If you’re preparing to move to the UK from overseas, you’ll have plenty to think about and organize. Here we’ll explore 6 important factors to help you plan for your move.
Moving to the UK with your family is a big step, and you’ll have lots of important details to figure out. One of the key tasks you’ll be faced with is the visa application process, including finding out which visa you are eligible for, and what the UK spouse visa requirements are.
In this article we’ll explore the key considerations that you should make before you move. Planning ahead will ensure a smoother transition process for you and your family.
1. Visa Considerations
If you are planning to move to the UK, you’ll need to find out which type of Visa you’ll need. There are several different visa options available, depending on your circumstances. Options include:
Skilled Worker Visa
You may be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa if you are employed by a Home Office- approved UK employer, and you hold a valid certificate of sponsorship for a job you are taking on in the UK.
Innovator Visa
This visa is suitable for business professionals who are looking to start up a new company in the UK. You’ll need to have a unique idea, and at least £50,000 to invest. It’s also required that your business idea has been pre-approved by an appropriate endorsing body.
Startup Visa
The StartUp Visa was designed for new entrepreneurs, looking to develop a business in the UK. There are no set investment or funding requirements, yet the applicant will need an endorsement to demonstrate that their business is viable.
Which visa is right for you?
Different visas have different options for bringing dependents to the UK, such as children or spouses. For instance, if your Skilled Worker Visa is approved you will be eligible to apply for your children or spouse to join you in the UK as ‘dependents’.
There are several visa options for those looking to bring their families to the UK including family visas, parent visas, and unmarried partner vias. An immigration solicitor can talk you through the best options for your circumstances.
2. Opening a Bank Account
When you arrive in the UK, you’ll need to open a bank account and it can be useful to do a little research beforehand. There are various factors that you might want to consider when you’re choosing a bank account.
For example, you might like to choose an account that’s simple to link to overseas accounts, or an account with adequate services for international money transfers.
You’ll also want to ensure that you have all the documents that you need to open an account in the UK. The majority of banks will ask for:
· A form of photo ID, (for instance a passport)
· A utility bill that’s no more than three months old
· Evidence that you are employed
3. Research the Best Location to Live
Before moving your family to the UK, you’ll want to carefully consider the UK location that you’d like to move to. Depending on your work situation, you might already be tied to a specific location. If not, thorough research is essential to choose a destination that you and your family will be comfortable in.
Depending on your situation and preferences, your choice of location might be affected by prices, schools in the area, employment opportunities, or the local economy. Learning as much as you can will help you to make a well-informed decision.
4. Health Care
If your visa entitles you to remain in the UK for more than 6 months, you’ll be eligible for free health care via the NHS, (similar to a permanent resident of the UK). Regardless, you may want to consider getting private health insurance, doing so can allow you to access shorter waiting periods, specialist care, and improved facilities.
Private health care premiums vary according to medical conditions, lifestyle and age. When you’re researching healthcare companies you’ll need to think about:
· Whether a certain package includes family members
· Restrictions or premiums relating to existing medical conditions
· What the process to make a claim involves
· The different treatments that are covered
5. Tax Contributions
Before you move to the UK it’s worth knowing a thing or two about tax contributions. When you arrive, you’ll need to apply to get an NI Number, and this number will then be used by HMRC to calculate your tax contributions. National insurance applies per pay period, while income tax is charged annually. The rate you are charged for National Insurance will depend on how much you earn.
If you’re running a business in the UK, there are various taxes that you may be liable to pay depending on your business structure and earnings. Such taxes include corporation tax, capital gains tax, or VAT.
6. Immigration Advice
If you are planning to immigrate to the UK, it’s advisable to seek advice from an immigration solicitor. Receiving legal advice before hand will help you to ensure that you are taking all the necessary steps to ensure a successful move, protecting your interests and those of your family.
Your lawyer will be able to offer advice about the type of visa you can use to successfully move your family to the UK.
Moving your family to the UK…
There are plenty of matters you’ll need to think about before moving your family to the UK. You’ll need to research the type of visa you are eligible for, and discuss your options with an immigration lawyer.
Besides this, it’s wise to spend some time thinking about location, health insurance and tax obligations. It’s useful to know what to expect before you arrive, to ensure a stress-free move for yourself and your family.