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. To apply for your NI Number, you must be physically in the United Kingdom with a UK address. To begin the process, you must call the National Insurance Number application line:

National Insurance Number Application Line
Telephone: 0800 141 2075
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

After you’ve applied, you will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions asking you to attend a National Insurance number interview at a Jobcentre Plus. The letter will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity. At the interview, you’ll be asked about your circumstances and why you need a National Insurance number. You’ll also be told how long it’ll take to get your National Insurance number.

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 one, and give it to them when you have it. For more information on this please click here.

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.