London is one of the most alluring cities in the whole world – it embraces both history and modernity, plus it has accommodated an elaborate lifestyle due to its cultural diversity. Being the capital of England, London is unquestionably a city that can offer a vast number of opportunities in every sphere of life.
This article will go through some moving-to-London essentials that can help you make your transition to London go smooth. What do you need to know before moving to London? This question may have haunted your mind if you are about to move to this city. And, here is some moving to London information that should give you a start.
Moving to London Checklist
If you are moving from the US to London, here is what you need to know.
Moving to London – Visa:
Naturally, you must obtain a visa before you can move to the UK to work or do business. As you are moving to London to settle in, here are your visa options. You must apply in one of the following categories:
- Tier 1 of the points-based system is your option if you are an investor, entrepreneur, exceptionally talented or graduate of UK university.
- Tier 2 of the points-based system is for skilled workers who have been offered a permanent job in the UK.
- Domestic worker in a private household
- Representative of an overseas business
Moving to London – Movers
After you have obtained your visa, you should start looking for a moving company. Performing an overseas move requires a lot of time and effort therefore you should organize your time well. Start looking for an international mover as soon as possible. In order to guarantee yourself a safe and smooth trip, you have to find a reliable international mover. Under federal law, international moving companies must be licensed or registered with the Federal Maritime Commission as either a freight forwarder or a non-vessel-operating common carrier. Take your time and research your overseas movers well. You should obtain at least 3-5 moving quotes. Of course you want to save money when moving, but it is inexcusable to save money at the cost of quality. Mind that your international movers will be responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and paying trucking companies, storage facilities and other ocean transportation intermediaries within the whole international move. Choose wisely. You can check out some UK removal companies reviews to see what’s movers reputation or check out movers’ affiliations with associations such as AMSA.
Moving to London – Cost
The cost of your overseas moving to London will be based on the volume of the shipment. For a two bedroom home – approximately 950 – 1000 c.f., you might expect an estimation around $5500. Plus, if you require full packing services, your moving-to-London expenses will increase with about $1000 – $1500. When contacting your movers, make it clear – will you require door-to-door service, or you’ll take care of your belongings once they arrive at port. Usually, insurance coverage rates vary between 2 -3.5% of the declared value.
Moving to London – Customs Requirements
Another aspect you must consider when moving to London is customs clearance. In order to import your household items to England, you must fill “Bringing personal belongings to UK from outside the EC” – C3 Form. All items that have been in a possession of the owner for at least six months are exempted from duty fees. If you have your car shipped with you, then you have to fill C104A – “Importation of a private motor vehicle into the United Kingdom on transfer of residence from outside the European Community (EC)”. Once again, the vehicle must have been possessed and used for at least six months.
Also, the following goods are banned completely regardless of which country you’re traveling from: illicit drugs, flick and gravity knives, self defense sprays such as pepper and CS gas sprays, stun guns, indecent and obscene material counterfeit, pirated and patent-infringing goods. The following are also banned but in some cases may be brought into the UK if you have the required license, permit or defense: firearms, explosives and ammunition, realistic imitation firearms, offensive weapons including swords with a curved blade exceeding 50cms in length, certain radio transmitters etc. For more information, check out the HM Revenue & Customs website.
Mind that the rate of Excise Duty payable on alcohol products like spirits, wines and beers is based on the alcohol content and the volume. In the case of wine and cider the rate also depends on whether they’re still or sparkling.
The rate of Excise Duty payable on cigarettes is based on a percentage of the retail price, plus a flat rate amount per 1,000 cigarettes. For other tobacco products like cigars and hand rolling tobacco, Excise Duty is charged at a flat rate per kilogram.
Is there anything else you would like to know before moving to London? Let’s know!
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