Living in England: the ultimate expat guide

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, free movement to the UK ended on 31 December 2020. This means that, with very few exceptions, you now need to meet the same immigration requirements as those from the rest of the world. While you can visit for up to six months without a visa, if you plan to work, study, or settle in the country, you must secure the appropriate visa for England in advance. For non-EU citizens, the process has long been points-based, with various routes such as the Skilled Worker visa requiring a job offer from an approved sponsor.

Tips:

1. You will need to provide financial evidence, such as bank statements, to demonstrate that you can support yourself without relying on public funds.
2. Be prepared for a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photo for your residency permit.
3. Gather necessary documents, which may include proof of English language proficiency and a TB test.
4. Note that a job offer from a licensed UK employer is a key requirement for most work visas.
5. Your documents, if not in English or Welsh, must be accompanied by certified translations for your application.
6. Be aware that processing times can vary, so it is best to apply well in advance of your planned move.

Useful link:

Visas and immigration: UK government website

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The job market in England is highly competitive, with strong demand for skilled professionals across key sectors like technology, finance and healthcare.

To find a job in England, it's essential to tailor your CV to the UK standard. This means keeping it concise and factual, without personal details like a photo. For most non-EU citizens, you'll need a Skilled Worker Visa, which requires a job offer from a licensed UK employer that meets a specific salary threshold.

In-demand jobs

Some of the most in-demand jobs in the UK are healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, paramedics), civil, mechanical and electrical engineers, teachers, construction workers, software developers and AI and machine learning engineers.

Tips

1. Gain local work experience through volunteering or temporary work to improve your CV.
2. Actively network with professionals in your field and attend industry events.
3. Consider using a recruitment agency, as many specialize in specific industries.
4. Check online job boards, such as Monster and Glassdoor, for available vacancies.

Facts & figures

Data correct as of September 2025.

Sources:

Office for National Statistics and UK Parliament Research Briefing

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With a reputation for academic excellence and some of the world's most highly ranked universities, many students seeking a world-class education want to study in England.

Why study in England?

English universities are globally recognized for their academic excellence and research, with institutions like Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London consistently ranking among the best worldwide. On average, undergraduate tuition for international students in England ranges from £11,400 to £38,000 per year. For postgraduate studies, fees typically fall between £9,000 and £30,000 per year.

Tips:

1. Apply for a Student visa if your course is longer than six months. You'll need an unconditional offer from a licensed university before you can apply.
2. Obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number from your university. This is essential for your visa application, along with your passport and proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs.
3. Secure your accommodation early. The best options, including university halls, fill up quickly, so start looking in the autumn of the year before you plan to study.

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England's well-developed banking system provides a range of options for residents. Opening a bank account in England typically requires providing proof of identity, such as a passport, and a valid UK address. Many new arrivals find that digital-only banks offer a streamlined process for setting up an account. For international money transfers, you can save on costs by using specialist services, such as Wise or Revolut, rather than traditional banks.

Tips:

1. Register with HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) to pay tax and declare income as a UK tax resident.
2. Create a budget to manage your cost of living and essential expenses.
3. Consider a separate savings account to help manage your money.

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The healthcare system in England is primarily based on the National Health Service (NHS), a publicly funded service accessible to all residents. To access the NHS, expats must register with a local GP (General Practitioner), who acts as the first point of contact for most medical needs. While many services are free at the point of use, there can be long waiting times for non-urgent care. For this reason, many choose private health insurance, which offers faster access to specialists and a wider choice of hospitals. The NHS also focuses on preventative care through various public health initiatives, including screening for diseases, vaccination programs and lifestyle support.

What you need to know

For life-threatening medical emergencies in England, call 999. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical help or advice that is not a life-threatening emergency, you can call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service.

Certain services, such as dental treatment and prescriptions, may incur additional charges.

Useful links:

NHS website

NHS app

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England's education system, with its emphasis on academic achievement, is widely respected around the world. Schooling is compulsory from ages 5 to 16 and is divided into primary and secondary stages.

Types of schools

State schools: Free to all residents and funded by the government. Quality can vary depending on the area.

