Moving to the United Kingdom attracts immigrants primarily because of its strong and resilient labour market: according to the Office for National Statistics, the employment rate among people aged 16–64 stood at 75.0% as of 2026. The country remains one of Europe’s largest economies, with the services sector serving as the main driver of growth. Immigration to the United Kingdom is often viewed as an opportunity to live in a country with a developed business environment, a wide range of job vacancies, and a stable economic system.

There are other reasons to move to the United Kingdom, including its multicultural character, high-quality healthcare system, and well-developed infrastructure. Professionals in finance and technology are in demand in the labour market, and special relocation programmes exist for these categories of applicants. Other advantages include an English-speaking environment, which can significantly facilitate adaptation and integration into local society.

Reasons to Choose the United Kingdom for Relocation

Emigration from other countries to the United Kingdom is common for a number of objective reasons, including the fact that resident or citizen status offers many advantages and provides access to the following benefits of the country:

• the strength of the economy provides broad opportunities for career development and entrepreneurship;
• an average annual salary of approximately EUR 86,000–92,000 makes it possible to maintain a comfortable standard of living, especially when working in finance and information technology;
• business immigration is beneficial for establishing and operating a business, as well as launching start-ups;
• obtaining higher education at prestigious UK universities provides access to scholarships and research grants;
• conducting scientific research and innovative activities is possible in cooperation with leading scientists from around the world;
• access to healthcare services is available to all residents of the country and is provided by the National Health Service;
• the state provides social guarantees and payments, including benefits for pensioners, unemployed persons, and other vulnerable groups;
• assistance with emigration is provided through the skilled worker visa programme for foreign specialists in certain fields;
• a system for attracting talented professionals operates for people active in culture, the arts, and science;
• the right to family reunification is available to citizens and residents of the country;
• immigrants are guaranteed life in a democratic society with stable political institutions and respect for all human rights;
• residents of the United Kingdom gain the confidence provided by the independence, efficiency, and fairness of the judicial system.

Since immigrants make up 16.8% of the country’s population, approximately one in every six residents, adapting to life in society can be an interesting process because of its multicultural character.

A move to the United Kingdom should be considered with the difficulties of obtaining residence permits in mind, as the legal requirements are quite strict. It is important to understand that full integration into society is impossible without knowledge of the language.

Most categories of applicants currently have access to a simple way to improve their quality of life and living conditions by acquiring citizenship of the European Union. To avoid missing this opportunity and obtain the right to move to a developed European country within up to 14 months, you should contact our immigration specialists.

Main Stages of Moving to the United Kingdom

Immigration to the United Kingdom requires a lawful basis, which may include employment, starting a business, obtaining an education, family reunification or marriage, as well as presenting a residence card of the European Union, the EEA, or Switzerland. Depending on the reasons for the move, it is necessary to prepare a basic personal file consisting of:

• an application for permission to stay;
• the applicant’s passport;
• a health insurance policy;
• a receipt confirming payment of the administrative fee.

An important point is that all sections of the application must be completed and the applicant’s category must be stated in accordance with the grounds on which they may move to the United Kingdom.

Choosing a Basis for Relocation

You need to determine the basis for moving to the United Kingdom: work, study, or family reunification. For example, a Skilled Worker visa normally requires a job offer from an employer approved by the Home Office and a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship), an electronic record issued by the sponsoring employer with a number used when applying for the visa. A Student visa requires a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), a confirmation number issued by the educational institution. For a family visa, applicants normally prove their relationship with a partner, parent, or child and compliance with the established requirements.

Preparing the Required Documents

After choosing a route, applicants collect the main set of documents, which almost always includes a valid international passport and proof of identity. Depending on the type of visa, a CoS or CAS number is also submitted. In some cases, a TB test is required, tuberculosis screening for certain applicants who are travelling to the United Kingdom for six months or more and have lived in a country on the designated list. The certificate must be issued by a clinic approved by the Home Office.

Submitting the Application

The visa application is submitted online, after which the applicant confirms their identity through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre. As of 2026, the cost is approximately EUR 641 for a Student visa, EUR 941–2,143 for a Skilled Worker visa, and EUR 2,371 when applying for a family visa from abroad or EUR 1,617 from within the country. In addition, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of approximately EUR 1,189 per year is normally payable. Decisions on Student and Skilled Worker visas are usually made within three weeks for applications submitted from abroad and within eight weeks for applications submitted inside the country.

