Helpful information about living in the United Kingdom

Map of the British Isles

UK visas and immigration: everything you need to know

The United Kingdom is an ever-popular destination for expats looking to start afresh in a country with a high standard of living and plenty of opportunities. However, UK visas are highly sought after, and the application process can be complex. Your best chance of moving to the UK permanently is to have a desirable professional skill or be sponsored by a family member.

How to move to the UK

To move to the UK, you must determine your eligibility and apply for the correct visa. Once approved, you'll need to pay the applicable fees, provide the requested identification and biometric data, and arrange a removals service. See below for more details.

Determine your eligibility and apply: research which immigration method you qualify for via the UK government's website, providing details such as your nationality, reason for moving and intended length of stay. Popular entry methods include the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care Worker visa, Graduate visa and Family visa.

Pay your fees and gather your documents: pay your visa's specific charge and, if applicable, the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS). Keep all your documents in one place, such as your passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate, to take to a visa application centre or upload them via the UK Immigration: ID Check smartphone app.

Other documents you might need when filling in your application include:

• Educational certificates, e.g. degrees, diplomas or transcripts.
• Proof of work experience, e.g. a letter of employment or CV.
• Proof of language proficiency.
• Proof you can support yourself financially, e.g. bank statements.

Book an appointment: visit your local UK visa application centre to submit biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.

Prepare for arrival: get ready for the exciting move by organising rental accommodation, registering at your local doctor's practice and opening a bank account.

UK visa requirements

Eligibility for UK visas depends on several factors, including the purpose of your stay, the country you arrive from and personal circumstances. Common types of visas include visitor visas, work visas, student visas, and family visas. Each visa category has specific eligibility requirements. It's essential you thoroughly research your visa type before submitting your application.

Skilled Worker visa requirements include:

• Sponsorship from a UK employer with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) as proof.
• Having a job offer on the eligible occupations list.
• Meeting the minimum salary criteria, depending on your job.
• Proving your ability to read, speak, write and understand English.

Health and Care Worker visa eligibility includes:

• Sponsorship from a UK employer with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) as proof.
• Being a fully qualified doctor, nurse, or social care professional.
• Meeting the minimum salary criteria, depending on your job.
• English language proficiency.

To apply for a Student visa, you must:

• Be 16 years or older. If you are under 18, you must provide evidence of your parents' consent.
• Have an offer from a licensed student sponsor.
• Pay application fees of £490.
• Have enough funds to support yourself and pay for your studies.
• Be able to speak, read, write and comprehend English.

Youth Mobility Scheme: how to apply for a young person's visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows young adults aged 18 to 30 (35 in some cases) from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. If selected via ballot, eligible countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, Iceland, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

You can leave and re-enter the UK as many times as you like. Applicants must prove they have at least £2,530 for 28 consecutive days after applying to support themselves in the UK. You cannot apply if you have children under 18 who live with you or depend on you financially or if you have previously lived in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme.

Check which documents you must provide based on your country of origin, including a tuberculosis test result in some regions, and then apply online.

There is a separate scheme for Indian nationals, the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.

Is there a UK visa lottery?

The UK does not have a visa lottery similar to the United States's Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which allows applicants from certain countries to win a visa by random selection.

Instead, your best chance of securing a move to the UK is having desirable work experience. The United Kingdom's Skilled Worker visa allows immigrants to apply for employer sponsorship for a pre-approved role. Qualifying criteria include being 18 years or older, meeting the minimum salary threshold of £38,700*, and proving your English language ability.

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UK citizenship: everything you need to know

Once you and your family have sampled life in the UK and want to stay, your next step is to apply for citizenship, sometimes known as "naturalisation".

For many, obtaining British citizenship is more than just a formality — it's about fully integrating with your new surroundings and connecting with your fellow Brits. Plus, you'll be able to vote, live, work, study, take up political office, apply for a passport, bring relatives or spouses, and leave the UK as often as you like.

Is it expensive to live in the UK?

While the cost of living varies depending on location, lifestyle, and family size, expenses in the UK are more substantial than in some other developed nations. However, the minimum wage is relatively high (£11.44 for those 21 and over), unemployment is just 3.9%, and many regions outside big cities like London and Oxford are considerably cheaper.

