Leaving your home country to reside in another country is not just an ordinary move or trip, it also means the opportunity to restart your life and be open to a different society and culture that can offer endless new possibilities. However, expatriate life is very different from what you had previously. You must plan and consider several factors to make it successful.

Therefore, at MUNDO we offer some tips that we consider ideal and that will help you move and start your new life in the UK. In case you have chosen it as your destination.

Factors to Consider 

Plan and Organize Your Documents

Moving to a new country requires a lot of planning and preparation on your part. Therefore, it is necessary to do it in a timely manner to avoid embarrassing situations.

Consider having all your personal and important documents in order before making your visa application, for example. If you have pets, you should also make other applications. As well as if you wish to move in with a family member.

We advise you to review the rules and laws of the UK so that you understand how the country works. This way you will know what to do and what not to do. File physical and digital copies of all your relevant documents so that you have quick and easy access in case you have an emergency.

Applying for a Visa

Obtaining a visa is not just any ordinary bureaucratic procedure. While it is not a traumatic process, you cannot take it lightly. For expatriates it is a good idea to start with the application six months before moving to the UK. 

The type of visa you wish to apply for will depend on your reasons for moving to another country. At MUNDO we are ready to help you in this case. You can consult the types of visa or residency possible in the UK here (add link to the types of visa in the UK).

Notify Your Bank about Your Move

Remember to notify your bank about your move to another country. This will prevent your account from being blocked and you will lose access to your personal funds. 

Health

Moving to another country may mean that you may have to cancel your health insurance, if you do not have an international policy. Therefore, we recommend that you have a personal medical check-up. This is not only a requirement when purchasing new insurance in the UK, but also because certain medical tests are part of the requirements for entry into the country.

Employment

In case you do not have a job when you start your life as an expatriate, you should make it a priority to look for one. Especially because having a job is part of the requirement to apply for some types of visas. Also, if you are renting an apartment or house, your landlord will ask for proof of employment. 

In the UK jobs are obtained through agencies. This means that most people get their jobs through agencies and not by direct calls from companies or firms.

Being able to have contact with an agency also makes it easier to find out what types of jobs are available. They will interview you and find out what kind of skills you have. They will then be able to match you with the most suitable and specific job. 

Contact us and learn about our services in this area. At MUNDO we can facilitate your access to employment in case you wish to use this route to access a type of visa.

Ask for more information

Housing

The key factor in finding the right place to live is that it has the best amenities for you. Consider these three important factors when moving to the UK:

Rental Costs

Compare rental costs between living in the city or the suburbs. As for London, rent tends to be much higher and properties smaller as you live closer to the city center. If you choose to live away from the City, you can find better rental costs.

The Neighborhood

There are some popular neighborhoods. Young adults usually live in areas such as Clapham, Hackney Wick, Shoreditch or Dalston. 

What to Do Once You Arrive in the UK?

Open a Bank Account

Banks in the UK are demanding in terms of the documentation they require to open an account. In most cases, utility bills are three months old and your tenancy agreement is required. However, if you do not yet have all these documents, we can assist you in opening a bank account for foreigners. 

In addition, being in the UK you will have access to e-money financial services. There are a variety of applications that function as virtual wallets and are used as payment methods in almost all stores. So having a place to keep your money will not be an inconvenience. 

Apply for Your NI Number

The UK government uses your National Insurance (NI) number to keep track of your taxes and contributions. To apply for it, you must be in the UK. If you do not have it, you will not be able to pay tax rates commensurate with your income and may get into trouble with the authority, in this case HMRC. It is a priority that when you enter British soil, ask for your NI number.

Get to Know the City and Its People

The UK is well known for having large and beautiful cities. It also has a very active day and night life. You can visit museums, soccer stadiums, pubs, castles and government buildings with great historical and architectural sense.

Getting around will not be a problem since the cities have modern means of transportation. In London you can get around on the subway or double-decker buses or make use of apps that locate personal transportation such as bicycles or skateboards.

On the other hand, take into account that the UK is home to a large number of foreigners and expatriate communities. You will not feel like a stranger in the country. You will be able to mix with other cultures with ease and without being discredited for it. 

Be encouraged to make the UK your new destination and contact us to find out what steps to take as an expatriate.

Contact us