Why and How To Relocate To London From Abroad?

When thinking of reasons to move to London, the list is extensive but there are so many considerations people need to be aware of. London, the capital city of the UK, is full of opportunities and resources that some countries around the world don’t have access to, similar to other cities like Manchester and Leeds. Everything is at our fingertips and is a very familiar lifestyle to live for those in the Westernised world.

We have put together a small guide for you to familiarise yourself with the whys and hows of relocating to London.

Why Move to London?

London is a highly sought-after destination for people within the UK and outwards, with it being the capital that immediately means that it’s heating with opportunities for employment and has a lot to offer in terms of activities, footfall, and so forth. It’s one of the most vibrant places to live in the UK, with multiple scenes for a variety of people to enjoy.

London’s cultural diversity makes it a very sought-after location for those of all ages and backgrounds; there are always few communities in this large city. It’s one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and this rich mix of traditions and beliefs creates an exciting place to be. In the heart of where everything happens, it makes nothing but sense that London is on the bucket list for more than just visiting.

The Legalities of Relocating to London

Immigration Rules

People entering the UK are required by law to adhere to any and all immigration rules. Therefore, the first step to your relocation is investing time in the local British embassy, British High Commission, or British consulate to understand the current requirements for an indefinite leave to remain.

It is not legally necessary to have a working visa if you intend to stay for less than six months. Additionally, in order to enter the UK and return home at any time, you must have a valid passport, which goes without saying. You will need to reside in the UK for five years before you can apply for settlement if you applied for and were given permission to stay here for the five-year family route. You can apply for an additional two-and-a-half-year period if you are granted leave to enter for the first two and a half years.

You must remain in the UK for ten years before you may apply for settlement if you were granted permission to stay here for ten years while travelling on the 10-year family route or the 10-year private life route. You can apply for three more two-and-a-half-year periods after your original two-and-a-half-year leave of entry.

You can apply for settlement in one of two ways: by mail or at a public inquiry office. You can also utilise the settlement checking service, which is provided by local authorities, to submit your application if you apply by mail using the application form SET(M).

Tax Implications

Depending on the rules of your country, to avoid paying double tax on your income, you will need to let your government know that you no longer be there or are planning on returning any time soon. This will ensure that you are paying the right amount of tax and keeping them aware of their population.

Contractarty Obligations

Like anywhere, you can’t just one-day pack up and leave; there are other financial responsibilities you need to make before relocating. Ensuring your current house is sold or your rented apartment lease is over or has been taken care of will ensure your affairs are in order before entering the UK. This will ensure you are able to get stuck in with your work here and have the funds to find an apartment or house close by to the big city.

Transporting Your Possessions

Sea Freight

Not the quickest form of transportation but it’s one of the easiest ways to transport large volumes of your belongings, especially if you are moving furniture. This is through a shipping container and is dropped off at the nearest container port. Moving to London means you are close to a few ports to collect your items from.

Groupage

A cost-effective shipping method, a secure steel container filled with groups of other people’s possessions, like you should share the cost of an Uber with friends—it’s the same notion. The container doesn’t leave until it’s full so you can never really know when exactly it will leave and arrive.

Road

Overseas removals are handled in multiple ways and another way is a Lorrie driving it over and getting a ferry. This is a much more time-consuming method but is another route for you to go down if that’s what makes you feel more comfortable and can be dropped off right on your doorstep.