Visa and Immigration Particulars

The country’s immigration legislation differs somewhat from EU rules, and moving to the United Kingdom involves obtaining an electronic visa, followed by permanent residence and, later, citizenship. There is no stage involving a temporary residence permit, the stay of foreign nationals is legalised through an electronic visa. The following relocation visas are distinguished according to the reason for residence and the applicant’s category:

• Skilled Worker — a visa for foreign nationals who have been offered skilled employment by an employer approved by the Home Office. This programme replaced the former Tier 2 (General) route. A separate Health and Care Worker route is also available for certain healthcare and care professionals.
• Other work and career programmes — Global Talent, High Potential Individual, Graduate, UK Ancestry, Youth Mobility Scheme, and India Young Professionals Scheme are available to certain categories of applicants. These visas cover, for example, recognised specialists, recent graduates of UK educational institutions, and some young applicants from specific countries.
• Business immigration — the Innovator Founder visa is available for launching an innovative project and is suitable for applicants whose business idea has been endorsed by an authorised organisation. The former Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Tier 1 Investor routes are no longer used in that form for new applicants.
• Work through an overseas employer — Global Business Mobility routes are available to employees of international companies, including Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, Secondment Worker, Service Supplier, and UK Expansion Worker. These categories are not intended for general recruitment but for relocation under specific corporate or contractual arrangements.
• Study — Student and Child Student visas are used for study in the United Kingdom. The Student visa is intended for applicants aged 16 or over, while the Child Student visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who attend an independent school. The Student visa replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route.
• Family immigration — a family visa is used for long-term residence with a relative in the United Kingdom. On this basis, a person may move to join a spouse or partner, fiancé/fiancée or proposed civil partner, child, parent, or relative who provides long-term care.
• Partner route and fiancé/fiancée visa — for marriage in the United Kingdom followed by residence, the visa for a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner is normally used.
• Dependant visa — suitable for the spouse, partner, and children of the main applicant if their relative is already in the United Kingdom or is moving there under certain work or study routes.

There is also a programme for people who cannot return to their country of citizenship or permanent residence because of a risk of persecution. In this case, an asylum application is submitted in the United Kingdom rather than a standard immigration visa application. This route differs from work, study, and family visas because it is linked to obtaining refugee approval and state protection.

The general procedure for all immigration routes is as follows:

1. Choosing a basis for relocation.
   The applicant chooses a basis that matches the purpose of the move and may ultimately allow them to move to the United Kingdom and obtain permanent residence. The Skilled Worker visa or a family visa is most commonly used for this purpose, and the right to permanent residence normally arises after five years of continuous lawful residence, although the period may be longer under certain routes.
2. Preparing documents and submitting the application.
   At this stage, applicants collect the required documents and submit an online application under the chosen category. A work visa normally requires a passport, employer details, and a Certificate of Sponsorship, while family immigration requires evidence of the relationship, financial means, and knowledge of English.
3. Living in the country under temporary status.
   After the visa is approved and the person enters the country, the foreign national lives in the United Kingdom under a temporary immigration status and complies with the conditions of the relevant program. The status is confirmed through an eVisa, and if the visa is due to expire or circumstances change, such as employment, the permission must be extended or updated in good time.
4. Applying for permanent residence.
   Once the required period of continuous residence has been completed, an application may be submitted for indefinite leave to remain, permanent residence in the United Kingdom.

Permanent residence in the country is granted on the following grounds:

• employment — granted to holders of a work visa and work authorization after they have spent five years in the United Kingdom; financial independence and income level are important requirements;
• family reunification — available to partners, parents, children, and other relatives of UK citizens or persons with permanent residence;
• long residence — granted to applicants who have lawfully lived in the United Kingdom continuously for 10 years, passed the Life in the UK test, and have knowledge of English;
• five years of residence in the country under a UK Ancestry visa — important requirements include a sufficient income level, capacity for work and plans to work in the United Kingdom, as well as passing English-language and Life in the UK tests.

The fee for a permanent residence application is EUR 3,712, and permission is generally granted within six months. The application must be submitted 28 days before the residence-period requirement is completed. If the application is submitted earlier, it may be refused.

There are several ways to move to the United Kingdom and obtain citizenship, each of which involves meeting specific conditions. Below, we examine all relocation routes for acquiring a United Kingdom passport in more detail.

Birth

Under the latest changes to the country’s legislation, a child born in the United Kingdom no longer acquires citizenship automatically. To become eligible for a British passport, the British citizenship of at least one parent must be proven.

Marriage

Spouses and civil partners of British citizens may apply for naturalisation after at least three years of residence in the country. On the application date, the applicant must hold ILR or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Permanent residence under a partner family visa is normally obtained after five years of continuous residence in the United Kingdom on a family visa.

Residence in the European Union

Foreign nationals who previously had a right of permanent residence under the former EU rules must now generally obtain settled status or hold ILR and apply for British citizenship on that basis. As a rule, the application is submitted 12 months after settled status or ILR is granted, although this waiting period is not required for certain categories, including spouses of British citizens.

Although an EU passport does not itself replace a UK visa after Brexit, it remains a useful tool for people planning to move to the United Kingdom. The document makes it easier to arrange an exploratory visit, assess living conditions in person, and develop an immigration strategy in advance, and in certain cases it can confirm eligibility for special post-Brexit statuses.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Foreign nationals who have lived in the United Kingdom for at least five years may apply for citizenship under the general procedure if, on the application date, they have held ILR, settled status, or ILE for at least 12 months. The 12-month rule normally does not apply to spouses and civil partners of British citizens.

