Relocation intelligence
🇬🇧 Moving to United Kingdom: tax, residency and cost of living
Progressive worldwide taxation system
Thinking of moving to United Kingdom? Here is the tax, residency, property and quality-of-life picture in plain numbers, with sources.
Key facts
- Top income tax
- 45%
- Corporate tax
- 25%
- Capital gains
- 24%
- Wealth tax
- No
- Inheritance tax
- Yes
- Cost of living index
- 81
- Safety
- 6/10
- Internet quality
- 8/10
- Visa-free destinations
- 190
- Foreigners can own property
- Yes
- Residency in
- 0 months
- Citizenship in
- 0 years
Taxes
The UK taxes worldwide income. The top rate of 45% applies above GBP 125,140. The personal allowance is fully withdrawn above GBP 100,000.
Residency and visas
Post-Brexit, free movement for EU citizens ended. Residency now requires a visa route. Naturalisation is possible after 5 years of lawful residence.
Property ownership
Foreigners may freely purchase property in the UK. Since April 2021 a 2% Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge applies to non-UK residents.
Cost of living and quality of life
London is among the world's most expensive cities. The NHS provides universal healthcare though waiting times are a concern. Internet infrastructure is good.
Passport and mobility
The UK passport offers visa-free access to approximately 190 countries and ranks highly on the Henley Passport Index 2024.
Residency and visas
- Skilled Worker Visa · €30,000/j · Residency in 5 years
- Global Talent Visa · Residency in 3 years
- Innovator Founder Visa · €59,000 · Residency in 3 years
- Family Visa · €29,000/j · Residency in 5 years
Why people move to United Kingdom
Strong rule of law and stable legal system
The UK has a renowned common-law system, strong property rights and an independent judiciary, giving legal certainty.
High tax burden is a key departure driver
The 45% top rate plus National Insurance and loss of personal allowance above GBP 100,000 make the UK costly for high earners, motivating relocation.
Brexit has restricted EU citizens' mobility
EU citizens arriving after 31 December 2020 have no automatic right to reside and must follow a formal visa route, increasing friction for European expats.
See how United Kingdom scores for your situation
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Calculate my scoreSources
- Income Tax rates and Personal Allowances
- Corporation Tax rates
- Capital Gains Tax rates and allowances
- VAT rates on different goods and services
- National Insurance: how much you pay
- UK tax treaties
- Statutory Residence Test (RDR3)
- Henley Passport Index 2024
- Cost of Living in United Kingdom
- Stamp Duty Land Tax: residential property rates
- Work visas - GOV.UK
- National life tables: UK
- National Insurance if you go abroad