The United Kingdom is composed of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and many aspire to immigrate to one of them. If you wish to live in the United Kingdom, discover what is required to move to the country, the types of visas for the UK, and how to live abroad.
What are the visa options for the United Kingdom?
To move to the United Kingdom, there are several types of visas that allow you to reside in one of the countries that make up the UK. The countries that comprise the United Kingdom are:
- England
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland Â
- Wales
The visas you need to move to the United Kingdom are:
Student visa – Replaced the Tier 4 visa.
This visa is suitable for people over 16 years of age who intend to take courses lasting more than 6 months, such as:
- Graduation
- Postgraduate studies
- Master’s degree
- PhD
- Exchange program in England
This visa allows you to legally reside in the country for the duration of your course. Students aged 18 or older who are pursuing higher education degrees can generally move to the United Kingdom for up to 5 years.
Temporary Work Visa – Tier 5
This visa is suitable for foreigners who intend to work for a defined period in the United Kingdom. The stay in the country is approximately one year and can be extended for a further two years.
With this visa, it is possible to perform activities such as:
Volunteer workÂ
Work at a charity, suitable for unpaid volunteer work for up to 12 months or for the period described in the sponsorship certificate + 14 days.
Creative Worker
For work as a creative professional or athlete, for a maximum period of 12 months or for the time indicated on the sponsorship certificate + 28 days.
Government-Authorized Exchange
For participation in training, research, or scholarship programs, or in a government language program in the country of origin, for a period of 10, 12, or 24 months.
International Agreement
To perform work related to international treaties, as an employee in a diplomatic institution or providing services to a foreign government for up to 24 months, or for the period described in the sponsorship certificate + 14 days.
Religious Professional
To perform religious work in a religious institution for 24 months or up to + 28 days from that presented in the sponsorship certificate.
Seasonal WorkerÂ
Performing agricultural work, such as harvesting fruits, vegetables or flowers, for a period of up to 6 months. Staying in the area between October 18th and December 31st of each year is also permitted for poultry farming work.
Youth Mobility Program
Young foreigners aged 18 to 30 who wish to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.
This visa also allows the worker to study and bring family members to live in the United Kingdom.
Long-term work visa – Tier 2
The long-term work visa allows foreigners to stay in the United Kingdom for a period of 3 to 9 years, and there is also the possibility of visa renewal. Learn about the jobs available with this visa:
Moving to the United Kingdom: Skilled Worker
It allows foreign professionals to live in the United Kingdom for up to 5 years to perform skilled work.
Healthcare worker and career
Recommended for healthcare professionals who want to work in the NHS (National Health Service) or in social care for adults. Valid for 5 years before visa extension.
Senior Worker or Specialist
A foreign professional may work at the British branch of a foreign company for up to 5 years or for the time indicated on their sponsorship certificate + 14 days.
Minister of Religion
Specifically intended for missionaries with a job offer in a religious community. They may stay for a period of 3 years and 1 month or for the period indicated on their sponsorship certificate + 14 days.
International athlete
Aimed at elite athletes or internationally qualified and recognized coaches. This visa can last up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension depending on the professional’s eligibility.
To obtain a visa to work and move to the United Kingdom, it is necessary to prove a connection with the approved company, receive at least the minimum wage per month, and demonstrate proficiency in English.
Investor visas, business development and talent.
If you intend to move to the United Kingdom to develop business and new talent, the available formats for this model are:
- Investor visa (Level 1)Â
- Visa to start an innovative company in the United Kingdom
- Innovator’s viewÂ
- Visa for global talent
The Investor Visa (Level 1) is aimed at those who wish to stimulate the market in the United Kingdom, allowing those who want to invest in innovative companies. To apply for this visa, your business idea or company must be assessed by a UK approval body.
The fees vary according to the category, and the visa allows a stay of between 2 and 5 years; it is possible to request a change of category.
To apply for an investor visa, it is necessary to invest £2 million or more in the United Kingdom. As for the global talent visa, it can be requested by those who can prove to be a leader or potential leader in one of the following areas: Arts and Culture, Digital Technology, or Academics and Research.
Scale-Up Visa for skilled workers
If you are planning to move to the United Kingdom, be aware that this visa is new: the Scale-up Worker visa. Also called “Scale-up Business” or “Scale-up Visa,” it allows qualified foreign professionals to perform skilled work for a rapidly growing business.
This visa requires the employer in the United Kingdom to meet specific eligibility criteria for sponsoring foreign workers. And the professional needs to fulfill the following requirements:
- Have a job offer to work at a growing company approved for at least 6 months;
- Having a “sponsorship certificate” from the employer with information about the role you will perform;
- To be hired to perform a job that is on the list of eligible occupations;
- To receive at least the minimum wage;Â
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language;
- If approved, you can live in the UK on a Scale-up Worker visa for 2 years. This period can be extended as many times as you like for up to 3 years, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements.
