Relocation Guide
Moving to the UK: the complete guide
Your step-by-step guide to visas, housing, shipping, and settling in.
Choose your starting point
Step 1 · 5-6 months before
Visas & the right to live in the UK
Get this right first — everything else depends on it.
- Identify your visa route — Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or family visa are the most common
- Open a UK bank account and set up an international transfer provider before you arrive
- Check your cross-border tax position with an adviser in your home country
Salary thresholds, sponsorship requirements, and processing times vary by route and change periodically — always confirm the latest rules before you commit to a job offer or lodge an application.
- Check current salary thresholds and gather any employer sponsorship documents your route requires
- Understand the Immigration Health Surcharge and whether it's included in your visa fee
This is general information, not immigration or legal advice. Visa rules and thresholds change — always confirm current requirements on gov.uk or with a qualified immigration adviser.
Helpful links
Step 2 · 3-4 months before
Finding a home from abroad
The market moves fast — get ahead of it before you land.
- Set up alerts on Rightmove and Zoopla for the areas you're considering
- Prepare for referencing without a UK credit history — a common blocker for newcomers
- Budget for the upfront cost: first month's rent plus a five-week deposit
Ask agents about virtual or video viewings — most in major UK cities now offer these — and consider a short-term let for your first few weeks so you can view properties in person before committing long-term.
- Ask about virtual or video viewings — most agents in major UK cities now offer these
- Consider a short-term let for your first 1-3 months before committing long-term
Helpful links
Step 3 · 1-2 months before
Shipping & the logistics sprint
Short and intense — nothing should slip in these final weeks.
- Compare sea freight (6-8 weeks) against air freight (1-2 weeks) quotes
- Order a UK SIM and download Citymapper, Trainline, and the NHS App
- Bring copies of medical records and repeat prescriptions from home
Sea freight is cheaper but slower (6-8 weeks); air freight costs more but arrives in 1-2 weeks. Whichever you choose, insure your shipment and keep a full inventory for customs.
- Insure your shipment and keep a detailed inventory for UK customs
- Confirm the Immigration Health Surcharge was paid as part of your visa application, where applicable
Helpful links
Step 4 · Arrival to 3 months in
Settling in
You've arrived — now make the address feel like home.
- Register with a GP surgery as soon as your address is confirmed
- Apply for your National Insurance number
- Join a local club or group to build a social network faster
Collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) promptly if your visa requires one, and give yourself time to find your rhythm — your café, your park, your shortcut home.
- Collect your biometric residence permit (BRP), if applicable, promptly after arrival
- Give yourself time to find your rhythm — your café, your park, your shortcut home
Helpful links
Ready to plan your move?
Turn everything in this guide into a step-by-step checklist with NestMatch's move planner — organised by month, with progress tracking.
Plan my movePopular UK cities for newcomers
Common starting points — but the right area depends on your budget and lifestyle. See what people are searching for right now.
Frequently asked questions
Browse every questionDo I need a visa to move to the UK?
Yes, unless you're a UK or Irish citizen. Common routes include the Skilled Worker visa (job offer required), the Global Talent visa, and family visas — the right one depends on your circumstances, so check gov.uk or speak to an immigration adviser.
How much does it cost to move to the UK?
It varies by visa route, family size, and how much you ship. Expect visa fees, shipping or flights, a deposit plus rent upfront, and living costs that differ a lot by town — NestMatch shows real, current data so you can budget accurately.
How long does it take to move to the UK?
Most people spend around 5-6 months in total: sorting a visa and finances first, then house-hunting, then shipping and healthcare registration in the final weeks. Visa processing times vary by route, so check current timelines on gov.uk.
What's the best place to live in the UK?
It depends on what you value — commute, schools, safety, or nightlife. NestMatch matches you to UK towns using real housing, school, crime, and transport data, rather than generic “best of” lists.
Can I register with the NHS before or right after I arrive?
You register with a GP surgery once you have a confirmed UK address, and this should happen as early as possible — GP registration is free and is how most people access day-to-day NHS care.
Find the right UK area before you move
Tell NestMatch what matters to you — commute, schools, safety, budget — and get matched to real UK towns and cities, backed by real data.
Start your search