Moving to London in 2024: Everything You Need To Know

Moving abroad can be an overwhelming task - there’s a lot you will need to prepare ahead of your move, from documentation to housing, to learning how to get around in your new city. That is why we have prepared a detailed checklist to help you navigate the entire moving process.

Here’s the most important things you cannot forget to do during your move:
✅ Getting your Visa
✅ Applying for your National Insurance Number
✅ Finding a House to rent
✅ Open a Bank Account
✅ Get a local phone number
✅ Pack, ship and store my things
✅ Book my travel
✅ Register for National Healthcare

You can find a detailed list of everything you’ll need to do for your move in your Matutto account when you sign up. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to learn how to get each and every single one of these things sorted, as we have all the detailed and verified information on how to get everything done inside our platform.

As you know, one of the most important things will be to find a place to live. And given the city's vast and competitive rental market, it can be a daunting task. But London offers a really large variety of housing options: From bustling city center flats to cozy suburban houses, co-living spaces and house shares.

We always recommend booking short-term accommodation for your first couple of weeks in London, during which you can find a place to rent long-term. During your House search, here’s a few things you’ll want to do to speed up the process of finding a home:

• Define Your Priorities: Before diving into the search, take some time to define your priorities. Consider factors such as location, budget, size, and amenities.
• Research Neighborhoods: London is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities. Research different areas to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
• Start Early and Be Flexible: The London rental market moves quickly, with properties often snapped up within days of being listed. Start your search early and be prepared to act fast when you find a suitable property. Keep an open mind and be flexible with your requirements, as compromises may be necessary to secure a desirable rental in a competitive market.
• Attend Viewings Prepared: Once you've shortlisted potential properties, attend viewings prepared with a list of questions and observations.
• Understand Rental Agreements and Costs: Before committing to a rental property, carefully review the tenancy agreement and ensure you understand all terms and conditions.
• Seek Professional Advice if Needed: If you're unfamiliar with the rental process or have specific requirements, the Matutto team can provide you with a Relocation Advisor to help you with your move. You can contact us here.

London has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and the underground. Take the time to learn how to use it, as figuring out the most effective route can save you a lot of money and time.

The London transport is divided into 9 Zones. The further away you travel, the more your rides will cost. In addition, travelling at certain times of the day, called “Peak Times” will be more expensive than doing the same route at an “Off-Peak” time.

You can read more about London transport below, where we deep-dive into the details of this and how to save money.

Related Article: How to find a rental in London

Take me to Housing

As an expat, your tax obligations in the UK will depend on your residency status, sources of income, and length of stay in the country. The UK operates on a residency-based tax system, meaning that residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxed on income earned in the UK.

Most common taxes include income tax, corporation tax, value added tax (VAT), council tax, and stamp duty.

The income tax rate for individuals in London ranges from 20% to 45% depending on the income bracket. It’s important to note that your take-home pay will be affected by the amount of income tax you’re eligible for. On top of that, you’ll also need to pay for National Insurance out of your pay check. You can calculate your estimated Take-Home Pay with this UK Tax Calculator.

Opening a local bank account will be essential for paying your bills and receiving your salary in London. And, even though it should be a straight forward task, it can be a little complicated for newly-arrived Expats.

Firstly, determine what type of account you need - Do you need a personal or business account? Do you require a current account, savings account, or both?

Then, gather all the documents you need to create a bank account. Usually, this includes:

• Your Passport
• Your Visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
• Proof of Address in the UK

Most banks in the UK will require proof and address, such as a home lease contract or a utility bill; to confirm that you are living in the UK. If you require a bank account with a GBP wallet before securing an apartment, there are plenty of digital banking alternatives that you can use until you can open a local bank account. Create an account on Matutto to find a list of local banks and digital alternatives we recommend for Expats.

You will most likely want to purchase a SIM card for your phone as soon as you arrive, so you can stay connected with your family and friends. It also really helps having internet on your phone to get around the city.

Before buying a SIM card, make sure your phone is unlocked, so you can add a SIM card from the UK. if that’s not the case, there are many technology shops in London where they can unlock the phone for you, for a fee. If you’re moving from the United States, check with your phone providers that your phone can be unlocked.

Once you’re ready to buy a SIM card, you’ll need to choose a provider. London has several major mobile networks to choose from, such as EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone, each offering different plans. Compare the plans and choose the one that suits your needs.

You may need to provide your personal details and a form of identification. You may want to consider getting a prepaid SIM while you receive all your UK paperwork, as you don’t need to prove that you’re a UK resident to get one of these. Sign up to learn more about the Phone Plans we recommend for Expats.

The National Health Service (NHS) is a publicly funded healthcare system that provides medical services to all UK citizens. If you are a UK resident, you automatically have access to these services. To register, make sure to sign up to an NHS GP who will act as your primary point of contact for any healthcare services you need while in the UK.

If you prefer a more comprehensive range of services or quicker access to medical services, you can consider private health insurance. There are a number of insurance companies in London that offer private health insurance. Sign Up to learn which ones we recommend.