Before You Arrive in the UK

2. You Will Need to Bring Valid Documents With You

The number and type of documents you need depends on your nationality and visa, and any official documents in a foreign language will need an official English translation.

Bring these documents with you as a minimum:

• A valid passport

• Marriage/divorce/civil partnership certificate (if you have one)

• Driving licence (if you have one)

• Birth certificate

• Bank statements, financial statements, pension statements or property ownership documents to show what assets you have

3. Do I Need to Set up a UK Bank Account?

Opening a bank account in the United Kingdom as a foreign citizen is straightforward and simple, and similar to opening one as a British citizen, but in some cases it might take longer to open a bank account if you cannot prove your UK address (which is a must). Make sure you have another source for payments or use a different service to send and receive money during this time.

• To open your bank account you will need two main things:

  • A document to prove your identity (your passport, for example)

  • Proof of address (this can usually be a recent utility bill including gas, electricity or your home phone bill, a recent water bill, your UK council tax bill or a UK driving licence.

  Can I open a UK bank account online?

  Yes, you usually can. If you have the right documents you might also be able to start the bank account opening process online. In the majority of cases, you will be required to make an appointment in person at the bank branch to prove your identity, unless the bank offers as security step a video call for identity verification. Please note in person bank appointments could take several weeks during busy times.

  *It is not a legal requirement to have a bank account in the UK and not all British residents have one. There are alternative money management options in the UK such as building societies, credit unions and National Savings and Investment accounts (formerly Post Office Savings accounts). However, opening a bank account in the UK will make your move a lot easier.

4. You’ll Need to Budget for the Cost of Living

The cost of living in the UK is higher compared to the cost of living in other countries. Prices usually vary across the country and it’s good to know in London, the cost of living is higher compared to the rest of the UK, particularly when compared to the North, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

How much money you need on a montly basis when living in the UK will depend on where you live and your lifestyle, but as a minimum you will need to budget for housing including bills, food and transport.

* The average household spends in the UK is £684.60 per week (this amount includes housing, food, transport and bills)

5. Start Searching for Accommodation Before Your UK Arrival

To have an understanding of costs and the overall UK rental process it is good to do some research before moving to the UK. Landlords will only allow the tenants to sign the rental documents themselves, which means once you decide where you would like to live, you'll have to be in the UK to sing in the documents before you will be able to move in.

Moving to London?
Some of the best neighborhoods to live in are Kensington, Nothing Hill, Greenwich, Putney, Marylebone, Dulwich, Highbury and Islington, Clapham and Finchley.

Moving outside of London?
Some of the best places to live in outside of London are: Sevenoaks (Kent), Tunbridge Wells (Kent), Bristol. Brighton, Manchester, Oxford, Cardiff, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Reading and the Thames Valley, Leeds and Liverpool.

You will need to prove your 'right to rent' (for example you have your previous landlord contact details, rent statements, immigration documents and personal identification documents).

To start with, holiday rental properties (vacation rentals) are an excellent first choice. It is often possible to move to a holiday rental property for 1-2 months until you sort out your parmenant rental home, and it can be easier and less expensive than staying in a hotel or hostel.

If you know someone in the UK who can act as a guarantor, renting a place is easier.

6. Don’t Forget to Apply for a National Insurance Number

To get a National Insurance number you need to apply online. You’ll need to prove your identity when you apply. You can apply for a National Insurance number if you:

• live in the UK

• have the right to work in the UK

• are working, looking for work or have an offer to start work

You can start work before you receive your National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK.

If you already have a National Insurance number, you do not need to apply for a new one, even if your personal details change. Your National Insurance number remains the same for life.

7. Will You Need Private Healthcare in the UK?

Private health insurance is not mandatory in the UK, but most expats do sign up for private health insurance despite the fact that the NHS provides a wide range of free treatments, just in case they do not qualify for NHS treatments, or in order to skip the long waiting ques.

8. How to Access National Healthcare in the UK

UK National Health Service provides free medical care to UK residents (NHS). This includes doctor's appointments and some hospital treatments, but most prescriptions are not covered. Expats must register for an NHS number in order to be eligible for NHS treatments.

If you plan to stay in the UK for more than six months, you may be required to pay an immigration health surcharge when you apply for your visa. The entire amount will be paid in advance for the duration of your visa.

An NHS number is a 10-digit number, like 485 777 3456.

Your NHS number is unique to you. It helps healthcare staff and service providers identify you correctly and match your details to your health records. You should have an NHS number if you registered for NHS care in England, Wales or the Isle of Man.

If you have never had NHS care or treatment, register with a GP practice to get an NHS number.

With the exception of NHS-funded assisted conception services, if you have paid the surcharge or are exempt from paying it, you will be entitled to free NHS hospital treatment in England on the same basis as an ordinarily resident person. Your entitlement will be effective from the date your visa is issued until it expires. Some charges, such as prescription or dental fees, must be paid.

9. Useful Links

For more information on living in the UK, check out the UK Government’s official website, which has a range of important information for expats and residents alike.

https://christmasenthusiasts.co.uk/events-activities