Move to the UK
Your practical guide to moving to the UK
Explore visa options
Global Entrepreneur Programme
FAQs
Q. What visas apply to me?
A. You can visit the Explore Visa Options page on this website to review key information about a range of visas that are ideal for top science, research and technology talent. There is also a link to the Eligibility Checker where you’ll be able to confirm which visa options are open to you, which will help you find the best route.
Q. What is the work/ life balance in the UK really like?
A. The UK offers a great work balance with almost all workers legally entitled to 28 days paid holiday a year (known as statutory leave entitlement or annual leave) if they work a 5-day week. If working part-time hours, paid holiday is calculated on a pro-rata basis. Individual employers often provide additional benefits on top of statutory requirements, these will usually be included in job adverts.
Find out more about holiday entitlement in the UK
Q. How do I move my things/ belongings when I relocate to the UK?
A. You might need to pay tax and customs duty when you move your personal belongings to the UK from abroad. There are slightly different rules, depending on what type of belongings you are bringing, so make sure you check this guide on moving your belongings. The good news is, you might be able to claim ‘transfer of residence’ (ToR) relief when you relocate.
For even more information, visit this page on travelling to the UK.
Q. How can I apply for a driving license in the UK?
A. Use the handy gov.uk tool to understand if you can drive in the UK with a non-Great Britain driving licence. You can also use this tool to find out how to exchange your current non-GB licence for a British driving licence.
Q. How can I apply for a National Insurance number? And why do I need one?
A. You can apply for a National Insurance number if you live in the UK, have the right to work in the UK, are looking for work or have an offer to begin work. You need to apply online.
You need a National Insurance number to make sure your National Insurance contributions and tax are recorded against your name only. Your employer will need to see your National Insurance Number, as it is usually deducted from your wages automatically through Pay As You Earn (the system HMRC uses to collect employee deductions). This money contributes to several things, including state benefits such as the state pension, statutory sick pay and maternity leave.
Find out more and apply for a National Insurance Number at this link
Q. What support is there for me (and my family) to find employment in the UK?
A. There are lots of opportunities on United Kingdom universities’ websites, through professional networks and bodies specific to your discipline in the UK. We’d recommend visiting our Get Connected page to view opportunities available through the Global Talent visa endorsing bodies, and to find out more about the Global Talent Network and how they can support you to find your ideal job in the UK. You can also visit academic job boards, such as jobs.ac.uk and LinkedIn. View our Funding page on our site to learn more about UK funding opportunities for scientists, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
The UK government also has support and advice for finding a job for you and your dependents. You should also ensure you can prove your right to work to an employer so there is no delay in starting your new job once you’ve moved to the UK.
Once you’re in the UK, your dependents will also be entitled to free help and advice from the Jobcentre.
Q. As a migrant, would I get access to NHS care?
A. You can find a guide to your NHS entitlements at this link. As part of your visa application, you and any dependents travelling with you might need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access NHS care. You can use the gov.uk IHS calculator to work out if you will need to pay the IHS, and how much it would be.
Q. Where can I learn more about paying taxes in the UK and which ones I’ll need to pay?
A. Visit the Money and Tax hub to learn about the different types of UK tax and if they apply to your circumstances. The taxes that apply to people working in the UK are Income Tax and National Insurance.
Q. How do I register as self-employed (for UK tax purposes)?
A. There is a handy tool on the gov.uk that you can use to check how to register for self-assessment. You can use this additional UK government tool to check if you need to send a self-assessment tax return.
