Moving to the UK from Outside Europe: Practical Checklist

T-90 days: Visa secured

• Book one-way or return flight (proof of travel speeds entry)
• Insurance: travel + content shipping
• Begin school applications (state schools open year-round in England, fees apply in independent schools)

T-30 days: Logistics

• Confirm initial accommodation (Airbnb, serviced apartment, employer-provided housing)
• Notify banks, employers, tax office in your origin country
• Print 2 copies of BRP collection letter

T-7 days: Final prep

• Download UK government apps: NHS App, gov.uk Notify
• Money: arrive with at least £500 cash + a Wise / Revolut card
• Phone: install a UK eSIM (giffgaff, Vodafone, EE all sell pay-as-you-go)

Day 0: Arrival

• Border check is biometric for most arrivals — show e-passport gate.
• Collect BRP within 10 days of arrival from the Post Office on your decision letter.
• (From 2025 onwards eVisa-only — link your passport in UKVI account.)

1. Register with a GP — use NHS.uk postcode lookup. You only need to prove address.
2. National Insurance Number — apply at gov.uk if your BRP doesn't show one.
3. Bank account — Monzo / Starling open online with BRP photo; HSBC / Lloyds need an in-branch appointment.
4. Council tax — every UK adult is liable. Single occupancy = 25% discount; full-time students = exempt.
5. Utilities — gas/electric meter readings on move-in day. Octopus and EDF have the best new-customer rates.

State schools (free):

• Apply via your local council, not the school. Each council has a different in-year application form for mid-year movers.
• Schools must offer a place within 20 school days of application, but popular schools may have waiting lists.

Independent schools (£15,000–£45,000/year):

• Direct applications to the school; entry exams (English/Maths/reasoning) usual from age 7.
• 20% VAT added from January 2025.

Childcare 0–5:

• 30 free funded hours from age 9 months (England, working parents). Apply via the childcare account at gov.uk.

• HMRC tax code: ask your employer; emergency code 1257L W1/M1 means you're being overtaxed. Update via your Personal Tax Account online.
• Driving licence: many countries allow conversion within 12 months of residence. Outside that window you must take UK theory + practical tests.
• Pension: if you stay >2 years, your employer must auto-enrol you. Don't opt out — there's a 3-for-1 employer + tax contribution.
• NI Class 1: deducted automatically. To "buy" UK State Pension years you need 35 years of contributions for full pension.