🇷🇺 Your Complete Moving to the UK Checklist (2026): Everything You Need

Moving to the UK runs smoothly when you tackle it in the right order — from your visa and its surcharge to the small admin jobs that trip newcomers up. This checklist covers everything you need before you go and in your first week, so you arrive organised and can hit the ground running.

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Before You Go: The Essentials

Sort the big items at home first. Your visa, its costs, insurance and connectivity should all be handled before you fly.

1. Secure the right visa (Skilled Worker, Family, Global Talent, Student) and pay the fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge up front.
2. Set up your eVisa UKVI account to prove your status.
3. Consider expat health insurance as a safety net for your first weeks while you register with the NHS.
4. Set up a low-fee international transfer service so moving money is cheap.
5. Sort connectivity: an eSIM keeps you online from arrival.

Money and Banking

Beat the proof-of-address catch-22 by opening a digital bank (Monzo, Starling or Revolut) with just your passport — no UK address needed — so you can receive money and pay bills from day one. Use a specialist transfer service for the real exchange rate, and add a high-street bank later once you have proof of address.

Shipping and What to Bring

Decide what to ship versus buy. UK rentals are often part- or fully furnished, so many newcomers travel light and buy the rest locally. For a full household, get international mover quotes early and check customs rules for people relocating to the UK.

Your First Week in the UK

1. Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number — you need it to work and pay tax correctly.
2. Register with a local GP to access the NHS.
3. Set up a bank account (digital first) and arrange council tax and utilities for your home.
4. Get a local SIM/number if you haven’t already.

Housing: Finding a Home

Most people rent first. Use Rightmove, Zoopla and SpareRoom, budget for a deposit (capped at five weeks’ rent) plus the first month, and expect referencing/credit checks. Temporary furnished accommodation for your first weeks takes the pressure off the search — and remember council tax is a separate monthly cost.

Healthcare Setup

Your IHS gives you NHS access, but registering with a GP takes time, so keep any expat cover as a safety net at first. Register with a local surgery to get your NHS number, and add private insurance later only if you want faster specialist access.

Settling In

Register on the electoral roll if eligible and pay bills on time to start building a UK credit history — it affects renting and phone contracts. Swap your driving licence if needed, and connect with local communities to settle in faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first when moving to the UK?

Secure your visa and pay the NHS surcharge, then set up your eVisa account. On arrival, prioritise a National Insurance number, a bank account and GP registration.

How much money do I need to move to the UK?

Budget for the visa fee, the NHS surcharge (~£1,035/year), your first month’s rent and deposit (up to five weeks), plus £2,000–4,000 in setup costs.

How do I open a bank account when I arrive in the UK?

Use a digital bank like Monzo, Starling or Revolut, which need only your passport and a selfie — no UK proof of address — so you can bank from day one.

Do I need a National Insurance number?

Yes — you need an NI number to work legally and be taxed correctly. Apply for it soon after arriving.

Expat Essentials for United Kingdom

A few quick wins make settling into United Kingdom easier while you work through this guide. An Airalo eSIM keeps you online from the moment you land, EKTA bridges your health cover until residency, and NordVPN protects your logins on public wifi. See our full list of trusted services below.

Some links in this article are partner links — if you sign up through them, FinePassport may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep these guides free and up to date.

FinePassport curates vetted supplier lists so expats never have to settle in alone – from banking and insurance to connectivity and transport, we research so you don’t have to. Jump to the recommended services and get set up faster.

Written by the FinePassport Team · Updated July 2026