Making the life-changing decision of moving to uk from hong kong is an exciting, yet highly complex journey. Whether you are searching for better work-life balance, greener living spaces, or exceptional educational opportunities for your children, relocating to the uk requires meticulous planning.
The transition from hong kong to uk involves much more than just booking a plane ticket. From dealing with complex immigration rules to shipping your life overseas, the process can feel overwhelming.
However, with the right preparation, moving from hong kong to uk can be a seamless and rewarding experience. Santa Fe Relocation is on hand to guide you throughout the entire move. We offer our expertise alongside local knowledge to make your move to the UK seamless.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to ensure a smooth transition to your new life abroad in the UK. Plus, discover what services Santa Fe Relocation provides to make your relocation to the UK stress free.
1. Navigating Visas and Immigration
Before you can start packing, securing your legal right to live and work in the UK is the primary hurdle. While many Hong Kongers utilise the BNO visa route, others rely on employment sponsorship.
Meeting Visa Requirements and Healthcare Costs
Be sure to read the UK Skilled Work visa requirements, if the BNO visa doesn’t apply to you.
To qualify, you must have a confirmed job offer from an employer approved by the Home Office. Plus a “Certificate of Sponsorship,” and a role that meets the specific minimum salary threshold. You must also prove your proficiency in the English language.
Regardless of your visa route, your application will involve paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This required fee is paid upfront during your visa application. It gives you full access to the National Health Service (NHS). Ensuring you receive free medical care at the point of use once you arrive.
Arriving in the UK: Your BRP
Your first task when you land in the UK is the Biometric Residence Permit collection process (BRP).
Your BRP is your physical proof of your right to live, work, and rent in the UK. You must usually collect this card from a designated Post Office within 10 days of arriving. Make sure to bring your passport and the decision letter from the Home Office.
The Santa Fe Relocation team provides visa and immigration support. We break down all the lingo and ensure you have all your documents ready. Contact our team today.
2. Logistics, Shipping, and Pet Relocation
Moving to Britain involves transporting your life across roughly 6,000 miles. Managing this properly can save you immense stress and thousands of dollars.
Organising Your Belongings
When shipping household goods hk to uk, you generally have two options:
- Sea Freight (which takes roughly 6 to 10 weeks)
- Air freight (which is much faster but significantly more expensive).
To avoid breakages and customs nightmares, you should hire a reputable hk to uk removal company. Read our guide on shipping containers, where we break down all the shipping options.
When researching moving from hong kong to the uk removals experts, look for key things. Such as companies that assist with the Transfer of Residence (ToR1) form. This ensures you won’t pay import VAT or duties when shipping household goods to Britain. Provided you have owned them for at least six months.
Tip: Keep space in mind. Compared with living in Hong Kong, you will likely find UK homes offer more space, meaning you can bring your larger furniture pieces.
As a specialist in International moves, our team will guide you through the every step of your move. With over 60 years of relocation moving services, we can provide you with the ultimate peace of mind for your move to the UK. Don’t forget, we also offer storage services in both Hong Kong and UK. So, even if your house isn’t quite ready in the UK we can safely store your belongings until you’re ready to move in.
Bringing Your Furry Friends
If you have pets, start planning their move at least four to six months in advance.
The pet travel rules for entering the UK are notoriously strict to keep the country rabies-free. Your pet must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have a valid animal health certificate. Furthermore, dogs must receive a tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before landing. Note that pets entering the UK cannot travel in the cabin; they must arrive as manifested cargo on approved routes.
Thankfully, at Santa Fe Relocation we have trusted partners where pet relocation is at the heart of what they do. They ensure your pet travels like a VIP, they are one of the family after all. Contact our team to discover more.
3. Housing and Cost of Living
Finding a place to call home is usually the most pressing concern for new arrivals. The UK property market moves fast, and navigating it as a newcomer presents unique challenges.
Budgeting for Your New Location
Before choosing a destination, it is vital to research the cost of living in London vs regional cities. London offers unparalleled career opportunities and cultural vibrancy, but housing, transport, and daily expenses are high.
In contrast, regional powerhouses like Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are a good option. They offer a fantastic quality of life, robust job markets, and significantly cheaper rent. Sometimes 40% to 50% less than the capital.
Securing a Rental Property
Renting property in the UK with no credit history can be incredibly frustrating. Because you won’t have a local credit footprint, landlords and letting agents consider you a high-risk tenant. To bypass this, you will typically need to offer up to six months of rent in advance or provide a UK-based guarantor.
The law requires landlords to conduct right to rent checks for immigrants. You will need to provide a “share code” generated via the UK government website. This proves your legal immigration status and your right to rent a property in the country.
Understanding Council Tax
Once you secure a home, rent isn’t your only monthly housing expense. Having council tax bands explained early on will save your budget.
The council assigns every home in the UK to a council tax band based on its historical valuation (Band A – H). This tax is paid directly to your local council for services like rubbish collection, police, and local infrastructure. Always check a property’s council tax band before signing a tenancy agreement so you know your exact monthly liability.
4. Healthcare and Education
Settling into the community involves setting up the essential services that will keep your family healthy. Plus ensuring your children continue their educational journey seamlessly.
Accessing the NHS
Because you paid the Immigration Health Surcharge during your visa application, you are entitled to free medical care. However, you must be in the system first. Register with your local GP as soon as you can when you move into your permanent address.
Simply find a local General Practitioner (GP) surgery in your catchment area and fill out a GMS1 registration form. You do not technically need proof of address or immigration status to register with a GP. However, bringing your BRP and tenancy agreement can speed up the administrative process. Once registered, you can book appointments, receive prescriptions, and get referrals to specialists.
Securing School Places
For parents, the UK school application process for international families is often a source of anxiety. State schools in the UK are free. However, the school allocates spots based on “catchment areas” (the geographical radius around the school).
Our Destination Services team at Santa Fe Relocation offers school search, taking another task off your hands. Contact our team today to discover more about our additional services.
- Research First:
Use the government’s Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education). This highlights the high-performing schools in your desired area before you sign a lease.
- Secure an Address
You must have a signed tenancy agreement or proof of a purchased home in the local council’s jurisdiction to secure a spot.
- Apply via the Local Council
Submit an “in-year admission” application through your local council’s website, listing your preferred schools. The council will allocate a spot based on availability and proximity.