Tips for moving country in the EU

When the decision has been made to start a new life in England it would be advisable to draw up a checklist of things to do prior to the move. This will make the move a lot simpler and reduce the inevitable stress that will arise. The checklist should include:

Photo by Elliott Brown

• Making sure passports are up to date.
• ELEA citizen should arrange a European Health Card to ensure free health care.
• Contacting a letting agent if looking to rent a property.
• Contacting an estate agent and conveyancing solicitor if looking to buy a property.
• Updating C.V.’s and bringing proof of qualifications if employment is needed.
• Improving the level of spoken and written English prior to arrival.

A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland enjoys the right of free movement and residency in the United Kingdom. European citizens of non-EEA countries would need to apply for a “Residence Permit Form” from the Home Office Border and Immigration Agency. This would be valid for five years.

One of the first tasks on arrival would be to find suitable accommodation. A popular approach is to contact a letting agent for those looking to rent a property or an estate agent for those looking to buy a house or flat. Alternatively, local newspapers, local shop windows and the internet provide adverts for accommodation. Normally a tenancy is agreed for six months, which can be extended at the end of the term. If a flat or house is being purchased conveyancing solicitors will guide the purchaser through the buying process.

All children in England must be in full time education between the ages of 5 – 16. State schools are open to everyone and are financed by the local authority. Private, or Public schools as they are known, charge a yearly fee. Information on schools and their performance can be found online at OFSTED. After 16 years of age education is optional and includes a variety of further education opportunities and university.

The task of moving can be made easier by appointing a specialist relocation firm who will arrange transportation of personal belongings. This will make the move much less stressful.

There are various rules relating to working in England. Citizens of EEA countries can work automatically without special permission. Other European citizens may need to register under the “Worker Registration Scheme”. Work can be employed or self-employed (running your own business). In the latter case the worker will be responsible for paying his or her own income tax and value added tax (VAT) and will need to register with the tax revenue organisation known as HMRC. There is a national minimum wage in England to which all employers must adhere as well as a maximum working week of 48 hours for over 18s. There is a statutory 28 days paid holiday entitlement as well, which is inclusive of national holiday days (bank holidays).

It is a good idea to integrate as fully as possible into the English culture to make a successful move. Social activities that a new arrival could consider include various sports clubs, social clubs, and charity organisations, unpaid volunteering in the community and of course the local English public house that serves food and alcoholic drinks.

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Category: Travel Tips