Moving to United Kingdom

Majestic landscapes, a rich and colorful history, and a multifaceted culture; these are just few things that make the United Kingdom unique. The Romans, Vikings, Saxons and Normans all tried, but ultimately failed to conquer the UK.

The steady rise of the UK economy has fuelled its political influence. The UK is a member of the European Union, NATO, G8, UN and other influential global political groups. In addition, since the height of the British Empire, the UK has had strong trade connections with both the West and East.

Along with Italy, the UK has the highest influx of immigrants in Europe. In recent years, stricter immigration guidelines have been enforced, but they have done little to deter immigrations from coming to the UK.

You can apply to live and work in the UK regardless of nationality. For British Commonwealth citizens and EEA nationals, applications are a walk in the park.

One of the UK's main attractions is its laudable free national health service (the NHS), and the fact that destitution is almost nonexistent. The government shoulders most medical expenses.

Free primary and secondary education is also provided by the state, with education being compulsory from the age of five until the age of sixteen. For higher education, students have the option to go to a university.

Moreover, the UK provides high levels of local authority assistance for the needy, and pensions are safely secured by the government.

The UK is all about rules - the British have a fondness for regulations. From opening a bank account to getting a driver's license, UK rules follow you.

When opening a bank account, adequate documentation is required: a passport, a letter from your employer, and proof of your residential address. It becomes an issue when you are still job hunting and have just moved in to a property so your name is not yet on any bill. Do some research and open a bank account while in your home country, but make sure the bank has a UK branch.

The UK has not adopted the euro and retains the British pound. The coin denominations are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2. The most common bank notes are £5, £10, £20 and £50.

The Inland Revenue website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ provides relevant information on all UK tax-related issues.

Generally, on behalf of the Inland Revenue, employers collect income tax, which varies from 10% to 40%, depending on the income level.

The UK's main international airports are Gatwick and Heathrow, and budget airlines are the easiest transportation mode around Europe. Rail travel is also popular between cities, towns and most villages whilst London's tube (subway) is a commuter's paradise.

If you can do without driving, especially in the narrow, congested streets of London, do so. If you need to drive, you can do so for three years after entering the UK if your license was issued in an EEA country. Non-EEA license holders can drive for twelve months, but must then apply for a provisional G.B. license and undergo a written and practical driving test.

Shipping is the cheapest method of transferring your goods, as the UK is surrounded by sea and comprises more than 900 harbors, ports, piers and jetties.

In accordance with the UK's Pet Passport Scheme, dogs and cats from specific countries are allowed to enter without quarantine provided that the pets are micro-chipped, vaccinated against rabies and have undergone blood tests. For comprehensive information about bringing pets into the UK, visit: http://www.defra.gov.uk/.