Pros and Cons of Moving to the UK

Moving to the United Kingdom, like moving anywhere, comes with both positives and negatives, and it is important for you as a prospective expat to weigh these up before making the decision to relocate. Here is our list of pros and cons of moving to the UK.

Healthcare in the UK

+ PRO: Access to the NHS

Living in the UK will give you access to a good standard of healthcare through the NHS (National Health Service) at little to no cost. The cost of medication is often subsidised and therefore likely to be cheaper than in many other countries.

- CON: Long NHS waiting lists

The downside of using the UK’s publicly funded health service is that there are often long waiting lists for specialist treatments. You can bypass these waiting lists by using private healthcare, but this comes at a significant cost. You should invest in a good health insurance policy if you have chronic conditions.

Education in the UK

+ PRO: Access to free education

If you are legally resident in the UK, you have the right to send your child to a public school at no cost. This option is worth exploring, especially if your children speak English or are young enough to pick up the language.

- CON: Standard of public schools is variable

While public schools in the UK are free, the standard of education varies considerably. Better public schools tend to be oversubscribed, with priority given to students living locally. There are also lots of failing schools, especially in inner-city areas. It’s worth investing time in reading a school’s Ofsted report in order to make an informed decision.

Weather in the UK

- CON: Unpleasant weather

The UK is known for its less-than-stellar weather. Winters are long, cold, and dreary. During the winter months, the days are short and it gets dark early. Basically, bring a coat or six.

+ PRO: People make the most of the summer

The British summer may be nothing remarkable to those from more exotic destinations, but Brits make the most of every little bit of sunshine. The country comes alive in the summer months when people can be seen enjoying the sunshine in the local park or spending an afternoon in a beer garden.

Lifestyle in the UK

+ PRO: The UK is at the forefront of arts, culture and sporting events

Living in the UK will give you access to some of the world’s leading arts, culture, and sporting events. Many international events are held in the UK’s major cities, such as London, Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh. Thanks to the UK being a relatively small country with an efficient transport network, travelling around to see your favourite team play football or to catch an international music act on tour isn’t too much hassle.

- CON: Traditional British food is mediocre

The British don’t have much to boast about when it comes to their traditional cuisine. Beyond fish and chips, a full English breakfast, and a lot of beer, there isn’t much to get excited about. That said, the beauty of living in a country with such a diverse population is that in almost every town or city, you are sure to find a wealth of international food offerings to keep things interesting. And cities such as London have plenty of Michelin-starred eateries.

Local culture in the UK

+ PRO: Diversity

The UK has a long history of immigration, which contributes to the diversity of its population. This is especially evident in the make-up of its major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. You will be able to connect with many people who have similar experiences of moving overseas.

+ PRO: Proximity to Europe

A huge advantage of living in the UK is its easy access to the rest of Europe. Thanks to the growth of budget airlines, it is possible to travel to a whole host of fantastic European destinations without breaking the bank.

- CON: Brexit has affected movement

Brexit has led to restricted movement to the EU, as well as other negative effects such as fuel, food, and labour shortages.

Visas for the UK

- CON: Visa requirements are very stringent

The UK is a hugely popular expat destination, but the country has become increasingly strict about who they allow into the country. You have to meet a multitude of requirements before being granted a work permit for the UK.

+ PRO: Opportunities for skilled workers

Despite visa restrictions, Britain has a history of sourcing skilled workers from abroad. If you have sought-after skills, you should be able to move to the UK easily. The visa processing system itself is pretty efficient as long as you have all your paperwork in order.

Working in the UK

+ PRO: Strong labour laws and generous employee benefits

If you are working full-time in the UK, you are entitled to a minimum of 20 days annual leave per year. Sick leave and parental leave benefits in the UK are also fairly generous.

- CON: Highly competitive job market

Many industries in the UK are highly competitive. While some companies provide excellent employment packages, these lucrative offers are often only made to highly skilled workers at the top of their field of work.