Have you ever wanted to move to London? Or have you at least thought about moving abroad in general?
It is an exciting and life-changing experience to live abroad. It can be complicated and stressful, but it’s completely worth it. When moving to London from the US or other cities, there are several things to take into consideration – including moving companies and relocation package, location of moving company, moving destination (in this case – London), packing strategies for moving overseas or international, UK visa requirements/qualifications for moving abroad, student advice, job opportunities, travel route suggestions post-move, etc.
After spending some time living in your respective country while studying abroad, you’ve decided that moving back to America just isn’t what you want anymore. You’d like nothing more than to move to London with your friends. It’s an incredible city, and moving there seems like the best decision you’ll make in your life.
What Visa Do I Need to Move to London?
London is home to over 3 million foreign-born residents, making it one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. If you’re an American planning to move to London, you’ll need to obtain the correct visa. Here’s a guide to the different visas available and what they allow you to do:
The most common visa for Americans moving to London is the tourist visa. This allows you to stay in the country for up to 6 months, and it can be extended for an additional 6 months. You can’t work on a tourist visa, but you can study for up to 3 months.
If you’re looking in studying at aLondon University, you’ll need a student visa. The student visa allows you to stay in the country for the duration of your course, plus an extra 4 months. You can work part-time while studying, but you aren’t allowed to work during your summer break.
If you’ve graduated from a British university with a degree in one of the STEM subjects, you’ll be eligible for a post-study work visa. This allows you to stay in London for 12 months and apply for full-time employment in London office and companies at the end of that period. You can also bring your immediate family with you.
If you have a specific job offer in London, you may be eligible for the intra-company transfer visa. This allows you to stay in the country for
After 5 years of living and working in London on this visa, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residence and became a UK citizen. Then, it’s just a matter of filling out an application and waiting up to six months for approval!
If none of these visas fits your situation, don’t worry: there are other options. Some more unusual entry routes include athlete UK visas, visiting and tour guide visas, and student study and training visas. Don’t forget that you can always enter the country as a visitor and then find employment once you’re in London!
Once you’re settled into your new city, make sure to get a European Health Insurance Card so that you’ll be covered when using national health service during your stay. This card lasts for 3 years, so even if it takes you some time to figure out exactly what visa you need, at least getting this card won’t be too much trouble.
Moving to London from the US
Are you thinking of moving to London from the USA? If so, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the UK government visa and immigration requirements.
In order to live in the UK, you’ll need to have a valid visa. The type of visa you need will depend on your reason for relocating. There are several categories of visas, including work visas, student visas, and family visas.
Moving to the UK to work from outside of Europe will usually need a work visa. This is a requirement even if you’re coming on a short contract or volunteering. There are several different long and short term visa types to choose from, depending on the type of job you’re doing – but getting approved for aUK work visaisn’t always easy.
Tough immigration rules mean you’ll usually need to be in a shortage occupation, or be able to prove you’re better qualified than British citizen applying for the same job.The UK government’s website has all the information you need about which type of visa is right for you.
If you’re not sure whether relocating to London and living abroad is the right decision for you, consider weighing the pros and cons. Relocating to a new country can be exciting, but it also comes with its share of challenges.
Some of the pros of relocating to London include:
– Excellent healthcare system
– Multicultural environment
– Wide range of job and educational opportunities
Some of the cons include:
– High cost of living
– Limited job security
– Language barrier
Before deciding to relocate, take some time to weigh the pros and cons and consider what’s important to you. If you decide that relocating to London is the right choice for you, start planning your move! The UK government’s website has all the information you need to make the process as smooth as possible.
Taxes will be more complicated when you are living in London as an American
Spoiler alert that all US citizens are required to submit an US tax return, no matter the location they reside.If you thought Uncle Sam could not reach into your purse from across the ocean, you’re wrong!
If you’re planning to move into London after leaving the US I have positive and negative news.
The positive side is that the US both the US and UK have an agreement for tax treaties that allow you to deduct UK taxes from what you be owed to the US.
There are exceptions to this , of course, as nothing about US taxes is simple.US expats who earn an investment such as investment income, will have to pay tax on the earnings.
The downside is that there are extra US tax forms available to citizens living abroad, like the FBAR form for foreign bank accounts.It can become extremely complicated fast.
In the event of a financial crisis You could have to pay thousands of dollars (yes you read that correctly!)to a professional who will make sure your taxes are completed properly.We employed an international UK tax firm and a US expat tax company to manage our US taxes, and it was around $2,000.
