India draws Britons returning to family roots, professionals on assignment and entrepreneurs tapping one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Moving to India from the UK means choosing the right entry route — an Employment Visa, a Business Visa or, for those of Indian origin, the OCI card — and shipping household goods by sea from Felixstowe or Southampton into Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Chennai or Mundra. Relocating to India from Britain involves detailed customs paperwork and a vibrant but very different cost-of-living landscape, all of which this guide explains for UK movers.
Moving to India from the UK: overview
Britons move to India for career opportunities in tech, finance and manufacturing, to reconnect with family, or to retire on a budget that stretches further than in the UK. The lifestyle shift is significant — climate, bureaucracy, traffic and infrastructure all differ — but expat hubs in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Chennai offer international schools, modern housing and established communities.
Plan around your visa or OCI status, which determines how long you can stay, whether you can work, and the customs treatment of your shipment as you import your household goods.
Visa & residency basics
British citizens need a visa to live in India unless they hold an OCI card. Apply through the Indian visa service in the UK and confirm current rules before travelling.
- Employment Visa — for those taking up a skilled job with an Indian entity, subject to salary and role conditions.
- Business Visa (X/Entry) — for setting up or running a business and related activities.
- OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card — lifelong multiple-entry status for people of Indian origin and their spouses; not citizenship but allows living and working long-term.
- Entry (X) Visa — for spouses and dependants joining a primary visa holder.
- Register with the FRRO after arrival if your visa or stay length requires it.
Shipping household goods to India from the UK
UK-to-India moves travel by ocean container from Felixstowe, Southampton or London Gateway into Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Mumbai), Chennai or Mundra. Sea freight typically runs 5–8 weeks port-to-door. FCL suits a full home; LCL groupage handles smaller loads, while air freight covers urgent boxes.
Many movers downsize before an India move, since modern serviced and furnished apartments are common in expat hubs and Indian customs duties on certain items can be significant. Match your inventory carefully to your customs eligibility before loading.
Customs clearance for personal effects
Indian customs offers a Transfer of Residence (TR) concession for people relocating who meet the minimum stay-abroad and intended-residence conditions, allowing used household goods to be imported at concessional or nil duty within set limits. Certain appliances and high-value or new items can still attract duty, and there are quantity limits.
You will need a detailed valued inventory, passport and visa or OCI card, and proof of your eligibility for TR. A clearing agent experienced at Nhava Sheva or your entry port will prepare the documentation so the shipment clears without costly demurrage.
Banking in India for newcomers
Foreign nationals resident in India can open a domestic rupee account, while NRIs and OCI holders often use NRE/NRO accounts to manage funds from abroad and in India. Major banks include HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Axis and international names. You will generally need your passport, visa or OCI, a local address and a PAN (tax) number.
Use a currency specialist for the GBP-to-INR transfer of your moving funds. Your Indian tax residency is tested mainly on days present in the country, so coordinate with the UK Statutory Residence Test and take advice on the UK–India double tax treaty, especially regarding pensions and UK income.
Schools in India for expats
India's major cities have well-regarded international schools offering British (IGCSE/A-level), IB and American curricula, concentrated in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune. British-curriculum schools make continuity easy for UK families, and fees, while rising, are often lower than comparable schools in the UAE or the West. Demand for the top schools is high, so confirm fees and apply early and directly.
Housing & where expats live
- Mumbai — the financial capital; premium rents, neighbourhoods like Bandra, Powai and South Mumbai popular with expats.
- Delhi NCR (Gurugram, Noida) — corporate hub with gated communities, modern apartments and international schools.
- Bengaluru — the tech centre; pleasant climate and a large international workforce.
- Chennai & Pune — strong industrial and IT bases with growing expat communities and good schools.
- Rent first; furnished and serviced apartments are common and let you settle before committing long-term.
Bringing your pet from the UK
Dogs and cats can move from the UK to India with a microchip, current rabies and other vaccinations, an APHA-endorsed export health certificate via your UK vet, and an import permit/NOC from India's Animal Quarantine and Certification Service. India limits the number of pets per passenger and applies conditions on import, so start the process one to two months ahead and use a pet-relocation specialist for the flight and arrival clearance.
Destination charges explained
Your UK quote covers origin packing and ocean freight, while Indian destination costs — terminal handling, customs clearance and any duty, port fees and final delivery — are billed at the India end. Customs duty and demurrage if a shipment is delayed can be material on an India move, so clarify how they are handled upfront.
Ask for an itemised written quote separating UK collection, freight and estimated Indian destination charges and potential duties so you can compare movers fairly. Our destination charges guide explains each line item.
Plan your move to India from the UK
Tell us your destination city in India and what you're shipping from Britain. A coordinator will reply with a verified written quote and a clear breakdown of destination charges and potential duties within one business day.
Request relocation guidanceFrequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to move to India from the UK?
Yes, unless you hold an OCI card. Britons typically use an Employment Visa for a skilled job, a Business Visa to set up or run a business, or an Entry (X) Visa as a dependant. People of Indian origin can apply for the OCI card for long-term living and working rights. Confirm current rules and register with the FRRO if required.
How long does shipping from the UK to India take?
Sea freight typically runs 5–8 weeks port-to-door from UK ports to Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Chennai or Mundra, including clearance. Air freight is much faster for urgent boxes but considerably more expensive.
What is Transfer of Residence and can I use it?
Transfer of Residence (TR) is an Indian customs concession that lets people relocating import used household goods at concessional or nil duty, subject to minimum stay-abroad and intended-residence conditions and value limits. Certain new or high-value items still attract duty. Confirm your eligibility with a clearing agent before shipping.
Will I pay tax in both the UK and India?
Your Indian tax residency depends mainly on days present in the country, while becoming UK non-resident under the Statutory Residence Test limits your UK tax to UK-source income. The UK–India double tax treaty prevents double taxation; take cross-border advice on pensions and UK income before moving.
Can I bring my pet from the UK to India?
Yes. Dogs and cats need a microchip, current rabies and other vaccinations, an APHA-endorsed export health certificate and an import permit/NOC from India's Animal Quarantine and Certification Service. India limits pets per passenger, so start early and use a pet-relocation specialist.
How much does it cost to move to India from the UK?
It depends on volume, FCL vs LCL, insurance, Indian destination charges and any customs duty on items outside the TR concession. Request a verified written quote based on a confirmed inventory and ask how duties and demurrage are handled.