February 12, 2025
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They often say that the world is your oyster, but how do you pick where to end up? Or, if you like, how do you pick a pearl of a place to live? If you have chosen the UK as your destination, then you have already made the biggest decision, and here we will look at how to make that dream a reality. We will look at a number of issues that may well confirm the decision, or alternatively send you back to the drawing board. So here are some top tips on moving to the UK.

Knowledge

It may sound daft, but get to know where you are going before you get there. The UK may only seem small, but it is made up of separate countries, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and within each of them there are differing landscapes and opportunities, so a little thought needs to be given to exactly where you will end up.

Money

You will need it, so think about your career or how it will best transfer to a certain area – do you need a city with all of its amenities and opportunities, or are your skills more rurally based?

All Of You?

There may well be more than just you making the move, so think of your partner, the children, their schooling, and even your pets. You are a unit, so any decision is never a sole one.

Home

You will need somewhere to live, but will you be looking to buy or rent? Renting can be expensive, but then again, some areas of the UK have high house prices. A good place to look is online at sites such as http://www.propertyfinder.co.uk/ or https://www.rightmove.co.uk/and sites such as http://www.upmystreet.com/ or even Google Earth to see the neighbourhood before you move in!

Man’s Best Friends

Because the UK is an island, it has strict quarantine laws and these can best be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs

Travel

The UK is blessed with many regional airports, and being an island with a good number of ports too that can be used as entry points.

Work Work Work

If you need to work, then you can view a number of jobs through the Government-run Jobcentres or the plethora of online recruitment agencies such as http://www.monster.co.uk/

Tax

If you want to live in the UK, then they will want you to pay your fair share. As taxation systems differ from country to country it is a good idea to learn a little about the UK taxation system before you arrive rather than learn through experience.

Immigration

You will need to apply for the right to live in the UK and on occasions apply in advance to even enter. There are many different types of visa so it’s highly recommended that you seek support from via specialists.

Education

If this applies, then get to know the schooling systems, the age at which children are tested and also the local schooling in your preferred areas. You only get one chance at an education, so the last thing you want to do is disrupt it in a move.

Health

The UK prides itself on its free at point of service health service. If you are from an EU country this is free, outside of this emergency care is usually provided, but if you are a little uncertain about what you can receive without charge then check out the NHS website.

Money

If you earn it you may be required to have a UK bank account and there are many to choose from. If you are a little confused, then see http://www.bba.org.uk/

Arrival

Everything will feel strange, of course it will, as it is. But it isn’t strange to those who have become accustomed to it. The only way you can do this is to immerse yourself in the culture and the community.

Moving anywhere new takes courage, and when that is overseas, then even more so but it also offers new opportunities, fresh and exciting challenges and also the chance to make your life, and the lives of your loved ones even better. So do not be deterred, dream big and then reach for those dreams…