Independent (private) schools: Fee-paying schools that often offer smaller class sizes, excellent facilities, and high academic standards. They do not have to follow the national curriculum.

International schools: A popular choice for expats, these schools often follow an international curriculum, like the International Baccalaureate, providing a smooth transition for children who may move again. There are international schools in London and many other towns and cities.

School holidays

The academic year in England is split into three terms: Autumn (September to December), Spring (January to April) and Summer (April to July). Each term has a one-week break in the middle, known as half-term, and longer holidays for Christmas, Easter, and the summer. While dates can vary slightly by region and school, the main summer holiday typically lasts for six to seven weeks from late July to early September.

Tips

1. Research local school admissions policies well in advance.
2. Enquire about after-school clubs and extracurricular activities.
3. Visit schools in person to gauge the atmosphere and facilities.

The housing market in England, particularly in big cities like London, is very competitive. Many expats start by renting, as this provides flexibility while they settle in. The rental market is typically managed through estate agents, who act as a go-between for landlords and tenants. The typical rental agreement is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), which usually starts with a fixed term of six or 12 months. Be prepared to pay a security deposit, typically equal to five weeks' rent, and your first month's rent in advance.

A key consideration when renting accommodation in England is whether you want a furnished or unfurnished home. Furnished rentals come with essential furniture, while unfurnished homes often only include basic kitchen appliances.

Buying a home is a long-term commitment that involves a separate process, usually requiring a significant down payment and a mortgage.

Tips:

1. Secure your rental through a regulated estate agent to ensure a fair and legal process.
2. Budget for additional costs, including council tax and utilities, which are often not included in rent.
3. Inspect the property and its inventory thoroughly before signing the tenancy agreement.

Relocating to England is an exciting undertaking, and with a lot to plan and consider, it's smart to be prepared. Here are a few pointers to get you started:

1. Begin planning at least 6-12 months in advance to secure visas, research locations and find a home.
2. Research and compare quotes from accredited international moving companies that specialize in UK relocation.
3. Declutter and create an inventory of your belongings to streamline packing and reduce shipping costs.
4. Keep essential documents, such as passports, visas and health records, in a separate folder that you can carry with you.
5. Familiarize yourself with the Transfer of Residence (ToR) process to import personal goods duty-free.
6. Declare all new items and any restricted goods, such as alcohol or tobacco, to UK customs.
7. Use sturdy boxes and proper packing materials, labelling each box with its contents and the room to which it belongs.

Useful link:

Transfer of Residence to the UK - official government website

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The country offers a fantastic array of leisure activities to enrich your expat life. From sports activities to cultural pursuits, there are lots of things to do in England with something for everyone. Football, rugby and cricket are national obsessions, and attending a live match is a great way to see what all the excitement is about. If you prefer playing rather than watching, there are plenty of local clubs where you can take part in sports such as football, tennis and golf. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, exploring the vast network of public footpaths and national parks is a popular pastime.

Culturally, England is a treasure trove. Expats can enjoy world-class theatre in London's West End, explore countless museums and art galleries (many of which offer free entry), or visit historic sites such as ancient castles and stately homes. The vibrant pub culture is at the heart of British social life, providing a perfect place to connect with friends and local communities.

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The lifestyle in England is a mix of reserved politeness and a love for communal activities. Locals often value their personal space and punctuality. Pub culture is central to social life in many places and a great way to meet people.

The country is generally safe with relatively low levels of violent crime. However, like any major city, London and other urban areas require common sense awareness. To help ensure safety, public transport and key metropolitan areas are well-lit and equipped with CCTV cameras.

Local habits and customs

Queuing: Always join a queue and wait your turn. Cutting in line is considered a major social faux pas.

Politeness: Frequent use of "please," "thank you" and "sorry" is expected, even for minor inconveniences.

Small talk: The weather is a go-to topic for conversation with strangers. Avoid overly personal questions.

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The cost of living in England is higher than in many other European countries, but this varies significantly depending on your location and lifestyle. London, in particular, is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Here is a general breakdown of average monthly expenses for different household types, including rent.

Monthly expenses

Sources:

Global Citizens, Relocate.me and Numbeo