With so much to consider when moving to the UK, we thought it would be useful to cover some of the key questions people wish to know.
As relocation agents for close to 15 years we have helped people from all over the world move to the UK, each with a tailored focus to ensure clients save time and stress when undertaking such a big move.
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1. Do I need a visa to live and work in the UK?
Yes — Americans need a visa to live, work, or study in the UK and this is where an immigration agent would be best placed to advise. Dream Move work closely with a range of providers so happy to provide details if you wish?
Common options include:
Skilled Worker Visa (job offer from a licensed UK employer)
Family Visa (joining a UK spouse or relative)
Student Visa (for full-time study)
UK Ancestry Visa (if you have a UK-born grandparent)
Most visas require proof of income, English proficiency, and payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
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2. Can I keep my U.S. citizenship if I move to the UK?
Yes. Moving to the UK doesn’t affect your U.S. citizenship. You can hold dual citizenship if you later naturalize as a British citizen. However, U.S. citizens must still file annual U.S. tax returns, even when living abroad so worth speaking with a tax accountant prior to ensure you understand the implications.
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3. How does healthcare work in the UK compared to the U.S.?
The UK has a public system called the National Health Service (NHS). It provides most healthcare free at the point of use, funded through taxes.
Visa holders pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (around £1,035 per year) for NHS access. Some expats also buy private insurance for faster specialist care.
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4. How much does it cost to live in the UK, and is it cheaper than the U.S.?
It depends on the city. London is expensive (similar to NYC or San Francisco), while cities like Manchester, Bristol, and Glasgow are more affordable.
Rent: £1,000–£2,500/month (depending on location)
Utilities: £150–£250/month
Groceries & transport are generally cheaper than in major U.S. metros.
Overall, the UK can be less car-dependent but more housing-cost heavy. Dream Move have a detailed blog and cost breakdown for key areas to consider when relocating coming in November.
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5. What should I know about UK taxes if I’m still earning U.S. income?
The UK taxes residents on UK and worldwide income, but the U.S.–UK Tax Treaty helps avoid double taxation.
Americans abroad must still file U.S. tax returns, and can claim Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or Foreign Tax Credits to offset UK taxes. It’s wise to consult a cross-border tax specialist.
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6. Can I bring my car, furniture, or pets to the UK?
Cars: You can import your car but may need modifications to meet UK standards. As a general rule, most expats find it easier to buy or lease locally.
Furniture: Shipping is possible but often costly and given the size of UK housing its more viable to buy new on arrival to the UK.
Pets: Dogs and cats can enter without quarantine if they meet Pet Travel Scheme rules (microchip, rabies vaccine, and health certificate). For relocating your pets, prices can vary also so worth getting a number of quotes and reading reviews to ensure the quality matches to cost for moving your fur babies.
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7. What’s daily life like in the UK — culture, social norms, and language differences?
The UK and U.S. share a language but differ in tone and etiquette. Brits tend to be more reserved, polite, and understated.
Expect smaller homes, shorter commutes, driving on the left, and use of metric measurements. for a more detailed insight on UK culture this can be found on a recent blog on the link here.
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8. Where do most Americans live in the UK?
Large American communities can be found throughout the UK, which is often dictated by your employment. Much of the UK has a diverse range of communities from throughout the world, so its what’s important to you.
This is where relocation agents can guide you on areas matching your wishes to ensure you can settle into life in the UK.
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9. Can I use my U.S. credit cards, bank accounts, and driver’s license in the UK?
Cards: Most U.S. credit/debit cards work, but it’s best to open a UK bank account for local payments.
Banking: You’ll need proof of address and ID; online banks like Monzo or Revolut are popular with newcomers and free to use.
For your high street banks like HSBC, these can be a little more of a challenge to open, however if using a relocation agent, it should be part of their service to assist in getting these open.
Driving: Americans can drive with a U.S. license for up to 12 months, after which you must exchange it for a UK license (no test required for U.S. holders).
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10. What’s the process for bringing my spouse or family?
If you hold a valid UK visa, you can usually sponsor dependents (spouse, partner, or children). They’ll get their own visas, allowing them to work or study in the UK. However, you must show proof of relationship, financial stability, and suitable accommodation.
For this its also worth confirming with your authorised immigration agent just to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises.
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Thanks for reading our common questions when moving to the UK.
Should you wish for any further information or assistance with relocating to the UK please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp on +44 7513 282 421 or by email at contact@dreammoverelocation.com and we would be happy to arrange a free non obligation call to discuss your wishes further.
