Moving to the UK Checklist: Everything to Do Before and After You Arrive

Identify the right visa category for your situation — Skilled Worker, Student, Family, Global Talent, Youth Mobility or another route. Apply as early as possible since processing times vary. You will need a valid passport, biometric enrolment and supporting documents.

Most visa holders receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) after arrival. Your visa will specify a Post Office branch to collect it from within 10 days of entering the UK. Note the location and deadline before you travel.

The IHS is paid as part of most visa applications. For 2026 the standard rate is £1,035 per year for adults. Once paid, it gives you full NHS access during your visa period at no additional charge per treatment.

Consider your employer’s location, commuting options, school catchment areas if you have children, and your budget. London is significantly more expensive than other UK cities. Many expats start with short-term or serviced accommodation while they search properly on the ground.

Monzo, Revolut and Starling all allow you to open an account before arriving with just a passport and right-to-reside document. Having a UK account makes paying deposits and receiving salary on arrival much smoother.

If you have paid the IHS, NHS cover begins immediately on entry. However, GP registration takes a few days and you may want a short-term travel or private health policy to cover the gap before you are registered.

For larger moves, get at least three quotes from international removal companies. Check whether a Transfer of Residence (ToR1) customs relief application applies to you — it can waive import duty on personal effects moved when you relocate.

State school places in England are allocated by local authorities. Applications go through your local council. For mid-year applications, contact the local authority directly — they must find a place. For independent schools, apply to the school directly and timelines vary widely.

Rules vary by country. Some require a formal departure notification; others handle residency changes automatically. Check whether you need to file a final tax return or notify a pension authority before you leave.

Ensure your passport is valid for your entire visa period. UK border officers can refuse entry if your passport expires during your intended stay. Renew early if needed — some countries’ passport offices have significant backlogs.

Your BRP must be collected within 10 days of entering the UK from the Post Office specified in your visa. Take your passport and the details from your visa vignette. The BRP is your main proof of immigration status — keep it safe.

Find your nearest GP practice on the NHS website and register as a new patient. You do not need proof of address to register. Registration is free and activates your full NHS access. Bring your passport and BRP. The practice may ask for your NHS number if you have a previous UK record.

A UK phone number is essential for two-factor authentication on banking apps and official services. Pay-as-you-go SIMs from major providers (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three) are available in most supermarkets and convenience stores without a contract.

You need a UK address for your NI number application, bank account upgrades and NHS registration. If you are in a hotel or short-term rental, use that address for now — you can update it when you have a permanent address.

Your employer must carry out right-to-work checks. Show them your BRP or share your Home Office online immigration status code if you have an eVisa. Your employer can begin payroll even without your National Insurance number — provide it once you receive it.

Apply online at GOV.UK. You need your immigration documents and a UK address. HMRC posts your NI number letter within a few weeks. Your NI number is your unique tax and benefits identifier in the UK — it stays with you for life.

With a UK address you can apply to high-street banks (Lloyds, NatWest, Barclays, HSBC, Santander). Most require your passport, BRP and a proof of address such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill. Some banks accept a letter from your employer confirming your address.

UK rental deposits are typically five weeks’ rent and must be protected in a government-approved deposit protection scheme. Set up gas, electricity and broadband in your name to start building a UK credit footprint. Check whether Council Tax is included in your rent or whether you pay it separately.

Contact your local council to register. Council Tax is a local authority charge based on your property band. You may be entitled to a single-person discount (25% off) if you live alone. Students are typically exempt — apply to the council with your student certificate.

Contact your local council’s school admissions team. They are legally required to find a state school place. Bring your child’s birth certificate, passport, immigration documents, and any previous school records if available.

Children can register at the same GP surgery as you. NHS dentists are free for children under 18 — search for a local NHS dentist accepting new patients at nhs.uk. NHS dental waiting lists can be long; register early.

UK car insurance is legally required. New arrivals often pay higher premiums as they have no UK no-claims history. Bring evidence of your no-claims record from your home country — some insurers will honour it. Third-party is the minimum legal cover; comprehensive is recommended.

If you brought a car from outside the UK, you must register it with the DVLA within six months of becoming a UK resident. You will also need to arrange UK-compliant vehicle insurance and an MOT if the vehicle is over three years old.

If you are employed and on PAYE your employer handles your income tax registration. If you are self-employed or have income from abroad, register for Self Assessment at GOV.UK. Your tax year in the UK runs from 6 April to 5 April.

Citizens of Commonwealth countries and the Republic of Ireland are entitled to vote in UK elections while resident here. You can register online at GOV.UK. This is also useful as it helps build your UK credit file.

EU/EEA licence holders can drive for up to three years or until age 70. Most other country licences are valid for 12 months from becoming a UK resident. Check whether your country has a reciprocal exchange agreement with the UK — if so, you can exchange without taking a test.

NHS dental treatment is subsidised but not free for most adults. Charges are set nationally by treatment band. Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can take time in some areas — it is worth starting the search early. Private dentists are always available at higher cost.

UK employers are required to automatically enrol most workers in a workplace pension. The minimum employer contribution is 3% of qualifying earnings; employees contribute at least 5%. You can opt out, but it is generally in your financial interest to stay enrolled and receive the employer contribution.

Buildings insurance is typically the landlord’s responsibility in a rented property. Contents insurance (covering your possessions) is your responsibility. It is cheap relative to the value it protects and is worth arranging promptly after moving in.

Your foreign credit history does not transfer to the UK. Start building a UK credit file by registering on the electoral roll, opening a bank account, setting up direct debits and, optionally, getting a credit builder credit card and paying it off in full each month.

Understand what your visa allows — working hours, permitted activities, any restrictions. Diarise your visa expiry date. Most visa renewal applications should be submitted at least three months before expiry. Going out of status is a serious matter.

NHS sight tests are free for those under 16, over 60, those on certain benefits, and some other groups. Most adults pay a fee. High street opticians (Specsavers, Vision Express, Boots Opticians) are accessible without a GP referral.

The TV licence fee is £174.50 per year (2026). It is required if you watch any live TV broadcast from any broadcaster, or use BBC iPlayer. It applies regardless of the device. Apply at tvlicensing.co.uk. Fines for unlicensed use can be significant.

Use a specialist currency transfer service (such as Wise, OFX or Currencies Direct) rather than a bank to move large sums internationally — the exchange rates and fees are typically significantly better. Declare foreign assets to HMRC if required under Worldwide Disclosure.

This includes your home country’s tax office, any pension providers, financial institutions, insurers, and any subscriptions or memberships. Keep a checklist of who you have notified to avoid missing anything.

If you switch employer, change job role, or move address, understand whether your visa requires notification to the Home Office. Skilled Worker visas are tied to a specific employer and role — a job change usually requires a new visa application.

The deadline for online Self Assessment returns is 31 January following the tax year end (5 April). If you have untaxed income, foreign income, or are self-employed, you must file. Penalties for late filing start at £100.

Most Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous residence. British citizenship by naturalisation typically requires a further 12 months after ILR. Keep records of all trips abroad — absences count against continuous residence requirements.

The NHS provides comprehensive free care but waiting times for non-urgent treatment can be long. Some employers offer private medical insurance as a benefit. Individual private health policies give faster access to specialists, private hospitals and elective procedures.

Your home country will may not be valid or may not reflect UK inheritance law. If you do not have a UK will, your estate is distributed under the UK rules of intestacy. This is especially important if you have children or significant UK assets.