Complete guide

How to move to London

Visa, housing, administrative paperwork : every step in the right order for a successful move.

By Thomas, relocation expert in London since 2015 · Updated June 2026

Do you need a visa to move to London?

Since Brexit, a visa is mandatory to live and work in the UK. The right choice depends on your situation : employment, studies, or a partner already living there. Our UK visa guide covers each route.

How do you find a flat in London?

The London market is fast and demanding : a good property goes within 24 to 48 hours, and landlords often ask for a British guarantor. Our housing guide explains how to build an application that gets accepted, even without a UK guarantor.

What administrative paperwork do you need on arrival?

National Insurance, bank account, council tax, GP : each step has its own timeline and pitfalls. Getting the order right from the first few days saves weeks.

Moving to London with a family

With children, choosing a neighbourhood depends on the catchment area of the school you are targeting. School enrolment, the NHS, logistics : everything is coordinated in advance so your family is settled from day one. See also our family and spouse visa guide.

How much does moving to London cost?

Beyond the rent, budget for the hidden costs of going it alone : hotel nights while you search, rejected applications, administrative delays. Structured support often pays for itself through the costs it avoids.

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