The United Kingdom is a top relocation destination due to its hospitality, arts, culture, and economic opportunity. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) indicates that about 715,000 immigrants moved to the UK between March 2019 and March 2020. There is undoubtedly a lot to handle to make your relocation to the UK stress-free. If you wish to learn more about moving to the UK, please consider these tips.
Set Up Your Bank Account
Setting up a bank account is crucial for your salary, rent payments, and savings, so tackle this immediately after securing accommodation. If you are a member of an international bank, you can request your account to be transferred to the UK. This way, you don’t need to register with a new bank from scratch. However, if you need to open a bank account in the UK, essentials like a picture ID and proof of residence will come in handy, so keep this in mind.
Find Good Accommodation
Finding excellent accommodation is perhaps the most challenging part of your relocation to the UK after the visa hurdle. Many experts recommend not spending beyond 30% of your income on your rent, but you should be prepared to spend even more if you move to London or another big metropolitan area. London is one of the most expensive cities worldwide in terms of accommodation, and you can pay up to 50% of your income for a one-bedroom flat.
As such, you can consider a house or flatshare to lower your housing costs, a typical arrangement in London and other areas in the UK. You can also purchase a home if you have the financial means, although this is not an ideal solution until you secure a more permanent resident status. Therefore, prioritise getting an Indefinite Leave to Remain or apply to be a British citizen before purchasing houses in the UK.
Get Your National Insurance Number
You’ll have to apply for your National Insurance number (NINO) once you move to the UK, so keep this in mind. You need a National Insurance number to ensure that your tax and contributions are recorded in your name. If you already have a biometric residence permit, your NINO will likely be printed at the back. However, if you don’t, you can readily call your local Jobcentre to book an appointment and apply for your National Insurance number.
Obtain Health Insurance
Adequate healthcare is undoubtedly a top priority wherever you are located. Thankfully, the UK’s healthcare system is one to be proud of. All UK citizens and residents can use the country’s National Health Service (NHS). The NHS is funded by taxpayer money so that you can enjoy medical consultations, ambulance services, hospital treatment, and others for free.
However, you might have to pay a small sum for medication depending on your unique circumstances and where you live. Also, you will have to obtain your NHS number to enjoy the public healthcare system by registering with a GP practice. Alternatively, you can join the 13% of the population that opts for private health insurance if you want rapid healthcare access and more options.
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