Free healthcare. Culture. Progressive employment. These are just some of the reasons why people are moving to the UK. Recent political events such as Brexit and rising inflation might have made you hesitate, but rest assured that the UK is still a desirable country to live in.
Relocating abroad is an exciting decision but there is a lot to consider before making the move. You want your relocation to go as smoothly as possible so here are the top four things you need to keep in mind before moving to the UK.
Documents
When moving to the UK, you must have your travel documents in order. Equate yourself with the UK’s immigration requirements for you and your family to help you determine which type of visa you need – and keep in mind that there are a lot of them.
Issues with your visa or other critical paperwork could result in delays in your relocation or even denial of your entry to the country.
Opening A Bank Account
Moving can be stressful so you want to make sure that your money is in the right hands by opening a bank account. Research your banking options before you arrive to take full advantage of any benefits or incentives on offer. Be aware that banks and building societies require proof of address in the UK, which can be tricky when first arriving as an expat.
Having a bank account set up is important for a variety of reasons. Not only will it help you evaluate your long-term financial needs but setting up a bank account will make it easier to start building your credit history and manage your money. Your credit score is a critical factor when applying for loans from banks.
Home
Finding a permanent residence is most likely one of your priorities, so you’ll be happy to hear that the UK offers a surprising variety of housing options. If you’re looking to move into the city, a metropolis like London gives you a choice of apartments and townhouses. For slower-paced living, you could move to a rural cottage along the coast.
Whatever your housing preferences, you can easily browse what is available by using apps such as Rightmove or Spare Room. You should find options for some of the best places to live in the UK and can tailor your search to only see homes that meet your exact requirements.
GP
Once you know where you are living, the next step is to find your local GP and register with them. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is one of the world’s leading healthcare services and most immigrants are entitled to free GP and nurse consultations, as well as treatment from primary care services.
GP practices are not required to ask for proof of identity, address or immigration status so you will be able to receive the healthcare you need when you need it.
