How to move to UK (United Kingdom)

The reasons why migrants consider the question "How to move to UK" are the same as for most European countries. These include the aspiration for political and social stability and security, the search for financial well-being, improving the quality of life, and thoughts about the future of their children. England is one of the administrative regions of the United Kingdom (UK), located on the island of Great Britain. Therefore, we will consider the country as a whole.

I would not change anything in England, except the weather.

Oscar Wilde, "The Picture of Dorian Gray"

Why People Move to UK (United Kingdom)

Confidence in the future. The United Kingdom is associated with established centuries-old traditions and a way of life. The country does not like sudden shocks and changes. Living here, one can be confident that most rules and laws will remain in their current state for a long time. State institutions and the rule of law are not just empty words. The economy of the United Kingdom has demonstrated its resilience and ability to recover quickly even after recent crises.

A British passport offers the opportunity to move and travel freely around the world without visas to 180+ countries.

The high satisfaction with life is indicated by the 19th place in the global World Happiness Report, compiled by the UN. The ranking takes into account factors such as life expectancy, residents' confidence in the future, civil rights and freedoms, employment levels, income, etc.

Security. The United Kingdom is a safe enough country to feel at ease. The mentality of the English excludes aggression, and most residents have favorite hobbies and passions. The police are primarily armed with batons and handcuffs. The right to carry firearms is granted to only a few law enforcement officers.

Transport and Infrastructure. The transport network of the United Kingdom is one of the most developed in Europe. A major transport hub allows for the fewest transfers, no matter which corner of the planet you are headed to. Airplanes and trains are the most popular modes of transport. You can save on airfare with low-cost airlines. A large number of carriers help maintain a competitive price level.

Finance and Taxes. This is another reason to consider the question "How to move to the United Kingdom". The level of average salary in the United Kingdom is one of the highest in Europe, especially in England and its capital — London. According to the UK's National Office for Statistics, the average salary in England in 2023 is 2,905 euros per month and 34,880 euros per year. At the same time, expenses on food and clothing do not consume a big part of the budget.

Specific categories of citizens, for example, the less fortunate, single mothers with children, people who have lost their jobs, etc., receive benefits sufficient enough to maintain a normal standard of living.

Business feels comfortable. The UK is leading the European Union in terms of investments in startups and ranks second in the world after the USA. The United Kingdom is one of the main global financial centers.

Income tax depends on the amount of income. The tax system for entrepreneurs is flexible. There are several ways to reduce the tax burden. For example, companies engaged in innovative research and development activities, Research & Development, are exempt from paying corporate tax.

Education. English education is recognized worldwide and considered a benchmark of quality. Names like "Oxford" and "Cambridge" are known even to those who have never been to the United Kingdom. The elite Oxford and Cambridge universities are among the top five in England, with Oxford being in the top three in the world. It is here that many affluent people prefer to send their children. The highest level of education often makes people consider how to move to the United Kingdom.

Higher education is closely linked to practical experience in the chosen field, so students gain genuinely high-quality knowledge, and their degrees open up excellent career prospects. British campuses with libraries, laboratories, sports complexes, and cafes are among the best in the world. School education is also of high quality and focuses on the comprehensive development of the child.

Language. English is easy to learn and does not pose significant difficulties. Moreover, a good command of the English language opens doors around the world, where it is recognized as an international language.

Medicine. High quality and relative accessibility. Healthcare is divided into primary and inpatient care. Primary care is provided free of charge to everyone. Immigrants with permanent residence status, who have a permanent job and housing, have access to free inpatient care. Immigrants without permanent residence status make a one-time payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge when applying for a visa and can also use inpatient care for free.

Culture. The United Kingdom is a center of attraction for world culture. All the most significant cultural events, exhibitions, and expositions in the world are inevitably marked here. Therefore, the country attracts creative, intelligent people who want to be in the center of events and keep up with all the latest global trends and developments.

