Ideas to help

We are a very international Church, so many of our members are new to the UK and its qwerks, here are a few things that will help, let us know if we have missed something.

• Emergency Numbers
• Driving in the UK - including driving licences
• Schooling
• Tax
• Banking
• British Culture
• Food
• ILR
• Doctor registration
• Local transport - Trains and buses

Emergency Numbers

Advice websites

Driving in the UK - including driving licences

Overseas visitors can usually drive in the UK for up to 12 months with a valid license from a designated country or an International Driving Permit (IDP). If the country isn't designated or after 12 months, a UK provisional license is required, followed by passing the UK driving test for a full license. You can check if your country is designated using the government's non-GB license checking tool. 

Further details can be found here

Schooling

Admission of children from overseas

If you and your child live abroad, you may only apply for a school place if you can provide evidence of your child's likely return/arrival to the UK.

If you wish to apply for admission as part of a normal intake to a school, you must also apply by the deadline and be able to demonstrate a residential link to Surrey.

For normal round or in the year applications, you must provide information about where you are living and when you intend to return. We will initially consider the application based on your child's address abroad and any subsequent change will be considered in line with our change of address policy. For more information see the advice on our school admissions pages.

When making an application for a school place, it is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that their child has a right, under their visa entry conditions, to study at a school and that they will not be contravening the conditions of any visa or United Kingdom immigration law if they take up the school place. School admission authorities must not refuse to accept an application or refuse to admit a child on the basis of their nationality or immigration status, nor remove them from the school roll on this basis.

For more information please read our: Guidance on admission of children overseas (PDF).

Tax

When moving to the UK from overseas, having a basic understanding of the UK tax system and how it may differ from your home country is essential. The following article explores what you can expect with regards to your tax obligations in the UK.

The information below is intended to provide general information and does not take in to account the needs or financial situation you are in as an individual, and expert advice to guide and assist you with your UK tax obligations is always advised.

Establishing your UK tax residence status & Income Tax basics
Firstly, you need to establish your domicile, which is likely to be your place or birth (or your father's place of birth). Your domicile is not necessarily based on the length of time in a country, but your intentions to stay permanently - and be able to provide evidence as to your intentions.

Then you need to understand your tax residence status. In the UK, the Statutory Residence Test was introduced in April 2013 which uses a number of criteria and tests to establish whether you are a tax resident in the UK or not.

Once your tax residence status is understood, you can begin to understand your UK tax requirements as an expat living in the UK.

The general rule is that you will be classed as a UK resident if you are physically present in the UK for 183 days or more within that tax year.

If you are classed as a tax resident in the UK, whether you are domiciled or not, you will receive a tax allowance on your UK income of £12,570 for the tax year 2022/23. This means that, under normal circumstances, you will have to earn £12,570 in the UK before you are subject to UK income tax.

If you earn over £100,000, your personal allowance will be reduced by £1 for every £2 earned over £100,000. This means that if you earn £125,000 plus, in a tax year, you will not benefit from the annual tax-free allowance.

Self-Assessment and completing a tax return
Self-Assessment usually only applies to the self-employed, as income tax is commonly deducted automatically via the employer before the employee receives their salary wage.

This tax return will enable HMRC to calculate how much tax you owe in the UK, or any rebates which are owed to you, from income you received during the tax year under review.

As a UK resident, even if you are not self-employed, you may still need to file a self-assessment if you meet any of the following criteria:

If you are receiving income from abroad
If you are registered as a company director
If you are earning £100,000 a year (or more)
If you are the highest earning family member (over £50,000) in a family actively claiming child benefit
If you are someone that has earned £2,500 or more in untaxed income (e.g., property renting)
If you are someone that has either savings or investments of higher than £10,000 before tax

The documentation required for a self-assessment can include and is not limited to:

Documents detailing any self-employment income (receipts, bank statements etc)
Documents detailing all savings and investments demonstrating how much interest earned and all other dividends earnings via statements
Summary of all expenses and rental incomes
A P11D or P9D (showing any benefits and expenses)
A P45 (applicable if you have left a job within the current tax year)
A P60 from any current employer showing all income and tax paid for that year
A Unique Tax Reference number (UTR) (issued to you upon registering for self-assessment)
Details of any gifts or donations made to charity

Remittance basis
If you are a UK resident but non-UK domiciled taxpayer, you may elect to be taxed on the Remittance Basis.

If so, you would be taxed only on your income and capital gains sourced in the UK (for example, income received from working in the UK, or from the sale of a UK based asset) and only on those foreign income and gains remitted to the UK.

