking in the top 10 globally. Education and job opportunities serve as major magnets for individuals relocating to the UK.
The country stands out as the world’s second-best for employment, offering attractive salaries averaging around $4000, the highest worldwide. Moreover, the UK boasts employee-friendly rules and policies, making it an appealing choice for work.
For those considering a move to the UK but unsure about immigration processes, you’re in the right place. Check out our comprehensive FAQ guide on navigating the UK’s immigration landscape.
Below is a comprehensive guide on legally relocating to the UK without complications:
Similar to other nations, a visa is required to reside in the UK. This is due to the UK’s departure from the European Union last year, resulting in the country no longer adhering to UN immigrant regulations. Consequently, EU citizens must obtain a visa to live in the UK, just like citizens of any other country.
Under the new UK government regulations, EU citizens can now reside in the UK for up to six months without a visa. To extend their stay beyond six months, EU citizens are obligated to apply for either a work or visit visa.
The UK grants citizens from 56 different countries a six-month stay, including those from the USA, Canada, Israel, Australia, and 42 others. To determine if your country is visa-free, refer to the UK government’s official website.
Regarding working remotely from the UK as a digital nomad, the regulations depend on your specific role. While UK law prohibits working for a UK-based company on a tourist visa, it does not explicitly forbid earning money while in the UK.
For instance, freelancing in the UK on a tourist visa under the guise of being a British citizen on a platform is illegal. Similarly, working for a UK-based company on a tourist visa is not allowed.
However, if you work remotely with a non-UK citizenship on the platform, you are permitted to work and earn income in the UK. Likewise, working remotely for a company operating in a different country is also permissible.
In essence, you can earn money in the UK, but you cannot work directly for a UK-based company. Moreover, earning income by misrepresenting yourself as a British citizen on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited.
If you are a retired government employee and wish to visit the UK, you can apply for a “visit visa.” In the past, the UK had an immigration policy for “retired persons of independent means,” allowing retirees from certain countries to obtain UK citizenship. However, this policy was discontinued in 2008. Presently, retired individuals must meet the standard criteria for UK citizenship, without special treatment. Retired US government employees with US citizenship may still be eligible for UK citizenship based on their former employment.
Getting British citizenship and the right to work in the UK commonly involves marrying a UK citizen. To do this, you must apply for a fiancé or partner visa, designed for those planning to wed and settle permanently in the UK.
For this visa, your fiancé or spouse must be a UK citizen, and you must marry them within six months of arriving in the UK. Additionally, your spouse should have sufficient income to support you and any dependents.
Furthermore, you must be proficient in English and able to engage effectively with native speakers. Upon meeting all requirements and receiving approval, a visa issuance fee of £2,071 is payable. The visa is valid for 2.5 years, after which you must renew it by paying the fee again. Following two renewals or living in the UK for five years, you become eligible for UK citizenship (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Yes, it is possible to obtain a student visa in the UK for those interested in pursuing studies at a UK university. With a student visa, you can reside in the UK for the duration of your university studies. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must be at least 16 years old. The application process now falls under the Student Route, which is part of the UK’s immigration system.
Prospective students must first secure an acceptance from a UK university to qualify for the student visa. Additionally, applicants need to pay relevant departmental fees as part of the application process. Upon receiving approval, applicants can proceed to apply for a visa to study at a UK university and arrange accommodation for their study period.
The UK assesses applicants’ English proficiency and financial standing before granting the student visa. To support themselves, students are permitted to work part-time in the UK for up to 20 hours per week under the Tier 4 Visa regulations.
Moving to the UK for work due to professional reasons may occur through a transfer or employment with a UK-based firm. Nonetheless, this process is not straightforward, as employers must satisfy specific criteria to demonstrate their eligibility for UK employment. Typically, companies relocate their employees to the UK branch for work-related purposes, constituting the most frequent scenario necessitating a move to the UK to continue one’s professional responsibilities.
