Living in United Kingdom
Europe — Expat guide for moving and living abroad
Country overview
Capital
London
Currency
GBP
Continent
Europe
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Entry requirements
Check if your passport needs a visa for United Kingdom.
Check visa requirementsPopular passport access to United Kingdom
| Passport | Status | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Visa Free | 180 days |
| India | Visa Required | 180 days |
| Spain | Visa Free | 180 days |
| Germany | Visa Free | 180 days |
| France | Visa Free | 180 days |
| Italy | Visa Free | 180 days |
| Netherlands | Visa Free | 180 days |
| Sweden | Visa Free | 180 days |
| Portugal | Visa Free | 180 days |
| Austria | Visa Free | 180 days |
Detailed visa guides for United Kingdom
Monthly costs
London
Rent (center)
2,000 GBP/mo
Groceries
300 GBP/mo
Transport
160 GBP/mo
Est. Monthly Total
2,660 GBP/mo
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Work permits
-
Skilled Worker Visa
Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable. Path to settlement after 5 years.
Workers with a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor at minimum salary (38,700 GBP/year)
-
Global Talent Visa
Duration: Up to 5 years, path to settlement in 3 years
Leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology
-
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
Duration: 2 years (bachelor's) or 3 years (PhD)
Recent graduates of top global universities (within last 5 years)
-
Scale-up Visa
Duration: 2 years, extendable for 3 years
Workers hired by qualifying UK scale-up companies meeting salary threshold
Salary & tax
Income Tax Range
0% – 45%
Social Security (Employee)
0.08%
National Insurance (Class 1 employee) is 8% on earnings between 12,570-50,270 GBP, 2% above. Simplified here.
Calculate your net salaryUseful services
Insurance
SafetyWing
Nomad health insurance for your stay in United Kingdom. Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.
Get a SafetyWing quote →Connectivity
Airalo
United Kingdom eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.
Get an Airalo eSIM →Privacy
NordVPN
Stay secure on public WiFi in United Kingdom and access services from home.
Get NordVPN →Language
iTalki
Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.
Find a tutor →