Employment & Accommodation 

Those looking to relocate should make prior arrangements for accommodation before arriving in the UK and bring sufficient funds to support themselves until they have found employment. It is advisable to ensure you enough funds to sustain yourself for at least six months.

Those who intend to work in the UK should make arrangements to secure employment before leaving for the UK. Those who cannot do so should visit a Jobcentre Plus office in their local area or an employment agency as soon as possible after their arrival in the UK.

National Insurance Number 

Those looking to uptake employment in the UK will require a National Insurance Number. You must be physically in the United Kingdom with a UK address to apply for your NI Number. To begin the process, please apply online via:

Apply for a National Insurance Number- GOV.UK

You will be required to prove your identity by uploading a photo of yourself holding your passport. If you possess both UK and BOTC passports, please use your UK passport for the application process.

You may use a smartphone, tablet or digital camera. You will be told how to take the photos and what they must look like during the application process. You can ask someone to take the photos for you.

If you cannot upload photos, you can still apply online, but your application will take longer. You may need to attend an appointment or post photocopies of your documents. If this is the case, you’ll get an email telling you what to do after you’ve submitted your application.

After your application is received, you will receive an email with your application reference number. The email will tell you if you need to provide further proof of identity.

You can start work before your National Insurance Number arrives if you can prove you can work in the UK by showing your UK Passport. You should tell your employer that you’ve applied for a National Insurance Number, and give it to them when you have it.

Healthcare

Under current rules anyone can register with a GP practice in England to receive free primary care, and must do so, before they can qualify for any free medical treatment, other than emergency treatment.

A list of local GPs and further information can be obtained via the National Health Service website by clicking here.

If you move to the UK permanently, you’re entitled to free NHS hospital treatment. Like all UK residents, you’ll have to pay some NHS charges (for example, for prescriptions), unless you are exempt from these. Different rules apply if you’re visiting temporarily. If there’s a waiting list for the treatment you need, you’ll have to join the waiting list. The hospital may ask you for evidence that you live in the UK permanently, e.g that you have bought or rented a property in the UK.

Relocation Guide

Please click here to access our Relocation Guide.

This document is solely to highlight useful information; it is not definitive advice. The links provided should be consulted for the most up-to-date information.

Please be aware that information in this guide is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the UK Government. All information enclosed is accurate as of 4 March 2021.