In this scenario, it is imperative that your company maintains a UK-based branch where you will undertake your duties post-relocation. Should this not be the case, individuals must seek employment within a UK-based organisation. However, this pathway is often arduous and may not align with everyone’s interests, given the challenges and complexities associated with applying to UK-based companies. These companies meticulously evaluate your competencies and career trajectory prior to endorsing your application. Once employed through an accredited organisation, transitioning into the workforce and resuming your tasks becomes seamless.
There are various avenues through which the UK may issue a visa, aside from those for work or study purposes. An Investor Visa is an option for individuals willing to invest in the country, allowing a 40-month permit for investments of £2 million. UK-based individuals can explore the UK Ancestry Visa, providing a five-year work opportunity unless one applies for ILR. Applicants must be Commonwealth citizens aged 17 or over. Alternatively, Start-up Visas cater to aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a great chance for established business figures looking to establish a business in the UK.
The UK is known for its relatively high cost of living, which can be particularly challenging for individuals from Asia, especially Southeast Asia, when compared to living expenses in their home countries. Here is a detailed guide outlining the essential requirements to consider before or after relocating to the UK:
When applying for a UK visit visa, you must provide evidence of the purpose of your visit. This requirement is not relevant for tourist visas. For those seeking to study or work in the UK, it is essential to justify why the UK is the ideal choice, which must be demonstrated to the UK embassy.
Additionally, applicants for study or work visas must possess a job offer or acceptance letter from a UK-based institution. Specifically for work visas, lacking a job offer from a UK company requires demonstrating financial capability to support oneself in the UK.
Proficiency in English is another key prerequisite. Being fluent in English is vital to effectively communicate and engage with native British individuals.
In comparison to other countries in Asia and Africa, the living costs in the UK are notably higher. It is crucial to ensure you have the means to cover living expenses and meals in the UK. We recommend seeking employment in the UK rather than relying on financial support from your parents. Inflation rates can significantly impact their finances, especially in Asian countries.
For your convenience, we have provided a table displaying the prices of common groceries, offering you a rough estimate of the typical living expenses in the UK:
| KFC Zinger Burger Meal | £5.00 |
| 12 x Eggs | £1.95 |
| Monthly Public Transport Fee | £63.00 |
| Gasoline cost (liter) | £1.30 |
| A rented room for one person (monthly) | £700.00 |
To provide a precise estimate of the average cost of living in the UK, it largely hinges on the lifestyle you aim for in the country. Whether you’re a student, an employee, or an individual, an amount ranging from £600 to £700 per month is typically required to cover the basic necessities. This estimate does not encompass expenses related to travel outside the city or entertainment.
When contemplating financial matters in the UK, one may wonder whether securing employment or relying on parental support is the more viable option. For students embarking on educational pursuits in the UK, the decision to engage in part-time work to meet living expenses or to rely on parental assistance may arise.
It is important to note that living costs in the UK are notably higher compared to many other countries, resulting in an adjustment of expenses based on the currency of one’s home country. Particularly for individuals from Asian and African nations, monthly expenses may escalate by at least 70% to maintain a comparable standard of living.
Given this financial reality, many individuals from foreign countries opt to seek part-time employment in the UK to cover their fundamental living costs. This approach offers a pragmatic solution for managing the increased expenses associated with residing in the UK. By shedding light on these considerations, individuals are empowered to select the path that aligns best with their circumstances.
In conclusion, the task of navigating the cost of living in the UK requires careful financial planning and consideration. For those relocating, whether for study or work, the prospect of juggling accommodation costs, daily expenses, and potentially higher costs of living can be daunting. However, with the right strategy, including budgeting wisely and possibly taking up part-time employment, it becomes manageable. Furthermore, for those in the process of moving, seeking the services of a reliable removal company like MTC Removals can ease the transition, ensuring that your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Ultimately, with thoughtful preparation, the challenge of adjusting to the UK’s living costs can be met head-on, paving the way for a rewarding experience in one of the world’s most dynamic environments.