This is known as the Remittance Basis of Taxation and is available to non-UK domiciled taxpayers for the first 7 years of residence in the UK at the loss only of the annual tax-free allowance.

After the first 7 years of residence, if you wish to continue to use the remittance basis you would be subject to a charge of £30,000 annually, increasing to £60,000 after 12 years.

However, if you were to elect to use the remittance basis you would lose your entitlement to your personal allowances, as indicated above. This means that in order to benefit from the remittance basis, the tax on your foreign income would need to be greater than the loss of your personal allowance to make this a viable option.

The key advantage of the remittance basis is that any foreign income or gains arising in a year in which you are a UK resident will only be subject to UK tax if you brought it back to the UK. This means that any foreign investment income or capital gains will not be taxable in the UK, provided they are kept outside the UK.

It is also important to note that even though you will not be taxed in the UK under this scheme, you will still be taxed according to the local tax laws where the income was earned.

Capital Gains Tax & Inheritance Tax
Becoming UK resident will mean you become liable to pay Capital Gains Tax on your assets located both within the UK, as well as everywhere else in the world. Before becoming a UK resident, every effort should be taken to review your financial assets and investments to ensure they are structured to mean maximum tax efficiency before your arrival.

Planning ahead regarding your property and assets is essential when you are planning to become UK resident. Land or properties that are sold before you make your move to the UK can mean significant tax savings.

Your tax obligations regarding UK Inheritance Tax are ultimately determined by your domicile status as opposed to your residency status. If you are deemed UK domiciled, you will be liable to pay Inheritance Tax on your worldwide assets. Inheritance Tax has a current threshold of £325,000 with a tax rate of 40%.

There are certain assets that can be excluded from your UK Inheritance Tax liabilities which include:

Pensions you receive overseas
Foreign currency accounts that you hold with the Post Office or a bank
Holdings you have in any authorised unit trusts/ open-ended investment companies

Banking

To open a UK bank account as a new arrival, you'll generally need to provide proof of identity (passport or driving license) and proof of address (like a recent utility bill or tenancy agreement). 
Some banks may also require proof of income or employment, and if you're not a UK citizen, proof of your visa or immigration status. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Proof of Identity:Passport: A valid passport is a common requirement for demonstrating your identity. 
Driving License: A current UK photo driving license can also be used for identity verification. 
National Identity Card (for EU citizens): If you are an EU citizen, a national identity card can be used for identity verification. 
Biometric Residence Permit: If you hold a UK Biometric Residence Permit, it can be used as proof of identity. 
UK Visa: You may need to provide your student visa if you are a student. 

2. Proof of Address:
Recent Utility Bill: A recent gas, electricity, or water bill is a common way to prove your UK address. 
Tenancy Agreement: A copy of your tenancy agreement can be used to demonstrate your address. 
Mortgage Statement: If you own your property, a mortgage statement can serve as proof of address. 
Council Tax Bill: A current council tax bill can also be used to prove your address. 
Bank or Credit Card Statement: A recent bank or credit card statement can sometimes be accepted as proof of address. 
Letter from University (for students): If you are a student, a letter from your university confirming your address might be acceptable. 
Letter from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC): A letter from HMRC confirming your address can also be accepted. 3. Other Potential Requirements: Proof of Income or Employment: Some banks may require proof of income or employment. 
National Insurance Number: If you have a National Insurance number, you may need to provide it. 

4. Online vs. In-Branch:
Online: Some banks allow you to open an account online, and you may be able to submit scanned copies of your documents. 

In-Branch: You can also visit a bank branch in person, but you'll need to provide original documents. 

5. Important Notes: Bank-Specific

Requirements: The specific documents required may vary from bank to bank, so it's a good idea to check their websites or visit a branch for the most up-to-date information. 

Immigration Status: Banks are required to verify your immigration status, so you may need to provide documentation related to your visa or immigration permission. 

Non-Resident Accounts: Some banks offer accounts specifically for non-residents, but they may have different requirements. 

Digital Banks: Digital-only banks like Monzo and Revolut may have more flexible requirements and may allow you to open an account entirely online. 

British Culture

Moving to the Egham area from overseas involves adapting to British culture, which emphasizes politeness, punctuality, and respecting queuing. Be prepared for subtle differences in social interactions, such as using "please" and "thank you" frequently and understanding that being "fashionably late" to social gatherings is acceptable. 

Politeness and manners: British people value courtesy and using "please" and "thank you" is expected in most situations, even when it seems unnecessary.
 
Punctuality: Being on time is important, especially in professional and academic settings. If you are going to be late, let the person know if possible.
 