Residents of the United Kingdom have many hobbies and interests, and they love communities and interest clubs. There is always something to do that matches one's passions and the right company to do it with.

Equal opportunities for people of any culture and faith. In the United Kingdom, a person of any nationality can make a career if they are ambitious and focused on education and work. The country is friendly towards people from different cultures and religions.

Nature, Climate, and Ecology. The United Kingdom has an image of a country of rains and fogs. In reality, this can be considered a myth, as the climate here is quite mild and favorable, though humid. There are no sharp fluctuations or catastrophes. Spring starts early, autumn lasts long, winter is short and mostly snowless. So, one could argue with Oscar Wilde about his wish to change the weather in England. There are many places in the world with much harsher climates.

The natural landscapes are diverse: fields, meadows, forests, marshes, and lakes, northern snowy mountains, and southern seaside resorts. In this respect, the possibilities for tourism in the United Kingdom are simply limitless. Add to this historical and cultural monuments, more than 30 of which are part of UNESCO's heritage, and you get a country with high tourist appeal. A big plus is that many state museums are free to visit.

The urban environment is convenient, comfortable, and well thought out for all categories of citizens. High-rise construction is not highly regarded; low and medium-rise buildings are more valued.

Responsible and careful attitude towards ecology in the United Kingdom is one of the main trends and a way of life. The necessary infrastructure has been created for this. The streets of cities and public transport are notably clean. Perhaps it is due to the good ecology that the country has so many long-lived residents.

There is no age discrimination. If a person of advanced age continues to lead an active and energetic lifestyle and wants, for example, to change their profession or find a job, they will not face any problems. Any person who wishes to work for the benefit of society will find support, and age is not an obstacle.

Of course, it's impossible to avoid negatives. Each migrant will have their own observations and comments. But the advantages significantly outweigh, so thousands of people around the world continue to ask themselves, "How to move to the United Kingdom." Let's consider the possibilities of moving and the documents required for this.

How to start moving to UK (United Kingdom)

Moving to the United Kingdom is accessible to many people. However, obtaining permanent residence is not a simple task. The first step is to apply for a long-term visa suitable for your situation to obtain temporary residence. It will allow you to live in the UK for an extended period and subsequently apply for permanent residence.

Entry into the United Kingdom is only possible with a passport and a valid visa, except for citizens of the European Union. The UK has various types of visas to choose from. When applying, a form is filled out, a fee is paid, and biometrics are taken.

How to Move to UK (United Kingdom), Types of Long-term Visas

There are various options for moving, depending on the individual situation. This can be business immigration, study, personal motives, etc. Let's consider the most common reasons for obtaining a visa.

Family reunification. Family Visa, the term is 2 years 9 months with the possibility of extension. Spouses, parents, and children of a UK citizen can apply for such a visa. Mandatory conditions are proof of kinship and the necessary income level for a normal family life in the country.

The fiancee or wife visa requires proof of the husband's income (more than 18,600 pounds per year), providing information about the place of stay in the country, language test results, and evidence of strong relationships in the couple - joint photos, correspondence.

Work visa. Skilled Worker Visa. Employment is possible only in a company that has a license to hire foreign labor from the UK Home Office. Professions eligible for this visa must be on the list of approved skilled occupations.

When applying, a Certificate of Sponsorship, CoS, from a British employer is required.

Temporary residence under this visa is valid for 5 years. This time must be spent in the UK to be eligible for permanent residence in the future.

Student Visa. The Student Visa is for extended study and has a duration equal to the course of study. It is issued to individuals who have reached the age of 16. After completing their studies, the applicant can apply for another visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa.

The student confirms enrollment in a UK university with a CAS, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, and also undergoes English language testing.

Business Immigration. A popular way to obtain a visa. There are options like the Startup, Innovator, and from 2023, the Innovator Founder Visa. This option is for migrants planning to start a startup from scratch in the UK or bring an existing business into the country. It requires evidence that the startup is genuinely promising.