Before deciding, research the cities and towns you're interested in and create a budget based on your income and likely expenses. The official UK government website has a breakdown of available cost-of-living support, such as childcare, benefits and pensions.

• Council tax: this tax funds services provided by local authorities, such as schools, recycling and rubbish collection, libraries and the police. Rates vary by region, so research before moving. You may be eligible for a tax reduction or exemption if you are a student, a single occupant or receive benefits.
• Utilities and bills: use comparison websites like Compare the Market and Uswitch to research how much your energy bills, such as electricity, gas and water, will cost.
• Transportation: according to iSchool Connect, the average monthly cost of travel in the UK is £140. However, prices vary significantly by city. In general, using public transport is cheaper, more stress-free, environmentally friendly, and quicker than driving, so consider leaving your car at home.
• Meals and groceries: the worldwide cost of living database, Numbeo, estimates that a three-course meal for two in the UK costs £60.00, a McDonald's McMeal £7.00, and a can of Coca-Cola £1.73. For grocery shopping, a litre of milk and a loaf of white bread cost £2.88 in London, £2.39 in Cardiff, £2.66 in Belfast, and £2.58 in Edinburgh.
• Healthcare: the NHS is the UK's publicly funded healthcare system, offering a wide range of essential medical services to all. It's funded through taxation and provides care free at the point of use. However, certain services, such as eye care, prescriptions (England only) and dental, require payment.

Biggest cities in UK

The United Kingdom boasts many large cities, each with its own unique character, accent, history and culture.

Following the 2021 UK census, the Office for National Statistics determines the following five cities as the most populous:

• London (8.78M)
• Birmingham (1.12M)
• Glasgow (635,200)
• Leeds (516,298)
• Liverpool (496,784)

Best places to live in London

Notting Hill, Hackney and Richmond are often considered the best places to live in London. The UK's capital is an exciting place to live, especially for young adults, thanks to world-class culture, iconic landmarks and unbeatable dining and entertainment options.

• Notting Hill: famous for its tree-lined streets, colourful houses and the annual Notting Hill Carnival. Enjoy quaint cafes, quirky markets, upscale restaurants and a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Hackney: a relatively affordable London borough full of creativity and diversity. Its eclectic mix of cultures, street art and green spaces makes it popular with students, young professionals and families.
• Richmond: South London's picturesque suburb radiates elegance thanks to lush parks, riverside promenades, charming boutiques and gourmet dining — a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What is the crime rate in the UK?

Crime rates in the UK vary depending on the type of crime and region. According to crowd-sourced online database Numbeo, the top five cities with the highest overall crime rates are:

• Bradford
• Coventry
• Birmingham
• Manchester
• London

The top five safest UK cities are:

• Nottingham
• Edinburgh
• Cardiff
• Newport
• Swansea

However, compared to many developed countries, crime is low. The UK ranks 63rd in the world overall with a Numbeo Crime Index score of 47.4, beating Sweden (60th), Belgium (59th), the US (58th) and France (37th).

What is the safest city in the UK?

Nottingham is the safest city in the UK, according to a recent study by Molo Finance on the safest places to live in England and Wales, based on a number of metrics, including robberies, theft, and burglaries per 100,000 people.

The top five included three Welsh cities: Newport, Swansea, and Cardiff, while recorded crime and offences data released by the Scottish government in 2023 revealed the Orkney Islands, East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire to be the safest areas in Scotland. With just 0.93 burglaries per 100,000 residents, Mid Ulster topped the safest Northern Irish region for families in a 2022 study by confused.com.

Opening a bank account in the UK for non-residents

To open a British bank account as an expat, first visit a few local branches and do some online research. The four biggest banks in the UK are HSBC, Lloyds, Natwest Group (including Royal Bank of Scotland Group) and Barclays.

The following are examples of common British bank accounts:

Current account: for day-to-day banking, including receiving wages, setting up direct debits for bills like utilities and subscriptions, and everyday spending. Most current accounts do not charge monthly fees and do not pay interest on money held, although there are exceptions.

Savings account: to set aside money for use at a later date while earning interest. Options include instant access accounts that you can dip in and out of and fixed-term accounts for 1 to 5 years that typically earn a higher interest rate.

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs): tax-free savings with a limit of £20,000 per year. ISA types include Cash ISAs, Investment ISAs and Lifetime ISAs (to help save for your first home or retirement).

