Welcome to the United Kingdom

Moving to the UK is a significant life change. This guide covers everything you need to establish yourself successfully in your new home, from immigration essentials to settling into British culture.

Before You Arrive

Prepare Your Documents

• Valid passport with visa vignette

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) details

• Employment contract & Qualification certificates

• Accommodation confirmation (even if temporary)

Arrange Initial Accommodation

Book for at least 2-4 weeks minimum. Consider your commute to the workplace. Airbnb, hotels, or serviced apartments are the best initial options.

First Week in the UK

1. Collect Your BRP

Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is your most important document. Collect it within 10 days of arrival at the Post Office branch specified in your visa letter.

2. National Insurance Number

Required for working legally and tax. Apply online via gov.uk. It can take 4-8 weeks to arrive, but you can start work while waiting.

3. Banking & Phone

Banks: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds (Traditional) or Monzo/Starling (Digital).

Phone: Grab a pay-as-you-go SIM from any supermarket (EE, O2, or Vodafone) for instant connectivity.

First Month Essentials

Register with the NHS

Healthcare is covered by your surcharge. Find a local GP (Doctor) at nhs.uk and register as soon as you have a proof of address.

Find Permanent Accommodation

Use Rightmove or Zoopla. Be ready for "Right to Rent" checks (using your BRP) and a deposit of 4-6 weeks' rent.

Tax and Transportation

UK Tax: Under the PAYE system, your first £12,570 is typically tax-free. Ensure your tax code is correct on your first payslip.

Driving: Your foreign licence is valid for 12 months. After this, you must exchange it or pass a UK driving test.

Social Life & Culture

• Queueing is essential etiquette in the UK.

• "You alright?" is a standard greeting, usually meaning "Hello."

• Meetup.com and workplace social events are the best ways to build a community.

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Recruitroo UK Support

We provide end-to-end support for our international talent, helping you settle comfortably into your new UK home.

Looking for more information?

Visit Recruitroo.com or Book a demo.

Candidates can find more UK-specific guides at recruitroo.com/candidates.