Europe · London

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Practical relocation guide for United Kingdom — visas, housing, banking, healthcare, education and integration in one place.

Capital
London
Currency
GBP
Language
English
Cost index
90/100
Pathways

Visa & residency options

Skilled Worker

Sponsored employment, salary threshold £38,700 (lower for shortage roles).

Global Talent

Endorsed leaders in tech, science, arts, research — no employer required.

High Potential Individual

2-year permit for graduates of top 50 global universities (last 5 years).

Residency: ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years; citizenship after 6.

Money

Tax & cost of living

Taxation

Progressive 20–45%; non-dom regime replaced by 4-year FIG (Foreign Income & Gains) regime April 2025.

Monthly essentials
  • Rent (1BR city): £1,500–£2,500
  • Meal out: £18
  • Transport pass: £170/mo London Zone 1–2
Money 2

Banking & business setup

Banking

Monzo, Starling, Revolut UK, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Barclays. Address proof + BRP/eVisa required.

Business setup

Private Limited Company (Ltd) £12 online via Companies House, no minimum capital, can be 100% non-resident. Live entity in 24h. Corporation tax 25% above £250k profit.

Lifestyle

Living in country

Housing

London (Zone 1–2) premium; Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol much more affordable. Right to Rent check + UK guarantor or 6 months upfront common.

Healthcare

NHS universal + £1,035/yr Immigration Health Surcharge per applicant.

Education

Top-ranked universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial); £9,250/yr UK fees, £25k–£45k international. Strong private boarding sector.

Employment

Finance (London Stock Exchange, big banks), tech (DeepMind, ARM, Revolut HQ), life sciences (AstraZeneca, GSK), media.

Ready to move to United Kingdom?