Immigrate to London. Things to know before moving to London
THE BASICS
How to immigrate to London with Eurosender
United Kingdom
UTC +1
Pound Sterling (£/GBP)
8.982 million
English
+44
999
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BEFORE MOVING
The cost of moving to London. International removals to London with Eurosender
When you are looking for international removal services to London, Eurosender can provide you with fast and cost-effective solutions:
Visa regulations when moving to London
Until 2021, citizens from Switzerland, the EU and EEA countries can travel to London and other UK cities for holidays or short-term trips, without a visa. If you are moving to London from the US, Australia, or Canada, you do not need a tourist or business visa to travel to London and stay up to 6 months.
If you plan to relocate to London to live or for work, you need to obtain a visa. Here are the visa types you can apply for when moving to London:
- Temporary UK visas – such as tourist visas, visitor visas, transit visas, which can be valid from 24 hours and up to 6 months.
- Non-immigrant visas – such as student visas, work visas, family visas for staying in the UK for longer than 6 months.
- Immigrant UK visas – if you plan to relocate to London permanently or for a period longer than 5 years for work or businesses purposes, family reunion, or sometimes for retiring.
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Long-term rentals in London. Cost to rent or buy an apartment
While locals usually buy property in London, most expats who are living and working in London, prefer long-term rentals. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of London will cost you about £1700 (€1890) per month, while the renting price in the suburbs will be around £1200 (€1330) .
Expats who are moving to London with family or kids and looking for a three-bedroom apartment can expect the price to be around £2500 (€2780) per month.
How much does an international removal to London cost?
LIVING IN LONDON
The cost of living in London
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, so be prepared to spend a lot on an apartment rental. The basic monthly utilities such as gas, electricity, and water will cost you around £160. Depending on your provider and the package you chose, Wi-Fi will cost around £20-40 per month.
A combo meal at a fast-food restaurant will cost about £6, while a cappuccino is around £3.
On average, a single person living in London will spend around £830 per month without rent.
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The job market in London: how to find a job as a foreigner?
Getting a job in London is not easy, as the competition level is high. Still, there are many job opportunities in London, especially in science, IT, teaching and the medical sphere.
If you want a high qualified or well-paid job, then you need to speak proficient English (speaking a second language also gives you an advantage).
If you are moving to London from the EU, EEA countries or Switzerland, you currently don’t need a work permit to work in London. Citizens from other nations will need to apply for a residence card that allows working legally.
The average monthly salary in London is around £2800.
Schools and education in London
When you plan to live in London with children, consider that all kids have to attend primary and secondary school from the age of 5 until 16.
Many expats and foreigners living in London prefer private schools for their children. Private schools (also known in the UK as ‘independent schools’), may follow the British or any other curriculum and can offer a wider range of subjects and extra-curricular activities. Private schools in London have higher teaching standards and smaller class sizes.
Many expats moving to London with children opt for international schools which follow different curricula so students may continue studying the same syllabus as they were studying at home.
Age: 3-5
Compulsory: No
Age: 6-12
Compulsory: Yes
Age: 12-16
Compulsory: Yes
Healthcare in London: should I get private insurance?
The National Healthcare Service (NHS) is available to all nationals and residents who legally live in London. As the government funds it, expats do not have to pay for the healthcare services in the UK as the NHS covers almost everything.
Although the quality of healthcare in public and private medical facilities is on par, many expats prefer private healthcare in London to avoid waiting in lines. Also, it is recommended to obtain private healthcare insurance in London that will cover all your healthcare expenses.
Driving in London. Should I get a British driving licence?
Residents from the EU or EEA countries can drive in London for as long as their licence is valid, or until they’re 70. Non-EU citizens immigrating to London or other UK cities can drive up to 12 months with their local driving licence or an international driving permit.
Things to consider about driving in London:
- Many road users will have to pay the congestion charge fee before heading into the Central London zone.
- London has the busiest routes and junctions in the UK. Make sure you’re prepared to tackle potentially stressful situations during driving.
- Finding a parking space in London is likely to be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re new to the area.
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Advantages and disadvantages of living in London
Expats and immigrants who relocated to London allocate the following aspects of living there:
- Those who immigrate to London will benefit from speaking English. The English language you learnt at school might be different to that you hear in the streets of London.
- London is proud of its competitive financial sector. If you are moving to London and are an experienced worker in finance and banking areas, you will find London as an attractive place for your career development.
- The weather is really changeable in London as the UK is under a great influence of the Gulfstream.
- If you plan to immigrate to London to study at one of the British universities, be prepared to pay a lot for your education.
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MOVING DESTINATIONS
Some of the most popular countries from where people relocate to London
Immigrating to London from the US
When relocating to London from the USA, you have to think of the most convenient and cost-effective way of moving house to London. When you are relocating from overseas, the best way to save on the cost of moving is to send your belongings with international removal services to London powered by Eurosender. Compare prices and different shipping services with our convenient booking tool and immigrate to London faster and easier.
Moving to London from Ireland
Are you looking for the most convenient way to relocate to London from Ireland? You do not need to compare the prices of many logistics providers any longer because our booking engine will choose the best prices for you. Send your belongings in a box with courier services or book the entire van for your move to London in just a few clicks. With Eurosender, you always get the most efficient and cost-effective moving services to London.
Relocating to London from Vietnam
You have to take many aspects into account before relocating from Vietnam to London. However, moving to London is much easier with Eurosender’s international removal services. We cooperate with the best courier providers to offer you the lowest quotes on the market. Whether you are immigrating to London with your family or moving alone, as a student, you always benefit from moving services powered by Eurosender.