One day I’ll write a comprehensive blog on expat taxes.Meanwhile, you can start saving money for your tax preparation expense.
Average Cost of Moving to London From the US
Americans moving to London may have its benefits. For example, the average salary in the Great Britain is higher than in many other European countries, including France and Germany. The rate of unemployment has also decreased since late 2010. All these factors are good news for people coming into the country looking for work or already working – but some things need to be considered before choosing London as a permanent residency.
If you’re thinking of moving to London, you must save enough money before you leave your hometown. Transport links in London are excellent, but this means they can be extremely busy. Your best bet is public transport, however, this doesn’t come cheap. You could be cost-effective by using black cabs or cycle hire schemes at least for the first few weeks of settling in to save yourself the unnecessary expense.
The average cost of living in London is high, but you can save money if you are the know-how. For example, if trying to budget money on food, avoid convenience stores where possible as they are much more expensive than supermarkets – buying chicken breast from a corner shop may be convenient, but it will burn a hole through your wallet!
Save your pennies by planning and cooking your meals with staple ingredients that won’t damage your UK bank account balance too much. It’s also a good idea to join a library and take advantage of free events and entertainment.
Living in London doesn’t have to be expensive and should not hurt your bank account. If you’re savvy with your money, there are plenty of ways to save cash on living costs. Compare prices when shopping, cook simple meals from scratch, and take advantage of free activities available in the city.
With a bit of organisation and forward planning, you’ll be able to live comfortably in one of the world’s most expensive cities without breaking the bank!
London Housing Costs
London housing and rent costs are among the highest in the world, and if you aren’t vigilant, they might consume up to half of your after-tax income. Individual flat rental prices are listed below, however they can vary considerably from borough to borough.
In the City Center, a one-bedroom apartment costs between £1,200 and £1,500 per month. Outside of the capital city, a one-bedroom flat costs between £900 and £1,150 each month. A three-bedroom flat in the City Center will set you back around £2,150 per month. A three-bedroom home outside of town might be more than double that amount.
The Average Home Purchase Price in London
The typical cost of a home in London was £676,131 in December 2021. This is a rise of 1.02% over the previous three months and a decline of 0.30% year over year. Flats in London sold for an average price of £539,925, while terraced houses went for £730,681. This is according to the current Zoopla estimates.
On top of this, there are other costs associated with purchasing a property. You must pay stamp duty which was raised in November 2014 from 5% to 7%. Stamp duty is usually paid at completion or before you take ownership of your new property.
Other factors that affect whether buying a property is good value for money include: location and size as well as what’s included within the asking price (fixtures, furnishings and parking for example).
Money Transfers to London
If you’re moving to London, you’ll almost certainly need to turn some of your funds into British pounds.
However, if you want to exchange your domestic currency for Japanese yen, it is better not to use high street banks, as you will usually be charged high fees and receive a poor exchange rate. It is far better to use specialist currency exchange companies, both on the web and in person.
Career and Business Opportunities in London
There are many opportunities for career and business advancement in London. The UK government is a major employer in the city, and there are also numerous private-sector businesses. Job hunting can be difficult, but with the right skills and attitude, it is possible to find a good job in London.
London is the best place to start your search, as it has the highest concentration of jobs and businesses.
The most important thing for anyone looking for a job in London is to be aware of the city’s unique culture and expectations. Networking is also an important part of the job hunting process, so be sure you make connections in the city and interact with others.
Many different careers in London will help you develop a diverse skill set. Since there are so many businesses based here, it is possible to find employment opportunities across all sectors. Some key industries include financial services, marketing, education, tourism, and retail. Whether you have aspirations to work for a big corporation or want to start your own business, London can help you achieve your career goals.
The UK government is one of the largest employers in London. Dozens of government departments offer numerous job roles across various fields including IT, marketing, security, legal advice, health care, and many more. Successful applicants are eligible for excellent salary, training programs, and career development.
Be aware that the job seeker’s market is particularly competitive in central London, so you will need to be proactive if you want to secure a job with the government. Make sure you carefully research each department and find one that suits your skill set best.
It can also be beneficial to speak with recruitment consultants who specialize in government roles; they can help guide you through the application process by explaining what qualifications are required for each role.
Gain exposure to new ideas from around the world as part of an international company’s workforce – UK government jobs
There are numerous private-sector businesses located throughout London that offer a wide range of opportunities for those looking for a job in business or finance. The city’s leading financial district, the City of London, is home to many multinational banks, insurance firms, and other businesses. These companies are always on the lookout for talented individuals with solid business education and experience.