Non-citizens can open a bank account in the UK, but they must apply from within the country and provide identification. Required documents vary between banks but include a passport, visa, residence permit, biometric card, proof of right to work/study in the UK, and proof of address in the form of a utility bill or bank statement.

Transferring savings to the UK

When moving to the UK, there are a few considerations regarding transferring your online savings. Here are your options:

Keep your account: if your savings are with a global banking group, you can continue using them from the UK. Contact your bank as soon as possible, as restrictions and charges may apply.

Transfer to a British bank: consider moving your funds to a UK bank with attractive features, such as low fees and plenty of street branches. Then, initiate an international money transfer between your banks or an online transfer with a global money service like Wise.

Close your account: if keeping the account open or transferring your savings to a British bank is not possible, you can close it before relocating. Remember to remove all remaining funds and consider applicable account closing fees.

UK school system: a complete overview

Education in the UK differs from country to country. Children must attend school between the ages of five and sixteen, either in a school setting (including private institutions) or homeschooling. In England, education is compulsory up to age eighteen — from age sixteen, it may include work-based apprenticeships, training and academic pursuits. Each nation manages its own curriculum, teacher training and funding.

You can find and apply to local schools by searching for your city or town's council website or using the official government website.

Required enrolment documents include:

• Your child's birth certificate or passport
• Proof of address
• Proof of guardianship
• Proof of residency
• Emergency contact information
• Record of immunisations

The education system in the United Kingdom is different in each country, but broadly includes:

Nursery (ages 3-5): optional, although most children attend some form of preschool to develop their learning, physical, and social skills, preparing them for primary school.

Primary school (ages 5-11): compulsory education that covers a diverse range of subjects including English, maths, science and physical education.

Secondary school (ages 11-16): compulsory for at least four years. Young adults study specialised subjects working towards their GCSEs and A-levels in England, and their equivalent in the rest of the UK, in preparation for higher education.

Understanding higher education in the UK

With 48.5% of the British workforce educated to a degree level or higher and school leavers achieving higher grades than ever, competition for the best jobs is tough. Admission to higher education varies by institution and depends on academic qualifications like A-levels and relevant work experience or qualifications for mature students.

Here are some examples of tertiary education and qualifications for British students:

College: undergraduate programs covering a range of disciplines, frequently incorporating practical, hands-on experience. Qualifications range from certificates and diplomas to applied degrees, often designed to progress onto university.

University: undergraduate and postgraduate programs that promote a high standard of research, academic theory and examinations. Bachelor's degrees usually last three to four years, master's degrees one or two years and doctoral degrees take three or more years.

According to the Department for Education Official Statistics, 87.3% of graduates in England are employed, with a median average salary of £38,500, which is £8,000 more than non-graduates.

UK healthcare: all you need to know

Thanks to free healthcare for all, the UK boasts one of the best life expectancies in the world, at 82.31 years. The NHS (National Health Service) is one of the world's first publicly funded healthcare systems, giving all British residents access to crucial medical services, including emergency care, ambulance journeys and surgeries.

However, some expenses, such as prescription medications (England only) and eye and dental care, are not included. The UK also has comprehensive private healthcare options for those willing to pay for extended doctor visits, increased choice, shorter surgery wait times and reduced prescription charges.

Private healthcare in the UK

Private healthcare in the UK is a small but growing sector. It's commonly offered as an employment benefit, usually by larger companies, and supplements services not covered for free by the NHS, such as prescriptions, dental and eye care, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.

The main attraction of "going private" is increased options, such as skipping NHS waiting lists, choosing your doctor, and accessing individual hospital rooms and treatments the NHS doesn't cover.

Private healthcare insurance is paid monthly or in annual instalments (or via your employer), known as "premiums". It covers individuals, couples, or entire families, from basic to comprehensive levels, depending on your budget. Once your policy starts, only new medical conditions are covered.

Each level provides a different extent of medical services and benefits. Basic plans may cover essential services like consultations and diagnostics, while higher levels offer access to private hospitals, specialist consultations and more extensive, long-term treatments.

How much is private healthcare UK?

The cost of private health insurance in the UK depends on your age, location, pre-existing health conditions and desired level of coverage. 

