MOVING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM GUIDE

You can still move to the UK after Brexit but after January 1 2021 there is now a points based system for EU nationals. You must now meet specific requirements to move to the UK after Brexit which include salary expectations and speaking the english language at level B1 or higher.

If you are planning on moving to the UK for work purposes then you can find more information on how to apply to live in the country through the government website here. People move to the UK for work from all over the world and there is no reason that you wouldn’t be granted entry if you meet all of the requirements. You can also find out more about moving to the UK after Brexit in our blog.

If you’re hoping to move to the UK from a non-EU country, you may be wondering if you need a visa to move to the UK. The answer is yes – if you are moving to the UK from outside of the UK, you will need to go through the visa process, though this will look different depending on your country of origin.

Please note. Many of these things will not apply to you if you are moving from another EU (European Union) State and/or you are a citizen of the EU (European Union) due to the free movement of goods throughout the EU.

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to the United Kingdom:

• Legible copy of Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
• Detailed moving inventory in English, dated and signed by the shipper
• Copy of Bill of Lading (BL) / Air Waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to the UK for you.
• As of 31st March 2017, all shipments arriving into the United Kingdom from outside of the European Union must complete their import application online at the following link: Application for Transfer of Residence
• We recommend emailing the application to NCH@HMRC.GSI.GOV.UK

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to the United Kingdom. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at British Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

• Documents must be received by agent prior to arrival of the shipment.
• The agent may charge fees for incomplete or delayed receipt of documentation.
• Personal belongings or private vehicle can be imported duty free as long as:
• moving your normal place of residence to the UK only
• have had a normal place of residence outside the EU for a continuous period of at least 12 months
• have possessed and used the belongings for at least 6 months outside the EU before they are imported
• did not get them under a duty/tax free scheme
• declare them
• the belongings will be kept and used for personal use
• do not sell, lend, hire out or otherwise dispose of them in the UK or anywhere else in the EU within 12 months of the date of importation, unless you notify us first and pay duty and VAT on disposal

If you are unsure about what you need, one of our international move managers is always willing to help. Just call us on +44 20 7097 5335 , or fill out an international removal enquiry, and we’ll ease you through the process.

If you’re moving to the United Kingdom, it’s very likely you’ll have to exchange a large amount of currency. Many people waste thousands doing this through their bank as they think there is no alternative; but we partner with Global Reach who specialise in doing just this. Global Reach will offer all Gerson Moving Services customers preferential rates when exchanging currency and guarantee to beat other rates you’re receiving. Ask one of our move managers about this, to find out more click here or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335 .

We always advise taking out an insurance policy with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

If you have already contracted us for your international removal to the United Kingdom, then you can download the insurance form and email the completed form back to your international relocation manager.