Your independent guide to relocating

Your new life in the UK starts here

Visa guides, relocation advice, NHS explainers, jobs, and everything in between — written by expats, for expats.

256k+ Expats informed
400+ Expert guides
May 2026 All content updated
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Essential guides

Start here — the guides every expat needs

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Expats relocating to the UK — complete relocation guide 2026
Relocation
UK Relocation Guide for Expats

Everything you need to plan your move — from choosing a city and shipping belongings to setting up your life on arrival.

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Moving to the UK checklist — everything to do before and after you arrive
Moving
The Moving to the UK Checklist

From securing your visa to registering with a GP and opening a bank account — every step, in the right order.

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Cost of living in the UK — comprehensive guides for all regions and major cities
Cost of Living
Cost of Living in the UK: The Complete Hub

Rents, salaries, groceries, transport — region-by-region and city-by-city data so you can budget before you arrive.

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Average rent in the UK — what you will pay by region in 2026
Housing
Average Rent in the UK: What You Will Pay by Region

Current rental data for London, the South East, the Midlands, and beyond — with practical context for new arrivals.

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Average UK salary — what people actually earn in 2026
Work & Pay
Average UK Salary: What People Actually Earn

Median and mean earnings by sector, region, and experience level — the numbers you need before negotiating your offer.

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Best places to live in London for families with children
Living in the UK
Best Places to Live in London for Families

School catchments, green space, commute times, and rental costs — the neighbourhoods that work best for families with children.

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UK visas and immigration 2026 — complete guides for work, study, family, and settlement
Visas
UK Visas & Immigration: Every Route Explained

Work visas, study visas, family visas, settlement, and entry routes — updated for the April 2026 rule changes.

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Global Talent Visa — eligibility, endorsing bodies, fees, and how to apply
Visas
Global Talent Visa: Eligibility, Endorsement & Fees

The visa route for leaders in science, engineering, arts, and digital technology — no job offer required if you qualify.

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UK vs USA cost of living — a realistic comparison for 2026
Cost of Living
UK vs USA Cost of Living: A Realistic Comparison

Housing, healthcare, groceries, transport, and tax — how the two countries actually compare for someone making the move.

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Find trusted expat services near you

Our curated directory connects you with vetted accountants, solicitors, removal companies, healthcare providers, schools, and more across the UK.

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The expat briefing that actually helps

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Who we are

Written by expats who’ve lived it

Moving to the UK is an independent publication built by and for the international expat community relocating to the United Kingdom. Every guide, news article and directory listing is researched and written by our specialist editorial team — journalists and expats with direct experience of UK immigration, employment law, the NHS, and everyday life as an expat.

Our writers bring original analysis, real-world context, and the kind of practical detail that only comes from having been through the process.

400+ Expert guides published
256k+ Expats informed
May 2026 All content updated
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FAQ

Common questions about moving to the UK

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and the purpose of your move. Citizens of most non-EEA countries will need a visa before travelling to the UK. The most common routes are the Skilled Worker Visa, Family Visa, and Student Visa. Our UK Visa Guide covers every route in detail.
Most visa holders who pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application are entitled to full NHS access from their date of arrival. You will need to register with a GP practice near your home. See our guide on NHS eligibility for expats.
The Skilled Worker Visa allows overseas nationals to work in the UK for an approved employer in an eligible occupation. You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, meet the minimum salary threshold (currently £38,700 or the going rate for your role, whichever is higher), and demonstrate English language competency.
Most visa routes require five continuous years of lawful residence in the UK before you can apply for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Some routes, such as the Innovator Founder Visa, have shorter qualifying periods. Once you hold ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after a further qualifying period.
US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live, so you may have filing obligations in both countries. The UK-US tax treaty and Foreign Earned Income Exclusion can significantly reduce double taxation. Our US tax cluster covers FBAR, FATCA, and treaty relief in detail.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel permission required by nationals of visa-exempt countries — including the US, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries — for short visits. It is not a visa and does not permit you to work or study. Apply online before travelling.
The cost depends on your visa route, where you are moving from, and where you plan to live in the UK. Visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, shipping costs, and a rental deposit are the main upfront expenses. London is significantly more expensive than most other UK cities. Our cost of moving guide breaks it all down.
Most UK work and study visas allow you to bring a spouse, civil partner, and dependent children as dependants. Dependants can generally work in the UK without restriction. There are minimum salary requirements for dependants on the Skilled Worker route. See our family visa guide for full details.
The major UK job boards — Reed, CV-Library, Totaljobs, and LinkedIn — all allow you to filter for visa sponsorship. Many employers are licensed Skilled Worker Visa sponsors. Tailor your CV to UK format standards, which differ from US or European styles. Our job search guide walks through the process step by step.
At minimum, you need a valid passport and, if applicable, a valid UK visa or ETA. Visa holders should also carry their BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) after collection, along with their vignette sticker for initial entry. Our entry documents guide has the complete list.
If you are entitled to NHS care, private health insurance is optional — not compulsory. Many expats choose it for faster access to specialists and private hospital care. It is worth considering if your employer offers it as a benefit. See our health insurance guide for a balanced assessment.
Our Expat Directory lists vetted service providers across eight categories: Finance, Healthcare, Education, Moving, Working, Lifestyle, Housing, and Living. Browse by category to find accountants, immigration solicitors, removal companies, GPs, schools, and more. Listings are reviewed by our editorial team.
Yes. Romanian nationals can move to the UK under the same points-based immigration system that applies to all non-UK nationals. The most common routes are the Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, and the Youth Mobility Scheme. EU free movement ended in January 2021 but Romanians already in the UK by that date could apply for EU Settled Status. See our full guide to moving to the UK from Romania.
Yes. Romanian citizens now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits to the UK, including stopovers and transit. The ETA costs £10 and is linked to your passport. It is not a visa and does not allow you to work or study. Apply before you travel via the UK Visas and Immigration service. See our UK ETA guide for Romanians for step-by-step instructions.