Relocating to the UK

Relocating to the UK?

Congratulations!! You have successfully secured employment in the UK. Before relocating there are a number of key areas that we now need to cover.

• Accommodation
• National Insurance & Tax
• Banking
• Transport

    Accommodation   

The most popular property websites for renting are:

1. www.rightmove.co.uk/
2. www.zoopla.co.uk/
3. www.rentright.co.uk/
4. www.spareroom.co.uk/
5. uk.easyroommate.com/
6. www.roombuddies.co.uk/

Once you have found a suitable place, you will need to put down a deposit (equivalent to one month’s rent along with the one month rent). You will get the deposit amount back if you decide to move to a new location after you contract has come to an end, if you terminate your tenancy agreement before the agreed end date, it would be at the landlords discretion as to whether or not you will all if any of your deposit returned.

References:

Some Landlords / letting agents may require you to provide a written reference from a previous landlord or home owner that you have rented from in the past if you are relocating to the UK for the first time written references from your new employer will suffice, this can either be in the form of your offer letter or alternatively your new employer can provide a letter of reference.

***Important*** – Please ensure that you have an official contract / agreement in place before transferring any funds to any potential landlord.

National Insurance Number & Tax in the UK

National Insurance Number – A unique number to you as an individual that ensures all of the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded against your name.

It acts as a reference number when communicating with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) It is a specific to you. This number will allow you to gain access to social welfare services, public services and information in the UK.

Getting a National Insurance number should be one the first things you do once you have secured accommodation in the UK, as not only will your employer require it for tax and payment purposes.

You are required to apply by Phone:

Telephone: 0345 600 0643

Textphone: 0345600 0644

Opening Times Mon – Fri 08:00 – 18:00

More information is available in the link below;

https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

Banking

Before you arrive in the UK you may be able to set up an account for your existing bank has a correspondent banking relationship with a British bank.

Many major UK banks also have so-called ‘international’ accounts. Created for non-residents, so they’re a great option if you don’t have relevant documentation to prove your UK address, The big 4 banks in the UK such as Barclays, Lloyds HSBC and Nattiest have the option to apply for an international account online.

However if you are opening a UK bank account once you have relocated, you will need two documents:

Photo ID to prove your identity (passport /driving license /identity card if you’re an EU national.)

Proof of address. (Tenancy/Mortgage statement, Utility Bill, Bank statement, Council tax bill) – Utility bills and bank statements MUST be within the last 3 months and must NOT be an online PDF which you have printed off.

This applies both in branch and online.

We recommended checking price comparison websites to get a bank that suits your situation best;

https://www.moneysupermarket.com/current-accounts/

http://www.money.co.uk/current-accounts.htm

Once your account has been set up make sure to forward on your sort code and account Number to HR in order for your current employer to pay your salary.

Transport  

London is very easily accessible by public transport. There are 4 main types of public transport available in London.

• Bus
• Underground
• Overground
• DLR

Some great websites/links to keep you on the right track below;

• tfl.gov.uk/
• twitter.com/TfL/
• Recommended app – ‘Transit London UK by Navitime’ available on both App store.

** If you need any clarity on any aspects please do not hesitate to get in touch**

Office: 0203 370 4136

info@continuoussolutions.ai