Are you thinking of moving to the UK?
It’s very clear that the land is full of better opportunities than most countries in the world, but there are several pros and cons you need to look at before packing that suitcase and jumping on the next flight to London. I won’t lie to you; the cost of living in the country is expensive. Imagine living in a county where the average monthly rent is higher than the national minimum wage. That shouldn’t scare you; there are more pros to consider too. Benefits like good transport network, excellent healthcare system, high-quality education, numerous job, and business opportunities, etc. are you still wondering why you should relocate to the UK? this guide should help you find the right path.
Moving to a foreign country can become overwhelming, even for a seasoned ex-pat. There is the problem of getting a visa, shipping your stuff, storing your household goods, et cetera. The UK is an island, thus its migration laws might seem stricter than in other countries. However, do not let this discourage you in any way.
Here are a few things to know about relocating to the UK as an ex-pat.
Visa and Work Permits Requirements
Before traveling to the UK, you must apply for a visa in your home country. The types, costs, and requirements of each visa differ depending on what type of citizen you are. If you do not come from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, then you should apply for a long-term visa at the UK embassy in your home country. However, as a citizen of the EU, the recent transition process might affect you. Visa costs depend on the type of visa and where the application was made. If you are a resident during your application, you might pay around 1,220 GBP for a Tier 2 General Visa, and if you are outside the country, the same visa will go for 705 GBP.
Housing in the UK
The housing market is fast-paced; houses are sold every day. The good thing though is that the housing system in the country has so much to offer; from modern apartments to the classic Victorian terraced houses straight out of Hollywood movies. If you intend to live in Greater London, you will have to spend a lot on rent, the costs of utilities, transport, etc. which tend to be higher in the capital city than in other parts of the country. If you are interested in buying a property instead, you need to know how much houses cost. The average cost of a house is about 230,000 GBP, but in London, you will get an average of 475,000 GBP. You should note that purchasing a house in the country doesn’t make you a legal citizen.
Taxation in the UK
To successfully live in the country you need to understand the new tax system, be able to make overseas transactions, and know how to do finances in different currencies. It is pertinent to open a non-resident bank account and know how much taxes you will pay as a resident. You can find all this information and more online.
Education in the UK
Despite the high cost of education, the country offers one of the best education in the world. If you are relocating with your family, you should send your children to an international school provided you could afford the costs. The one prerequisite of this type of educational system is that students get the best of international education standards, without being limited to the national curriculum. This type of education grooms your children better, creating wider opportunities for them in the future.
Working in the UK
If you are moving to the UK, then you have probably gotten a job. Congratulations. However, if you haven’t, working in the country is very fantastic. Getting a good job is a glitch. One way you can find a job in the country is by searching for job postings online. On several platforms such as Linkedin, Glassdoor, Gumtree, Indeed, Totaljobs, etc., you can find thousands of jobs in different fields. Ensure you meet the qualifications of a job before submitting your UK-styled CV. Although the job market is very competitive, there are tons of job opportunities for foreigners despite the recent Brexit and economic turndown.
