Moving to the UK After Brexit

Updated: April 2026

The UK’s departure from the European Union in January 2021 changed the rules for anyone moving to the UK from overseas, and those rules have now been in place long enough that the dust has settled. The EU Settlement Scheme, which allowed EU nationals already living in the UK to secure their status, closed in 2021. What exists now is a single, unified immigration system that applies to everyone moving to the UK from abroad, regardless of nationality.

This guide covers what the current immigration routes look like for people moving to the UK in 2026, and what the removals process involves when your belongings are travelling in the other direction, into the UK rather than out of it.

UK Immigration in 2026: The Points-Based System

The UK operates a points-based immigration system. This applies to EU, EEA, and non-EU nationals equally; there is no preferential treatment for EU citizens under the current system.

To qualify for most work-related visas, applicants need to accumulate 70 points across several criteria:

Some roles in shortage occupations qualify under different salary thresholds. The Home Office publishes an updated shortage occupation list, and roles on that list may attract a 20-point tradeable characteristic that allows a lower salary threshold.

Main Immigration Routes for Moving to the UK

Skilled Worker Visa

The main route for people moving to the UK for employment. Requires a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor. The employer initiates the sponsorship process, and the employee applies for the visa once a Certificate of Sponsorship is issued.

Processing time: typically 3–8 weeks for applications from outside the UK. Priority and super-priority services are available at additional cost.

Global Talent Visa

For individuals who are recognised leaders or emerging leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology. Does not require a job offer but requires endorsement from an approved body (the British Academy, Royal Society, Tech Nation, Arts Council England, and others, depending on the field).

Family Visa

For those joining as a British citizen or a person with settled status (indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship) in the UK. Requires meeting a minimum income threshold, the sponsor must demonstrate earnings above £29,000 (as of 2024; this threshold is subject to change).

Student Visa

For those coming to the UK to study at a registered UK educational institution. Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the institution. Graduates may be eligible for the Graduate Visa after completing their course, which allows them to work in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) without a job offer.

Graduate Visa

Available to international students who have completed a UK degree at a licensed student sponsor institution. Allows two years of work (any sector, any role) without requiring employer sponsorship. Commonly used by those who want to establish themselves in the UK job market before transitioning to a Skilled Worker Visa.

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

For graduates of top-ranked global universities (outside the UK) who completed their degree within the past five years. Allows two years of work without an employer sponsor. No job offer required at the point of application.

Bringing Your Belongings to the UK, What the Removal Process Involves

Moving household goods into the UK follows a similar process to any international removal, with UK customs requirements applying to all personal effects arriving from overseas.

Transfer of Residence Relief

If you are moving your primary residence to the UK, your personal belongings can be imported duty-free and VAT-free under Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, officially HMRC form ToR1. To qualify:

• You must have been living outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months
• The goods must have been owned and used by you for at least six months prior to moving
• The goods must arrive in the UK within 12 months of your date of arrival
• The goods must be for personal use, not for sale, hire, or use in a trade or profession

Goods that are less than six months old, purchased specifically for the move, or intended for resale, are not eligible and may attract import duty and VAT.

What Documentation Is Required

• HMRC ToR1 form, the Transfer of Residence application; this must be approved before your goods arrive in the UK
• Proof of residency overseas, evidence that you have been living outside the UK for the required 12-month period (utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements, payslips)
• Detailed packing inventory, a complete list of everything in your shipment
• Passport and travel documents
• Evidence of your move date, proof of when you took up UK residence

Your move manager prepares this documentation as part of the move process. The ToR1 application should be submitted before your goods arrive, not retrospectively.

Transit Times Into the UK

Transit times for removals into the UK depend on the origin country:

Your move manager will confirm the specific timeline for your origin country and UK destination address at the quote stage.

Practical Considerations for Moving to the UK

National Insurance Number: You will need to apply for a National Insurance (NI) number to work in the UK. Applications are made online through HMRC. Having your NI number is important for tax, employment, and accessing some benefits. Apply as soon as your visa is approved.

Opening a UK bank account: Most UK banks require proof of UK address to open an account. If you don’t yet have a permanent address, challenger banks (Monzo, Starling) offer accounts with fewer address requirements and are worth setting up before or immediately on arrival.

GP registration: NHS registration is available to anyone who is lawfully resident in the UK. Register with a local GP practice as soon as you have a confirmed address. Some practices have waiting lists, so registering early matters.

Driving licence: If you hold a driving licence from an EU/EEA country, it remains valid in the UK for driving, but you will need to exchange it for a UK licence if you take up UK residence. Non-EU/EEA licences are generally valid for 12 months from the date you become a UK resident, after which a UK licence is required.

Schools: State school places are allocated by the local authority based on address. If you have children of school age, research catchment areas before committing to an address. Popular state schools are oversubscribed, and proximity to the school is often the deciding factor in admissions.