Relocation & Moving to the UK
Everything you need to plan and execute a move to the UK — from choosing your visa route and shipping your belongings, to your first week in a new home and building a life from scratch.
The complete relocation guide
Before anything else — visas, shipping, housing — read this. It covers the full relocation journey end to end, written for expats who want a clear, honest picture of what to expect.
Three things every person relocating to the UK needs to know
If you've lived outside the UK for at least 12 months, you can import your household goods and personal effects free of duty and VAT under Transfer of Residence relief. But you must apply before the goods arrive — you cannot claim it retrospectively. It can save thousands on a full container load.
ToR1 customs relief guide →Skilled Worker Visa processing typically takes 3–8 weeks once you have a job offer. Family visas can take 8–24 weeks. Factor this into your shipping timeline, tenancy start date, and notice period at your current job. Everything downstream — housing, school registration, GP registration — flows from when your visa is granted.
All visa routes →GP surgeries are the gateway to all NHS care in the UK. You can register even before you are unwell, and you should do so in your first week. Some practices have waiting lists or are not accepting new patients — registering early gives you options. Visa holders who paid the Immigration Health Surcharge are entitled to NHS care immediately on arrival.
GP registration guide →Your first 30 days in the UK
The first month is about getting the administrative foundations in place — everything that enables everything else. These are the highest-priority tasks.
Moving your belongings to the UK
How you ship depends on where you are moving from, how much you're bringing, and your budget. These guides cover every main option — plus the customs relief that most people don't claim.
If you've lived outside the UK for 12+ months, you can import personal belongings free of duty and VAT. Apply before arrival — this cannot be claimed retrospectively.
Read the ToR1 guide →The right visa for your move
Your visa determines when you can enter, how long you can stay, and what you can do. Most relocators use a work, family, or student visa — choose the route that fits your situation.
Finding and starting work
For most relocators, employment is the financial foundation of the whole move. These guides cover finding a job, presenting yourself correctly, and understanding your rights.
NHS & healthcare for new arrivals
Understanding the NHS before you arrive makes the first weeks significantly less stressful. These three guides cover what you need to know on day one.
Find vetted removal companies, solicitors & relocation specialists
From international removal companies to immigration lawyers and letting agents — all listed and reviewed in our free directory for expats moving to the UK.
- International removal & shipping companies
- Immigration lawyers & regulated advisers
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Latest relocation & visa updates
Visa rules, salary thresholds, and customs requirements change regularly. The news that matters most to people planning a UK relocation.
Relocation Questions Every Expat Asks
From timeline and costs to customs, visas, and what to do on day one — answered clearly, without the jargon.