To move to the United Kingdom for permanent residence, applicants must meet a number of mandatory conditions:

• prove their long-term presence in the country throughout the minimum required period;
• be over 18 years of age;
• pass the Life in the UK test;
• be of good character and law-abiding;
• prove knowledge of English by passing an examination.

Submitting an application for British citizenship costs approximately EUR 2,116, and the application and decision process takes up to six months.

Life in the United Kingdom: Reviews and Practical Information

Living in the United Kingdom attracts many foreign nationals because of its comfort and quality of life. Since moving to a new country always involves certain difficulties, it is very important to decide which city is best to move to, and for this purpose it is advisable to study the reviews of immigrants who have already relocated. According to commonly expressed opinions, the following UK cities are suitable for foreign nationals:

• London.
  A major international metropolis with broad opportunities for employment, business, and entertainment. The highest salaries in London are earned by professionals working in finance and information technology. The average salary in the city is approximately EUR 4,245, while a one-bedroom flat can be rented from EUR 1,988. Buying a home is far beyond the reach of many immigrants, as the minimum price per square metre is almost EUR 8,878. Local residents pay approximately EUR 278 per month for utilities when living in an 85 m² flat. Food prices are slightly higher than in European Union countries, as are public transport fares. The city is home to numerous prestigious universities, including Imperial College London, which ranks second in the world. The healthcare system is represented by numerous medical centres, private clinics, and specialist doctors’ practices.
• Manchester.
  A rapidly growing city with a more affordable cost of living, best suited to IT professionals and people in creative occupations. The average salary in Manchester is EUR 2,850, while a one-bedroom flat can be rented for EUR 1,058. Buying property is somewhat more affordable than in London: one square metre costs from EUR 3,922. Utility payments for an 85 m² flat amount to EUR 270. Food prices are generally at the same level as in London. The city’s education system includes several universities, as well as numerous colleges and business schools. Medical care is provided by general and diagnostic centres, clinics, and private medical practices.
• Edinburgh.
  A historic city with a high standard of living and beautiful architecture. Edinburgh is better suited to families with children because local residents lead a quieter lifestyle than people in large metropolitan areas. It is also comfortable for tourism professionals, as the sector is well developed there. The average salary in the city is EUR 3,097, while monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat ranges from EUR 1,017 to EUR 1,378. A flat can be purchased from EUR 4,120 per m².
  The monthly utility bill for an 85 m² flat is noticeably higher than in London and amounts to almost EUR 314. Food is also slightly more expensive than in London. Higher education is available at one of three universities, several colleges, and business schools. Medical services are provided by a variety of clinics, medical centres, and private doctors’ practices.
• Bristol.
  A modern city with a thriving creative industry and residents who pay considerable attention to environmental issues. Bristol is suitable for young professionals and entrepreneurs. The average salary in Bristol is almost EUR 3,080, and a one-bedroom flat can be rented for EUR 1,266. A flat in the city can be purchased for EUR 4,532 per m². Utility costs are slightly lower than in the capital and amount to EUR 263 for an 85 m² flat. Food is generally EUR 0.5–1 cheaper than in the other cities listed. Bristol has numerous general medical institutions, two prestigious universities, three colleges, and several specialised higher education schools, including a theatre school.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to the United Kingdom

Moving to the United Kingdom is a major decision that should be carefully weighed, taking into account all the country’s advantages and disadvantages. The country attracts immigrants with its high standard of living and the privileges available with citizen status. The United Kingdom is a country where life will be comfortable for most immigrants thanks to extensive professional opportunities, social guarantees, and social stability.

Immigration to the United Kingdom may be complicated by several factors:

• immigration legislation is regularly reviewed and tightened by the government, so even obtaining a visa can be a fairly complicated and lengthy process;
• high competition in the labour market, particularly in large cities, can sometimes be a significant obstacle when looking for work;
• the temperate but rainy and changeable climate is unsuitable for some foreign nationals;
• the high cost of living, including housing, food, and transport, requires immigrants to have a financial cushion when relocating.

An alternative to obtaining a United Kingdom passport is acquiring citizenship of the European Union. EU immigration programmes make it much easier to obtain a strong passport and simplify relocation to any European country.

How to Simplify the Immigration Process to the United Kingdom

On 1 February 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union, which led to certain consequences, and the country’s immigration law became stricter. The country is fairly difficult for relocation and legalisation of residence, so many foreign nationals prefer EU countries that offer an equally comfortable standard of living. By contacting specialised lawyers, entire families receive assistance with relocation, from selecting a programme to comprehensive support throughout the entire process.

Simplified emigration programmes make it possible to obtain an EU passport relatively quickly without meeting most requirements, such as a minimum period of residence or knowledge of the language. To learn more about the programmes currently available, you should request a free consultation with the company’s specialists. Immigration lawyers can analyse your situation and select the most suitable way to move to one of the European Union countries.