Ways to live in the United Kingdom
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Skilled Worker visa
For people with a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- What you need
- A certificate of sponsorship from the employer, a job on the eligible occupations list and a salary of at least £41,700 a year or the going rate for the job, whichever is higher; £33,400 in some cases. English is required.
- Income
- from about $4,620 a month
- How long
- Up to 5 years, extendable
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- £819 (up to 3 years) or £1,618 (over 3 years) from abroad, plus £1,035 a year health surcharge
- Processing time
- about 3 weeks from abroad
- How to apply
- Online on GOV.UK after the employer issues the certificate of sponsorship
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Yes, indefinite leave to remain after 5 years
Global Talent visa
For leaders or potential leaders in academia and research, arts and culture, or digital technology. No job offer or employer sponsor needed.
- What you need
- Age 18 or over and either an endorsement from an approved body in your field or a listed major prize.
- How long
- Up to 5 years at a time, extendable
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- £766 in total (£561 endorsement + £205 visa), plus £1,035 a year health surcharge
- Processing time
- about 3 weeks for the visa from abroad
- How to apply
- Online on GOV.UK: endorsement first, then the visa
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Yes, indefinite leave to remain after 3 or 5 years depending on the field
Student visa Student visas →
Student visa
For people aged 16 and over with a place on a course at a licensed UK education provider.
- What you need
- An offer from a licensed student sponsor, enough English, and money for fees plus living costs: £1,171 a month outside London or £1,529 in London, for up to 9 months, held for at least 28 days in a row.
- Savings
- about $14,000
- How long
- Up to 5 years for degree courses, up to 2 years below degree level
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- £558 plus the yearly health surcharge
- Processing time
- about 3 weeks from abroad, 8 weeks inside the UK
- How to apply
- Online on GOV.UK, then biometrics at a visa centre
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- After graduating you can switch to the Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, 18 months from 1 January 2027, 3 years after a PhD.
Freelancer and self-employed Freelancer and self-employed visas →
Innovator Founder visa
For founders of a new, innovative and scalable business endorsed by an approved endorsing body.
- What you need
- An endorsement of your business idea, enough English, and check-ins with the endorsing body at 12 and 24 months. Outside jobs are allowed only if they need at least a level 3 qualification.
- How long
- 3 years, extendable by 3 years with a new endorsement
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- £1,357 visa + £1,000 endorsement, plus £1,035 a year health surcharge
- Processing time
- about 3 weeks from abroad
- How to apply
- Get endorsed first, then apply online on GOV.UK
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Yes, settlement possible after 3 years
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $900 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $1,100 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $1,760 |
| Bills | $180 |
| Typical local salary | $3,800 |
Cities to consider
- LondonA world in one city
- GlasgowVictorian grandeur, warm people
- ManchesterMusic, football and red brick
- EdinburghCastle, crags and festivals
- LiverpoolMusic, football and docks
- BristolHarbourside, hills and street art
- BrightonCreative seaside city
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
London is one of the world's great cities for careers, culture and diversity. Many prefer Manchester, Bristol or Edinburgh for a smaller scale, and countryside walks, coastal towns and historic villages are easy to reach.
Day to day
Trains connect all major cities, though fares vary a lot. The NHS provides free care at the point of use, with long waits for some services. Contactless payments are everywhere, internet is good, and English is the language.
Trade-offs
Weather is grey and damp for much of the year. Rents in London and the south-east are very high. Public services, including the NHS, are often stretched.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United StatesETA · 180 d
AustraliaETA · 180 d
CanadaETA · 180 d
New ZealandETA · 180 d
SwitzerlandETA · 180 d
NorwayETA · 180 d
SingaporeETA · 180 d
JapanETA · 180 d
South KoreaETA · 180 d
IsraelETA · 180 d
United Arab EmiratesETA · 180 d
Hong Kong180 days
South AfricaVisa
MexicoETA · 180 d
BrazilETA · 180 d
Questions
Does United Kingdom have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to United Kingdom?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Freelancer and self-employed.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