According to insurance brokers IamINSURED, the average monthly premiums for private health insurance in 2024 are approximately £41.58 for individuals, £77.42 for couples and £95.19 for a family of four.

How much does the UK spend on healthcare?

The UK spends £280.7 billion per year on healthcare, according to the latest the Office of National Statistics figures, accounting for 12.4% of the country's GDP, or £4,188 per resident.

10 surprising facts about the UK

1. The UK has some strange laws! To curb illegal salmon fishing, the Salmon Act of 1986 made it illegal to "handle salmon in suspicious circumstances".
2. Bizarre place names are a staple of British life. However, the UK is also home to some very long and short names. "A" is a village in Shetland, while "Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch" is a hard-to-pronounce Welsh town!
3. The world's first traffic light system was installed outside the House of Parliament in London in 1868. It was manually operated and featured railway signalling gas lamps representing "stop" and "go".
4. For more than twenty years, Bristol-based graffiti artist Banksy's identity has remained unknown despite numerous attempts by the media to unmask him. His celebrated anti-establishment and often humorous artworks appear randomly across the UK and worldwide.
5. The world's longest pleasure pier is in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, measuring over 1.3 miles long. If you don't fancy the walk, a train can take you to the end and back.
6. From the 1200s to the 1900s, the Tower of London housed exotic animals, including lions, polar bears and elephants. The animals were gifts to the reigning monarchs and were publicly displayed during the 1800s.
7. Beneath the streets of Liverpool lie the Williamson Tunnels, a network of secret 19th-century tunnels initially constructed to transport goods from the Liverpool docks. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction.
8. In 1858, London experienced a severe heatwave that intensified the smells of the polluted River Thames. The resulting stench was so overpowering that it prompted the construction of the city's modern sewage system.
9. Stonehenge, a circle of standing stones in Wiltshire, England, is one of the world's best-known prehistoric monuments. To this day, how and why it was constructed remains shrouded in mystery.
10. Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake is an annual event in Gloucestershire, England. Participants race down a steep hill to chase a rolling wheel of cheese. Post-race hospital visits are not uncommon in this much-loved yet bizarre tradition!

How to move to the UK

For over 25 years, Seven Seas Worldwide has shipped household belongings to hundreds of countries. From London to Edinburgh, we'll safely ship furniture, kitchen appliances, sporting equipment, boxes, bags and more to the UK. Our expert team, free packing supplies, customs knowledge, complimentary storage, and multilingual customer support set us apart from other international removal companies.

What is the MoveCube® moving pod?

You can ship all your home's possessions inside our secure shipping crate, the MoveCube®. It acts as your own dedicated container, brought to your door for you to fill with sofas, kitchen appliances, bikes, musical instruments, boxes, bags and more!

Each MoveCube® order includes a complimentary Starter Pack. Inside, you'll find measuring tape, a marker pen, a box cutter, a roll of parcel tape and a tape dispenser to help you pack. Plus, three plastic floor sheets to help you estimate the space inside a Large, Medium, or Small MoveCube®.

You can order as many MoveCubes® as needed, but please note that they may arrive on separate days. Start your exciting new life in the UK today with a quick, free quote and see a transparent cost breakdown of the entire overseas shipping process.

Another benefit of choosing our international removal service is that we guide your shipment through the British customs process. However, there are a few things to remember before packing your boxes and moving household items to the UK.

• Like all nations, the UK has restrictions on certain import items to protect its people and environment. Read our Prohibited Goods page before packing to avoid delays or fines.
• Complete all your online documents and ensure your inventory (a packing list of every item you're shipping to the UK) matches what's in the MoveCube(s)®.
• Upload clear, colour scans of your passport's picture and signature pages.
• If shipping wood, plant life or animal by-products and their derivatives, ensure they are not classified as endangered by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

You must complete a Transfer of Residence (ToR1) form to import used personal goods into the UK duty-free. Qualifying criteria include:

• Making the UK your full-time residence.
• Having lived outside the UK for at least a year before importing.
• Owning and using your items for at least six months before importing.
• Keeping all items for personal use.

If you live and study in the UK, you do not need to complete a ToR1 form. You can import clothing, household effects (e.g., linen and bathroom items), and objects typically used by students, such as textbooks and calculators, with no duty charges.

Please reference our Importing into the UK page for a complete breakdown of the British customs process.