Moving to a different city or country can bring out different emotions; exciting and challenging, or scary and stressful, and potentially all four. Having to settle down and adapt to the new place, job, and people is difficult and a few things should be taken into consideration in order to make the process smoother. We have prepared a quick overview of the most important things you should take a look into before you start with your new challenge, complete with handy links to help you along the way.
So you're thinking about moving for a new job?
Why do people relocate? The benefits to moving can seem obvious, whilst the hurdles along the way are not so. There are often multiple reasons for a job relocation, ones that can bring about big changes in terms of finances, social life, and of course country! Some of these include;
You need a change
Stuck in a rut, sometimes all you need is a physical change. For some, a holiday will do, for others, a move across the country or continent can be just medicine. If something new is what you want, relocation is for you.
Relocation allows you to work with different people and enjoy cultures you haven't before
This is especially applicable when relocating for a new job in a different country, though you’d be surprised at the difference between counties, provinces, or states (for our international friends). These all bring interaction with new people, and different cultures, often including some very tasty food, and potentially long-term friendships.
Cost of living can dramatically vary from location to location
This may serve as a slight negative in some cases, but one thing to note when relocating for a job is the difference in price range in terms of cost of living. This includes anything from rent prices, to the cost of a pint down the local. As much as I love London, the price of a cold pint up North is always tempting.
Experience a new work environment
Silicon Valley is well known for its hub of modern offices complete with canteens, chill-out pods, and foosball tables. You’ll be pleased to know this isn’t the only location where the work environment differs, both in terms of culture, and day-to-day of the workplace.
Work for a business only located in certain areas
If you want to work for a certain business, you’re lucky if you live within a commutable distance. Relocation can be very positive when it means you’ll be working for your dream company.
We’ve helped many candidates move, particularly from the EU, to the UK for developer and technology positions. In our experience, there are a couple of things that may seem obvious but aren’t always fully considered. Below we’ve listed our top considerations for those relocating for a new job, as well as some handy links to help you! Our final piece of advice on top of this is to make sure you have always fully considered your decision and are ready to make that commitment. It’s sure to be an adventure, good luck!
Considerations to make before relocating for a new job
Your partner and family: This is number one. Always gauge your partner or family’s thoughts on relocating for a new job as it will affect their lives as well as yours.
The right paperwork: Since some institutions may ask you for more than one proof of ID make sure your Driving Licence, ID card, Passport are renewed and valid. Furthermore, obtain birth, marriage, education and medical certificates and bank statements (for the last 3 months) and have them translated and officially stamped: there are a lot of occasions you might be asked to provide them.
Money Matters: It is highly important that you plan carefully your finance before you take the step of relocating. Assess how much is the cost of living, transport, council tax, bills, average prices of food, clothes and necessities and make a calculation. If you have a friend, who is living already here, it might be worth asking them about their main expenditures. Also be prepared to have cash for at least one full month of living before your first wage. Bear in mind that you might need to pay deposit (usually worth one month of rent) and booking fees for your accommodation.
Tax Rules: they differ from country to country, so it is important to check them, so you know how much you will actually be earning. If it is unclear: hire a tax adviser.You can find more about taxation in the UK on the government website here:
You can find more about taxation in the UK on the government website here: https://www.gov.uk/topic/personal-tax/income-tax
Visa application: Do not forget, this is a time- consuming task, so it is important to start in advance.More information on visas can be found here:
More information on visas can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Accommodation: Make sure you arrange accommodation before you arrive in the country, preferably temporary. Bear in mind that you might need to have a copy of your employment contract and a local bank account in order to be able to hire a house/flat. Hence, getting something temporary is a good idea, until you sort out your paperwork and get to know the place and available accommodation. It is always a good idea to check local associations of estate agents for tips and specific information.A great place to start to look for temporary accommodation is
A great place to start to look for temporary accommodation is Spare Room which enables you to find places with a spare bedroom, or join with others to rent a place. Alternatively, there are many great property websites such as Zoopla.
Relocation Package: Have you asked if there is a relocation package available to you? This can depend on company policy and the supply of your skill-set within the area, but do make sure to check with your future employer or recruiter first, every little helps.
Bank Accounts: Let your bank back home know your future location. If you use your card abroad without notifying your bank, there is a chance they block your debit card for security purposes. Also, as soon as you arrive, you will need to open a local bank account, so you can receive your wage and pay your rent.A useful guide to opening a new bank account in the UK can be found here.
Health Insurance: Check the health regulations in your new country and if you are insured straightaway. Make sure you bring all of your health and immunisation records, so your future GP is aware of them. EU members moving to another EU country do not forget your EHIC card, which entitles you to free state- provided medical help.
School arrangements for kids: Do not forget to bring their educational certificates, they have acquired so far (translated and officially stamped). Also, if you think they need additional help with the language, speak immediately to their school or your local council.
The UK Government have put together advice for choosing a school for your child here, whilst many property websites include details about local schools nearby to where you are searching. The RM School Finder website is also particularly useful including OFSTED ratings and much more.
Actual Move: Pack separately items you need straightaway and not so urgent ones. Moving things from country to country can be a little stressful, so try to dispose of as much unnecessary stuff as possible and enlist the help of friends where possible.
Culture Shock: This is something very important you need to be aware of before you arrive in your new location. Culture shock is the way people react when they change their familiar surroundings with brand new atmosphere, climate, food, people, culture and way of living. Different individuals deal with it in different ways, some might not even realise they are experiencing it. You might feel anxious, emotional, confused, distressed… do not worry; it is normal and gradually disappears with time.
Your new co-workers will help massively with this, as will getting out and exploring and embracing the culture.Time Out produce excellent guides on what’s on in the near future in major cities within the UK. Find out more here: http://www.timeout.com/
Embassy or Consulate of your home country: find where the Embassy or Consulate of your home country is: very useful information in case of any type of emergency or even homesickness. Along with their immediate help to all their citizens abroad, they might be organizing various cultural and community events.Find your nearest embassy here:
Find your nearest embassy here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk
Good luck!
Relocating for a new job doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds, and can open up a mass of opportunities both professionally and personally. If you’re currently considering moving to the UK for work and would like advice on your job hunt, or are in the middle of relocation for a new job, we’d be more than happy to help. Get in touch.