How to become an expat in the UK needs an understanding of its strict immigration laws, visa regulations, financial planning, and residency requirements.
The UK government imposes strict eligibility criteria for work, study, business, and family visas, making it essential for prospective expats to understand their options before relocating.
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Post-Brexit immigration policies have eliminated free movement for EU citizens, meaning all non-UK nationals must apply for a visa to live and work in the country.
Notably, the UK also has a high cost of living, especially in cities like London, making financial preparedness a crucial factor before relocating.
How to Become an Expat in the UK
The UK visa system follows a points-based immigration model, where applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to skills, salary, financial resources, and English proficiency.
Each visa category has strict requirements, including sponsorship, financial proof, and biometric registration.
The UK also enforces strict residency conditions, and those who wish to stay long-term must consider pathways to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and citizenship.
Types of UK Visas
Expats must select a visa that fits their reason for relocating. The main visa categories include work, investment, study, family reunification, and ancestry-based residence.
Skilled Worker Visa (for employment in the UK)
The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for expats seeking employment in the UK. It is sponsored by a UK employer who must be registered with the Home Office as a licensed sponsor.
- Requirements:
- A valid job offer from an approved employer.
- Minimum salary threshold of whichever is the highest of:
- £38,700 per year
- the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you’ll be doing
- ability to read, write, speak and understand English which can be proven. (usually IELTS 5.5 or higher)
- capability to support yourself in the early days in the UK: usually £1,270 or more should be available, unless you are exempt.
You might still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if your job is eligible but your salary is less than the standard salary requirement of £38,700 or your job’s standard ‘going rate’. See here.
- Validity & Fees:
- Visa duration: up to 5 years (renewable).
- Application fee: £719–£1,639, plus a £1,035 per year Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access (multiply £1,035 by the number of years of your visa)
After 5 years, Skilled Worker Visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they have continuous residency and no visa breaches.
Global Talent Visa (for highly skilled professionals)
The Global Talent Visa is designed for exceptional individuals in science, technology, engineering, arts, and academia.
It does not require employer sponsorship, making it ideal for highly skilled professionals who want freedom to work, change jobs, or start a business.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must work in the following fields, and acquire an endorsement:
- No salary threshold, giving flexibility in employment and self-employment.
- You can also apply for the visa without an endorsement if you’ve won an eligible award. Find out which awards are eligible.
- Costs
- The Global Talent Visa costs £716, and applicants do not need a job offer before applying.
- You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application – this is usually £1,035 per year for each person applying.
Global Talent Visa holders can live and work int he UK for up to 5 years, which can be extended, and it can work as a pathway to permanent residency in 3–5 years, depending on the field.
Business and Investment Visas
The UK offers several visa options for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors.
- Innovator Founder Visa (for entrepreneurs):
- Must have an approved business plan and be endorsed by an approved UK organization.
- Leads to ILR after 3 years if the business remains successful.
- UK Expansion Worker Visa (for company executives setting up a UK branch):
- Available for senior employees of non-UK companies expanding into the UK.
- Requires proof of a salary above the minimum required for your job.
Student Visa (for studying in the UK)
Expats who plan to study at a UK university or college need a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa).
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Must have an unconditional offer from a UK-approved university or educational institution.
- Proof of financial support:
- At least £1,483 per month for London (for up to 9 months).
- £1,136 per month for other cities (for up to 9 months).
- English language proficiency (usually IELTS 5.5 or higher).
- Costs
- The Student Visa fee is £490, and students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access.
Family and Partner Visas
Expats with family ties to the UK can apply for visas under the family sponsorship route.
- Spouse or Civil Partner Visa:
- Requires proof of a genuine relationship with a UK citizen or resident.
- Financial requirement: combined income of at least £29,000 per year (higher if sponsoring children).
- Must pass an English language test.
- Parent or Dependent Visas:
- A visa can be applied as a parent of a UK-resident child, a child of a UK-resident parent, or an adult who needs care from a UK-resident relative.
- Requires proof of financial dependence and no alternative care options.
- How long you can stay in the UK depends on the visa type or the resident family member’s status.
The visa fees are different depending on whether. you apply in the UK or outside. These visas typically lead to permanent residency after 2, 5, or 10 years.
