The easy way to move
to the UK

Once you have secured your UK visa you will have a lot of planning to do.

Our inclusive UK relocation package takes care of admin you may not have thought of but is essential to have, when starting life in the UK.

Kick start your life in the UK

Our experts can assist you in opening a UK bank account, applying for a National Insurance number, getting a UK SIM card and much more. If you are planning your move in advance we can assist you in opening an offshore Isle of Man bank account for easy and accessible international money transfers.

1^st Contact UK Relocation package

Our relocation packages will ensure that all the bases are covered

Price on request

Assistance with getting your NI number
Assistance with opening a UK bank account
Assistance in opening an offshore bank account in the Isle of Man (only for persons not moving to the UK in 4 months)
UK pay-as-you-go SIM card
A digital Guidebook to life in the UK (including travel discounts)

Get in touch

What do our UK relocation packages include?

Our dedicated relocation team can start by finding out more about your personal situation, assessing your needs and putting together a plan that works best for you. With constant changes in British immigration laws, visa requirements and tax payments it can be overwhelming to handle everything efficiently, alone.

1. Assistance with a UK bank account

Getting a UK bank account

Opening a bank account in the UK is notoriously difficult for newcomers, especially without proof of a permanent address or job. Our experts can advise you on what documents would be required to open your UK bank account with one of our affiliates. We have excellent working relationships with the following major banks, allowing you to open your account quickly and easily.

International Offshore bank

Lloyds TSB

www.lloydsbank.com

One of the most popular and best options for those moving abroad is the Lloyds offshore account. This account not only allows you to send and receive money around the world but unlike high street banks, it doesn't require you to physically be in the UK to open and set up. This account can be set up with our assistance from any of the countries Llyods are licenced to work in, which includes Australia.

You can also open an offshore account without needing proof of being allowed to live and work in the UK, so you can have your money easily accessible from before you even arrive in the UK. Further, you will have a bank card that can be used normally at any ATM as well as some of the best online banking services on offer.

UK High Street Banks

HSBC

www.hsbc.co.uk

We can assist you in opening an account with HSBC bank in Holborn, London.

Opening a high street bank account is notoriously difficult for newcomers. The most common issue people face is providing their residential address, as most do not have correct documentation accepted by the bank. If you have the address of a friend or family member we can assist you.

HSBC is a good choice for those looking for easy access to many banks with a well-established network across the UK.

Barclays

www.barclays.co.uk

We will introduce you to our affiliates at Barclays bank. There are two ways our affiliates at Barclays can assist:

If you are in the UK without a proof of address in your own name, we could introduce you to our Barclays affiliates via e-mail who can then assist you through the process of opening your account from home. You will not need to travel to the physical branch and you will be able do everything through the Mobile App. You will have direct contact with Barclays, with the exact steps to take.
If you have secured employment in the UK with an employer on the Tier 2 & 5 Sponsorship list and have a six month or more employment contract, we may be able to assist you in opening an account with Barclays anywhere in the UK.

2. Assistance with your National Insurance number

What is a National Insurance number?

A National Insurance number is issued to you and used by the UK government to track your taxes and National Insurance contributions. Every person who works in the UK needs to have an NI number and it's advised to get yours as soon as possible.

Can I work without an NI number?

If you don’t have an NI number, you can still work initially however you will have to pay emergency tax, which is much higher than normal tax rates, at around 22%. Later you will be able to claim this and any other tax back, but you will need your permanent NI number first.

It is important to note that some employers may not hire you if you don’t have a National Insurance number, so it's best to get it as soon as you can.

How do we assist with NI numbers?

We do not and cannot fast track your NI application — it is not only impossible but also often falsely advertised by others, so watch out for this. We will advise you on the process and then submit your application for you to the Department of Work and Pensions, making sure it is 100% accurate and contains all the necessary documentation.

The waiting period for your NI number has been extended to around sixteen weeks and if anything goes wrong with your application or if it's missing certain information you're going to have to start from scratch.

We will do all the admin of registering your details for you. It is a legal requirement for you to physically be in the UK when your details are being registered with the Department for Works and Pensions.

Top Tip: Our finance experts will also be able to help with claiming money back and all UK tax matters should you end up paying emergency tax rates in the sixteen-week wait period.

3. Pay-as-you-go SIM card

Receive a UK pay-as-you-go SIM card from a provider of your choice delivered directly to your UK address. You can simply pop this into your phone and start using it as soon as you arrive.

Before you become settled in the UK you won't be eligible for a phone contract, so a pay-as-you-go is the easiest and most affordable way to stay in touch when you arrive in the UK.

UK SIM card providers for you to choose from

EE: (insert Logo images)

Super-fast, reliable connection wherever you go
Wi-Fi calling – make calls, even when there is no signal
UK and Ireland call centres
You can manage your account easily and top up online

O2:

Make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi using O2’s Tu Go app
Free O2 Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK
Manage your account 24/7 – check your bill, view your balance, add bolt-on and more
Top-up online

GiffGaff:

Choose a plan or top-up as you go
Free calls to GiffGaff numbers
Change your plan
Top-up online

Vodafone:

Get rewards every time you top up with Vodafone rewards
Highly-rated coverage - delivering 3G and 4G coverage to 98% of the UK population
Manage and change details
Check credit, minutes, texts and data

4. A free international money transfer

Once you have settled in the UK you will probably need to send or receive money from another country. This is where our forex team comes in, to help with a free international money transfer from anywhere around the globe. There is no time limit on when you can use it and our team is also here to assist you every step of the way.*

*Terms and conditions apply

5. A one-on-one consultation with our wealth experts

Moving across the world comes with many cross border financial implications. This includes questions about the tax you need to pay, insurance, as well as the best way to save money and plan for your future. Our wealth advisors are experts in understanding what will work best for your personal financial situation.

6. Our complete guide to life in the UK

Whether you're just starting to think about moving to the UK, preparing to take the plunge or packing your bags and heading back home, our guides below cover every aspect of your journey. Each section below has been designed to equip you with everything you need to know about life in the UK.

Our guide includes comprehensive information on the following topics

Your countdown checklist (months, weeks and days)
Travel insurance information
Shipping household items and pets
Finding accommodation in the UK
Transport in and around the UK
SIM cards and mobile phones
Finding employment
UK Tax and NI Numbers
The UK schooling system
Health care and the NHS
Driving in the UK
Groceries and the cost of food
Extending your UK visa
Partnerships and travel discounts

Trust the experts

We know what it's like to move to a new country – we’ve done it ourselves. 1st Contact is an international team, with many of our staff coming from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, Poland and other far-flung places across the globe.

It’s this inside knowledge that has helped us create our relocation package for intrepid young travellers and young professionals.

What our customers say

News for all our 1^st Contact clients: We’re now Sable International.

1^st Contact has rebranded to Sable International.

We have merged with our big brother, Sable International. The accountants, brokers, advisors and caseworkers that you are used to dealing with will not be going anywhere as the entire 1st Contact team will be in the same roles at Sable International. You'll still get that same great service, just under a new name.

We'll be keeping you in the loop as we prepare for the next exciting phase in this rebranding.

The easy way to move to the UK