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Country guide · United Kingdom

Relocating to the UK: Visa, Setup & Shipping Guide

Skilled Worker, Global Talent and family routes, BRP/eVisa, NHS registration, and shipping into the UK.

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Country
United Kingdom
Currency
GBP (Pound Sterling)
Residency authority
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), part of the Home Office
Common routes
Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Senior/Specialist Worker (ICT), Family, Student
Newcomer setup essentials
BRP / eVisa, NI number, NHS GP registration, UK bank account, council tax, HMRC tax code

The UK runs a points-based immigration system administered by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The most common employment routes are the Skilled Worker visa (sponsored by a UK employer with a sponsor licence), the Global Talent visa (for leaders or potential leaders in qualifying fields) and intra-company-transfer routes under Senior or Specialist Worker. Family routes, student visas and the High Potential Individual visa also bring large numbers of newcomers each year. Always work with a regulated immigration adviser (OISC) or solicitor for specific cases.

Main UK visa routes

  • Skilled Worker — sponsored by a UK employer holding a sponsor licence; role must be on the eligible occupation list and meet salary thresholds.
  • Global Talent — for individuals endorsed in academia/research, arts/culture, or digital technology by a Home Office–approved endorsing body.
  • Senior or Specialist Worker (ICT) — intra-company transfer route.
  • Health and Care Worker — for qualifying healthcare professionals.
  • Innovator Founder — for entrepreneurs with an endorsed business idea.
  • Family visas — partner, parent and child routes.
  • High Potential Individual — for graduates of qualifying global universities.

Your first 30 days on the ground

  • Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or activate your eVisa via UKVI's transition.
  • Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number — required for tax and benefits.
  • Register with a local NHS GP (general practitioner).
  • Open a UK bank account — major banks usually require BRP/eVisa, passport and a UK address; newcomer accounts and digital banks (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) can speed this up.
  • Set up council tax with your local council, plus utilities and a UK mobile contract.
  • Confirm your tax code with HMRC once your employer has issued your starter information.

Healthcare, schools and tax

The National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive healthcare to legal residents; most visa applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa fee. Schools are organised by Local Education Authority — state schools are free and admissions are based on catchment areas, faith and other criteria. Independent (private) schools and international schools are concentrated in London and the South East; admissions can be highly competitive.

Income tax is administered by HMRC under PAYE for most employees. Newcomers should understand their UK tax-residence status (statutory residence test), the remittance basis (where applicable for non-domiciled individuals), and any treaty positions with their home country. Get personalised tax advice.

Shipping personal effects to the UK

Newcomers transferring their primary residence to the UK can apply for HMRC's Transfer of Residence (ToR1) relief, which allows duty- and VAT-free import of used household goods owned and used for at least the qualifying period. ToR approval should normally be obtained before goods arrive at the UK border. Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway are the main ocean-freight ports; Heathrow handles most air freight. Your appointed mover or customs broker handles the filing.

How The Expats Hub helps with country relocations

For the UK, the practical sequence below works well: country-level moves involve coordinated decisions across visas, banking, schools, housing and shipping — and the order in which you make them matters. We help newcomers map a realistic 90–180 day plan, vet local advisors and avoid the most common sequencing mistakes (such as shipping before residency is confirmed, or signing leases before opening a local bank account).

  • Lane-aware shipping quotes that reflect customs realities, not just freight cost.
  • Introductions to vetted immigration, tax and real-estate advisors in-country.
  • Checklists for first 30/60/90 days so nothing slips through the cracks.

Planning a move to the UK?

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a job offer to move to the UK?

For most work routes, yes — Skilled Worker requires a sponsoring employer. Global Talent, Innovator Founder and High Potential Individual do not require a job offer but have specific eligibility criteria.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

The IHS is a fee paid as part of most UK visa applications, giving you access to NHS care during your visa period. Rates change — confirm the current fee on UKVI's website.

How do I get a UK bank account as a newcomer?

Major high-street banks usually require proof of UK address, BRP/eVisa and ID. Digital banks like Monzo, Starling and Revolut are faster for newcomers and accept a wider set of documents.

What is ToR1 and when do I need it?

Transfer of Residence (ToR1) is HMRC's relief that lets you import used household goods duty- and VAT-free when transferring your normal place of residence to the UK. Apply before your goods arrive — your mover will guide you.

Where do most newcomers settle?

Greater London is the largest expat hub, but Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol and the South East commuter belt are increasingly common for cost of living and quality of life.

This guide is general information for planning purposes only. Visa, customs, tax, school admissions and shipping rules change. Always confirm requirements with the relevant government authority, school or licensed advisor before making decisions.