Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus lit up at night
Guide India → United Kingdom · moving · checked 1 Nov 2026

Moving from India to the UK

A plain checklist: what to sort before you go, and your first weeks in Britain.

Photo: Pexels
First: can you move?

You need a visa first

To live, work or study in the UK, Indian citizens need a visa. Most people come for a sponsored job, to study or to join family.

Job
A job offerFrom a UK employer that can sponsor you: the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa.
Uni
A study placeAt a UK university or college, with a student visa.
Fam
Family hereJoining a partner or close family member who lives in the UK.

Which visa fits you: gov.uk/check-uk-visa. Most visas also need the Immigration Health Surcharge, paid when you apply, which gives you NHS care. We don't give visa advice.

Just visiting first? Indian citizens need a Standard Visitor visa for a visit, even a short one. You can't work on a visit.

Before you go

Your checklist in India

  1. Your visa approved. It's digital now (an eVisa), linked to your passport in your UKVI account.
  2. A TB test at a UK-approved clinic in India, if you're coming for 6 months or more: you need the certificate for your visa application.
  3. Documents in a folder: birth and marriage certificates, degree certificates, driving licence, references from work.
  4. Money for the start: the first month's rent, a deposit (in England at most 5 weeks' rent) and a few weeks of living costs.
  5. Tell your Indian bank you are moving: ask about changing your savings account to an NRO account once you live abroad.
  6. Set up your home TV before you go, so it works on day one (how to watch Indian TV in the UK).
A cosy living room in the evening with a TV and warm shelf lights
Day one in the UK

Home TV, ready when you land

The first weeks abroad are the hardest. The news from home, your serials and the kids' favourites make the new flat feel like home.

How to watch Indian TV in the UK →
Advertisement: over 1,000 Indian channels, live, with VOLTIX →
Photo: Pexels
Your first weeks

Your checklist in the UK

  1. Phone: a pay-as-you-go SIM works at once, with no checks.
  2. Proving your status: employers and landlords check it online. You give them a share code from gov.uk.
  3. Bank account: banks often ask for proof of address; app banks are usually quicker to open.
  4. National Insurance number: you need one for tax. Apply online if you don't have one; you can start work while you wait.
  5. Doctor: register with a GP surgery near you. It's free to register.
  6. Council tax: tell your local council you moved in.
  7. Driving: an Indian licence usually lets you drive for up to 12 months after you become resident. After that you need a UK provisional licence and the UK driving test.
Quick answers

Questions people ask

Do I need a visa to move from India to the UK?

Yes. The usual ways in are a sponsored job (Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa), study or family. Check which visa fits you on gov.uk.

Do I need a visa just to visit?

Yes. Indian citizens need a Standard Visitor visa, even for a short visit. You can't work on a visit.

Do I need a TB test?

Yes, if you're coming for 6 months or more: you take it at a UK-approved clinic in India and need the certificate for your visa application.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

A fee most visa applicants pay when they apply. It lets you use the NHS like a UK resident during your visa.

How big is a rent deposit in England?

At most 5 weeks' rent, when the rent is under £50,000 a year. Your landlord must protect it in a government-backed scheme.

Can I drive with my Indian licence?

Usually for up to 12 months after you become resident. After that you need a UK provisional licence and to pass the UK driving test.

Can I watch Indian TV in the UK?

Yes. Our Indian TV in the UK guide shows every option, from JioHotstar, ZEE5 and SonyLIV to all-in-one subscriptions.

More for Indian people in the UK

Guides for you

Indian TV in the UKEvery Indian channel, live, and how the official apps compare.The Indian community in the UKWhere Indian people live, community life and where people meet online.Moving from India to the UKA plain checklist: before you go and your first weeks.
Sources