Your life in The United Kingdom starts here
Make your move to The United Kingdom
English-speaking with strong healthcare and deep global connections, the UK offers a favourable tax break for new arrivals. A dedicated skilled-worker route offers a clear and welcoming way in.
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Photo: Jamie Street / Unsplash
At a glance
The United Kingdom, in brief.
How The United Kingdom compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. The United Kingdom ranks among the best for english-friendliness (13th of 81) and healthcare (27th of 78) and size of expat community (32nd of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- High
- Property
- Very expensive
- Healthcare
- Strong
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Cool (~11°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Established
Skilled Worker; no retiree route
Worldwide; 4-yr tax break for new arrivals
Life in The United Kingdom
My name is Gloria, and I am Italian, bubbly and a travel lover. I am 25 years old and living in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Where, when…
Health insurance in The United Kingdom
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
The United Kingdom, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about The United Kingdom into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in The United Kingdom.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The The United Kingdom moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in The United Kingdom
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in The United Kingdom share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All The United Kingdom stories
- UK
Bonny
My name is Bonny. I am a 46-year-old. I am French, the mother of two lovely girls, and have been living in…
- Brighton
Cinthya Lechat
My name is Cinthya. I am a 26-year-old French woman and Happiness Coach, who currently lives in Brighton in the UK. Where,…
- International Expat
Kevin
My name is Kevin, I'm French, from Paris. I am an International HR Professional and a great travel addict ;)I have completed…
Fresh from The United Kingdom
Latest articles.
Your First 90 Days In The UK: A Practical Guide For Retired US Expats
Moving to the UK as a retiree? Here's what to tackle in your first three months.
Tax Relief For Foreign Nationals In The UK
Oliver Heslop lists some useful tax reliefs for foreign nationals in the UK.
Tax Quiz For American Expats Moving To The UK
American expats moving to the UK, make sure you understand the UK tax system, including tax reliefs, tax rates and the tax year end.
Hear it first hand
The podcast on The United Kingdom.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All The United Kingdom episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to The United Kingdom, and compare them side by side.
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