Sponsors
APRIL International is a world leader in international health insurance. We currently provide cover to more than 150,000 policyholders around the world in their business and personal endeavours. Our aim is to facilitate your access to healthcare throughout the world.
Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
GUIDE FOR
Ready for your move to the UK? Great! This fresh start will be fun and life-changing. This blog post covers it all: packing and immigration to adjusting to UK culture, and more. Let's help you settle into your new home in the UK trouble-free, let's dive in!
Take a look at the upcoming topics:
Important things to know about the UK
Research moving in general
Schooling in the UK
Choosing a place to live in the UK
Acclimate to the work culture and public transport in the UK
Your first week in the UK
Important things to know about the UK
The UK is a place full of customs and traditions. For example, the UK follows a left-hand driving rule. If you have UK ancestry, you may be eligible for a UK ancestry visa. And remember, whether you're applying for a skilled worker visa, a child student visa, or you're a British citizen, it's important to enrol in the National Health Service (NHS) for health coverage.
Here are some more examples of things that are standard in the UK:
Currency: The official currency in the UK is the British Pound Sterling (£). Make sure to familiarize yourself with the currency and exchange rates.
Emergency services: The emergency services number in the UK is 999. This is the number to call in case of emergencies, including medical, police, or fire-related issues.
Electricity: The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. Ensure your electrical devices are compatible or use appropriate adapters.
Mobile networks: Choose a local mobile network and get a UK SIM card for your phone. This will help with communication and access to local services.
Brexit information for expats
After the United Kingdom stepped out of the European Union, there have been some adjusted rules regarding entering the country. Below you will find some points to take a good look at for when you are moving to the UK.
Visa and immigration rules: Post-Brexit, there have been changes to visa and immigration rules for expats moving to the UK. Different visa categories and requirements now apply.
End of free movement: The end of free movement between the UK and the European Union means that EU citizens now need to adhere to new regulations for living and working in the UK.
Healthcare changes: Healthcare provisions for EU citizens have evolved. Expats may need to navigate new systems or consider obtaining private health insurance.
Customs and trade regulations: Changes in customs and trade regulations impact the movement of goods and potentially affect the cost and efficiency of importing personal belongings.
Banking and financial Services: Expats might encounter changes in banking and financial services, with potential adjustments in the accessibility of certain products or services.
Residency requirements: New residency requirements may apply, and expats may need to register or apply for residency status to ensure legal compliance.
Impact on employment: Employment regulations, including rights and benefits, may be subject to changes, necessitating a thorough understanding of new policies.
Education system adjustments: Expats with children may need to navigate adjustments in the education system, with potential changes in enrollment processes or fee structures.
Social security implications: Social security implications, including pension arrangements, may be influenced by Brexit-related changes, requiring expats to stay informed about their entitlements.
Research moving in general
One key task is moving your stuff. You need a good moving company for this. Look at the most important factors that come with this:
Look at many companies and compare their costs.
Read what their past customers say.
Also, ask people you trust if they know a good company.
If you're a Commonwealth citizen, check if UK immigration needs a valid passport.
Contact the local council to learn about council tax.
Make sure you have your National Insurance Number.
Schooling in the UK
In the UK, all kids from 5 to 16 years old must go to school. The school system has four parts:
primary,
secondary,
Further education,
higher education
The first two are needed for everyone. The last two are choices. The UK has many top-class schools, like Oxford and Cambridge. Also, the UK schools focus on helping kids to think well and be creative. If you are moving to the UK, self-employed or not, your personal circumstances might affect choices.
Choosing a place to live in the UK
The UK is a great place to live, with many major cities offering different lifestyles.
Here are five cities in the UK that are renowned for their thriving business areas:
London: As the capital and largest city, London is a global financial hub with prominent business districts like the City of London and Canary Wharf. It hosts numerous multinational corporations, financial institutions, and headquarters of major businesses.
Manchester: Manchester is a key economic center with a diverse range of industries. Its business district, including Spinningfields, is a focal point for finance, technology, and media companies.
Edinburgh: Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, is known for its financial services sector. The city's historic and modern districts, such as the Exchange District, attract businesses in banking, investment, and insurance.
Birmingham: Birmingham, in the West Midlands, boasts a strong business presence, particularly in finance, manufacturing, and technology. The city center is home to significant developments and corporate offices.
Glasgow: Glasgow, in Scotland, is a major business hub with a focus on finance, technology, and engineering. The International Financial Services District (IFSD) is a notable area for financial institutions.
Acclimate to the work culture and public transport in the UK
Once you've sorted all your papers, it's good to get to know your new home. UK work life is all about acting professionally, being on time, and knowing who's in charge. Most places work 9 to 5, but some offer flexible hours. Regular team meetings are common and don't forget, Brits love their tea breaks! Public transport is very good, with trains, buses and trams going all over. Getting around in London is easy with 'The Tube', a big subway system. It's best to get an 'Oyster Card' for easy travel there. In other cities, buses and trams are mostly used. Spend time learning about these to make settling in easier.
UK businesses often look for people in specialist occupations. This is why the general salary threshold is important. It's a rule set by the UK government to control who can move to the UK to work. This rule is used for both European Union citizens and non-EU people. To show you can support yourself, you'll need recent bank statements. They prove you have enough money to live on when you move to the UK.
Your first week in the UK
The first week after moving to the UK can be a whirlwind of excitement, adjustment, and discovery. Starting with exploring your new neighbourhood, you'll find local shops, pubs, and amenities which will become your everyday haunts. British weather can be changeable, so make sure to pack a good mix of clothing. This is also an excellent time to introduce yourself to your neighbours and immerse yourself in the local community. You may experience some culture shock, such as the traditional queueing etiquette, or the uniquely British humour, but these are all part of the charm of living in the UK.
You will soon be settled into your new home with ease if you keep these few simple steps in mind. You’ve got this! Start planning ahead now and you’ll make the process much simpler. Good luck on your upcoming journey!
Sponsors
APRIL International is a world leader in international health insurance. We currently provide cover to more than 150,000 policyholders around the world in their business and personal endeavours. Our aim is to facilitate your access to healthcare throughout the world.
Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.
It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.
ActiveQuote is the UK’s leading comparison website and broker of health and protection insurance products, including health insurance, income protection, life insurance and critical illness cover.
CVS Health is building a world of health around every consumer. Our unmatched reach allows us to deliver high-quality, affordable health care when and how individuals choose. We’re on a mission to deliver superior and more connected experiences, lower the cost of care and improve the health and well-being of those we serve.
Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.
Everyone deserves a good home. No matter where you are, you'll need a place to go back to, a place to rest, and a place that you can call your own. All Luxury Apartments is all about connecting you to the best homes in this world. Wherever you end up, we strive to ensure that you will have a home. The kind that you deserve!
Insurance for everyone, 100% online: expatriates, students, frequent travellers, au pairs and companies - we offer insurance to anyone who travels abroad! From registration to reimbursement, we make it easy for you to take care of your health needs anywhere in the world!
Our focus is on delivering financial advice that allows us to become your personal CFO. Your finances will be tailored to your needs, allowing you to concentrate on living the life you want. We're privately owned and focus on providing the most transparent advice possible.
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