This visa allows your partner and children to remain on the visa as dependents.
Moving to the United Kingdom: Spouse Visa
Suitable for formalizing a civil partnership with a British citizen. This visa is valid for 6 months; however, depending on the authorization, the applicant may legally reside in the United Kingdom after the ceremony.
To obtain a visa to move to the United Kingdom, you need to meet certain requirements and provide specific documentation. After determining which authorization makes the most sense for you, consult the UK government website for more information about the application process.
Family visa
The family visa is for those who wish to live in the United Kingdom with a family member for a period longer than 6 months. This visa allows residency with:
- The parentsÂ
- Children
- Spouse or partner
- Fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner
- Family member or relative who provides you with long-term care.
This type of visa allows a foreigner to stay in the United Kingdom for a period of 2 years and 6 months, which can be extended.
How do I move to the United Kingdom as a European citizen?
If you hold European citizenship and wish to move to the United Kingdom, you must apply for a residence permit from the British government, which became necessary after Brexit.Â
A residence permit grants access to the same rights as a resident, such as the UK education system and healthcare system.
How long can I stay in the UK without a visa?
To live in the United Kingdom without a visa, the permitted stay is 180 days. After this period, a visa is required, and the visa application must be submitted in your country of residence.Â
Is it possible to study in the UK without a visa? For how long?
It is possible to study in the United Kingdom for up to 6 months without a visa; after this period, obtaining a visa is mandatory. Children aged 4 to 17 require a special visa to study in the United Kingdom, and there are several types of student visas.
General Student Visa
If you are over 16 years of age and intend to enroll in a long-term course (over 11 months), this visa is required for you to live in the United Kingdom. An educational institution must sponsor the course, which will allow the student the right to study, work, and live with family members in the UK.
Short-Term Study Visa
If your goal is to take a short-term English course, lasting 6 to 11 months, this is the most suitable visa for you to live in the United Kingdom. This visa does not allow you to work or bring dependents to the UK.
Child Student Visa
For children aged 4 to 17, the “Child Student Visa” allows children and teenagers to study at an independent English-language school. If the student needs to continue their studies in the UK or change to another visa, this visa can be renewed.
Required documentation for a student visa.
You need the following documents for your student visa:
- Valid passport (for at least six months)
- Application form
- Financial proofÂ
- Travel authorization signed by parents or legal guardians, if the applicant is a minor.
- Letter of acceptance from a school or college in England.
- English proficiency exam (if applicable)
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for master’s students.
The documentation must be apostilled and have a certified translation.
Documents needed to work in the United Kingdom
For those seeking a job opportunity to move to the United Kingdom, it’s important to know that you will need some essential documents in the process, such as:
- Valid passportÂ
- Work VisaÂ
- To prove an employment relationship.Â
- To prove sufficient financial means to support oneself in the United Kingdom.
What are the best cities to live in the United Kingdom?
It’s relative to say which are the best cities for you to live in the United Kingdom, since each person has different goals, needs, and lifestyles. However, some cities do feature in the ranking of the best cities to move to in the UK.
London was chosen by the website World’s Best Cities as the best city in the world. Several criteria are evaluated, such as:
- Place (safety)Â Â
- Product (attractions and infrastructure)
- Programming (arts, culture and entertainment, gastronomy, shopping and nightlife)
- People (immigration rate and diversity)Â
- Prosperity (offices, household income and employment rate)
- Promotion (stories, references and recommendations shared)Â
While the English capital may have a high cost of living, you can still find some of the best neighborhoods in London to consider when moving to the United Kingdom.Â
Best cities to live in the UK
According to Business Expert, the best cities to live in the UK are:Â
- Edinburgh – ScotlandÂ
- Bristol, EnglandÂ
- Liverpool – EnglandÂ
- Birmingham – EnglandÂ
- Glasgow – Scotland
- Manchester, EnglandÂ
- Newcastle – EnglandÂ
- Southampton – EnglandÂ
- Leeds – EnglandÂ
- Coventry – EnglandÂ
The research evaluated the best hybrid work cities according to the following criteria:
- Quality of life
- Cost of living
- Internet connectivity
- Number of co-working spacesÂ
- Cultural dynamismÂ
- Access to nature
To put your plan to move to the United Kingdom into practice, it’s good to have excellent planning, including financial planning, thoroughly research the cities where you intend to live, and obtain the necessary documentation to live a new and exciting experience that is living abroad.
