The United Kingdom remains one of the most sought-after destinations for expats wanting to live abroad due to its strong job market, high-quality healthcare, world-renowned education system, and cultural diversity.
However, the UK also presents challenges such as high living costs, complex visa requirements, and taxation rules that can impact expats’ finances. So, is the UK good for expats?
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This post evaluates whether the UK is a good choice for expats by analyzing immigration policies, job prospects, living costs, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.
The UK’s post-Brexit policies, changes in visa rules, and shifting economic conditions have altered the expat experience, making it essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before moving.
Is the UK good for expats? Immigration and Visa Options
Expats moving to the UK must secure a visa unless they hold British or Irish citizenship or have rights under the EU Settlement Scheme (for those who lived in the UK before Brexit).
The type of visa required depends on whether the expat is coming to the UK for work, business, study, family reunification, or investment purposes.
Skilled Worker Visa (Main Route for Employment-Based Expats)
The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary work visa for non-UK citizens seeking employment. The Skilled Worker Visa lasts up to 5 years, after which expats can either extend the visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Investor and Business Visas
Expats who want to invest in the UK or start a business have limited options:
- Innovator Founder Visa → For experienced entrepreneurs with investments in a UK business approved by an endorsing body. The business idea must be new, innovative, viable and scalable. Replaces the previous Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa.
- UK Expansion Worker Visa → For senior employees of foreign companies looking to expand into the UK, but does not lead to permanent residency.
Tier 1 Investor Visa, which granted residency to those investing £2 million+ in the UK, was abolished in 2022 due to security concerns.
Ancestry and Family Visas
- UK Ancestry Visa → Available to Commonwealth citizens, British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and some others with a grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man. It allows work, study, and residency for up to 5 years, leading to ILR.
- Family Visas → Non-UK citizens can apply for visas to join a spouse, partner, parent, or child in the UK. Applicants must prove financial self-sufficiency and may need to meet language requirements.
Student and Graduate Visas
- Student Visa → For those accepted into a UK university or educational institution. May work 10-20 hours per week during term time depending on visa type, degree level and its conditions.
- Graduate Visa → Allows students who complete a degree in the UK to stay and work for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) without needing employer sponsorship.
Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) and UK Citizenship
Expats can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a form of permanent residency, after:
- 5 years on a Skilled Worker, Family, or Ancestry Visa.
- 3 years on an Innovator Founder Visa.
ILR holders can work and live in the UK indefinitely, but they lose their status if they leave the UK, Ireland or the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey) for 2+ years. Expats can apply for British citizenship 12 months after obtaining ILR if they meet residency and language requirements.
A UK expat financial advisor or immigration specialist can help expats assess the best visa options based on their career, investment, or family situation.
Expat Jobs in the UK
The UK is a leading job market for expats, particularly in industries like finance, technology, healthcare, and engineering. But post-Brexit immigration rules prioritize skilled workers, meaning most expats need visa sponsorship to work legally.
Which industries hire expats?
Expats seeking work in the UK will find the most opportunities in healthcare, finance, technology, engineering, and education.
The National Health Service (NHS) continues to experience staff shortages, making doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals highly sought after. The NHS actively sponsors visas, making it one of the most accessible industries for expat employment.
The UK’s technology sector is also expanding, with high demand for software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts.
Similarly, the construction and infrastructure sectors require civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers to support the country’s ongoing development projects.
The education sector faces a persistent teacher shortage, particularly in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Expats with teaching experience in these fields may find job opportunities in both state-funded schools and private institutions, many of which offer visa sponsorship.
Expat Salaries in the UK
Salaries in the UK vary significantly based on industry, experience, and location.
For rough projections, the average salary for professionals is estimated at £35,000–£45,000 per year, while highly skilled roles in finance, IT, and healthcare can command salaries ranging from £50,000 to over £100,000.
London salaries tend to be higher than in other UK cities, but this is often offset by the higher cost of living. Expats working in regional cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh may find lower wages but benefit from cheaper housing and daily expenses.
Cost of living in the UK
The UK has one of the highest costs of living in Europe, particularly in London and the South East, making financial planning essential for expats.
The overall cost varies by location, lifestyle, and family size, with London being the most expensive, while cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh offer lower costs.
According to Numbeo, a family of four can see estimated monthly costs to be around 2,800£ without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are about 820£ without rent.
Housing is the biggest expense for expats. With rent for a one-bedroom flat in central London ranges from upwards of £2,200 per month, while outside the city center, it’s about £1,600.
Are expats covered by NHS?
Expats living in the UK have access to the National Health Service (NHS), which provides publicly funded healthcare.
Those on work or student visas must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), currently £1,035 per year for general visa applications, to use NHS services. If you are, for example, on a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, or under the age of 18 at time of application, the fee is £776 per year.
Permanent residents, citizens, and EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status can access the NHS for free.
While NHS care is high-quality, waiting times for non-urgent treatments can be long. Many expats choose private health insurance for faster access to specialists and elective procedures.
UK Schools for International Students
The UK offers state-funded (public), private, and international schools, with education being compulsory for children aged 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) to 16.
State schools are free, but only available to expats with residency or long-term visas. Rough estimates can show private schools charging around £15,000–£40,000+ per year, with the highest fees in London and top-tier institutions like Eton and Harrow.
Expats seeking a familiar curriculum for their children often choose international schools, which offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), American, or other national curriculums. These schools are popular but expensive, with annual tuition roughly ranging from £20,000 to £50,000.
For higher education, UK universities are among the best globally, with institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London attracting international students.
Tuition for non-UK students roughly ranges from £15,000 to £40,000 per year, with medical and business degrees at the higher end. Expats on student visas can work 10-20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Quality of Life for Expats in the UK
The UK offers a high standard of living, particularly in major cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester, but quality of life varies depending on location, income, and personal preferences.
The country has a strong economy, reliable public services, and cultural diversity, but it also presents challenges like high living costs, unpredictable weather, and bureaucratic complexities for expats.
Safety and Crime Rates
The UK is generally safe, with low violent crime rates compared to many other countries. Property crime, petty theft, and fraud are concerns, particularly in large cities. London has higher crime rates than smaller towns, but most crimes are non-violent.
The UK has strict gun laws, making gun-related crimes rare. Expats should still take precautions against pickpocketing, scams, and cyber fraud, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Public Transport and Infrastructure
The UK has a well-developed but aging transport network. London’s public transport system (Underground, buses, and trains) is extensive but expensive and prone to delays.
Monthly travel costs in London exceed £200 for commuters, while regional cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow have cheaper and less congested systems. Rail services connect most major cities, but delays and high ticket prices are common.
Driving is costly, with high fuel prices, congestion charges, and expensive car insurance.
Weather and Climate
The UK has a mild but unpredictable climate, with frequent rain and overcast skies. Winters are cold and damp (0–8°C), while summers are moderate (15–25°C).
The north experiences harsher winters, while the south, particularly London, enjoys milder temperatures. Seasonal variations are less extreme than in many countries, but expats accustomed to warmer climates may find UK weather gloomy and difficult to adjust to.
Cultural Integration and Diversity
The UK is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, particularly in cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Expats from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa live and work in the UK, making it easier to find international communities.
While the UK is generally welcoming, some expats report challenges in making local friends, as British culture values privacy and reserved social interactions. Language barriers are rarely an issue, but regional accents can be difficult for new arrivals to understand.
For more personalized guidance, please consult an expat financial advisor.
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