Your Guide on Moving to the UK from Singapore

With such a rich history, easy access to Europe and home to one of the most iconic cities in the world, it's easy to understand why more Singaporeans are relocating to the UK.

Moving countries requires significant organisation, especially when relocating to a different continent. As moving experts, we've helped thousands of Singaporeans successfully relocate to the UK, so we've put together this guide covering everything you need to know before you go.

• British Culture
• What To Know Before Moving To The UK
• Visa
• Climate
• Cost Of Living
• Money And Taxes
• Living In The UK
• Finding Work
• Housing
• Transportation
• Healthcare
• Ready To Move From Singapore To The UK?

One of the most difficult things about moving to a new country is adapting to a new culture. The British are well known for their love of the monarchy, a "stiff upper lip," and fierce support of football.

Pubs are also a big part of UK culture, serving as a common spot for social catch-ups with friends and colleagues. British humour is best described as dry and can take some adjusting to, so watching UK television shows and films before you move is a good way to get a feel for it.

Ready to pack your suitcase and book a one-way ticket to the United Kingdom? Living in a new country is a big transition, so it's essential you're well prepared. Here's everything you need to know before you arrive.

Relocating internationally means dealing with immigration and visas. Aside from ensuring your current passport is up to date, you'll also need to apply for a visa so you can work, study and live in the UK.

If you're hoping to work in the UK, it's best to secure a job offer before you relocate so you can be sponsored and apply for a Skilled Worker visa. There are options available even without a job offer, including the Global Talent visa and the High Potential Individual visa, the latter of which is now subject to an annual application cap, so it's worth checking current availability before you plan around it.

If you have family already living in the UK, including a spouse or partner, parent or child, you may be able to apply for a Family visa. If you're moving to the UK to study, you'll need to apply for a Student visa.

The climate of the United Kingdom is significantly different from Singapore. You'll need to pack some warm clothes, since winters are considerably colder than you're used to. Unlike Singapore, where temperatures don't vary much throughout the year, London experiences average lows of around 4°C in winter and highs of around 23°C in summer.

London is often named one of the most expensive cities in the world, but how does it actually stack up against Singapore? On average, London tends to come out slightly more affordable, largely because renting and purchasing property is generally cheaper than in Singapore.

Groceries in the UK also tend to be somewhat cheaper, while dining out and some consumer goods can cost more. Cost comparisons between the two cities shift regularly, so it's worth checking a current tool like Numbeo closer to your move date rather than relying on a fixed figure.

The official currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (GBP, £). The United Kingdom and Singapore have a tax treaty in place to prevent double taxation. To learn more about how this could affect your specific situation, visit the tax treaties page or speak with a professional tax adviser.

You've done your research, and now you're ready to make the move. But what will life actually be like, and what do you need to know about housing, work and healthcare? We break it down below.

As mentioned above, having the right visa is essential to working in the UK. Some industries, including healthcare and agriculture, face ongoing labour shortages and offer strong opportunities for skilled foreign workers, with certain occupations qualifying for a reduced salary threshold under the UK's current sponsorship rules.

As service industries such as retail, hospitality, finance and business dominate the UK economy, they also tend to be some of the largest employers. Contacting a UK-based recruitment agency or searching job portals like LinkedIn are among the easiest ways to start looking before you relocate.

Housing in the UK usually consists of houses or apartments, known locally as "flats." Renting tends to be popular among expats, given the high cost of purchasing in the more cosmopolitan areas. Sharing housing is a good option for students, single expats and anyone looking to save on costs.

There are no laws restricting foreigners from purchasing property in the UK, and the same taxes apply to both residents and non-residents, though it's best to consult a UK solicitor to understand the details before you buy.

Many UK residents get around by car, though in larger cities such as London, public transport is highly convenient and efficient. You can transport your vehicle from Singapore to the UK if you'd prefer to bring your own, but keep in mind that UK traffic drives on the left, the same side as Singapore.

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is recognised as one of the world's leading public health systems. If you're on a visa granted for more than six months, you'll pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application, which then gives you access to the NHS on broadly the same basis as a UK resident for the length of your stay.

Regardless of immigration status, everyone can access free emergency care at NHS hospitals.

Now that you have a good grasp of what you need to know about relocating to the UK, it's time to start organising your move. Using an experienced and reputable international mover can make the process considerably less stressful. Our moving checklist is a good place to start once you're ready to plan the logistics in detail.

Allied has the experience, training and equipment to make your move from Singapore to the UK as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Thanks to our global network, we'll be with you every step of the way, from packing up your old place in Singapore to unpacking in your new home in the United Kingdom.

Start your move today with Allied International Moving, your trusted international movers in Singapore.