Ancestry Visa (for Commonwealth citizens)
Commonwealth citizens or British overseas citizens with a UK-born grandparent can apply for an Ancestry Visa, allowing them to work and live in the UK for 5 years.
- Eligibility:
- Must prove a direct lineage to a UK-born grandparent.
- No age limit, but applicants must intend to work or study in the UK.
The application costs £637, and it can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Post-Brexit Visa Rules for EU Citizens
EU citizens who moved to the UK before December 31, 2020, were eligible for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
For new EU arrivals (post-Brexit):
- Free movement no longer applies; EU citizens must apply for a visa like all non-UK nationals.
- Skilled Worker and Business Visas are the main pathways for employment.
Visa Application Process
- Choose the appropriate visa type based on employment, study, or family sponsorship.
- Apply online through the UK Home Office portal (processing times range from 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the visa type).
- Submit required documents, including:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of financial stability (bank statements, salary slips).
- Employer sponsorship letter (for work visas).
- Proof of relationship (for family visas).
- Pay visa fees (fees vary based on visa type).
- Complete biometric registration (fingerprints and facial scan) for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and UK Citizenship
Many expats move to the UK with long-term settlement in mind. Most visas allow ILR applications after 5 years, providing permanent residency rights.
To qualify for ILR, expats must:
- Have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years (or 3 years for business investors).
- Pass the Life in the UK Test (questions on British history, culture, and government).
- Not have exceeded 180 days outside the UK per year.
After holding ILR for one additional year, expats can apply for British citizenship, which requires:
- Proof of continuous residence in the UK.
- Good character requirement (no serious criminal record).
- Retention of UK residency for at least 5 years prior to applying.
Where do expats live in the UK?
Finding housing is one of the most critical steps for expats moving to the UK. The real estate market is competitive, especially in major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, and securing accommodation before arrival is strongly advised.
Renting vs. Buying a Home as an Expat
Most expats rent property upon arrival before considering homeownership. The UK has a strong rental market, but landlords often require proof of income, a UK bank account, and references, which can be challenging for new arrivals.
- Rough Monthly Rent (one-bedroom in city centre) Estimates in 2024
- London (City Centre): £2,000–£3,500.
- Manchester/Birmingham: £900–£1,500.
- Edinburgh/Bristol: £1,100–£1,800.
Expats should expect to pay:
- 1–2 months’ rent as a deposit (protected under a UK tenancy deposit scheme).
- Letting agency fees (some agencies charge an administrative fee).
Expats arriving without pre-arranged housing should consider temporary accommodation before signing a long-term rental agreement. Options include:
- Serviced apartments (Staycity, SACO, The Ascott) – Ideal for professionals needing a furnished, short-term stay.
- Airbnb & holiday lets – Flexible but expensive for longer stays.
- Flat-sharing (SpareRoom, RoomGo) – Cheaper but requires compatibility with flatmates.
Foreigners Buying Property in the UK
Expats can buy property in the UK without citizenship or permanent residency. However, mortgage approval can be difficult for non-residents, as UK banks assess foreign buyers based on credit history, income, and visa status. Financial planning is advised.
- UK expat mortgage requirements:
- Higher deposit (typically 25–40%) for non-resident buyers.
- Proof of income and employment contract.
- Some banks require a UK credit history, making it difficult for recent arrivals.
Foreign investors may also be subject to additional taxes, including stamp duty surcharges for non-UK residents.
Expat Health Insurance in the UK
The UK offers universal healthcare, but not all expats qualify for free NHS services.
Accessing the NHS as an Expat
The National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare to UK residents, funded by taxes and National Insurance (NI) contributions. However, expats must meet residency and visa criteria to qualify.
Are expats covered by NHS care?
- UK citizens, permanent residents, and those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Expats on Skilled Worker Visas, Family Visas, or Student Visas (who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge).
- EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status.
Expats on visitor visas, short-term work visas, or temporary assignments may need private health insurance to cover medical costs.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for Visa Holders
Most expats applying for UK visas must pay the IHS, granting them full access to NHS services.
Expats who do not pay the IHS (such as non-visa holders) will be charged for NHS treatment at international rates.
For more thorough guidance, consult an expat financial advisor.
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