Moving from the United States to the United Kingdom is a major life transition that brings both nerves, excitement and a few hurdles.
Whether you’re relocating for work, study, family, or simply a change in lifestyle, it’s important to plan ahead and know what to expect.
Below are just a few areas you need to consider when relocating from the US to the UK, which are prepared by a relocation agent:
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1. Visa and Immigration Requirements

Before anything else, ensure you have the right to live and work in the UK. Popular visa routes include:
  • Skilled Worker visa (for those with a job offer from a UK employer)
  • Student visa
  • UK Ancestry visa
  • Spouse or Partner visa
The process can be both complex and time consuming , so consider consulting an immigration advisor or relocation consultant to advise on the best way to approach.
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2. Healthcare and Insurance
The UK has the NHS (National Health Service), which provides healthcare that is mostly free at the point of use. However:
  • You’ll likely pay a Healthcare Surcharge as part of your visa application, so please be sure to understand the costs of this.
  • You might want to get private health insurance, especially if you’re used to faster access to specialists.
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3. Finding a Place to Live
Renting or buying property works differently than in the US with the letting and estate agents getting paid for their sale from the landlord.
If you wish to ensure your interests are being looked after then a good relocation agent has access to the whole of the property market and will be working solely to meet your wishes.
  • Council tax is an extra monthly cost (similar to US property tax, but paid by the tenant) with all other bills excluded also from the online listings (unless stated)
  • UK property portals are often a little behind the live market also, so its only when enq

  • uiring by phone (or email) the property agent will advise its no longer available.
  • Consider commute times and costs, especially if you’re relocating to major cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
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4. Banking and Finances
Without assistance, setting up a bank account in the UK can take time. Its a bit of a chicken and egg situation with the banks requesting for an address and you wishing for a bank account so you can make payments to the agent.
Without a UK address or proof of income for our high street banks, you will need:
  • Passport and visa
  • Proof of address (a tenancy agreement or utility bill)
  • Some banks now offer accounts for expats or digital-only banks like Monzo or Revolut.
Also, be mindful of:
  • Currency exchange rates
  • Transferring money internationally
  • Credit scores, which don’t transfer between countries
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5. Work and Taxes
  • You’ll need a National Insurance Number to work in the UK.
  • The UK tax year runs from April 6 to April 5, which is different from the US calendar year.
  • You may still need to file taxes in the US while abroad due to FATCA and FBAR rules.
Consult a tax professional who understands both UK and US tax systems as this can impact many factors of your personal finances.

 

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6. Cultural Differences
While the UK and US share a language, there are cultural and lifestyle differences:
  • Driving is on the left-hand side.
  • Everyday terms differ: “flat” (apartment), “boot” (car trunk), “lift” (elevator).
  • Social norms, humour, and even queueing etiquette can take some getting used to. _________________________________________________
7. Schooling and Education (if you have children)
  • Check local school catchment areas if you’re renting or buying.
  • The school year starts in September, with terms broken into three segments.
  • If moving within the school year, then you will have to complete an in year application in which the school with the nearest availability is offered.
  • If moving with a family, this is important to understand as your children could end up in a school you are not happy with. To minimise the likelihood of this, there are education consultants who can assist and manage the school application process for you.
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8. Mobile Phones and Internet
SIM cards and data plans are affordable in the UK. Providers include:
  • EE
  • O2
  • Vodafone
  • Three
You can easily set up Pay-as-you-go or SIM-only contracts and then change to a longer term contract once your credit rating has been established. This is usually within 3 – 6 months of being in the UK.
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London is expensive, but many other UK cities like Manchester, Leeds, or Birmingham offer a lower cost of living and great quality of life. Consider:
  • Transport costs (especially if using public transport daily)
  • Property prices
  • Grocery and utility prices
  • Exchange rate impacts on your savings or income
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10. Community and Support
There are lots of community groups for those thinking of moving to the UK or already here to provide guidance also.
  • Expat groups on Facebook
  • Meetup groups
  • International schools or expat organisations

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Relocating in Review
Relocating from the US to the UK is exciting but requires thoughtful preparation. The legal, financial, and lifestyle differences can be significant, but with the right support and research, your move can be smooth and rewarding.
If you’re planning to move to the UK and need help finding a place to live—especially in Manchester—we would be happy to assist.
We can be reached on both WhatsApp (+44 7513 282 421) and on email at contact@dreammoverelocation.com also.