Relocation to the UK

When relocating to the United Kingdom, the first question invariably is where to live? Sometimes this is, to a certain extent, determined by other factors, e.g. your employers relocating. Even then, this often gives you plenty of scope to find somewhere suitable. This summary is intended to aid your search.

The Area

The first thing to do is get a profile of the area you propose to move to. If you are lucky enough to have friends or relatives in that area, they can be an invaluable source of information. To judge how good or bad an area is, you need to discover what it has to offer. This means finding out about local transport, educational facilities, local employment, leisure facilities, local health care, and, possibly most importantly, the type of accommodation available. It may well be worth contemplating a visit to the area to gather some of this information.

Property

There is, of course, a wide diversity of properties available, both for purchasing and renting. Securing rented property is likely to take less time than purchasing a property and carries significantly less risk. You will need to consider what minimum requirements are acceptable for you and your family including any special requirements such as pets or a property where the landlord permits smokers. Properties come fully furnished, with kitchen appliances and carpets and curtains only or with no furnishings at all. There are furniture companies who will rent out furniture both for a short period whilst you get settled or for a longer term.

Education

There are a vast number of schools available for your family. They range from state maintained schools to fee-paying independent schools, from pre-school creches to universities. Some schools specialise in either national or multi-national students.

Parents are given the right to have their children educated where they wish. Choosing a school, university, etc., depends on many factors. Most schools are more than happy to arrange a visit. Once there, you can find out the details, i.e. what is the school's examination record, what qualifications do the tutors have, how does the school give advice about the students further education?

If considering using an independent school, you will need to find out what the fees are, and whether grants can be obtained from the Local Education Authority. Fees can be paid in a variety of ways including paying in advance, spreading the fees over several years or using insurance policies.

Certain pupils may be awarded scholarships or bursaries by certain schools. This is very much at the discretion of the school concerned. Contact the school's Head Teacher to get further information. Other schools offer places under the Assisted Places Scheme. More details should be requested when approaching the schools that interest you.

Relocation Agents

Relocation Agents are in the business of helping people relocate to new areas. They can offer a variety of services which may be tailored to suit your particular requirements. The level of service depends on the particular Agent used. Their first priority is usually to find out exactly what sort of requirements you have. Then they can start doing the work for you in finding a suitable property. As this process might take some time, it is advisable to contact a Relocation Agent well in advance of any potential move.

Other Matters

Driving -You may be allowed to drive for up to 12 months, from date of residence, providing you have a current valid foreign licence or an International Driving Permit. An application can be made for a full UK licence from the local Post Office. Vehicle Insurance and a valid Road Fund Tax certificate are required for any vehicle used.
Health - Register with your new local doctor. Addresses available locally. For an emergency dial 999 or go to the local hospital's Casualty Department.
Quarantine -Pets coming into the United Kingdom are still subject to quarantine regulations to combat rabies. There are various quarantine premises throughout the United Kingdom, and it would be advisable to visit them before committing your pets to their care. Currently pets are quarantined for six months. This can be quite traumatic for both yourself and the pet(s) concerned. Be warned, there are harsh penalties for people found smuggling their pets into the country.
Support Groups - A source of help for new arrivals. Check the local telephone directories for address details.

Further Information

This summary is only intended to assist in relocation and for more details it is suggested you contact the following :
Advisory Centre for Education - for information on schools.
Association of Relocation Agents - for information on Relocation Agents.
Department of Employment, Overseas Labour Section - for information on work permits.
Department of Transport's, Driving and Licensing Centre - for information on driving.
Independent Schools Information Service - for information on schools.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food - for information on quarantine for pets.