Moving from Hong Kong to London - Everything You Need to Know About the Process

Posted by Betty on January 8th, 2020

Moving alone can be a lengthy and overwhelming process, let alone moving to a whole new country. There are plenty of things on the to-do-list when moving from Hong Kong to London. From packing to moving costs and job opportunities abroad, it is always good to approach a relocation like this with a plan. A well-structured plan can be such a helpful element during a relocation. It can help you stay organized and on schedule. Therefore, without further or due, let's learn about various tips to help your move from Hong Kong to London run smooth.

Moving Abroad

Throughout a relocation, there are a few aspects one considers. These aspects include scheduling the transfer of your belongings and furniture and finding a new home. In addition, there is a lot of packing and unpacking once you relocate. All in all, a lot of details to keep in mind. Moreover, moving all the way from Hong Kong to London is a very big step and the trip overall. This means that all those previous aspects simply become a little bigger. It might seem overwhelming at first, however not impossible.

When moving abroad or to a whole different country, there is also additional paperwork to consider. Since London will be your new country of residence, do some research on your visa requirements. If you are moving for work, perhaps your employer will have this paperwork already set up for you. The key here is to get ahead of the game and look into the necessary documentation to have prepared well before your move. One more important element to also do some research on is tax requirements for both countries and how it works when you relocate.

Last but not least, look into what you will need to do for medical insurance and health care. It would be very helpful if you deal with this prior. This way you can gather more information about medical care eligibility and everything else you might need to know about social security benefits while in the United Kingdom.

From Hong Kong to London

Moving to a distant country hassle-free? Yes, it's possible! How you might wonder? Our answer and tip is to create a plan. Put pen to paper and jot down your relocation plan. The first thing you should figure out is what you will do with the property in Hong Kong. Will you sell your home and invest it in a property in London? Or perhaps you could rent it while away and keep a property in your home country just in case. Either way, it is good to figure this out prior to your move. While you are making property decisions, consider researching your financial options and figuring out a budget. When you give yourself an organized path and a timely schedule, it will be easier to maintain it throughout.

Furthermore, once you know the exact location of your relocation, scope out the place. This might help you figure out whether you will be moving your belongings abroad or placing it in the storage unit. If you do decide to move your things abroad, do some research on international moving companies. Once you find a reliable one, schedule a move with them and have your furniture safely moved from Hong Kong to London.

Arrival to the United Kingdom

Before you settle in London, think about your driving options. If you plan to own a vehicle in London and drive around, you have to do some research on international driving permits and license requirements. Look into whether you will just need extra documentation for this, or whether you might have to re-take some driving tests or complete applications.

Next, set up a telephone line and internet with a trusted and efficient service provider. Once you arrive in London and settle into your new house, it will be easier if you have a few of these things already set up. Also, don't forget to buy a local SIM card for your smartphone. You definitely don't want to forget about that and end up paying roaming fees.

Relocation Process

Any type of relocation process, whether a few blocks down the street or a few countries away, comes down to the same concept. This concept which we emphasize is having a plan and staying organized. As long as you provide yourself with a well-structured plan, a solid timeline, and a schedule to follow, you will be able to cover all the necessary steps throughout this relocation process.

As we have mentioned previously, moving from Hong Kong to London does require you to also focus on additional documentation and paperwork. It is always good and beneficial to know visa requirements and work permits when moving to a new country. Sometimes, it might be necessary to complete all documentation before applying for anything. Therefore, this is where a lengthy timeline benefits you. By knowing you have enough time before you move, you can focus on every detail and not rush through, therefore minimizing the chances of making a mistake.

We also discussed the fact of figuring out where you will live, once you leave Hong Kong and move to London. Our advice would be, if you have the opportunity, to see your future home prior to agreeing to it. Whether you plan to rent or buy, it would be advisable to check the property in person if possible. If not, have someone you trust check it out for you to ensure that it is everything it says on paper.

Welcome to the UK!

All in all, enjoy this process. Follow your plan, work with people you trust and can rely on, and believe that everything will be as it should be. After all, you are making this exciting step towards a new future, therefore why not have fun throughout the process. Check your checklist twice, make sure you packed everything, have your passport ready and bon voyage!