How to relocate an employee from India to the UK

Moving an employee from India to the United Kingdom involves careful planning and support to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you're an employer navigating the relocation process or an employee preparing for the move, Jobbatical streamlines the entire process and provides dedicated support from start to finish.  

This quick guide lists the main aspects of relocating from India to the UK and how Jobbatical can help you navigate them, including visa options, relocation planning, arrival procedures, and settling in.

Visa options in the UK 

The first step to relocating from India to the UK is to apply for a visa. The UK offers a variety of visa options for Indian skilled professionals, tailored to different requirements and backgrounds. The most common visas include:

• Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with a job offer in eligible occupation from a UK employer with a sponsorship license.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: Specifically for medical professionals to work in the NHS, an NHS supplier, or adult social care.
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: For senior managers or specialists being transferred to a UK branch of an overseas business.

Choosing the right visa depends on the employee's skills, job role, and the specifics of the position they will fill. It's essential to assess each employee's individual circumstances to determine the most suitable visa category. Jobbatical offers a pre-hiring assessment that helps you determine visa eligibility. 

For a detailed overview of all visa and permit options, check out our blog post: UK: Visa Options and Requirements.

Relocation planning 

The second phase of relocating an employee from India to the UK involves pre-departure planning. Here are some key considerations:

• Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents, such as employment contracts, visa papers, and health insurance, are prepared and verified.
• Family Support: If the employee is relocating with family, it is necessary to plan for their visas and settling-in. 
• Tax Consultation: Offer guidance on the tax implications of moving to the UK and how to manage them.
• Travel Arrangements: Arrange for any required travel permits or vaccinations, in addition to making travel arrangements.

Jobbatical's platform and expert team simplify compliance throughout the entire relocation process. Stay informed with real-time updates on required documentation, receive timely notifications for upcoming steps, and easily support family relocation, ensuring a stress-free transition from India to the UK.

Arrival in the UK

After the initial immigration process and the visa approval, there are several aspects to consider upon arrival in the UK. To ensure smooth integration, it’s important to consider logistics support, housing assistance, and essentials like banking.

To ensure a worry-free transition, Jobbatical provides: 

• Address Registration: once accommodation is secured, our team handles all the related paperwork and ensures your talents have their addresses registered correctly.
• Bank Accounts: we help employees find the best banking solutions and guide them through the process of opening a bank account in the UK.
• Tax Residency: we help your employees navigate the complexities of local tax laws and ensure compliance.

Settling in the UK 

After the initial immigration process and visa approval, settling-in support is crucial for helping employees and their families transition smoothly into their new lives in the UK. 

To ensure smooth integration, Jobbatical provides:

• Accommodation support: our on-the-ground agents assist professionals in finding short-term stays as well as long-term apartments, ensuring they have a comfortable place to call home.
• Education Support: for employees moving with their families, we assist in finding the right schools for their children, guaranteeing a seamless transition.
• Healthcare Registration: we ensure professionals have access to essential healthcare support by assisting with registration in the public healthcare system or arranging private insurance options.