Guides
Each one starts with the short answer, then the detail, covering what changes in the UK and what the US still expects.
Printable booklets and PDFsTaxes in both countries
Do I still have to file US taxes after moving to the UK?Yes.Read the guideWhen do I start paying UK tax?When you become UK tax resident under the Statutory Residence Test.Read the guideHow do I avoid paying tax twice on the same income?The US–UK tax treaty and US foreign tax credits are designed so you pay roughly the higher of the two countries' tax, not both.Read the guideDo I need to file a UK tax return?Not always.Read the guideWhat happens to my stock options and RSUs when I move to the UK?They can be taxed by both countries.Read the guideWhat happens to my US business or LLC when I move to the UK?The US and UK often see the same business differently.Read the guide
Money, investments & retirement
What happens to my 401(k) and IRA when I move to the UK?In most cases they can stay where they are and keep growing tax-deferred.Read the guideAre my US mutual funds and ETFs a problem in the UK?Often, yes.Read the guideHow do UK workplace pensions work for Americans?Your UK employer will usually enroll you in a workplace pension automatically, with you and your employer both paying in.Read the guideHow do I open a UK bank account as an American?It's easiest once you have a UK address and your visa documents.Read the guideHow do I build a UK credit history?Your US credit score doesn't transfer, so you start from zero.Read the guideHow should I move money from the US to the UK?Compare the total cost, meaning the exchange rate plus fees, not just the fee.Read the guideShould Americans use ISAs and Premium Bonds?Often not in the way Brits do.Read the guide
Visas & arriving
Which UK visa routes are open to Americans?Most Americans move on a work visa (usually Skilled Worker, which needs a job offer from a licensed sponsor), a family visa (if your partner is British or settled), a talent-based visa, or as a student.Read the guideHow do I get settled status and British citizenship?Most people first get indefinite leave to remain (ILR, also called settlement) after a qualifying period on their visa route, then can apply for British citizenship, usually after a further 12 months.Read the guideWhat should I do in my first few weeks in the UK?Set up your eVisa account access, get a UK phone number, open a bank account, register with a doctor, apply for a National Insurance number, and sort council tax and utilities for your home.Read the guide
Housing
Schools & family
How do UK schools work for American families?State schools are free, and places are allocated by your local council, mainly by where you live.Read the guideHow do citizenship and passports work for our children?A child born in the UK to a US citizen parent can usually become a US citizen too, which you record through a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.Read the guideCan we get Child Benefit and help with childcare?It depends on your immigration status.Read the guide
Everyday life
Can I drive in the UK on my US driver's license?Yes, for up to 12 months after you become resident.Read the guideHow do I bring my dog or cat to the UK?Dogs, cats and ferrets can come from the US without quarantine if you follow the rules in the right order: microchip, then rabies vaccination, then wait at least 21 days, then a health certificate shortly before travel.Read the guideHow do I ship my belongings to the UK?If you've lived outside the UK for at least 12 months and you've owned and used your belongings for at least six, you can usually bring them in free of import duty and VAT under Transfer of Residence relief.Read the guidePhones, internet and the TV licenceAn unlocked US phone will usually work with a UK SIM.Read the guide
Scotland
How does buying a home in Scotland work?Very differently from the US, and from England.Read the guideHow does Scottish income tax work?If your main home is in Scotland, you're a Scottish taxpayer.Read the guideHow do schools work in Scotland?Scotland has its own system.Read the guideHow do wills and estates work in Scotland?Scotland has its own law of succession.Read the guide
More guides are on the way
Can't find your question? Ask us, or build your move plan to see what applies to you.