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Requires a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor, meeting a salary threshold (currently GBP 38,700 for most roles, lower for shortage occupations), and English language proof. After 5 years continuous residence, eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
For leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, digital technology, or science/engineering. Requires endorsement from a designated UK body (e.g., Tech Nation, Royal Academy of Engineering). No job offer needed.
For entrepreneurs launching an innovative, viable, and scalable UK business. Requires endorsement from an approved UK body and at least GBP 50,000 in available investment funds.
For spouses, partners, and dependent children of a UK visa holder or settled person. Financial requirement applies (sponsor must earn GBP 29,000+ per year as of 2024). Dependants typically have full work rights.
The UK's points-based immigration system (introduced post-Brexit in 2021) replaced free movement for EU nationals. The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for employed expats, requiring a job offer from a licensed sponsor. The Global Talent visa is available for leaders in tech, arts, and science. The Innovator Founder visa targets entrepreneurs. EU citizens living in the UK before January 1, 2021 were covered by the EU Settlement Scheme.
The Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor paying at or above the relevant salary threshold (GBP 38,700 as of 2024 for most roles, with lower thresholds for shortage occupations). The employer must hold a sponsor licence. Intra-Company Transfer visas allow multinationals to relocate staff. The system is merit-based but expensive in visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge.
Spouses, civil partners, and children under 18 can join Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa holders as dependants. Dependents are allowed to work without restriction. The Immigration Health Surcharge (GBP 1,035/year per person in 2024) must be paid for each dependant, making family migration costly.
The UK taxes residents on worldwide income at rates of 20%, 40%, and 45%. Non-domiciled residents could use the Remittance Basis to pay tax only on UK and remitted income, but this was abolished from April 2025. The new FIG (Foreign Income and Gains) regime allows new arrivals to exempt foreign income for their first 4 years. National Insurance contributions add 2-8% on employment income.
The NHS (National Health Service) provides free-at-point-of-use healthcare to all UK residents, including visa holders who have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge. The NHS offers comprehensive coverage including GP, hospital, and emergency care. Private health insurance is popular for faster specialist access and private rooms.
Major banks include Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, and Santander UK. Opening an account requires a UK address and proof of identity; new arrivals sometimes face challenges. Challenger banks (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) have simplified account opening and are widely used by expats. Most require a biometric residence permit (BRP) for standard accounts.
The UK's Tier 1 Investor visa (requiring GBP 2M+ investment) was closed to new applicants in February 2022 due to concerns over illicit funds. No direct replacement investor visa currently exists. The Innovator Founder visa offers a route for entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea endorsed by an approved body (no minimum investment required).