If you are relocating internationally, the following section provides a pre-arrival checklist, which includes some useful tips and advice to ensure you are prepared for your arrival in the UK.
Documentation
- Make sure that you and all family members you are travelling with have valid passports that are in date for the full duration of the visa you are applying for.
- Make sure that everyone travelling has the required visa.
- Book your plane tickets.
- Purchase appropriate travel insurance.
- Check what documentation you need for exporting possessions from your home.
- Save copies of the previously listed documents to ensure it is easy to access during travel.
Finance
- Tell your bank you are moving overseas.
- Check how money can best be transferred to the UK.
- Open an international bank account if possible, as it will ensure that you always have access to your finances.
- Opening a UK bank account can take a long time, especially if you are not familiar with the UK banking system. You will not usually be able to open a UK bank account until you are resident in the UK.
Current accommodation
- If you own a property decide if you plan to rent it out or sell it. If you currently rent remember to hand in your notice in good time.
- Decide whether to store, sell or take your possessions with you. Check which goods you can bring into the UK through customs control.
- Get quotes from removal companies and book well in advance of the moving date.
- Cancel any utilities and subscriptions in your present country and redirect your mail.
Future accommodation
- Consider your future living arrangements. Once you are in the UK will you want to stay in temporary accommodation or move straight into a rental property? Do you intend to purchase a property? All these questions are important to consider before you move.
- Research the rental or purchase price of housing in the area you plan to move to. If you can, arrange a visit to the area you intend to live. If visiting is not an option then research the area online.
- Arrange some form of accommodation before you arrive in the UK.
Health
- Depending on what country you are relocating from you may need to get vaccinations before you arrive. Some vaccinations need to be given weeks in advance. Make sure to keep an international vaccination booklet.
- Take out international health insurance for you and your family.
Family
- If you have children, inform their school that they are leaving. Ask for transfer forms if required and request copies of school reports, exam certificates and examples of their work.
- Begin searching for their new school. This can be a difficult process for families relocating to the UK.
- If you plan on relocating any pets research the rules and quarantine requirements.
Employment
- Hand in your notice for your current job.
- Inform the tax authorities of your move. You may need to file a tax return form.
- If your family is looking for work make sure they bring copies of qualifications and references with details of any previous employment.