Relocation & Moving to the UK: Expat Guides for Every Stage
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.
Your relocation journey
Five stages, from first decision to settled life in the UK.
The complete relocation guides
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.
Complete Relocation Guide for Expats 2026
A comprehensive end-to-end guide covering every stage of relocating to the UK — visas, housing, cost of living and cultural insights.
Read the full guide →
Moving to the UK Checklist
40 tasks across five phases — before you leave, first week, first month, first three months, and ongoing. Progress saves in your browser.
Open the checklist →
The Cost of Living in the UK in 2026
Rent, bills, groceries, transport and healthcare costs — region by region and city by city.
Read guide →
Best Places to Live in London for Families
Neighbourhoods with the best schools, green space and community feel — for expat families choosing where to put down roots.
Read guide →
UK Visas & Immigration: Find the Right Route
Work, family, study, settlement and visit visas — every route explained with eligibility and processing times.
Compare all routes →Working in the UK: Jobs, Contracts & Rights
Finding a job, writing a UK CV, right-to-work checks, employment contracts and pay.
Read guide →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.
Moving Your Belongings to the UK: Complete Guide
All options compared — sea, road and air freight — with costs, timelines and what paperwork you need.
Read guide →
Transfer of Residence (ToR1) Relief
If you’ve lived outside the UK for 12+ months, import personal belongings free of duty and VAT. Apply before arrival.
Read the ToR1 guide →
Relocation by Road from Europe to the UK
By car, van or lorry through the Channel Tunnel or ferry — transit times, costs and customs paperwork.
Read guide →
UK Customs Rules: What You Can and Cannot Bring
Prohibited items, restricted goods, duty-free allowances and what to declare at the UK border.
Read guide →Moving to the UK Checklist
40 tasks from before you leave to settling in — BRP, NI number, bank account, driving licence and more.
Open the checklist → UK visasUK Visas & Immigration: All Routes
Your visa determines when you can enter, how long you can stay and what you can do. Compare every route.
Compare visa routes →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.
Register with a GP
Your NHS gateway — do this in week one. No proof of address required. Registration is free.
GP registration guide →Apply for a National Insurance Number
Apply online through GOV.UK once you are in the UK. Your employer can pay you before your NI number arrives.
NI number guide → Pay & taxPay and Tax in the UK
PAYE, tax codes, Self Assessment and National Insurance contributions — what to expect from your first payslip.
Pay & tax guide →Convert Your Foreign Driving Licence
Most non-EU licences must be exchanged or tested within 12 months of becoming a UK resident.
Conversion guide → Healthcare & NHSNHS Healthcare for Expats
Who qualifies for NHS care, what the Immigration Health Surcharge covers, and how to access NHS services on arrival.
Healthcare guides → Living in the UKLiving in the UK: Expat Life Guides
Cost of living, housing, community, banking, driving and day-to-day life in the UK.
Living guides →Moving from your country
Country-specific guides covering visa routes, community resources, cultural differences and the practical steps that vary depending on where you’re relocating from.
Expat education directory
Find a school, course or provider. The full education directory — schools, universities, language providers and online platforms vetted for expat families.
Expat Education Directory
All categories — schools, universities, language providers and online platforms vetted for expat families moving to the UK.
Browse the directory → International SchoolsInternational Schools in the UK
IB, American and other international curricula — for expat families who want a familiar curriculum or a globally recognised qualification.
Browse international schools →Independent & State Boarding
Full and weekly boarding options across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Browse → Primary SchoolsReception to Year 6 / P1 to P7
State and independent primary schools for expat children arriving at any age.
Browse → Secondary SchoolsYears 7 to 11, GCSE and S1 to S4
State and independent secondary schools including GCSE and Scottish curriculum options.
Browse →Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Research
UK universities accepting international students, with guidance on fees and entry requirements.
Browse → Language SchoolsEnglish Language Schools
English language schools across the UK for adults and young learners.
Browse → Online EducationOnline Schools, Tutors & Platforms
Online schools, tutors and learning platforms for expat children and adult learners.
Browse →Wraparound Care, Clubs & Holiday Cover
After-school clubs, childcare and holiday cover for working expat parents.
Browse → Continuing EducationAdult Learners & Professional Development
Courses and qualifications for adult expats upskilling or requalifying in the UK.
Browse → Language AppsLanguage Apps & Websites
Apps and websites for self-paced learners of English and other languages.
Browse →The UK move, made easier
Visa updates, relocation checklists, NHS tips and expat life guides — straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam.
Frequently asked questions
The timeline depends heavily on your visa route. A Skilled Worker visa typically takes 3 to 8 weeks to process once you have a job offer. Family visas can take 8 to 24 weeks. Once your visa is granted, most people complete the physical move and core admin within the first four weeks of arrival.
The highest-priority tasks in your first 30 days are: collect your Biometric Residence Permit within 10 days of arrival, register with a GP surgery, apply for a National Insurance number, open a UK bank account, and if you have children, contact your local council about school places.
Yes, if you qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR1) relief. If you have lived outside the UK for at least 12 months, you can import personal effects and household goods free of VAT and customs duty. You must apply before your goods arrive.
For large volumes, shared sea freight (groupage container) is typically the most cost-effective option. For smaller moves from Europe, a shared road freight service or a hired van is often cheaper. Air freight is fast but significantly more expensive per kilogram.
It depends on your nationality and purpose. Citizens of most non-EEA countries need a visa to live and work in the UK. Common routes include the Skilled Worker visa, Family visas and the Student visa.
Find a GP surgery in your area using the NHS website and complete a registration form. You do not need proof of address to register. Bring your passport and BRP. Registration is free.
You can apply for a National Insurance number as soon as you are in the UK and have the right to work or study. Applications are made online through GOV.UK. Your employer can pay you before your NI number arrives.
EU or EEA licence holders can drive for up to three years after becoming a UK resident. Licences from most other countries are valid for 12 months. If your country has a reciprocal agreement with the UK you can exchange at the DVLA without retaking a test.
Related hubs
The latest UK relocation & visa news
Salary thresholds, fee changes, customs rules — all tracked and updated daily.