opportunities in the UK...

Practicalities - Relocation Timetable

Moving countries can be an intensive business and it pays to plan ahead as much as possible.

In the year before you leave:

• Check that your passport will be valid for your arrival and renew if necessary.
  
• Check your driving licence. The UK accepts both Australian and New Zealand driving licences, but they can only be used for the first 12 months of your stay, after which you will need to exchange them for a full UK licence through the UK Department of Transport. To do this you will need to pay an administration fee and will be asked to give up your original licence. If you would rather not exchange, or if your licence is issued elsewhere, you may need to apply for an International Drivers Licence before you leave home or you will need to re-take a driving test in the UK before your first 12 months is up.
  
• Have a health check and arrange insurance. The UK operates a reciprocal national health scheme for both Australia and New Zealand citizens, but additional health insurance is advised.
  
• Arrange the lease or purchase of your first house or apartment. Most leases are on a six or 12 month basis. The process of buying property in England and Wales (but not Scotland) is similar to Australia and New Zealand, whereby offers are not binding until contracts have been exchanged. Bring evidence of previous mortgage borrowing with you as you will have no credit history in the UK.
  
• Think about what possessions you will bring with you. Flats and houses in the UK can be rented furnished or unfurnished. Investigate removal firms and costs and removal dates to ensure that your possessions arrive before you do.

• Get a reference from your bank so that you can open a bank account when you arrive. Opening a bank account can be a real hassle as anti-money laundering laws are very strict, so you will probably also need your passport, visa, employment details and proof of an address in the UK. Some banks in Australia and New Zealand will arrange UK accounts for you before you leave.
  
• Ensure you have enough insurance to cover the removal of your possessions and arrange travel insurance to cover emergencies whilst travelling.
  
• Check with customs and excise. Documentation will be needed to get your belongings through. See www.hmrc.gov.uk for details.
  
• Inform your tax office of your departure date.

• Register with your country's High Commission in London.
  
• Obtain a national insurance number which entitles you to NHS treatment and social security benefits. See www.direct.gov.uk for details of where to apply.
  
• Register with a NHS doctor's surgery. Surgeries will often tell you their lists are full, but your local primary care trust will allocate you a doctor. See www.direct.gov.uk for details.

Further information:

www.barclays.com/internationalpersonal

www.eca-international.com (Expat relocation consultancy)