Moving To The UK: A Guide For Overseas Tenants

Planning on moving to the UK from overseas? Exciting times!

Naturally, there’s plenty to think about, so I’m here to help you learn all about how to make it happen.

No matter where you’re moving from, this guide will bring you up to speed on the tenancy process and key things to bear in mind.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start with the moving process. I have vast experience helping overseas citizens find their dream home in the UK and I know you probably have lots of questions!

This article covers everything from visa requirements to what it’s actually like to live in the UK. Let’s get started.

Check the visa requirements

First things first, before thinking about moving to the UK, check if you need a visa and whether you’re likely to be approved for one.

• Want to study in the UK? If an education institution has offered you a place on one of their courses, you can apply for a Student visa (formerly called a Tier 4 visa).
• Looking for work in the UK? Apply for the Skilled Worker visa (a Tier 2 visa).
• Joining a family member in the UK? Apply for a Family visa.

As of Spring 2024, the minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker visas is set to rise from £26,200 to £38,700 a year – a net migration measure confirmed by the Home Office.

There are several other UK work visas such as the Health and Care Worker visa. Also, there are visas for working in the UK via an overseas employer, temporary or seasonal work visas and also some visas you can apply for without a job offer.

The rules and regulations for European citizens looking to study or work in the UK have changed since 31 January 2020 and Brexit. There is no longer an automatic right to work, so a visa is required.

There are a wide range of nuances to UK entry requirements in terms of the type of visa you need and your right to work.

For example, if you live overseas but have a British passport, then you automatically have the right to work in the UK. Commonwealth and British overseas citizens can apply for a UK Ancestry visa.

As of 31 January 2021 there is a new visa available to Hong Kong British National Overseas citizens and close family members. For those moving to the UK from the USA, there is a dedicated government guide to applying for a visa from the US.

Find somewhere great to live!

Now for something more enjoyable… It’s time to start thinking about the place you’ll call home in the UK!

From cosy one-bed flats to beautiful houses, the accommodation of your dreams is out there somewhere and ready to be a base for your UK adventure.

Start getting excited and check out the properties available to rent in London right now!

But before you start your enquiries, get prepared for the tenant checks. There’s a right to rent check as well as some solvency, credit and reference checks.

For more information, take a look at my guide on the right to rent check and the other processes that tenants need to know about.

Make a plan to transport your belongings

If you’re travelling light, the easiest way to move to the UK is with a couple of suitcases in the hold on the plane.

But if you’re bringing over furniture, you’ll need to look into a sea or air freight option, or an international moving service. 

In terms of bringing pets to the UK, here is the entry criteria for your beloved dog, cat, or ferret! Among other requirements, your pet must be:

• Microchipped
• Vaccinated against rabies
• Allocated a pet passport or health certificate

There is plenty of information from the government about bringing personal goods including a banned list of items and when to declare items to UK customs.

Get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Use a BRP to prove your identity in the UK and right to work or study. After successfully applying for a visa, you should automatically receive one.

But when applying for a visa outside the UK, you need to collect the BRP after arriving here within 10 days. Your visa decision letter will tell you where to go.

Keep the BRP with you when travelling as you’ll need it at the UK border.

Get a National Insurance (NI) number

To track your tax payments, receive the state pension and access the public health service, you need a NI number.

Depending on your individual situation, for the application you may need documents such as:

• Your work or study visa
• Passport or identity card
• Proof of address
• BRP

You can apply online for your NI number.

Register with the National Health Service (NHS)

One of the most popular benefits of living in the UK is access to the world famous, publicly funded NHS.

To register you will need similar documents as before i.e. your proof of identity and residence in the UK, as well as a visa.

Find the nearest general practice (GP) on the NHS website and register there. Advantages of the NHS include many free services and emergency treatment, although you will need to pay for some things and the waiting lists can be very long.

Open a UK bank account

Keep hold of those same documents – you’ll also need them to open a bank account. Some accounts may also require proof of employment.

For the face-to-face approach, walk into any high street bank account and tell the staff you’d like to open an account. Alternatively, browse the options online which will include modern fintech banks such as Monzo and Revolut.

It doesn’t take long to open a UK bank account and when you get one, sit back and enjoy watching your salary or student loan come in!

Long-term settlement in the UK

Want to live in the UK long-term? After a certain amount of time has passed, you could become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Return (ILR), also known as UK settlement.

To obtain ILR in the UK, you need to live here for a continuous period of five years, under an eligible visa category. You must also meet certain language and life in the UK test requirements.

Applicants submit the ILR application to the Home Office, providing supporting documents and evidence of continuous residence. Biometric information may be collected during the process.

Then the Home Office reviews the application and if successful, you receive UK settled status, allowing you to leave the UK and return without losing residency rights.

Living in the UK

Enough about all the administrative requirements. What’s it like to live in the UK?

In short, there’s something for everyone. Opportunities, history, culture, entertainment, nature, nightlife…

Everyone has their own reasons why they love the UK and whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it here.

One thing’s for certain though – the cost of living isn’t low in the UK. However, the median salary according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is nearly £35,000.

London is the go-to destination for many prospective tenants moving to the UK from overseas.

The capital is well known for its fast pace, museums, West End, huge parks, Oxford Street shopping and wide range of transport options.

Here is my guide to living in London as well as what to know before moving there.

Final thoughts: Renting in the UK as a tenant from overseas

If you’re currently living abroad, but thinking about moving to the UK and renting a flat or house, I know that there’s plenty to think about. The process can seem daunting at first.

Just break down the whole process into small steps and tick off the milestones when you achieve them. Once your visa is sorted, start getting excited about living in the UK and everything the country has to offer!

Other information you may find useful from our blog includes guides to break clause tenancy considerations and our moving house checklist.

Over the past 20 years I have rented out many properties to tenants from overseas, so I can help you learn about all the different steps.

Fine Living has some of the most unique and beautiful homes available to let and my team are experts at matching tenants with their perfect properties.

Take a look at our portfolio and for help finding your ideal UK home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.