Moving to United Kingdom from UAE

Begin your journey by identifying the appropriate UK visa for your situation. United Kingdom work visa for UAE residents includes several options—such as the Skilled Worker visa, Health and Care visa, and Global Talent visa. The application is submitted online via the UK government portal and processed at VFS Global centers in UAE.

You’ll need a valid passport, job offer or sponsorship letter (for work visas), proof of income, accommodation details, health insurance (if required), and the Immigration Health Surcharge payment confirmation. Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a vignette in your passport and must collect your biometric residence permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Our relocation team ensures your paperwork is in order and timelines are met.

Declutter before packing. Decide what’s essential to ship and what can be sold, stored, or donated. For personal belongings, prepare a detailed inventory list (in English), especially for customs clearance. Label fragile items clearly and pack essentials for air travel.

Shipping household items to United Kingdom is duty-free for new residents, provided the items have been in your possession for over six months and are for personal use. Required documents include a UK visa, proof of former residence in UAE, shipping inventory, and a Transfer of Residence (ToR) application approval. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services handles customs documents, door-to-door logistics, and delivery scheduling.

Before moving, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This provides access to the National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your visa. Travel insurance is also recommended for your flight and initial days until your BRP is collected.

Once in the UK, register with a local General Practitioner (GP) using your BRP, proof of address, and NHS number. We help you understand NHS benefits, book your first health check-up, and assist in choosing private insurance if needed for additional coverage.

Public schools in the UK are free and highly rated. Placement is based on catchment areas, so your choice of neighborhood matters. Private and international schools are also available, especially in London, Oxford, and Manchester.

To enroll, you’ll need your child’s passport, visa, previous school records (translated if not in English), proof of address, and immunization records. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services supports families by researching schools, arranging tours, and guiding parents through local authority applications or private admissions processes.

Having a UK bank account is essential for receiving income, paying rent, and managing daily expenses. To open an account, you’ll need your passport, visa or BRP, proof of address (rental contract or utility bill), and in some cases, a reference letter from your UAE bank. We help clients prepare these documents and schedule appointments with major banks like Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, or digital alternatives like Monzo and Starling.

You’ll need to cover rent (plus deposit), council tax, groceries, local transport, school supplies, and possible setup costs like furniture or Wi-Fi installation. Our team provides budgeting tools and cost estimations based on your chosen UK city to ensure financial peace of mind.

Before finding long-term housing, it’s smart to book temporary accommodation. Short-term rentals like serviced apartments, hotels, or Airbnb are widely available in cities like London, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. These give you time to explore neighborhoods and get familiar with your new city before signing a lease.

Most expats moving to United Kingdom from UAE begin by renting. UK rental agreements usually last 6–12 months, with upfront costs including one month’s rent and a five-week deposit. Buying property is possible for non-citizens, but the process is slower and more documentation-heavy. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services helps with property search, agent liaison, and tenancy agreement review for long-term peace of mind.

Key hiring sectors include healthcare (NHS), IT, finance, education, engineering, and logistics. London offers roles across all industries, while cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow are becoming tech and startup hubs. Demand is also high in care, construction, and skilled trades.

To legally work in the UK, your visa must include work authorization. Most skilled workers apply under a sponsorship route. If you’re relocating with a spouse or dependent visa, you may also be eligible to work. We assist with interpreting visa conditions, registering for a National Insurance (NI) number, and onboarding support.

British society values politeness, punctuality, and privacy. The work culture may feel more hierarchical than in UAE but is generally respectful and inclusive. Expect queues, casual greetings like “cheers,” and small talk about the weather!

From sports clubs to local councils and expat groups, there are many ways to integrate into your local community. UK towns are full of multicultural events and international communities. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services offers cultural orientation to help families and professionals adjust comfortably to life in the UK.

The UK has excellent transport links including the London Underground, National Rail services, trams, and buses. Most cities offer affordable monthly travel passes—ranging from £60 to £150 depending on zones. Transport for London (TfL) and apps like Trainline make commuting easy.

UAE licenses are not exchangeable in the UK. You may drive for 12 months on your UAE license, after which you must apply for a provisional license and take both theory and practical tests to obtain a UK driving license. We help clients navigate this process, including test bookings and DVLA paperwork.

Prepare all your key documents: passport, visa approval, BRP collection letter, proof of accommodation, education certificates, job offer letters, and insurance details. Carry both physical and digital copies. Book flights with ample baggage allowance and track timelines for pet relocation if applicable.

Notify your landlord, cancel DEWA and telecom services, close or transfer bank accounts, and clear outstanding bills. Don’t forget to collect medical records, school reports, and employment references. Khimji Ramdas Relocation Services provides a detailed UAE exit checklist to ensure a stress-free departure and a confident new beginning in the UK.