If you’re looking to start your own business, London is a great place to do it. The city is home to thousands of small businesses and a variety of support organizations that can help you get started. Many venture capitalists are willing to invest in new businesses. The key to success in London is to be creative and innovative; the city’s residents are always looking for something new and exciting on their everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for a career change or want to take your business to the next level, there are plenty of opportunities in London. The city is home to a diverse and vibrant business community, and with the right skills and attitude, you can achieve your career goals. Be sure to dress appropriately and act professionally at all times, and network with others to increase your chances of finding a good job or business opportunity.
Things to Know Before Moving to London From the US in 2024
London is an expensive city to live in. The cost of living in London is notoriously high, and it’s likely to only increase in price as the years go by. If you’re moving to London in 2024, be prepared to pay a lot for rent, food, transportation, and other necessary expenses.
These must-know tips will give you some of the tools you need to have an amazing time living in London.
Arrange a place to stay when you first arrive
If you’re looking for a flat, you’ll have to spend money on accommodation. Staying in a hotel while flat hunting will soon deplete your savings, so if you have British friends in London, ask them if you can stay on their couch for a few weeks. It may feel strange and inconsiderate, but when people first move to London.
While it may not be the beginning you dreamed of, it is still a start, and it will assist you in joining London society while also saving money. If you decide to stay at a friend’s place, offer to pay a portion of the rent, electricity, gas, internet fees for them.
It could be a business arrangement, or it could just be your way of saying thanks for letting you stay and giving you advice on how to live in London.
Make sure you have access to a car
If you don’t have a car before coming to London, seriously consider investing in one. Nothing will change the fact that living and visiting London is expensive, but having a car will make it a lot easier to live in London.
Look for a smaller car that will be inexpensive to insure and fuel up—and not everyone needs a big SUV or luxury vehicle, as renting out your trunk on the side with companies can help offset costs.
If you don’t have a driver’s license, now is the time to start studying for the test. It can be done online and there are plenty of resources to help you out. There are also several companies that offer lessons in London once you’re settled.
Obtain a UK SIM for your phone
if you’re looking for a place to live in London, estate agents will almost always want to contact you before arranging a viewing for you, so make sure you get a UK phone number. You may do this by purchasing a SIM from your home nation before arrival and having it waiting for you as soon as you deplane. Try the GiffGaff site since they can send a Pay-As-You-Go SIM to you anywhere in the globe.
Be prepared for a long commute
If you don’t already work in London, the commute to work from where you live will be a daily challenge. Luckily, there are apps that can help keep your commute tolerable.
There are several apps for finding a pool, where you could carpool to work with another person going in the same direction.
It’s also a good idea to invest in an annual transport pass. Transport for London offers several different types of passes and depending on how often you use public transportation, one of these passes could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Taking a tour of London on your own two feet is also a fantastic way of seeing the city properly. Every road has the luxury of a proper pavement, so navigating the London streets is safe and easy. Cycling -You don’t need to bring your own bike for this one; London has apublic cycle hire scheme.
Be aware of the cost of food
Food is expensive in London, so if you still on a job hunt or are looking for a part-time job to pay the bills, consider cooking your own food. There are several websites you can check out where people in London offer home-cooked meals for free or at a very low cost.
There are also several apps where you can order groceries with an app, and they’ll be delivered to your door at home or work at reasonable prices.
Ask your bank if you can open a UK bank accounts
Although there are relatively few ways, they can help you establish a UK bank account. I’ve heard of some worldwide banks like HSBC making it simple to open a UK account if you already have one in your home country, so do call and inquire about that ahead of time.
Alternatively, you may wait until you arrive in the UK and then open an account once you have a UK address, or many visitors to the country are opening accounts with digital banks like Starling (what I use for both personal and business accounts), Monzo, and Revolut without having a valid home address.
Calculate the potential earnings and monthly living expenses.
Making an excel spreadsheet of your anticipated incomings and outgoings in London may help you visualize your London lifestyle and what you may anticipate based on your projected cash flow.
You’ll be able to quickly and simply calculate things like how much extra money you’ll have on hand for travel and other enjoyable activities, whether to rent alone or in a house share, and more in your budget spreadsheet.
Your starting point is pay. If you don’t have a job yet and don’t know what your salary might be, use Glassdoor to get a range for your industry and level, as well as search on sites like Indeed and LinkedIn Jobs to see what salaries are being advertised for jobs that you might be interested in.
Ship your belongings.
