The Essentials for Newcomers to the UK
The Essentials for Newcomers to the UK
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Congratulations on your arrival in the UK! You are now one step closer to starting your new life here. There are a few things you need to do to get settled in, but don't worry, we're here to help.
1. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
1. Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Your BRP is a document that proves your immigration status in the UK. You will need to collect it within 10 days of arriving in the UK. You can collect your BRP at a post office.
The post office address will be on your visa decision letter.
Check the post office opening hours here: Branch Finder | Post Office
You will need to bring your passport and visa decision letter with you to collect your BRP.
Make sure to check your BRP for any spelling mistakes or incorrect details. If there are mistakes, report it within 10 days here: Report a problem with your new BRP - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Click here to know why your BRP expires on 31 December 2024.
Click here to report a problem with collecting your BRP for any reason, for example: you went to collect it from the Post Office and it was not there, you do not know which Post Office to go to because you’ve lost your decision letter.
2. Open a UK bank account
2. Open a UK bank account
A current account in the UK is a type of bank account that is designed for everyday use. It is used to receive your salary, pay your bills, and make everyday purchases. Current accounts typically come with a debit card, which can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases in shops and online.
There are many different banks in the UK, so you might find it difficult choosing that is most convenient for you. Here's a list of different types of accounts you could choose from
Revolut (Overview, services and fees)
Revolut (https://www.revolut.com/) is a financial technology company that offers a variety of banking services through its mobile app. It is a neobank, which means that it does not have any physical branches. Revolut is available in over 30 countries and has over 28 million users.
The services offered by Revolut include:
Debit card: Revolut offers a pre-paid debit card that can be used to make purchases online and in stores. The card is accepted in over 150 countries. There are no fees for using the card within the EEA. For using the card outside the EEA, there is a 2% fee for ATM withdrawals and a 3% fee for purchases.
Currency exchange: Revolut offers competitive exchange rates for currency exchange. There are no fees for exchanging currencies within the European Economic Area (EEA). For currency exchange outside the EEA, there is a 0.5% fee.
Stock trading: Revolut offers commission-free trading of stocks and ETFs.
Cryptocurrency trading: Revolut offers trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other cryptocurrencies.
Travel insurance: Revolut offers travel insurance that covers medical expenses, lost luggage, and cancellations.
Other services: Revolut also offers other services, such as peer-to-peer payments, mobile phone insurance, and bill splitting.
The fees for Revolut services vary depending on the plan you choose. The Standard plan is free, but there are fees for some services, such as currency exchange outside the EEA and ATM withdrawals outside the EEA. The Plus plan costs £2.99 per month and includes no fees for currency exchange outside the EEA, ATM withdrawals up to £400 per month outside the EEA, and other benefits. The Premium plan costs £6.99 per month and includes all the benefits of the Plus plan, plus additional benefits such as travel insurance and airport lounge access. The Metal plan costs £12.99 per month and includes all the benefits of the Premium plan, plus a metal card and other benefits.
Overall, Revolut is a good option for people who are looking for a convenient and affordable way to manage their money. The fees are competitive and the services offered are comprehensive.
Monzo Bank (Overview, services and fees)
Monzo (https://monzo.com/) is a British neobank that offers a variety of banking services through its mobile app. It is a digital-only bank, which means that it does not have any physical branches. Monzo is available in the UK and has over 5 million customers.
The services offered by Monzo include:
Current account: Monzo offers a current account with no monthly fee. The account includes features such as instant notifications, budgeting tools, and contactless payments.
Debit card: Monzo offers a debit card that can be used to make purchases online and in stores. The card is accepted in over 30 million merchants worldwide. There are no fees for using the card within the UK. For using the card outside the UK, there is a 3% fee for ATM withdrawals and a 2% fee for purchases.
Overdraft: Monzo offers an overdraft up to £2,000. The overdraft interest rate is 19.9% APR.
Savings account: Monzo offers a savings account with a variable interest rate of up to 0.1% AER.
Investing: Monzo offers a service called Monzo Invest, which allows you to invest in stocks and ETFs. There is a £1 monthly fee for Monzo Invest.
Travel money: Monzo offers a service called Monzo Travel, which allows you to exchange currency at the interbank exchange rate. There are no fees for exchanging currency within the European Economic Area (EEA). For exchanging currency outside the EEA, there is a 2% fee.
Other services: Monzo also offers other services, such as peer-to-peer payments, bill splitting, and budgeting tools.
Basic current account
Apply for any basic current account with banks like HSBC (https://www.hsbc.co.uk/current-accounts/products/basic-bank-account/)
You might need to apply for a basic bank account if you have arrived in the UK recently or do not have a credit history here in the UK. The bank will probably ask to see your passport or other documents to check your identity.
3. National Insurance number
3. National Insurance number
A National Insurance number is required for most jobs in the UK. You can apply for a National Insurance number as soon as you arrive in the UK. You will need to provide your passport details and visa information when you apply.
You must pay mandatory National Insurance if you are:
16 years of age or older
An employee earning more than £242 per week from one job
Self-employed and making a profit of more than £12,570 a year
The amount of National Insurance you pay depends on your employment status and how much you earn. For example, National Insurance rate is 12% if your pay is £242 to £967 a week (£1,048 to £4,189 a month)
Your employer will deduct National Insurance contributions from your wages before you are paid. You can see your contributions on your payslip.
If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP), you may already have a National Insurance number. Your BRP will have your National Insurance number printed on the back if you do.
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you must apply for one if you plan to work in the UK. You can only apply for a National Insurance number if you are already in the UK.
Click this link (Apply for a National Insurance number: How to apply - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) ) to know the documents required and how to apply for a National Insurance number.
4. Register with a GP surgery
4. Register with a GP surgery
Local doctors are also known as general practitioners, GPs. GP surgeries (general practice surgeries) are the first point of contact for most healthcare needs in the UK. They can treat a wide range of conditions, provide health advice, and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment.
You can register for free with a GP surgery to access NHS services. Most people need to register with a surgery close to where they live.
For England, You can find the instructions on how to register for a GP here: How to register with a GP surgery - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
For Scotland, You can find the instructions on how to register for a GP here: Registering with a GP practice | NHS inform.
For Northern Ireland, You can find the instructions on how to register for a GP here: Your local doctor (GP) | nidirect.
I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We wish you all the best in your new life in the UK!
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