If you are moving to the United Kingdom or planning to do so, there are certain things that are imperative for you to know about. Moving from Japan to the UK is not an easy task; there are a lot of issues that you should know how to deal with. Japan is as expensive as the United Kingdom; there is a ratio difference of about 16.9% amongst the two. Japanese prefer to live in the capital city of the UK, which is, London. If you too are planning to migrate to the United Kingdom, read on, as we will tell you everything you need to know about.
Visa Schemes:
There are many visa options you can choose in order to enter the United Kingdom. You can have all the details about them from the home office. Let’s briefly have a look at two of the most used ones:
1. General Visitor Visa
A general visitor visa is required in case you want to travel from any country includingJapan to the United Kingdom for leisure purpose. If you want to have a trip, meet your friends or family residing in the UK, then this visa is for you. It allows the visitor to have a stay in the UK for up to six months and in case you want to extend it, you can. After the extension, you can stay in the United Kingdom for up to a decade. The cost ranges based on your duration.
2. Study Visa
If you intend to study in the UK and are not a resident, this is the visa you should avail. It will permit you to sojourn in the United Kingdom from up to eleven months. The length of stay depends on your study programme details. The cost of a 6-month stay will be around £85, and for an eleven-month long stay, it will be £162. You will not be allowed to start a business, bring your family members with you, study in a state school or perform any prohibited activity. Ensure to submit the visa application at least three months prior to your planned travel; you will most likely receive a response within three weeks.
These two are the most popular visa used when people are moving from Japan to the UK. In case you need any additional information about these or other available options, head over to the Home office.
Managing Logistics:
Once your visa processing has completed, the next step is to move your stuff and find a house. Shifting is a tedious process and depends on the country you are travelling from. For instance, if you are moving to the UK from Japan, it is better to seek the services of a reliable Relocation specialist. They will not only help you during the migration, transfer your belonging in a safe and well-protected way but will further assist you in many other aspects as well. It is always the best option to seek help and guidance from the experts.
Where to Live in The United Kingdom?
If you are still confused about where to live in the UK, worry no more, we have got you. Many people from Japan prefer to settle down in England. But there are plenty of other options for you to choose from. Some of the other suitable cities to settle down include, Birmingham, Glasgow, Oxford & The Cotswold’s, Brighton, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Manchester etc. Every city of the UK has its own unique set of perks. But these are most preferred by the ex-pats, owing to their diversity, industrial background, easy access and other benefits. But, when you are moving from Japan to the UK, you should be aware of why and how a city will be perfect for you to stay. Choose your abode wisely. Once you have decided your city of stay, then there are further imperative things you should think about and finalize, including:
- Buying or Getting a House on Rent
- Apply for a Mortgage
- Tenancy agreement
- Energy and Water Supply
- Mobile Phone and Landline Connection
- Internet and Television License
Juggling the Finances:
Once and before you actually move to the United Kingdom, you should be fully aware of all the expenses that will incur, including hidden costs. Ensure that you are financially secure and aware of every possible aspect of managing your finances in the UK. Some further things will await you once you land in the UK. These include:
- Opening a Bank Account
- Tax and investment Matters
- Pension and Insurance Policies
- International Money Transfer
Some Other Mandatory Points:
Apart from all the above-mentioned aspects, there are certain other points that should be paid heed to. These include:
- You need to be able to communicate in English. If you belong to a Non-English speaking country, such as Japan etc., You need to polish your English skills.
- If you own a pet, you need to go through a special process to bring that along with you. Be sure to go through the rules and regulations of pet transfer and carefully complete the documentation.
- If you want to bring your vehicle to the UK, it is mandatory to note that there is the rule of left-hand drive in the UK. Like many other European countries, people drive through the left, not the right in the UK. And there are some more rules you should keep in mind, be sure to do your homework.
A final word, moving to the UK from a Non-English speaking country such as Japan, can be a little complicated. But with an ample amount of research, preparations and precautions, you can successfully move to the UK and start a new life in this beautiful and classic country.