If you still have things to transport to the United Kingdom , you should begin transporting them ahead of time, because it might take many weeks for the cargo to arrive. The first thing to know is that the seller has to be local. This can make it difficult, especially if you don’t yet have an address in the UK and therefore need assistance with delivery efforts once you’ve arrived there.
If you don’t have someone to help, you may apply for Transfer of Residence Relief, which allows you to clear up customs expenses when moving items to your new home. Otherwise, keep in mind that anything you send from your country will be charged customs and duty fees, which can mount up quickly and are most likely not worth the effort.
Get yourself a good gym membership
While you’re planning out your expenses, don’t forget to include the cost of a great membership at one of London’s many affordable fitness centers. Being healthy is just as important as being financially stable—and London has several affordable options, even if you’re on a budget.
You can find clubs that offer one-time signup fees, low monthly fees, 24/7 access for members, and free equipment. They also tend to have trainers available who are there to help motivate you.
Don’t be scared by the price tags on apartments
Just because the rent is high in Central London, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a place to live. There are plenty of apartments and houses for rent that is within your budget if you know where to look.
Start by looking on websites like RentLondonFlat.com for apartments that fit your budget. There are so many apartments in London to choose from, and if you spend a bit of time searching the options will become endless.
Be prepared to work hard and make new friends
Living in London is not easy, but it also doesn’t have to be hard—if you’re dedicated and willing to work towards getting what you want.
Just remember that there are plenty of opportunities for people who are looking for them, although they might take time before coming around. Don’t give up!
It’s also important to make new friends so you don’t feel so alone in this big city. There are plenty of ways to do this, whether you’re looking online or in person.
London can be a great place to live if you’re prepared for the challenges that come with it. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a successful move!
- Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.
- Admire the beautiful architecture of Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square.
- Visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and enjoy a traditional English pub lunch.
- Take a river cruise on the River Thames to see London from a different perspective.
- Explore the vibrant markets at Covent Garden and Camden Town.
- Explore the major cities on foot or by public transport – the London Underground is one of the oldest and most efficient subway systems in the world.
- Discover hidden gems in some of London’s charming neighborhoods such as Notting Hill.
- Watch a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre or The Royal Court Theatre.
- Tour the Charles Dickens Museum and see his home where many of his books were written.
- Explore the British Museum and view iconic exhibits such as the Rosetta Stone and Albert Museum.
- Marvel at the spectacular views from the top of The Shard.
- Visit Kew Gardens, one of the world’s largest and most diverse botanical gardens.
- Walk or cycle along the banks of the River Thames.
- Explore Hyde Park or Richmond Park, one of London’s largest and most beautiful and big parks.
- Take a day trip to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.
London Relocation Services (Rentlondonflat Relocation Services)
Moving to London is quite an exciting proposition. So much waiting to do and discover. But what’s the best way to go about it? Perhaps you’ve thought about renting a London flat but don’t know where exactly to start looking?
Well, Rentlondonflat relocation services are here for you! We’re an all-inclusive service that’s helped 100% of our clients find their perfect property sign a lease and move in within their desired time frame. You might be wondering what’s so difficult about theLondon property marketthat you can just do this on your own.
We have flats in 30 London boroughs, so we know the city! We can advise you on which areas would be best for you.
We use a selective process: we screen and carefully select our landlords to ensure they provide high-quality, safe flats. We only accept the best so you can be assured of what we offer. It is also critical to verify that the company you rent from is Professionally Regulated, has correct property licenses, and adheres to UK Tenancy Laws.
Rentlondonflat is Regulated by The Property Ombudsman, meaning that all landlords within our network have been screened and meet the required standards.
We also prepare all of the paperwork for you including Tenancy Agreements and Inventory & Check-In reports so that moving is as carefree as possible.
With so many incorrect and duplicate property advertisem*nts from several agents, finding houses that are genuinely free is a struggle. RentLondonFlat has an extensive selection of properties. We have a variety of London flats for rent so you can find the perfect London home to suit your budget and lifestyle!
You may not be accessible or even be traveling if you work with a lot of London Estate Agents who only operate 9-5 Monday through Friday. We go through the houses first and choose the best ones. We know what is accessible and convenient for you and save you time by only picking the best places.
Our Legal Team will verify that your tenancy contract and papers are up to date with contemporary tenant laws, and our Accounts Team can help you set up your bills.
So what are you waiting for? Visit our website Rentlondonflat.com and give us a call today !We’d be delighted to work with you, so save time and money with us!
