Moving from India to London

Moving from India to London represents a significant life change that requires careful planning and preparation.

Before You Move

The first step is securing the right UK visa – common options include the Skilled Worker visa, Student visa, or Family visa.

  • Check visa requirements on UK Government’s official website
  • Gather required documents (passport, proof of funds, educational certificates)
  • Book your visa appointment at a VFS Global center in India
  • Arrange for a TB test at an approved center if staying longer than 6 months

Housing in London

Start your housing search 2-3 months before moving through reliable websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, or OpenRent.

  • Average monthly rent: £1,800 for 1-bedroom flat in Zone 2
  • Popular areas for Indian expats: Wembley, Southall, Ilford
  • Budget extra for council tax (£100-200 monthly)
  • Consider temporary accommodation upon arrival

Financial Planning

Open a UK bank account as soon as possible – major banks include HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds.

  • Transfer money using services like Wise or XE
  • Budget for deposit (usually 5-6 weeks rent)
  • Set up National Insurance number appointment
  • Register for council tax

Healthcare

Register with a local GP (General Practitioner) once you have a permanent address.

  • Pay Immigration Health Surcharge during visa application
  • Find local GP through NHS website
  • Keep private insurance documents handy

Transportation

Get an Oyster card or contactless bank card for public transport.

  • Consider zones when choosing housing location
  • Monthly travel card costs: £140-£250 depending on zones
  • Download Citymapper app for navigation

Practical Tips

Pack weather-appropriate clothing – London experiences cool, wet winters and mild summers.

  • Bring voltage converters (UK uses 230V)
  • Research phone plans (EE, Vodafone, Three)
  • Join Indian community groups on Facebook and Meetup
  • Register with Indian High Commission in London

Essential Services

Service Contact
Emergency 999
NHS non-emergency 111
Indian High Commission 020 7836 8484

Keep important documents like passport, visa, and rental agreement easily accessible during your first few weeks.

Daily Life Adjustments

Adapting to London’s lifestyle requires understanding local customs and routines.

  • Shops typically open 9am-6pm on weekdays
  • Many supermarkets have late hours or 24/7 service
  • Most banks close around 4:30pm on weekdays
  • Sunday trading hours are restricted (10am-4pm)

Food and Shopping

London offers diverse shopping options for Indian groceries and essentials.

  • Indian grocery stores in Southall, Wembley, and East Ham
  • Major supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA
  • Budget options: Lidl, Aldi
  • Street markets for fresh produce

Education and Schools

If moving with children, research schools well in advance.

  • Apply through local council education department
  • Consider catchment areas when choosing housing
  • Research Ofsted ratings of nearby schools
  • Budget for uniforms and supplies

Conclusion

Successfully relocating to London requires thorough planning and preparation. Focus on securing accommodation, setting up essential services, and understanding local systems. Join community groups for support and maintain contact with both Indian and local communities to ease the transition.

  • Keep important documents organized
  • Build a local support network
  • Stay informed about visa requirements
  • Maintain flexibility during the adjustment period

FAQs

  1. What visa do I need to move from India to London?
    You’ll need either a Skilled Worker visa, Student visa, Family visa, or other eligible visa category depending on your circumstances. Most working professionals need the Skilled Worker visa which requires a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor.
  2. How much money should I save before moving to London?
    You should have at least £3,000-£4,000 per month for initial expenses, including first month’s rent, deposit (usually 4-6 weeks rent), and living costs. You’ll also need to prove specific maintenance funds for visa requirements.
  3. What documents do I need for renting a property in London?
    You’ll need proof of ID (passport), visa status, employment contract, bank statements, reference letters from previous landlords, and proof of address. Most agencies require a UK bank account and proof of income.
  4. How do I open a UK bank account as an Indian national?
    You can open a bank account with proof of identity, visa, and UK address. Some banks like HSBC and Barclays offer international account opening services before arrival. Digital banks like Monzo and Revolut are also popular options.
  5. Do I need to register with a GP after moving to London?
    Yes, you should register with a local GP (General Practitioner) as soon as possible after arrival. You’ll need proof of address and your visa to register. The NHS is free for legal residents, but you’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application.
  6. How does the Council Tax system work in London?
    Council Tax is a mandatory local tax based on property band and borough. Full-time students are exempt, while single occupants get 25% discount. You must register for Council Tax as soon as you move into a property.
  7. What is the process for converting an Indian driving license in the UK?
    You can drive with your Indian license for 12 months from arrival. After that, you must pass both theory and practical UK driving tests to get a UK license. You cannot directly convert an Indian license to a UK one.
  8. How can I transfer money from India to the UK?
    You can use bank transfers, forex services, or online transfer services like Wise or Western Union. Under FEMA regulations, Indians can remit up to $250,000 per financial year through the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
  9. Do I need to pay taxes in both India and the UK?
    The UK-India Double Taxation Agreement prevents double taxation. Your tax residency status and the source of income determine where you pay taxes. You must inform Indian authorities about your non-resident status and file relevant declarations.
  10. How do I ship my belongings from India to London?
    You can use international shipping companies that offer sea freight (cheaper but slower, 6-8 weeks) or air freight (expensive but faster, 1-2 weeks). Ensure proper documentation for customs clearance and check restricted items list.