Talent Visa. The Global Talent Visa is valid for 5 years with the possibility of extension. This type of visa is not available to everyone, but only to leaders in science, culture, technology, etc. A unique feature is that it does not require the individual to be tied to a single employer. Based on achievements, in some cases, this visa can lead to permanent residence after three years.

Representative of an Overseas Business Visa. Intra-Company Transfer Visa. A good option for employees of foreign companies moving to the UK for an extended work term. It is valid for 3 years with the possibility of extension for another 2 years. The total duration in such a case reaches 5 years, after which one can apply for permanent residence.

Investor Visa. Tier 1 Investor Visa. It was abolished in 2022. The authorities explained this decision by its lack of benefit for UK residents and cases of corruption. Investors who managed to make investments earlier now have the right to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Residence of UK

A long-term visa grants temporary residence status in the UK. It is always time-limited, unlike permanent residence status. Certain visas can be extended upon expiry.

Almost all long-term visas impose restrictions on their holder. For example, a student is not allowed to quit the studies based on which they received the visa. A Family Visa through marriage implies successful cohabitation with a spouse throughout the entire duration of the visa.

In any case, before starting the process for permanent residence, one needs to spend several years in the UK with one of the types of temporary residence.

How to Move to UK (United Kingdom) for Permanent Residence

Indefinite Leave to Remain grants the holder the right to permanent residence in the UK and the opportunity to study and work. This allows for travel out of the country for up to 2 years and return. The rights of a permanent resident are almost indistinguishable from those of native Britons.

To apply for permanent residence, one needs to live in the UK for 2 to 5 years on one of the visas. Applicants who have received political asylum in the UK are also eligible for permanent residency.

For everyone wishing to move to the UK for permanent residence, there are a number of conditions:

• English language proficiency at least B1, or Intermediate. This level allows for fluent everyday communication. Knowledge is confirmed by a test. If you have successfully passed the test before or studied for 12 months at a university in English, no retake is required.
• Possession of a visa.
  
• Passing the integration test, Live in the UK test.
  
• Continuous residence in the UK, with the possibility to leave the country for no more than 180 days in a year.
  

Who can apply for permanent residence of UK:

• Close relatives of UK citizens, provided they have lived in the country for no less than 5 years. This group includes the same people who can come to the applicant on a long-term visa.
• Foreign businessmen, investors, employees of foreign firms, and their close relatives, after 2-5 years of living in the UK. The duration is calculated based on the effectiveness of business processes or the size of investment contributions.
  
• Foreign nationals who have legally lived in the UK for at least 10 years, possibly on various long-term visas.
  

What types of long-term visas can lead to subsequent permanent residency(PR) in UK:

What types of long-term visas can lead to subsequent permanent residency (PR):

• Family visa. Time to PR: 5 years.
• Work visa. Time to PR: 5 years.
  
• Foreign entrepreneur visa. Time to PR: 3-5 years, depending on the efficiency of the business.
  
• Innovator visa. For entrepreneurs with a business idea to develop in the UK. Time to PR: 3 years.
  
• Representative of an overseas business visa. For senior positions managing a UK branch of the company. Time to PR: 5 years.
  
• Investor visa. Time to PR: 2-5 years, depending on the amount of investment.
  

Other visas do not lead to PR. However, it is possible to switch from one visa type to another that allows for subsequent PR. For example, one can move from the "Startup" status to "Innovator" if the business project is successful.

The document that confirms both temporary and permanent residence in the UK is the Biometric Residence Permit. This is a plastic card containing all the necessary information about the holder, including biometrics. Every immigrant receives it upon entering the UK. Permanent residents' cards have special marks indicating unlimited stay in the country.

If you study all the possible pathways and methods well, you can prepare for the move independently. In other cases, numerous legal and attorney firms and immigration support agencies are available to help. Difficulties with paperwork are not a reason to give up on your desires and plans. May your move be smooth and pleasant, and your new life bright and interesting.