Living in the UK as an Expat

1. Deciding on a place to live

2. Transportation

3. The healthcare system in the UK

4. Residency and visas

It’s important to do thorough research to prepare yourself for a move abroad so you're informed about what to expect when living in your chosen destination.

To help you with this, we have put together a useful guide that gives you an overview of the different aspects of life in the UK for expats.

Deciding on a place to live

Nearly 15% of the population of the UK were foreign nationals (10.3 million people) in June 2022, proving the UK is an attractive destination for expats. [1]

There are some great places in the UK to choose from that meet a variety of different lifestyle needs, ranging from the quiet and stunning highlands of Scotland, the bustling of the large cities like London and Manchester to relaxed and historic locations like Oxford.

Some excellent choices you could consider for your move to the UK are:

• London: the capital of England, London is the largest city in the UK and is found in the south-east of the country. Famous for being a leading financial centre, its wealth of green spaces, and notable historical landmarks, it is the perfect spot for expats who love city living.

• Birmingham: the UK's second biggest city, Birmingham is situated in central England. Known for its jewellery quarter, expansive shopping centres and numerous canals, there is lots to explore here.

• Manchester: located in the north of England, Manchester has a population of over 550,000 people. It has a thriving music and arts scene, is a great spot for sports fans, and has a huge collection of restaurants to dine out at.

• Edinburgh: this city is the capital of Scotland and is home to approximately 525,000 people. With its historic charm, old, cobbled streets and cultural festivals that take place throughout the year, Edinburgh is another ideal option for expats.

Additionally, think about the climate when deciding on somewhere to live. The southern parts of the UK have a warmer climate and tend to be drier, while in the northern areas you’re more likely to experience rain and milder summers.

Check out our blog about the best places to live in the UK for some more inspiration to help you make a decision.

Transportation

The UK has a wide variety of transport networks, ranging from metros and trams, to buses and high-speed trains.

Metro systems can be found in several major UK cities, including London, Glasgow, Liverpool and Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The largest and oldest of these is known as the ‘Tube’, found in the capital. Trams also operate in many UK cities, a light rail system that runs on electrical power.

There is an extensive train network that operates across the country, connecting you to most locations across the UK. For example, Manchester can be reached within 3 hours from London, while Edinburgh is only 4 hours away by direct train.

The variety of international travel choices is another benefit of living in the UK. For example, the Eurostar from London St. Pancras takes passengers regularly to destinations incorporating Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Lille in a matter of hours. There are also more than 40 international airports that provide travel to destinations worldwide.

An alternative form of travel both domestically and abroad is the ferry. This is useful for going to locations such as nearby UK islands, France, Ireland and even Norway! Some of the main ferry ports to be aware of are Dover, Southampton and Liverpool.

The healthcare system in the UK

The public healthcare system in the UK is known as the National Health Service (NHS), which is accessible to everyone who is a resident within the country and free when you access it.

This system is mainly funded through taxation and national insurance contributions, which are paid by both employers and workers. Examples of the healthcare services included as part of the NHS are:

• GP visits

• Outpatient services

• Hospitalisation

• Accident & emergency room treatment

However, it’s worth noting that certain services are not free to use aside from some exceptions, such as optical care, dental treatment and prescriptions.

In some instances, you will need to pay the Immigrant Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) to use the NHS, which is paid when you submit your visa application. The standard cost of this is £1,035, though groups such as those under the age of eighteen and students pay a lower fee of £776. Check online to see if you will need to pay this.

Another choice open to expats to safeguard their health while living abroad is international health insurance. This enables you to receive treatment in multiple countries within your area of cover as well as fast access to diagnostics and eligible treatment.

Residency and visas

If you’re considering a move to the UK for longer than six months, then you will need to apply for a visa.  The type you require will depend on several factors, such as your purpose for living here, how long you’re staying in the country, and your nationality.

Another requirement will be obtaining a residence permit, which is evidence of your right to remain in the UK. This is issued to visa holders once their application has been approved.

It’s worth noting that the visa application process can generally take three weeks. Ensure that you have all the documentation in place beforehand to avoid any delays, which can include:

• A valid passport

• A travel schedule

• Proof of visa payment

• Proof of employment (if applicable)

• Evidence of financial means

You could also opt for permanent residence in the UK if you wish to settle here long-term. However, you must meet certain requirements to be eligible for this, such as living in the country continuously for a period of five years and having proficient knowledge of the English language. For more information about how you can apply for this, check out the Gov.uk website.