Queuing: Respecting the line is a deeply ingrained custom. Avoid cutting in line, even if you feel it's justified, says Adleo Relocation. 

Social Interactions: British people value personal space and tend to keep a moderate distance in conversations, says Adleo Relocation. 

Formality vs. Informality: British people can be quite formal in some situations, while in others, they may be very informal and friendly. Get to know the person and the situation to determine the appropriate level of formality.

Humour: British humour can be dry, sarcastic, and understated. It may take some time to get used to the British sense of humour. 

Subtle Differences: There can be subtle differences in how tasks are allocated, what is considered important, and how time is observed.

Privacy: British people value personal privacy and may not be overly communicative, especially when it comes to personal matters. 

Directness: British people can be relatively direct in their communication style, although they often try to avoid hurting someone's feelings. 

Tips for navigating British culture:
Learn some basic phrases: "Please," "thank you," "excuse me," and "sorry" are essential. 
Be mindful of queuing: Follow the line and avoid cutting in. 
Be patient: It takes time to adjust to a new culture, especially when it comes to social norms, says UKCISA. 
Embrace the local culture: Attend local events, try local cuisine, and learn about British history and traditions. 
Connect with the local community: Join clubs, groups, or activities that interest you. 
Be open-minded and willing to learn: Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek clarification when needed. By understanding these key aspects and tips, you can navigate British culture more smoothly and build a fulfilling life in Egham. 

Food

Adapting to British food can be eased by slowly exploring local options, being open to trying new things, and seeking recommendations from locals. It's also helpful to remember that your body will need time to adjust to the new cuisine. 

1. Start Gradually: Don't overwhelm yourself: Resist the urge to immediately replace your usual meals. Start by incorporating a few new items into your daily diet. 

Explore local markets and shops: This will expose you to a wider variety of British staples and ingredients. 
Try something new each day: This helps you build familiarity and comfort with the new flavors. 

2. Embrace the Experience: Keep an open mind:
Be willing to try different foods and dishes, even those that seem unfamiliar. 
Allow your body time to adjust:
It's normal to experience some initial discomfort as your digestive system adapts to new foods. 
Seek recommendations from locals:
Your neighbours, work colleagues, or even friendly shopkeepers can suggest great places to eat or try. 

3. Key British Foods to Explore:

Roast dinner: A quintessential British meal featuring roasted meat, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding. 
Fish and chips: A popular takeaway dish of fried fish and potatoes. 
English breakfast: A hearty meal with bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, and more. 
Pies: A wide variety of savory pies, including meat pies, steak and kidney pie, and pasties. 
Scones and crumpets: Often served with jam, clotted cream, and tea. 
Other British favorites: 
Marmite, Cadbury chocolate, and pork scratchings are just a few examples of beloved British foods. 

4. Remember to: Don't panic: Your body will adjust to the new cuisine over time. 

Enjoy the journey: Exploring new cuisines can be a fun and rewarding experience. 

ILR (Indefinite leave to remain)

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, also known as settlement, grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, without needing to renew visas. It's a stepping stone to applying for British citizenship. The path to ILR depends on the visa route used to enter the UK, with most requiring a period of continuous residence, typically 5 years. 

How it Works:

1. Entry with a Visa: You must enter the UK on a valid visa, such as a work visa, family visa, or investor visa. 

2. Continuous Residence: You need to demonstrate that you have been living in the UK continuously for a specific period, usually 5 years, but this can vary depending on the visa route.
 
3. Meeting Requirements: You must meet other requirements, such as proving you meet the language and life in the UK test requirements, if applicable.
 
4. Applying for ILR: Once you've met the requirements, you can apply for ILR through the appropriate application process, as outlined on the GOV.UK website.
 
5. Rights and Privileges: Upon granting ILR, you have the right to live, work, and study in the UK without restrictions, and you are eligible to apply for British citizenship after meeting the additional requirements. 

Doctors and Dentists

To register with a doctor or dentist in the UK upon moving from overseas, individuals typically need to register with a local GP (General Practitioner) and a dentist. This involves completing a registration form, providing proof of residency and identity, and potentially fulfilling additional requirements for specific categories like overseas-qualified professionals. 

Doctors:
Find a GP:
Use the NHS website to locate a GP surgery near your new address and check if they are accepting new patients.

Dentists:
Find an NHS Dentist: Use the NHS website to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients, or contact the NHS England Customer Contact Centre or your local Healthwatch if needed. 

GMS1 Form: You'll likely need to complete a GMS1 form when registering with a GP. 

Local transport - Trains and buses